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The final back-to-back summer event has arrived inPokemon Scarlet & Violet, and it’s a celebration of Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon (another common fan-term Game Freak apparentlydoesn’t want to use). Terminology aside, it’s only natural that an event celebrating Pseudo-Legends makes Dragonite, the original Dragon-type Pokemon, the star of the show.
Despite the Normal-type being underwhelming under most circumstances, Dragonite’s lack of weaknesses limits the number of Pokemon that can effectively damage its shield. Furthermore, Dragonite has a couple of nasty setup kits to ensure it can hit you hard before your Pokemon even has a chance to attack.
Event Overview
Dragonite will be arounduntil September 1,giving you plenty of time to prepare. While Dragonite doesnot have its hidden ability, it does come with the Mightiest Mark and will be caught at level 100 with perfect IVs.
You can only catchone Dragonite per save file, though you can challenge the raid dens in your own game every day and participate in raids hosted in other games for rewards.
The first time you beat Dragonite, you’ll receive the TM for Scale Shot and an Ability Patch, along with other random rewards.
Every time you beat the raid after the first, you have a one percent chance of getting another Ability Patch.
Dragonite’s Build
While most seven-star raid Pokemon can use six moves,Dragonite can use eight: four regular moves and four special moves it can only use at specific points.
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110
80
100
Raises the user’s Speed and Attack by one stage each.
25
Physical
Hits 2-5 times, and raises the user’s Speed while lowering their Defense if it connects.
130
Special
Lowers the user’s Special Attack by two stages.
Dragonite will begin bysetting up Rain Dance and immediately using Thunder and Hurricaneon one random Pokemon on the field.
It will reset the player’s stats when 80 percent of the timer is remaining, roughly two minutes real time or after one player Pokemon faints, and then reset its own stats at 70 percent of the timer remaining.
The final scripted move Dragonite will use isDraco Meteorwhen it has about a third of its HP left, which will lower its Special Attack. Between scripted moves, Dragonite will set up withDragon Danceuntil it’s at +6 Attack and Speed, then use one of its three attacking moves for massive damage.
The main thing to be worried about with Dragonite is that it hitshard and fast, and even a less powerful move like Extreme Speed can rip through frailer Pokemon. However, Dragonitedoesn’t have any real coverage for Fighting-type Pokemonaside from Hurricane, which it only uses once.
You’ll want to focus onbulky Pokemonthat can survive the early onslaught, and put pressure on Dragonite until the fight ends.
Best Pokemon For Beating Dragonite
With the right set up,Archaludonis very well-suited to defeat Tera Dragonite, but an unfortunate status effect could stop you in your tracks, meaning it may take a couple of attempts.
Shell Bell
Bold/Impish/Relaxed
Always remember toHyper Trainyour Pokemon for an extra edge in battle if they don’t naturally have maxed IVs.
To start with, use Breaking Swipe three turns in a row. This willlower Dragonite’s Attack,and thus it will spend longer setting up. Immediately terastalize and use Reflect, then spend the next two turns using Iron Defense.
Unfortunately, since critical hits don’t take Defense buffs into account,a crit from Dragonite at max Attack will one-shot you. Reset if this happens; you won’t be able to set up again.
Once you’re set up, you’re free tospam Body Pressuntil Dragonite faints.
You don’t have to do this, but to further reduce damage, set up Reflect every time it runs out.
