In the Pokémon games, there are 18 different types of Pocket Monsters, each with different elemental attributes. One of the most powerful classifications of Pokémon is the Dragon Type. Several species are not only Dragon-Type, but they also have a second element that they are categorized under. As such, they can utilize different moves than those that are only one specific group and are a special addition to any trainer’s team.

  • The world of Pokémon is a constantly growing one, and that includes its roster of unique creatures. There are plenty of Dragon Type species worth experimenting with that have just as much to offer in terms of combat viability across its soon-to-be nine generations of Pokémon.

There are several worthwhile Pokémon that are dual-types; while their primary species is a Dragon, their secondary grouping gives them unique traits that make them stand out as valuable assets for a player. This includes when each species was introduced, how players can find them, and how they interact with other varieties of Pokémon during the game’s battles.

Hydreigon

While it isn’t as powerful since the introduction of the Fairy Type severely weakened its combat prowess, generation 5’s Hydreigon is still an imposing Dragon Pokémon. First introduced in Black and White, this dual Dark/Dragon-Type creature is one of the most creative typings in the latter family of species.

This violent, ambush-focused Pokémon has three heads that operate as a singular entity by the main head, and its power earns it the status of being Unova’s Pseudo-Legendary. Even with its most glaring weakness to Fairy, it has an impressive amount of Types it resists on top of the two Hydreigon is immune to (Psychic, Ground). Stats-wise, Hydreigon has well-rounded defenses and powerful offenses, with Special Attack being especially destructive.

Noivern

The Kalos region in Pokémon X and Y was an admittedly barebones journey, though, it did have Noivern as a memorable take on the Dragon-Type family of creatures. An inventive combination of conventional European dragons and bats, Noivern is an aggressive Dragon Pokémon that can use its ears to produce immensely powerful sound waves.

This dual Flying/Dragon-Type has a fair amount of Type resistances on top of its outright immunity to Ground. It’s not the heaviest of hitters in offense or compared to its contemporaries, but Noivern offers top-tier Speed.

Flygon

Despite often being confused for a Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon, that classification in the Hoenn region is reserved for the fellow Dragon Type Salamence and the dual Steel/Psychic-Type Metagross. It, unfortunately, is also one of the most neglected creatures in the franchise despite having such fan affection.

Flygon is a clever (and literal) interpretation of the real-world “dragonfly,” and is a dual Ground/Dragon Type. This creature has well-rounded offensive and defensive stats across the board as well as immunity to Ground and Electric, but it’s particularly weak to Ice, Fairy, and – of course – other Dragons.

Salamence

Salamence is one of the most popular as well as one of two Psuedo-Legendary species in Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (alongside the aforementioned Metagross). That categorization pits it in a high statistical ranking of strength, with the dual Dragon/Flying-Type excelling in Speed and both offensive stats.

It makes Salamence an impressively versatile creature in its Dragon family. This excitable (and just as easily enraged) Pokémon is a heavy-hitter that’s immune to Ground but weak to Ice, Dragon, Rock, and Fairy.

Kommo-o

A dragon and Fighting-Type Pokémon, Kommo-o first appears in Sun & Moon. It is the final evolution of Jangmo-o. Covered in scales, it makes a rattling sound to intimidate any opponent that it faces; Kommo-o will not fight another contender unless it stands its ground. These scales also act as protection against attacks.

Because of this, Kommo-o is ideal for a defensive strategy. Typical of all Dragon monsters in the games, Kommo-o’s biggest weakness is Fairy Pokémon. It also struggles against Ice, Flying, and Psychic combatants.

Altaria

Making its debut in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Altaria is obtained by fully evolving a Swablu. Standing out with its graceful cloudlike appearance, it sings a humming song that enchants anyone who listens to it.

While it looks more like a bird at first glance, Altaria is both a dragon and a flying Pokémon and is strong against the Ground-aligned competition. On the downside, it is weak to Rock and Fairy competitors, and will easily be defeated by Ice-Types.

Latias/Latios

These two legendary entities are unique because they are each a specific gender; Latias is exclusively female and Latios is exclusively male. They were both introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and would appear after the completion of the Elite Four.

Along with being dragon critters, they are also psychic and show it with their abilities. Latias is sensitive to human emotions, while Latios can understand human speech. They are strong against Ground Pokémon, but not against those that are Ice, Fairy, Ghost, Dark, or Bug Types.

Garchomp

One of the most commonly used creatures in the Sinnoh Pokémon games, this Dragon and Ground-Type creature was introduced in Pokémon Diamond & Pearl. To get a Garchomp, a player must catch and fully evolve a Gible. Garchomp lives in volcanic mountains and can fly as fast as a jet plane.

Its Ground-based abilities make it strong against Electric challengers, but as it is primarily a Dragon, it is weak to Fairy-based opposition. A Garchomp’s worst enemy is an Ice Pokémon, which will do 4x critical damage to it in battle.

Reshiram

This legendary Pokémon was first exclusively in Pokémon Black and could be found in the game’s Dragonspiral Tower. Reshiram is one of the few Dragon Pokémon that is also a Fire Type (many assume Charizard would fit this description based on its appearance, but it is not a Dragon Type, outside its Mega Evolution).

According to gameplay legends, Reshiram can scorch the world with fire and seeks to help those who want to create a world of truth. It is weak against Ground and Rock Pokémon.

Zekrom

Like Reshiram, Zekrom could also be found in the Dragonspiral Tower during the game; however, it was only available in Pokémon White. A legendary beast, Zekrom is also an Electric type. It is the only Dragon and Electric Pokémon thus far and generates electricity from its cone-shaped tail.

Legends say it will scorch the world with lightning, and help out those who seek an ideal world. Zekrom is weak against opponents that use Fairy, Ice, or Ground moves.

Kyurem

Unlike Resharim and Zekrom, Kyurem could be found in both Pokémon Black & White and would appear in the Giant Chasm. This legendary Dragon creature is also an Ice-Type, and it’s the strongest of the three legendary dragons in Pokémon Black & White.

The detail that makes the legend of Kyurem different is that it holds in its power rather than unleashing it on the world, and seeks a balance of both truth and ideals. It is weaker in battles against fighting, rock, steel, and fairy Pokémon.

Dragapult

As one of the newest additions to the Pokémon universe, Dragapult is the final evolution of Dreepy in Pokémon Sword & Shield. It has two small Dreepy embedded in its horns and can launch them like missiles at opponents during battle.

A Ghost-Type as well as a Dragon-Type, Dragapult is known as the “Stealth Pokémon.” It is an excellent choice when it comes to having high Speed in a matchup. It is immune to Normal-Types and Fighting Pokémon, but it’s especially vulnerable against those classified as Ice, Dark, or Fairy.

Rayquaza

A legendary Dragon and Flying-Type that debuted in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Rayquaza can be found on the Sky Pillar. It is rumored to have lived for millions of years within the Earth’s atmosphere without being discovered.

Rayquaza is a great species to use if a player needs one that excels in both Attack and Special Attack stats, and it’s one of the best Dragon Types in the Pokémon games overall. It can easily defeat Ground adversaries, but is weakest against those aligned with Ice; Rock and Fairy techniques will also give it a hard time during a battle.

Dragonite

As one of the original 150 creatures from when the game was introduced, Dragonite is one of the most recognizable among fans – and arguably deserves a new Regional Form in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. First appearing in Red & Blue, it is the final evolution of Dratini. The Dragon and Flying-Type Dragonite is kind-hearted and will save those who are drowning in the oceans it lives near.

It has very strong Attack statistics and is a good choice to go up against Ground-based enemies in battle. On the other hand, it is weaker against Rock and Fairy opponents, and will likely be defeated by an Ice Pokémon.