Dragon-type Pokémon have captivated trainers since the early days of the Pokémon franchise with their power and mystique, making them well known. Whether it’s the original Dragonite or new Pokémon introduced every generation, something about Dragon-types excites players. They are powerful and a perfect addition to almost any lineup.
Dragon-type Pokémon can have a multitude of different types and they can fit different needs. They know some of the best moves in the game, can learn the Fly HM, allowing you to travel, and they’re pretty badass looking. Breaking down which are the best is a completely subjective list. First, there is going to be a lot of bias naturally. Second, we have to categorize the list. We’ll discuss the moves, types, the generation of introduction, and the games each Pokémon appears in.
You may disagree with the list, but these are my top four.
1. Rayquaza (Generation III)
- Type: Dragon/Flying
- Moves: Dragon Claw, Outrage, Extreme Speed, Dragon Dance
Appearances
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Game Boy Advance)
- Rayquaza plays a prominent role in Generation III games, particularly in the storyline involving Kyogre and Groudon.
- Pokémon Emerald (Game Boy Advance)
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Game Boy Advance)
- Players can transfer it from Generation III games using the Pal Park feature.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (Nintendo 3DS)
- Rayquaza plays a central role in these Generation VI remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. It can Mega Evolve using the Dragon Ascent move in these games.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (Nintendo 3DS)
- Rayquaza can be obtained through special events and transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank feature.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (Nintendo 3DS)
- Similar to the previous titles, Rayquaza can be obtained through special events and transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield (Nintendo Switch)
- Rayquaza can be transferred into the games using Pokémon Home and Pokémon Bank if you have one from a previous generation.
- Pokémon Home (Nintendo Switch, Mobile Devices)
- Rayquaza can be transferred from various compatible games into Pokémon Home.
Description
Rayquaza is a legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon from Generation III. Its design is sleek and serpentine, with a green body adorned with yellow patterns. Rayquaza exudes power and elegance and is known for its ability to Mega Evolve. It often associates itself with maintaining balance in the Pokémon world, guarding against the clashes of Kyogre and Groudon.
2. Salamence (Generation III)
- Type: Dragon/Flying
- Moves: Dragon Claw, Draco Meteor, Earthquake, Fire Blast
Appearances
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire – Game Boy Advance
- These games do not feature Salamence, but trainers can obtain it through special events and transfer it from previous titles using the Pokémon Bank.
- Pokémon Emerald – Game Boy Advance
- These games do not feature Salamence, but trainers can obtain it through special events and transfer it from previous titles.
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – Game Boy Advance
- While Salamence doesn’t appear in these games, players can transfer it from Generation III games using the Pal Park feature if they have captured it in Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – Nintendo 3DS
- Salamence is available in these Generation VI remakes of Ruby and Sapphire. Trainers can capture and train Salamence, and it can also Mega Evolve using the Mega Stone.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon – Nintendo 3DS
- Salamence is not available in the base Sun and Moon games.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – Nintendo 3DS
- These games do not feature Salamence, but trainers can obtain it through special events and transfer it from previous titles using the Pokémon Bank.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield – Nintendo Switch
- Salamence does not appear in the base games of Pokémon Sword and Shield. However, you can transfer it into the games using Pokémon Home and Pokémon Bank if you have one from a previous generation.
- Pokémon Home – Nintendo Switch, Mobile Devices
- You can transfer Salamence from various compatible games into Pokémon Home, enabling you to bring it into more recent titles and maintain it in your collection.
Description
Introduced in the same generation as Rayquaza, Salamence is a popular choice among Dragon-type enthusiasts. Its balanced stats and access to a wide range of moves, including the powerful Draco Meteor, make it a versatile and threatening Pokémon.
3. Dragonite (Generation I)
- Type: Dragon/Flying
- Moves: Dragon Claw, Outrage, Thunder Punch, Ice Beam
Appearances
- Pokémon Red and Blue – Game Boy
- Dragonite is available in these Generation I games. It evolves from Dragonair, which can be obtained through evolving Dratini.
- Pokémon Yellow – Game Boy
- Similar to Red and Blue, Dragonite is obtainable by evolving Dragonair in Pokémon Yellow.
- Pokémon Gold and Silver – Game Boy Color
- Dragonite can be obtained in these Generation II games by evolving Dragonair.
- Pokémon Crystal – Game Boy Color
- Like in Gold and Silver, Dragonite is available by evolving Dragonair, which can be found in the Dragon’s Den in this Generation II title.
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – Game Boy Advance
- Dragonite is not found in the wild in these remakes of Generation I, but players can transfer it from Generation I.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver – Nintendo DS
- Dragonite can be obtained in these Generation IV remakes of Gold and Silver by evolving Dragonair, which can be caught in the Dragon’s Den, much like in the original games.
- Pokémon Black and White – Nintendo DS
- Dragonite is not available in the wild in the main storyline of these Generation V games.
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 – Nintendo DS
- Like in Black and White, Dragonite is not found in the wild during the main storyline.
- Pokémon X and Y – Nintendo 3DS
- Dragonite is available in these Generation VI games, and players can capture it in various locations or evolve it from Dragonair.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon – Nintendo 3DS
- Dragonite is not found in the base Sun and Moon games, but it can be transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank feature.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield – Nintendo Switch
- Dragonite does not appear in the base games of Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- Pokémon Home – Nintendo Switch, Mobile Devices
- Dragonite can be transferred from various compatible games into Pokémon Home.
Description
The original dragon Pokémon, Dragonite, was the best-of-the-best at one time. Many were confused when looking at Charizard, thinking it was a Dragon-type Pokémon, but Dragonite was the only one out of the original generation.
4. Garchomp (Generation IV)
- Type: Dragon/Ground
- Moves: Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Swords Dance, Stone Edge
Appearances
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl – Nintendo DS
- Trainers can obtain Garchomp in these Generation IV games by evolving Gabite, which can be found in various locations.
- Pokémon Platinum – Nintendo DS
- In this enhanced version of the Generation IV games, players can still acquire Garchomp by evolving Gabite.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver – Nintendo DS
- Garchomp can be obtained in these Generation IV remakes of Gold and Silver by evolving Gabite, similar to the original games.
- Pokémon Black and White – Nintendo DS
- Garchomp does not appear in the wild during the main storyline of these Generation V games.
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 – Nintendo DS
- Like in Black and White, Garchomp is not found in the wild during the main storyline of these sequels.
- Pokémon X and Y – Nintendo 3DS
- Garchomp is available in these Generation VI games. Players can either capture it in various locations or evolve it from Gabite.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – Nintendo 3DS
- Trainers can obtain Garchomp in these Generation VI remakes of Ruby and Sapphire by evolving Gabite.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon – Nintendo 3DS
- Garchomp is not found in the base Sun and Moon games, but it can be transferred from previous games using the Pokémon Bank feature.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield – Nintendo Switch
- Garchomp does not appear in the base games of Pokémon Sword and Shield.
- Pokémon Home – Nintendo Switch, Mobile Devices
- Players can transfer Garchomp from various compatible games into Pokémon Home for convenient storage and transfer to newer titles.
Description
Garchomp is quite powerful with its combination of Dragon and Ground moves. Introduced in the fourth generation, Garchomp is the final Pokémon on the list.