Pokémon: 10 Ways Dragon Is The Best Type | CBR - CBR - Comic Book Resources

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Out of the many different types that the Pokémon universe has to offer, there are many that are deemed better than others, but Dragon-types, on the whole, represent strength, power, and devastating offense. While this can be also be said for some Pokémon of other types, none rival Dragon-types in this regard across the board.

There are many cases that can be made for Dragon-types being the best of the bunch, highlighting their exceptional prowess across multiple different aspects, not just from their appearances in the anime, but the games as well.

10 There Aren't Too Many Of Them

The fact that the only Dragon-types in Gen I are the three Pokémon from the Dratini-line, including Dragonair and Dragonite, speaks volumes in terms of how rarely the typing is used throughout the series. The number of Dragon-types has obviously grown considerably since the beginning but it has never felt like too many. This allows for the Pokémon to be less likely lost in the shuffle within their own typing and even makes them more sought-after, especially in the games.

9 The Type Is Based On One Of The Coolest Fantasy Creatures

There is a reason why dragons make an appearance in any fantasy game or anime series that is worth its salt. They can be used as a violent and powerful source of havoc and destruction, but they can also be given speaking capabilities, giving them more character and meaning.

Dragons have almost become a trope within the genre, but if they are used correctly and their design potential is met in a unique fashion, they can bring a lot to any franchise. Their inclusion in the Pokémon series is no different. Being represented as a type gives a lot of freedom to explore what it means to be a dragon.

8 Dragon-Type Pokémon Have Amazing Designs

While Grass-types generally stick to a design theme based around vegetation, plants, and nature, and Fire-types are almost always red and overflowing with flames, Dragon-types have no such restrictions in design, color, and general aesthetic. As long as they catch the essence of a dragon in terms of grace and power, they can easily pass as a Dragon-type, allowing for more creative freedom overall when it comes to designs.

The designs ultimately range from conventional dragon ideas such as Drampa and Dragonite, to more unique takes on dragons like Hydreigon and Altaria, all the way to the straight-up prehistoric creations of Tyrantrum and Haxorus.

7 Dragon-Types Have Fewer Weaknesses Than Most Other Types

Before the introduction of the Fairy typing in Gen VI, the only types that had super-effective moves against Dragon-types were Dragon itself and Ice. In the games, going up against Dragon-type trainers was a straightforward affair as the main method of winning would be to ensure the inclusion of several Pokémon that wield Dragon and Ice moves.

On the flip side, however, Dragon-type moves are ineffective against Fairy-types and this relatively newly founded counter for this dominant typing should make for some interesting match-ups for generations to come.

6 Dragon Almost Appears As More Of A Category Than Type

There are Pokémon that are undeniably Dragon-types, with Dragon-type move-sets and a general Dragon-type aura and look about them, but are in fact not Dragon-type. Charizard, Gyarados, and Aerodactyl are the main examples of this, most commonly known for their use in the first two Pokémon generations in particular by Dragon-master Lance.

While it would perhaps be more apt to make these Pokémon Dragon-types rather than Flying-types, having a collection of Pokémon such as these that fall into this category makes for an interesting dynamic while continuing to maintain the somewhat limited numbers of Dragon-types, preventing it becoming too busy.

5 Most Dragon-Types Have Extraordinarily High Base Stat Totals

Disregarding a small number of first evolution forms such as Dreepy, Dragon-types on the whole either have well-balanced stats across the board or exceptional stats in one or two areas. For example, in one of the rare instances that a Dragon-type Pokémon is slow, Appletun makes up for its low speed with 100+ HP and special attack.

Additionally, one of the fastest Pokémon in the entire franchise with 142 speed, Dragapult has no stats below 75, making it a formidable Dragon-type with its only real weaknesses coming from typing rather than poor stats, with it being Ghost-Dragon dual typing.

4 Dragon-Type Moves Can Change The Course Of Battle In An Instance

With Dragon-types' weaknesses being few and far between, Dragon-typed moves themselves can therefore deal great levels of damage to most other types with not too much resistance. Moves such as Draco Meteor, Outrage and Dragon Claw are but a few of many moves that a Dragon-type Pokémon may possess in their offensive arsenal.

Dragon Dance however, is one of the scariest moves to face in the Pokémon games as it increases the user's speed and attack stats. Providing the user doesn't get greedy and use it too many times without proceeding to use that bolstered attack power, it is a well-known tool used by Dragon-type trainers to sweep teams easily if given the time to set up.

3 Dragon-Types Are Diverse And Can Offer Alternative Move-Pools For Any Team

Anime Pokemon Pikachu Versus Drake's Dragonite

Not only can Dragon-type moves be incredibly useful in any Pokémon battle, but Dragon-type Pokémon can also learn moves from a wide variety of other typings. Fire is synonymous with dragons, in any appearance in any game, TV or anime franchise, so it should come as no surprise that most Dragon-types can learn Fire-type moves and others that are depicted as being shot out from a Pokémon's mouth.

In the games, using these moves obviously means that the Dragon-type Pokémon will not get a STAB boost when using them, but it allows for coverage in preparation for a multitude of different enemies and types, especially when facing the Elite Four.

2 It Is A Typing Often Used For Legendaries

Starting from Gen III in Ruby & Sapphire with Rayquaza, Latios and Latias, the Dragon-type has become almost synonymous with Legendary Pokémon over the years. Not only is it a type that symbolizes power and towering dominance, but it also allows for this to be reflected in the designs.

Eternatus, Kyurem, Zygarde and Giratina, to name a few, are perfect examples of this, with them almost standing apart and above from the other Legendary Pokémon from their particular generations, often garnering more attention and, in some cases, more history and story.

1 Dragon-Types Are Often The Ace In The Best Pokémon Trainers' Teams

Clair, Lance, Iris, and Raihan are but a few of the trainers that present the toughest obstacles in their respective games and they are all Dragon-type trainers. In the anime, Iris's love for Dragon-types is explored and showcased, even showing affection and support for Ash's Dragonite when they face off in Pokémon Journeys. It certainly suggests something special about Dragon-types when are so many powerful and respected Dragon-type trainers.

Cynthia's Garchomp is yet another example of a powerful Dragon-type used by a powerful trainer. Despite her kind nature, the ferocity and dominance of her Garchomp in battle further suggests that Dragon-types are the mark of a champion and Pokémon master.

NEXT: 10 Pokémon That Desperately Need Better Stats

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About The Author

Tom Steel (34 Articles Published)

Tom Steel is a writer and list contributor for CBR on all things anime. He is passionate about Pokemon most of all but also all things TV, film, gaming and sports. A University graduate with a degree in German Studies, Tom almost took the path of journalism instead, and is now excited to pursue it in a different capacity.