Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: 20 Best Dragon Types In The Game (2024)

The Pokemon franchise is known to have a variety of powerful Pokemon with numerous type combinations, from the simple Fire and Water to ones like Psychic or Fairy. Arguably one of the strongest types in the franchise's long history has been Dragon-types, which were originally introduced in the first generation games.

Game Freak continues to create interesting dragon-type Pokemon for players to catch. With so many new additions to the franchise, as well as plenty of old favorites, these are by far the strongest Dragon-type Pokemon players should try capturing while exploring Paldea in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Updated on June 21, 2024, by Blaise Santi: As of December 2023, the final DLC expansion for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet has been released. In both The Green Mask and The Indigo Disk, players can encounter plenty of new Pokemon, including some never-before-seen Dragon-types. Plus, thanks to the addition of Pokemon HOME compatibility, players can transfer over many iconic and powerful Dragon-types from previous games that aren't available to catch in Scarlet & Violet. Whether they're brand-new Paradox Pokemon that resemble creatures from past generations or new evolutions of memorable 'mons from Sword & Shield, these are simply the best of the best that Dragon-types have to offer in the latest generation of Pokemon.

20 Gouging Fire

A Paradox Pokemon That Can Burn Enemies With A Shield

Alongside the Raikou-reminiscent Raging Bolt, Gouging Fire is a brand-new Paradox Pokemon introduced in The Indigo Disk. This Fire/Dragon-type appears to be an ancestor of the Gen 2 Legendary Pokemon Entei, sporting a golden crest on its head. Unlike Entei, Gouging Fire learns some pretty powerful Dragon-type moves, like Dragon Rush and Outrage.

However, Gouging Fire's biggest positive is the unique move Burning Bulwark, which only it can learn. The move works similarly to Protect, but for opponents who make direct contact with the shield, they are burned.

19 Walking Wake

Becomes Even More Powerful In Sunlight

Rounding out the Paradox forms of Gen 2's Legendary beasts is the Water/Dragon-type Walking Wake, which resembles a prehistoric form of Suicune. It also learns the unique signature move Hydro Steam, which receives an attack boost when used in harsh sunlight. This pairs extremely well with Walking Wake's ability Protosynthesis, which it shares with other past Paradox Pokemon.

With Protosynthesis, a Pokemon's highest base stat will be boosted in harsh sunlight (or when holding a Booster Energy). Since Walking Wake's highest stat is already Special Attack, the special move Hydro Steam will be even more powerful in harsh sunlight than it already would be.

18 Dragonite

An Iconic Gen 1 Pokemon With Multiple Benefits

It's simply hard to find much wrong with Dragonite, other than the fact it only evolves from Dragonair at the extremely-late level 55. This Dragon/Flying-type and its evolutionary line are notably one of the first Dragon-types in the entire franchise, a status it held until the addition of only Kingdra in Gen 2. Nevertheless, Dragonite has remained a top-tier Pokemon for many generations.

There are a lot of positives to Dragonite, competitively speaking, from its Hidden Ability Multiscale, which reduces damages at full HP, its incredibly diverse movepool, including moves like Aqua Tail, Fire Punch, and Stomping Tantrum, and its incredibly high stats, especially Attack. For the very first pseudo-legendary, Dragonite is about as nearly-legendary as it gets.

17 Goodra

A Pseudo-Legendary With Useful Abilities

Speaking of pseudo-legendaries, Goodra is perhaps one of the more underrated pseudo-legendary evolutionary lines. Introduced in Pokemon X & Y, the pure Dragon-type was notable for access to useful Abilities like Sap Sipper and Gooey, as well as its movepool including a solid selection of Water-type, Grass-type, and Poison-type moves.

However, it was Pokemon Legends: Arceus that really boosted Goodra's favor with hardcore Pokemon fans. The Hisui region introduced a regional form of Goodra that is Dragon/Steel, with moves to complement its new STAB capabilities and increased Defense at the cost of some Speed, making it a bulkier and, frankly, much more appealing Pokemon for any team.

16 Tatsugiri

Serves A Unique Purpose In Double Battles

It's surprising to think that this small fish that replicates the look of a piece of Sushi is a Dragon-type Pokemon. However, it is exactly that. Tatsugiri may appear as one of the weakest Dragon-types in the game, but they are also incredibly intelligent. They call upon the aid of Dondozo to help them in not only battle but also to get food.

While taking part in two vs. two battles, Tatsugiri may use its signature ability of Commander, which allows it to hop into the mouth of an ally Dondozo that is on the field. While in this match-up, Tatsugiri is unable to be hit.

15 Dragalge

A Scarlet-Exclusive That Offers Great Defense

Dragalge is an incredible Dragon/Poison-Type Pokemon. It is not only a great choice for those looking for a Dragon for their roster but also for those looking for an incredibly powerful Poison-type. With Special Defense being one of its highest stats, Dragalge is also sure to stay alive in various battles, as it can also hit hard.

Some Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet are version exclusives, and Dragalge can only be found in Pokemon Scarlet. Thankfully, players who own Pokemon Violet can still get their hands on this Mock Kelp Pokemon by trading with a player who has the other version of the game.

14 Altaria

A Reliable Dragon-Type That Can Take To The Skies

Although Altaria doesn't look like a typical Dragon-type Pokemon, it has earned itself a place as one of the best Dragon-types a player may wish to consider. Players can either find Altaria flying around in the wild or capture a Swablu and evolve it at around level 35.

As its fluffy cloud-like wings that wrap around its body suggest, Altaria is also a Flying-type Pokemon. This typing may have become less useful in recent games since players can fast-travel around the map freely, but Altaria continues to be a powerful member of any player's team.

13 Appletun

A Great Dragon-Type As Long As It's Kept Away From Ice-Types

Appeltun is another interesting Pokemon that players will likely want on their teams, not only for its adorable appearance but also for its powerful Dragon and Grass-type attacks. Appletun evolves from Applin once given a Sweet Apple. If given a Tart Apple instead, Applin becomes Flapple, which is another great Dragon-type that players should consider.

In addition to the usual Dragon-type moves available to the Pokemon, Appletun is also the only monster that can learn the move Apple Acid. This Grass-Type move deals substantial damage while also lowering the target's Special Defense. This benefits Appletun greatly, as its best stats involve its Special Attack.

12 Cyclizar

Before It Was Legendary, Cyclizar Was Still Powerful

Cyclizar may be considered quite basic compared to its futuristic relative Miraidon and its ancient ancestor Koraidon. However, this doesn't stop Cyclizar from being an exciting choice early in the game until players can use their own legendary in battle.

Combining Dragon with Normal may not seem that special, but this does mean that players have a Pokemon that can confidentially go up against a Ghost-type Pokemon without worrying about its move set. Besides, Cyclizar is an adorable Pokemon to have on the team; it's just unfortunate that players can't use them as a vehicle like the other NPCs can.

11 Noivern

This Flying Pokemon With Baffling Strength

Stepping away from the newest Pokemon added with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, players may also remember this Dragon-type from Pokemon X & Y, the bat Pokemon, Noivern. Evolving from Noibat, some players may think Noivern would be a combination of Dark/Dragon, but it is actually Flying/Dragon-typed. Players would first need to evolve Noibat if they wish to have this dragon bat.

One mustn't be fooled by its adorable design, as Noivern has been known to be incredibly cruel to Pokemon in the dark and incredibly timid in the light. Luckily, many players will find this Pokemon exploring the outdoors, instead of a damp cave.

10 Hydrapple

An Incredibly Powerful Evolution Of Applin

Applin is a Pokemon that already has multiple different evolutions depending on the sort of apple it gets from the player. This has led to two brand-new evolution paths in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. When Applin is given a Syrupy Apple, it evolves into Dipplin, but unlike Flapple or Appletun, this evolutionary line doesn't stop there.

This Pokemon can evolve a step further into Hydrapple if the player levels it up while knowing the Dragon Cheer move, causing it to become an even more powerful Grass and Dragon-type Pokemon, with a fierce special attack. Hydrapple is also the only Pokemon to know the ability Supersweet Syrup, which lowers the evasion of a target.

9 Raging Bolt

A Possible Raikou Relative That Has Access To Some Great Electric Moves

Players may find Paradox Pokemon from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to look quite familiar, such as Raging Bolt. That's because this Paradox Pokemon appears to be an ancient relative of the legendary Electric-type Pokemon Raikou that players are likely to have encountered during the second generation of the franchise.

With this in mind, Raging Bolt combines these legendary Electric-type moves with the Dragon-type to create an incredibly deadly force against other trainers. With an even more incredible Special Attack, the electricity that is created from its fur is sure to trample the competition.

8 Roaring Moon

A Version-Exclusive Paradox Pokemon For Gen 3 Fanatics

Although there are plenty of Paradox Pokemon in both versions of the game, Roaring Moon is the only Dragon-type Paradox Pokemon available in the base game, and it can only be found by brave trainers who explore Area Zero in Pokemon Scarlet. As the only one of its kind, it is no surprise how powerful it is.

Although a Scarlet exclusive, Violet players can instead get their hands on its relative, Salamence. Salamence is also a Dragon-type, but its secondary type is Flying rather than Dark. To get Roaring Moon itself, a Violet player will need to trade with a Scarlet player.

7 Archaludon

This Dragon-Type Won't Bend To Fairy-Types

Archaludon is another Pokemon added in the Indigo Disk DLC of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, though the Pokemon it evolves from was originally introduced to the game during the release of Sword and Shield. When players expose a Duraldon to a Metal Alloy, the already incredible special attacker transforms into a lethal defensive unit known as Archaludon.

Steel/Dragon-types like Dialga and Hisuian Goodra are already known to be some of the most powerful Dragon-types available in the Pokemon franchise, making this Alloy Pokemon a difficult unit for an opponent to destroy.

6 Miraidon

This Violet Legendary Will Charge Up Any Team

Miraidon is the futuristic relative of Cylizar, taking its design and combining it with a variety of metallic and electrified features. Combining its Dragon-typing with the appropriate Electric-type, Miraidon is a force many trainers will not want to compete against.

Not only that, but with the incredibly powerful ability of Hadron Energy, it can increase its Electric moves to be even more powerful. If only Electric/Dragon was a unique typing in the Pokemon franchise, as it's already held by Zekrom, Mega Ampharos, Dracozolt, and the aforementioned Paradox Pokemon Raging Bolt.

5 Koraidon

Koraidon Packs A Bigger Punch Than Miraidon

Players who decide to pick up Pokemon Scarlet have a slight advantage when it comes to their box art legendary and companion throughout the game. As the ancient ancestor of Cylizar, Koraidon is a slightly more powerful Dragon-type than Miraidon.

As a Dragon/Fighting type, Koraidon is incredibly powerful in combat, making it an great fighter to bring into battle. This has left many players to rely on it when attempting to take on Tera Raids. Although each legendary is exclusive to their respective games, a second can be captured and traded off to other players.

4 Hydreigon

Its Future Form Loses Its Dragon-Type Strengths

Pseudo-legendary Pokemon are incredibly popular, as they are usually some of the most powerful companions a player could bring into battle. Hydreigon is a dual Dark/Dragon type that is powerful even at its first evolution, Deino. This Dragon-type has an incredibly high Special Attack stat that players will want to consider when choosing the right moves for their Pokemon.

While players who own Pokemon Violet may have a futuristic Paradox Pokemon variation in the Dark/Flying-type Iron Jugulis, they cannot find the Dragon-typed Hydreigon in the wild. Once again, a player must trade with someone else who has Pokemon Scarlet to get this Brutal Pokemon originally introduced in the fifth generation games.

3 Garchomp

There's No Mega Evolution, But Garchomp Still Rocks

Another pseudo-legendary Pokemon and fan favorite, Garchomp continues to be one of the most powerful Dragon-types in the franchise, and players can luckily find it while exploring the region of Paldea. Players are likely to find a Gible first when on their travels, which can then be evolved into the powerful Dragon/Ground type Garchomp.

While the new Dragon-types may be interesting, if a player is looking for familiarity or a powerful member for their roster, then there is no shame in going back to the basics with Garchomp, especially with so few powerful Ground-types available.

2 Dragapult

A Silent Killer From Gen 8 Returns

Dragapult is a pseudo-legendary Dragon/Ghost-type Pokemon that many players should consider having on their team. Starting as Dreepy, this once tiny and ghostly Dragon-type Pokemon will eventually evolve into a stealthy force that is known for its incredible speed and attack stats, as proven by its competitive performance in Pokemon Sword & Shield.

In addition to its unbelievable stats, Dragapult also has the signature move of Dragon Darts, which deals a critical amount of damage twice. Unfortunately, this Dragon-type Pokemon is another pocket monster that can only be found in a certain version of the game. Thankfully, players who don't own Pokemon Violet can attempt to get Dragapult and any of its three evolutions via trading.

1 Baxcalibur

The Latest Pseudo-Legendary Is A Killer

A new dragon champion rose with the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as another pseudo-legendary was introduced. Baxcalibur is the third and final evolution of the small and adorable Dragon/Ice-type Pokemon, Frigibax, before it becomes a ginormous and deadly kaiju that resembles Godzilla.

Baxcalibur is also currently the only Pokemon with the move Glaive Rush, which is incredibly intense but can also be dangerous to the user. After using this move, any move until their next turn will automatically hit Baxcalibur and deal double damage to boot. It's also the only Pokemon with the Thermal Exchange ability, which doubles its Attack when hit by a Fire-type move.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

November 18, 2022

Developer(s)

Game Freak

Genre(s)

RPG