Dragon-type Pokemon weaknesses & resistances explained

Sam Smith
Pokemon Dragon-types

Are Dragon-type Pokemon like Garchomp, Rayquaza, and Dragonite crushing your Pokemon on the battlefield? Here’s how to take advantage of their weaknesses in battle and employ the best counters, as well as the details of their resistances so you’re fully prepared.

Dragon-type Pokemon are some of the most iconic and difficult creatures you can battle in Pokemon games. They are often dual-type Pokemon, but not always, and many of them are also Legendary Pokemon, making them extra tough to defeat in battle.

As with any type in the Pokemon games, Dragon types can be countered and have their own set of weaknesses that can be exploited. Here’s what you need to know to survive an encounter with a Dragon-type in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet or other main series games – and to come out victorious.

Contents

Dragonair in Pokemon Go
Dragonair evolves into the much more classic-looking Dragonite.

Dragon-type Pokemon weaknesses

Dragon-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:

Therefore, when looking to take down a Dragon-type Pokemon, bring along a team that includes Pokemon that belong to those types and make sure they have matching movesets.

These Pokemon are also weak against other Dragon types, so be sure to consider this when selecting your team. Both being weak against each other doesn’t cancel out the weakness, especially if you bring a Pokemon that’s also an Ice or Fairy-type. That gives you the advantage.

Best counters for Dragon-type Pokemon

When coming up against Dragon types, Pokemon like Alolan Ninetales, Xerneas, and Glaceon are reliable options. These are all either Ice and Fairy-types or a mixture of both.

Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the above three examples are effective against Dragon types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.

Garchomp Pokemon Go
Garchomp is a Ground/Dragon-type Pokemon.

Dragon-type Pokemon strengths & resistances

As well as having weaknesses, Dragon-type Pokemon are also resistant to certain other types and moves. Dragon-type Pokemon are resistant to the following types:

What is a Dragon-type Pokemon?

Dragon-type Pokemon are usually pretty easy to spot due to them resembling dragons from either European or Chinese mythology. Many have long claws and wings and may be able to breathe fire or utilize another element.

Many of them are dual-type Pokemon, so when bringing in your counters, make sure they’re effective against both types, not just Dragon types.

So, that’s all of the weaknesses and resistances you need to know about to help you knock down Dragon-type Pokemon in the series. For more Pokemon lists, check out some of our other guides below:

Water-type | Grass-type | Fighting-type | Psychic-type | Electric-type | Bug-type | Ghost-type | Steel-type weaknesses | Ice-type weaknesses | Fairy-type weaknesses |Legendary Pokemon | All cat Pokemon | All dog Pokemon | Creepiest ‘mon | Cutest Pokemon | The rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards | 10 best ROM hacks and fan-made games | Lucario weaknesses

About The Author

Sam is a Senior Games Writer for Dexerto specializing in Survival Horror, Diablo, Final Fantasy, and Soulslikes. An NCTJ accredited journalist, Sam also holds a degree in journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and has many years of experience as a professional writer. Being able to marry his love of writing with his addiction to video games was always one of his life goals. He also loves all things PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo in equal measure. Contact at sam.smith@dexerto.com