The 15 Best Dragon Type Pokemon of All Time, Ranked

Dragon-type Pokemon are as popular as ever, whether you’re a Pokémon player who’s in it for fun or competitively. With the buzz around the Scarlet and Violet’s release and the DLC announcements, we knew it was high time to compile a list of the absolute powerhouse dragon-type Pokémon out there. These bad boys used to be the kings and queens of the Pokémon world until the Fairy type showed up and stole the spotlight with its dazzling charm.

But fear not, The game’s legendary dragon-type trainers like Lance, Iris, Zinnia, Drayden, Clair, Drake, and Raihan still hold their ground as some of the toughest opponents around. Dragons also have a huge following in the legendary scene, making them even more popular.

Now, when it comes to choosing your dragon companion, there’s a whole bunch to pick from. But let’s be real, some of them are just naturally stronger than others. They might have killer stats, killer moves, or simply a design that’s too cool to resist. And hey, it doesn’t hurt that many Legendary Pokémon are of the dragon-type, amping up their popularity even more.

But here’s the deal: not every dragon is a winner. So, it’s crucial to know which ones are truly worth your time, effort, and precious resources to catch and level up. So, here are The 15 Strongest Dragon Type Pokemon, Ranked!

Note: We will only be including the base forms of the Pokemon, meaning we will not take into account, their Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax, or Tera Forms or forms that can only be activated for a limited time. (e.g. – Zygarde Complete Form)

15. Dragonite

Dragonite has been around since Pokemon’s first generation. While its appearance is friendlier than that of many dragons, it can be devastating in competitive play. There’s a reason why Champion Lance had several of these bad boys!

Aside from its adorable features, Dragonite is also known for being a gentle creature. Dragonite, as a sea creature, will never hesitate to assist those in need, particularly a drowning person or Pokemon.

Dragonite is a bit slow, making it vulnerable to faster opponents. It has a better chance of survival, however, because of its hidden ability Multiscale, which reduces the damage it takes when its HP is full. However, that does not work with moves like Stealth Rock, Night Shade, and Super Fang.

Great moves to teach it include Fly, Extreme Speed, Fire Punch, Dragon Dance, and Earthquake. Dragonite can also hit harder with moves like Dragon Claw, Outrage, Earthquake, and Focus Blast.

14. Salamence

Salamence enjoys staying airborne while living its dream of being able to fly. Salamence’s typing is uncannily similar to Dragonite’s, but its temper is arguably its most distinguishing feature.

Salamence is a Dragon and Flying-type Pokemon with one of the highest Base Attack stats of any pseudo-legendary Pokemon. As a result, it is an excellent offensive attacker for a competitive team.

Salamence’s abilities are extremely useful in battle, in addition to its high base Attack stat (135) and decent Speed (100). Salamence can use Intimidate to reduce the enemy team’s Attack or Moxie to increase its own Attack for every defeated Pokemon.

13. Dragapult

Dragapult is both a Dragon and a Ghost-type. It is extremely fast, has a wide range of move options, and has the best physical Dragon move in the game. Shadow Ball, Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, U-Turn, Dragon Dance, Dragon Darts, Will-O-Wisp, Disable, Substitute, Reflect, and Light Screen are excellent moves to teach it.

In battle, Dragapult uses the two Dreepy living inside its horns as ammunition. It can launch the Dreepy at Mach speeds, much like supersonic missiles.

Dragapult is undoubtedly a fan favorite among Generation 8 Pokemon, even at the competitive level. This Pokemon is faster than most opponents, and its abilities can negate stat-lowering moves, barriers, and strikes.

12. Garchomp

Garchomp, a Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon, has long been a fan favorite, partially thanks to its appearance in Diamond & Pearl, where many players saw it as a must-have on a winning team. Unsurprisingly, it is still a popular choice today, owing largely to its excellent Ground/Dragon typing.

Despite its Ground type, Garchomp’s blade-shaped wings allow it to dominate the skies. It flies through the air by folding its body and extending its wings, resembling a jet plane. It is a feared predator in the Pokemon world as well. It usually clashes with Salamence while hunting to compete for food.

Garchomp can demolish an entire enemy team if left unchecked during double battles. Its base Attack stat (130) is sufficient to cause havoc by dealing multi-target moves like Earthquake and Rock Slide.

11. Zygarde 50% Forme

Zygarde, the legendary Pokemon, is made up of a specific number of Zygarde cells. When these cells have collected half of Zygarde’s total cells, it gets its 50% Forme.

Even though it has the potential to evolve into a more powerful form, Zygarde 50% Forme is already capable of annihilating those who endanger the ecosystem.

If a Zygarde 50% Forme has the hidden ability Power Construct, it can collect its remaining cells and transform into a Zygarde Complete Forme. With a staggering base stat total of 708, Zygarde easily takes second place for the strongest Dragon-type form (after Eternamax).

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10. Kyurem

Kyurem’s body houses a power far greater than Reshiram and Zekrom. However, the extreme cold generated by this Pokemon keeps that power dormant.

Kyurem’s freezing energy also creates ultracold air, allowing the dragon Pokemon to freeze itself in order to stabilize its cellular structure. It should be trained in a way that maximizes his offensive abilities, as he is not a good defensive Pokemon due to his numerous flaws.

Kyurem can be used as a sweeper and survive revenge kills with Substitute thanks to moves like Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse, and Earth Power. If you have Reshiram Zekrom, you can fuse one with Kyurem using the DNA Splicers to get either Black or White Kyurem.

9. Miraidon

More research is still needed to unravel the mysteries surrounding Miraidon, the exciting new addition to the Pokémon roster in Generation 9. This legendary Pokémon belongs to a unique group known as Paradox Pokémon.

While Miraidon’s physical appearance bears similarities to a Cyclizar, an ancient book suggests that it possesses a heightened ferocity beyond comparison. The awe-inspiring creature showcases exceptional potential with its remarkable base stats in two crucial areas: Special Attack (135) and Speed (135), positioning it as a formidable special sweeper in battles.

One of Miraidon’s notable strengths lies in its ability to strategically establish an advantage. By utilizing the move Calm Mind, Miraidon can enhance both its Special Attack and Special Defense. Additionally, Miraidon possesses the move Parabolic Charge, which not only inflicts damage upon its opponents but also allows the Pokémon to replenish its own health simultaneously.

8. Koraidon

Similar to Miraidon, Koraidon also belongs group of Paradox Pokémon and shares certain similarities with Cyclizar. According to an ancient journal from a past expedition, it is said that Koraidon possesses such immense strength in its fists that it can split the very land.

Although information about Koraidon remains limited following its recent discovery in the Paldea Region, historical accounts have referred to it as the “Winged King”.

When it comes to base stats, Koraidon takes a divergent path from Miraidon, focusing its power on Attack (135) and Speed (135). Its ability, Orichalcum Pulse, enhances the impact of physical moves like Flare Blitz, Dragon Claw, Close Combat, and Collision Course, allowing Koraidon to deal more damage.

The fifth-generation Unova games are widely regarded as among the best mainline Pokémon games, with one of the best-designed Legendaries and next on our list — Zekrom and Reshiram

7. Zekrom

The dual Electric/Dragon-Type Zekrom is the polar opposite of the elegantly conventional European dragon-like Reshiram. In terms of design, it’s a striking combination of European folklore dragons and imposing dinosaur-like features to complement the yin and yang dynamic with Reshiram’s lighter appearance.

Zekrom’s tail functions as an electric generator, capable of scorching the world with lightning. It lives deep within the lightning clouds of the Unova region, hidden from humanity’s prying eyes.

Zekrom, despite appearing to be a mean Pokemon at first glance, is a dogmatic Pokemon. It is always willing to sympathize with and assist those who wish to build an ideal world.

Apart from its extremely high base Attack stat (150), Zekrom can also take hits thanks to its impressive Defence (120) and Special Defence (100) stats. Teravolt, one of its abilities, can negate a slew of vexing abilities such as Levitate, Clear Body, Sturdy, and Sand Veil.

6. Reshiram

The flare from Reshiram’s tail generates heat energy, which moves the atmosphere and alters the weather around the world. Its primary weapon is fire, which it uses to burn down its enemies.

Reshiram is a firm believer in the concept of truth. It will never hesitate to help those who want to create a world of truth.

Reshiram Turboblaze’s ability works exactly like Zekrom’s Teravolt. With its high Special Attack base stat (150), Reshiram can use its trademark move Blue Flare, a Fire-type attack that gives Steel and Grass-type Pokemon nightmares.

5. Palkia

Now it’s time for the Gen 4 Legendaries, Sinnoh mythology mentions a Pokemon deity named Palkia who lives in a gap in the spatial dimension.

Palkia has the ability to distort space. It is even believed that with each breath of Palkia, space becomes more stable.

Palkia’s special attack moves can be enhanced by the item choice scarf. Its powerful STAB moves allow it to fight well as a wall breaker, and its ability Telepathy allows it to form excellent synergies with multi-target sweepers.

4. Dialga

Dialga and Palkia are both special to us, but Dialga is the clear winner. The main reason is that it is Steel/Dragon-typed, which means that its two major weaknesses – Fairies and other Dragons – are negated. This gives Dialga a significant advantage when battling other Dragon-type Pokemon.

Its existence marked the beginning of time. Dialga, the Temporal Pokemon, is revered as a deity in Sinnoh mythology, alongside Palkia. Dialga can manipulate time, and its heartbeat is said to represent the passage of time.

Dialga becomes a legitimate threat when combined with its 150 base Special Attack stat points, especially when it uses Roar of Time.

3. Giratina

Giratina is one of the most terrifying Pokemon of all time, with a backstory that has earned it fandom icon status; it is the embodiment of antimatter, has the ability to travel through dimensions at will, and controls the Distortion World.

Giratina was exiled from the old world to the Distortion World due to its violent behavior. Distortion World is described as a “world on the reverse side of ours,” where common knowledge is regarded as strange. To battle and capture Giratina in its Origin Forme in Pokemon Platinum, the trainer must enter the Distortion World.

Giratina is an excellent wall in Pokemon battles due to its high HP and Ghost-type, which protects it from Normal and Fighting-type moves. Its 120 base stats in both Defence and Special Defence allow it to withstand damage from the game’s most powerful sweepers.

2. Rayquaza

Aside from the Kanto games’ Legendary Bird Trio — Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno, the Hoenn region’s Weather Trio is arguably the next most popular. Rayquaza, the emerald-green dragon who serves as the master of the three, is one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise.

Rayquaza’s existence was long unknown because it lives in the earth’s ozone layer, eating water and particles in the atmosphere to stay alive. Legends told of Rayquaza, a dragon Pokemon with immense power, stopping the duels of fellow legendary Pokemon Kyogre and Groudon.

Rayquaza is a versatile sweeper that can deal a lot of damage with physical and special moves, especially when boosted with Dragon Dance. Rayquaza’s Dragon typing negates the effects of Electric-type attacks and may even wipe out an entire team when it fights back in mega form.

1. Eternatus

Finally, on the number 1 spot we have, Eternatus!

With access to an infinite amount of energy, Eternatus was the sole cause of the Dynamax phenomenon. Lore strongly supports its claim to be the strongest Dragon-type Pokemon.

Around 3,000 years ago in Galar, it took the combined efforts of Zacian and Zamazenta to defeat Eternatus and prevent it from absorbing the region’s energy. This fateful day became known in history as the Darkest Day.

Furthermore, with the ability to constantly inflict poison via Toxic, Toxic Spikes, and Sludge Bomb, Eternatus is arguably the best poison-type Pokemon.

Spoiler

Eternatus was the final boss in Pokemon Sword and Shield after Chairman Rose attempted to use its power as a source of unlimited energy for Galar. This Pokemon evolved into its Eternamax form due to power overload, a monstrosity with an absurdly high base stat total of 1125.