[MnM] Dragonite

I'll be taking Dragonite
Done
QC [2/2] GP [1/1]
Overview

A great movepool with options such as Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake makes Dragonite an excellent sweeper and revenge killer. Access to Multiscale pre-Mega Evolution as well as good bulk allows Dragonite to set up relatively safely, which further improves its excellent Attack stat. Dragonite's decent Dragon / Flying typing gives it STAB on Aerilate Extreme Speed and lets it take on top metagame picks like Golisopod and Primal Groudon. On top of that, Dragonite's many coverage options let it bypass any given answer. However, Dragonite's mediocre Speed leaves much to be desired before boosting, even with Extreme Speed's priority, and a 4x weakness to Ice forces it to switch out against the likes of Weavile and support Arceus. It also often has just too little power, leaving a bit short of crucial KOs and giving it difficulty wallbreaking.

Extreme Speed Sweeper
Dragonite @ Pinsirite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Return / Stone Edge

Set Comments

Moves
Extreme Speed gives Dragonite a powerful, Aerilate-boosted priority STAB move with which to clean and revenge kill. Dragon Dance lets Dragonite boost its Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper and letting it pick off Pokemon with its coverage. Earthquake hits the Rock-, Electric-, and Steel-type Pokemon that resist Flying attacks such as Arceus-Rock and Magearna for super effective damage. Return is a more powerful STAB move that gives Dragonite some crucial KOs at +1, such as on Garchomp and Xerneas. Stone Edge, meanwhile, hits Zapdos and other Flying-type Pokemon for super effective damage, stopping them from blocking a sweep.

Set Details

Pinsirite gives Dragonite the ability Aerilate and useful boosts to Attack and Speed, making it the best Mega Stone for Dragonite to hold. Multiscale allows Dragonite to safely set up before Mega Evolving as long as it is at full health, while Aerilate turns Dragonite's Normal-types moves into Flying-type and boosts their power, giving Dragonite a pair of highly spammable STAB moves in Return and Extreme Speed with which to sweep. 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature make Dragonite as fast as possible, allowing it to Speed tie with other Dragonite and outspeed Absolite Darkrai, Tapu Koko, and Geomancy Xerneas at +1 Speed. The 252 Attack EVs maximize Dragonite's damage output, making it hit as hard as possible. An Adamant nature is another option to make Dragonite even stronger and harder to switch into but generally isn't worth the loss in Speed.


Usage Tips

Dragonite is best saved for late game where it can sweep weakened teams after a Dragon Dance boost. However, don't be afraid to use it before then; it isn't worthwhile to sacrifice important team members to revenge KO Pokemon like Pheromosa when Dragonite could do it without even taking damage. Keep Stealth Rock off the field whenever possible so that Dragonite can take advantage of any opportunities to safely set up and sweep. Even at low HP, however, Dragonite can be an extremely threatening sweeper, so don't write it off after a bit of damage.

Team Options

Defoggers such as support Arceus, Zapdos, and Skarmory are extremely handy to keep multiscale intact for a sweep and to let Dragonite switch more easily After Mega Evolving. Meanwhile, entry hazard setters such as Deoxys-S, Primal Groudon, and Blissey are also useful to gain key KOs on Pokemon such as Lunala while pressuring switch-ins like Zapdos. Other Aerilate Pokemon, such as Zygarde and Cobalion, are handy to wear down shared checks and counters and potentially overwhelm them. Ice type switchins such as Arceus-Water, Suicune, and Scizor are also good teammates, as they can come in on those attacks for Dragonite. Pivot Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pheromosa, and Tapu Koko are also useful to safely bring Dragonite in on pokemon it beats; it shouldn't switch in on even resisted hits, as they still break Multiscale.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


Salamencite is a perfectly viable replacement to Pinsirite, particularly on teams that already have two Pinsirite Pokemon, but provides somewhat worse stat boosts. While the bulk may be helpful in living hits post-Mega Evolution or for setting up more, the additional Attack is generally more important. A bulky set with Roost over Return can allow Dragonite to grab multiple boosts with the protection of Multiscale but has less overall utility. Various coverage options such as Thunder Punch for Pinsirite Steel-types, Thunder for Skarmory, or Superpower to OHKO Arceus-Rock are all decent options, but they are generally inferior to the moves listed above. Should bulky support Pokemon be an issue, Facade is an option to turn burns from a crippling blow into a benefit, but it is much less powerful than Return if Dragonite is not statused. Outrage is a secondary powerful STAB move that can pick off many Pokemon but is usually redundant coverage alongside Flying and allows Fairy-type Pokemon to trap Dragonite and KO it; Dragon Claw may also be used, but while it doesn't lock yDragonite into it, it also loses most of Outrage's benefits. Protect is a niche option that lets Dragonite sweep even through Weavile but has no other use and only allows for a 50/50.

Checks and Counters

Bulky Flying-Resistant Pokemon: Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pinsirite Steel-types, and Arceus-Rock can take Dragonite's Aerilate attacks and its coverage before crippling or KOing it in return.

Ice-type Attacks: Ice-type attacks from Pokemon such as Kyurem, Weavile, and support Arceus hit Dragonite 4x super effectively, dealing heavy damage or KOing even through Multiscale.

Stealth Rock: Stealth Rock negates Multiscale, decreasing Dragonite's setup chances significantly. In the mid-game, it also prevents Dragonite from freely revenge killing, and may make it prey for faster Extreme Speed users such as Zygarde.

Bulky Tanks: Extremely bulky Pokemon, such as Suicune, Mandibuzz, Lugia and Yveltal, can take Dragonite's hits and retaliate with their own attacks, whittling down Dragonite or taking it out with Foul Play. While the lack of resistance hurts switch-in chances, these Pokemon can switch in anyway if need be.

Faster Fairy Types: Psychic Terrain blocks priority, aiding Tapu Lele's teammates and giving it opportunities to switch in, while it can hit Dragonite extremely hard with a STAB Moonblast. Xerneas, meanwhile, can outspeed Dragonite with a Choice Scarf and OHKO it with Moonblast, while Tapu Koko resists Extreme Speed and can bluff Pinsirite or pivot to a better answer.
 
Last edited:
I'll be taking Dragonite

QC [0/2]
Overview

* Great movepool with options such as Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake make Dragonite an excellent sweeper and Revenge Killer
* Access to Multiscale pre-Mega Evolution allows Dragonite to set up relatively safely
* Good attack stat backed by a nice bulk gives it many chanses to sweep
* Decent Dragon and Flying typing that gives it STAB on Aerilate Extreme Speed and lets it take on top metagame picks like Golisopod and Primal Groudon
* Has many coverage options that it can use to bpyass any given answer
* Mediocre speed leaves much to be desired before boosting
* 4x weak to ice, leaving it prey to the likes of Weavile and support Arceus
* Just too little power, often leaving a bit short of crucial KOes and giving it difficulty wallbreaking.

Extreme Speed Sweeper
Dragonite @ Pinsirite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Return / Stone Edge

Set Comments

Moves
* Extreme Speed is the crux of this set, giving Dragonite a powerful, aerilate boosted priority stab move with which to clean and revenge kill.
* Dragon Dance lets Dragonite boost its Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper
* Earthquake hits Rock-, Electric-, and Steel-type Pokemon that resist Flying-type attacsks such as Arceus-Rock and Magearna for Super Effective damage.
* Return is a more powerful STAB flying move that gives Dragonite some crucial KOes at +1, such as Garchomp and Xerneas.
* Stone Edge hits Zapdos and other plying types for super effective damage, stopping them from blocking a sweep.

Set Details

* Pinsirite gives Dragonite the ability Aerilate as well as useful boosts to Attack and Speed, making it the best Mega Stone for Dragonite to hold.
* 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature maximize Dragonite's speed, allowing it to speed tie other Dragonites as well as outspeed Absolite Darkrai, Tapu Koko, and standard Geomancy Xerneas at +1 Speed.
* Adamant is another option to make Dragonite harder to switch into, but generally isn't worth the loss in speed.
* 252 Atk EVs maximize Dragonite's damage output
* Multiscale allows Dragonite to safely set up before Mega Evolving as long as it is at full health.
* Aerilate turns Dragonite's Normal-types moves into Flying-type moves and boosts their power, giving Dragonite a pair of highly spammable STAB moves in Return and Extreme Speed.

Usage Tips

* Dragonite is best saved for a late game sweeper, where it can sweep weakened teams after a Dragon Dance boost.
* However, don't be afraid to use it before then; it isn't worthwhile to sack imprtant team members to revenge KO something like Pheromosa when Dragonite could do it without even taking damage.
* Keep Stealth Rocks off the field whenever possible so that Dragonite can take advantage of any opportunities to sweep.
* Even at low HP Dragonite can be an extremely threatening sweeper, so don't write it off after a bit of damage.
* When facing Weavile, hard switch out Dragonite so that it isn't OHKOed by a super effective Feint.

Team Options

* Defoggers such as support Arceus, Zapdos, and Skarmory are handy to keep multiscale intact for a sweep and to let Dragonite switch more easily post mega.
* Hazard setters such as Deoxys-Speed, Primal Groudon, and Blissey are useful to gain key KOs on pokemon such as Lunala while Pressuring switchins like Zapdos.
* Other Aerilate Pokemon such as Zygarde and Cobalion are handy to wear down shared checks and counters.
* Ice type switchins such as Arceus-Water, Suicune, and Scizor are handy to come in on those attacks for Dragonite.
* Pivot Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pheromosa, and Tapu Koko are handy to safely bring Dragonite in on things it beats; it shouldn't come in on even resisted hits, as weak attacks still break multiscale.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


* Salamencite is a perfectly viable replacement to Pinsirite, particularly on teams that already have two Pinsirite Pokemon, but provides somewhat worse stat boosts.
* A bulky set with Roost over Return can allow Dragonite to grab multiple boosts with the protection of Multiscale, but has less overall utility.
* Various coverage options such as Thunder Punch for and Pinsirite Steel-types, Thunder for Skarmory, or Superpower to OHKO Arceus-Rock are all decent options, but are generally inferior to the moves listed above.
* Facade is a weaker option to turn burns from a crippling blow into a benefit, but it much less powerful than return.
* Outrage is a secondary powerful STAB move that can pick off many Pokemon, but is usually redundant coverage alongside Flying and allows Fairy-type Pokemon to trap and KO Dragonite.
* Protect allows Dragonite to sweep even through Weavile, but has no other use and only allows for a 50-50.

Checks and Counters

[Bulky Flying Resists]: Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pinsirite Steel-types, and Arceus-Rock can take both Dragonite's Aerilate attacks and it's coverage before crippling or KOing it in return.

[Ice Type Attacks]: Ice type moves from pokemon such as Kyurem-Black, Weavile, and Support Arceus hit Dragonite 4x super effectively, doing heavy damage or KOing even through Multiscale.

[Stealth Rocks]: Stealth Rocks negate Multiscale, decresing Dragonite's setup chanses significantly. In the mid game, they also prevent Dragonite from freely revenge killing, and may make it prey for faster extreme speeders such as Zygarde.

[Bulky Tanks]: Extremely bulky Pokemon, such as Suicune, Mandibuzz, Lugia and Yveltal can take Dragonite's hits and retaliate with their own attacks, whittling down Dragonite or taking it out with Foul Play. While the lack of resistance hurts switchin chances, these pokemon can switch in anyway if need be.

[Faster Fairy Types]: Psychic Terrain blocks priority, aiding Tapu Lele's teammates and giving it switchin opportunities, while the Pokemon itself can hit Dragonite extremely hard with a STAB Moonblast. Xerneas, meanwhile, can OHKO Dragonite with a Choice Scarf Moonblast, while Tapu Koko resists Extreme Speed and can bluff Pinsirite or pivot to a better answer.
Was supposed to post this sooner, this is ready for QC. InfernapeTropius11 your suggestions were implemented.
 

InfernapeTropius11

get on my level
Was supposed to post this sooner, this is ready for QC. InfernapeTropius11 your suggestions were implemented.
Just a couple more things:

In OO, specify that Salamencite grants worse boosts to attack, but that the bulk is far better tallowing it to set up more easily.
Also, just specify that Facade is weaker than return under normal corcumstances for clarification.
You can also mention DClaw as a Dragon STAB that doesn't lock you into a move in OO.

QC 1/2
 

nv

The Lost Age
is a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
I'll be taking Dragonite

QC [1/2]
Overview

* Great movepool with options such as Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake make Dragonite an excellent sweeper and Revenge Killer
* Access to Multiscale pre-Mega Evolution allows Dragonite to set up relatively safely
* Good attack stat backed by a nice bulk gives it many chanses to sweep
* Decent Dragon and Flying typing that gives it STAB on Aerilate Extreme Speed and lets it take on top metagame picks like Golisopod and Primal Groudon
* Has many coverage options that it can use to bpyass any given answer
* Mediocre speed leaves much to be desired before boosting I would mention here that Extreme Speed helps to bypass this issue somewhat due to +2 priority
* 4x weak to ice, leaving it prey to the likes of Weavile and support Arceus Expand on Weavile point by saying that Weavile has Ice-type Feint which outspeeds Extreme Speed and can KO it after Stealth Rock.
* Just too little power, often leaving a bit short of crucial KOes and giving it difficulty wallbreaking.

Extreme Speed Sweeper
Dragonite @ Pinsirite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Return / Stone Edge

Set Comments

Moves
* Extreme Speed is the crux of this set, giving Dragonite a powerful, aerilate boosted priority stab move with which to clean and revenge kill.
* Dragon Dance lets Dragonite boost its Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper
* Earthquake hits Rock-, Electric-, and Steel-type Pokemon that resist Flying-type attacsks such as Arceus-Rock and Magearna for Super Effective damage.
* Return is a more powerful STAB flying move that gives Dragonite some crucial KOes at +1, such as Garchomp and Xerneas.
* Stone Edge hits Zapdos and other plying types for super effective damage, stopping them from blocking a sweep.

Set Details

* Pinsirite gives Dragonite the ability Aerilate as well as useful boosts to Attack and Speed, making it the best Mega Stone for Dragonite to hold.
* 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature maximize Dragonite's speed, allowing it to speed tie other Dragonites as well as outspeed Absolite Darkrai, Tapu Koko, and standard Geomancy Xerneas at +1 Speed.
* Adamant is another option to make Dragonite harder to switch into, but generally isn't worth the loss in speed.
* 252 Atk EVs maximize Dragonite's damage output
* Multiscale allows Dragonite to safely set up before Mega Evolving as long as it is at full health.
* Aerilate turns Dragonite's Normal-types moves into Flying-type moves and boosts their power, giving Dragonite a pair of highly spammable STAB moves in Return and Extreme Speed.

Usage Tips

* Dragonite is best saved for a late game sweeper, where it can sweep weakened teams after a Dragon Dance boost.
* However, don't be afraid to use it before then; it isn't worthwhile to sack imprtant team members to revenge KO something like Pheromosa when Dragonite could do it without even taking damage.
* Keep Stealth Rocks off the field whenever possible so that Dragonite can take advantage of any opportunities to sweep.
* Even at low HP Dragonite can be an extremely threatening sweeper, so don't write it off after a bit of damage.
* When facing Weavile, hard switch out Dragonite so that it isn't OHKOed by a super effective Feint. Seems like this should be mentioned in the overview and change this to Ice-types / Pokemon with Ice-type coverage and how Dragonite should scout or watch out for them.

Team Options

* Defoggers such as support Arceus, Zapdos, and Skarmory are handy to keep multiscale intact for a sweep and to let Dragonite switch more easily post mega.
* Hazard setters such as Deoxys-Speed, Primal Groudon, and Blissey are useful to gain key KOs on pokemon such as Lunala while Pressuring switchins like Zapdos.
* Other Aerilate Pokemon such as Zygarde and Cobalion are handy to wear down shared checks and counters.
* Ice type switchins such as Arceus-Water, Suicune, and Scizor are handy to come in on those attacks for Dragonite.
* Pivot Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pheromosa, and Tapu Koko are handy to safely bring Dragonite in on things it beats; it shouldn't come in on even resisted hits, as weak attacks still break multiscale.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


* Salamencite is a perfectly viable replacement to Pinsirite, particularly on teams that already have two Pinsirite Pokemon, but provides somewhat worse stat boosts. While the bulk may be helpful in living hits postmega or setting up more, additional attack is generally more important.
* A bulky set with Roost over Return can allow Dragonite to grab multiple boosts with the protection of Multiscale, but has less overall utility.
* Various coverage options such as Thunder Punch for and Pinsirite Steel-types, Thunder for Skarmory, or Superpower to OHKO Arceus-Rock are all decent options, but are generally inferior to the moves listed above.
* Facade is an option to turn burns from a crippling blow into a benefit, but it is much less powerful than Return if Dragonite is not statused.
* Outrage is a secondary powerful STAB move that can pick off many Pokemon, but is usually redundant coverage alongside Flying and allows Fairy-type Pokemon to trap and KO Dragonite.
* Dragon Claw may also be used, but while it doesn't lock you in it also loses most of Outrage's benefits.
* Protect allows Dragonite to sweep even through Weavile, but has no other use and only allows for a 50-50.

Checks and Counters

[Bulky Flying Resists]: Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pinsirite Steel-types, and Arceus-Rock can take both Dragonite's Aerilate attacks and it's coverage before crippling or KOing it in return.

[Ice Type Attacks]: Ice type moves from pokemon such as Kyurem-Black, Weavile, and Support Arceus hit Dragonite 4x super effectively, doing heavy damage or KOing even through Multiscale.

[Stealth Rocks]: Stealth Rocks negate Multiscale, decresing Dragonite's setup chanses significantly. In the mid game, they also prevent Dragonite from freely revenge killing, and may make it prey for faster extreme speeders such as Zygarde.

[Bulky Tanks]: Extremely bulky Pokemon, such as Suicune, Mandibuzz, Lugia and Yveltal can take Dragonite's hits and retaliate with their own attacks, whittling down Dragonite or taking it out with Foul Play. While the lack of resistance hurts switchin chances, these pokemon can switch in anyway if need be.

[Faster Fairy Types]: Psychic Terrain blocks priority, aiding Tapu Lele's teammates and giving it switchin opportunities, while the Pokemon itself can hit Dragonite extremely hard with a STAB Moonblast. Xerneas, meanwhile, can OHKO Dragonite with a Choice Scarf Moonblast, while Tapu Koko resists Extreme Speed and can bluff Pinsirite or pivot to a better answer.
Changes in Bold.


QC 2/2.
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
Alright.

Quantum Tesseract

delete add/fix comments
Overview
A great movepool with options such as Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake makes Dragonite an excellent sweeper and revenge killer. Access to Multiscale pre-Mega Evolution as well as good bulk allows Dragonite to set up relatively safely, which further improves its excellent Attack stat. Dragonite's decent Dragon and / Flying typing gives it STAB on Aerilate Extreme Speed and lets it take on top metagame picks like Golisopod and Primal Groudon. On top of that, Dragonite's many coverage options that it can use to bpyass let it bypass any given answer. However, its Dragonite's mediocre Speed leaves much to be desired before boosting, even with Extreme Speed's priority, and a 4x weakness to Ice forces it to switch out against the likes of Weavile and support Arceus. It also often has just too little power, leaving a bit short of crucial KOes KOs and giving it difficulty wallbreaking.

Extreme Speed Sweeper
Dragonite @ Pinsirite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Return / Stone Edge

Set Comments

Moves
Extreme Speed is the crux of this set, giving gives Dragonite a powerful, Aerilate-boosted (AH) priority STAB move with which to clean and revenge kill. Dragon Dance lets Dragonite boost its Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper and letting it pick off Pokemon with its coverage. Earthquake hits the Rock-, Electric-, and Steel-type Pokemon that resist Flying-type attacks such as Arceus-Rock and Magearna for super effective damage. Return is a more powerful STAB move that gives Dragonite some crucial KOes KOs at +1, such as on Garchomp and Xerneas. Stone Edge, meanwhile, hits Zapdos and other Flying-type Pokemon for super effective damage, stopping them from blocking a sweep.

Set Details

Pinsirite gives Dragonite the ability Aerilate as well as and useful boosts to Attack and Speed, making it the best Mega Stone for Dragonite to hold. Multiscale allows Dragonite to safely set up before Mega Evolving as long as it is at full health, while Aerilate turns Dragonite's Normal-types moves into Flying-type moves and boosts their power, giving Dragonite a pair of highly spammable STAB moves in Return and Extreme Speed with which to sweep. 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature make Dragonite as fast as possible maximize Dragonite's speed, allowing it to Speed tie with other Dragonites as well as and outspeed Absolite Darkrai, Tapu Koko, and standard Geomancy Xerneas at +1 Speed. The 252 Atk Attack EVs maximize Dragonite's damage output, making it hot hit as hard as possible. An Adamant nature is another option to make Dragonite even stronger and harder to switch into (RC) but generally isn't worth the loss in Speed.

Usage Tips

Dragonite is best saved for a late-game (AH) sweeper, where it can sweep weakened teams after a Dragon Dance boost. However, don't be afraid to use it before then; it isn't worthwhile to sacrifice sack important team members to revenge KO Pokemon something like Pheromosa when Dragonite could do it without even taking damage. Keep Stealth Rock off the field whenever possible so that Dragonite can take advantage of any opportunities to safely set up and sweep. Even at low HP(remove space), however, Dragonite can be an extremely threatening sweeper, so don't write it off after a bit of damage.

Team Options

Defoggers such as support Arceus, Zapdos, and Skarmory are extremely handy to keep Multiscale intact for a sweep and to let Dragonite switch more easily after Mega Evolving post mega. Meanwhile, entry hazard setters such as Deoxys-Speed, Primal Groudon, and Blissey are also useful to gain key KOs on Pokemon such as Lunala while pressuring switch-ins (AH) like Zapdos. Other Aerilate Pokemon, such as Zygarde and Cobalion, are handy to wear down shared checks and counters and potentially overwhelm them. Ice type switch-ins (AH) such as Arceus-Water, Suicune, and Scizor are also good teammates, as they can come in on those attacks for Dragonite. Pivot Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pheromosa, and Tapu Koko are also useful to safely bring Dragonite in on Pokemon things it beats; it shouldn't come in on even resisted hits, as weak attacks they still break Multiscale.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


Salamencite is a perfectly viable replacement to Pinsirite, particularly on teams that already have two Pinsirite Pokemon, but provides somewhat worse stat boosts. While the bulk may be helpful in living hits post-Mega Evolution or for setting up more, the additional Attack is generally more important. A bulky set with Roost over Return can allow Dragonite to grab multiple boosts with the protection of Multiscale (RC) but has less overall utility. Various coverage options such as Thunder Punch for and Pinsirite Steel-types, Thunder for Skarmory, or Superpower to OHKO Arceus-Rock are all decent options, but they are generally inferior to the moves listed above. Should bulky support Pokemon be an issue, Facade is an option to turn burns from a crippling blow into a benefit, but it is much less powerful than Return if Dragonite is not statused. Outrage is a secondary powerful STAB move that can pick off many Pokemon (RC) but is usually redundant coverage alongside Flying and allows Fairy-type Pokemon to trap Dragonite and KO it Dragonite; Dragon Claw may also be used, but while it doesn't lock you Dragonite into it, (AC) it also loses most of Outrage's benefits. (remove line break) Protect is a niche option that lets Dragonite sweep even through Weavile (RC) but has no other use and only allows for a 50/50.

Checks and Counters

[Bulky Flying Resists]: Bulky Flying-resistant Pokemon: (I don't think you have to add the brackets) Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pinsirite Steel-types, and Arceus-Rock can take both Dragonite's both Aerilate attacks and its (remove ') coverage before crippling or KOing it in return.

[Ice Type Attacks]: Ice-type Attacks: Ice-type moves attacks (consistency; AH) from Pokemon such as Kyurem-Black, Weavile, and support Arceus hit Dragonite 4x super effectively, doing dealing heavy damage or KOing even through Multiscale.

[Stealth Rocks]: Stealth Rocks Stealth Rock: Stealth Rock negate Multiscale, decreasing Dragonite's setup chances significantly. In the mid-game (AH), they it also prevents Dragonite from freely revenge killing (RC) and may make it prey for faster extreme speeders Extreme Speed users such as Zygarde.

[Bulky Tanks]: Bulky Tanks: Extremely bulky Pokemon, such as Suicune, Mandibuzz, Lugia and Yveltal, (AC) can take Dragonite's hits and retaliate with their own attacks, whittling down Dragonite or taking it out with Foul Play. While the lack of resistance hurts switch-in (AH) chances, these Pokemon can switch in anyway if need be.

[Faster Fairy Types]: Faster Fairy-types: Psychic Terrain blocks priority, aiding Tapu Lele's teammates and giving it opportunities to switch in switchin opportunities, while the Pokemon itself it can hit Dragonite extremely hard with a STAB Moonblast. Xerneas, meanwhile, can outspeed Dragonite with Choice Scarf and OHKO it Dragonite with a Choice Scarf Moonblast, while Tapu Koko resists Extreme Speed and can bluff Pinsirite or pivot to a better answer.
I'm sure you'll implement this properly, so GP 1/1 :)
 
Last edited:

dhelmise

everything is embarrassing
is a Site Content Manageris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Community Leaderis a Programmeris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Top Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Social Media Head
I'll be taking Dragonite
Done
QC [2/2] GP [1/1]
Overview

A great movepool with options such as Dragon Dance, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake makes Dragonite an excellent sweeper and revenge killer. Access to Multiscale pre-Mega Evolution as well as good bulk allows Dragonite to set up relatively safely, which further improves its excellent Attack stat. Dragonite's decent Dragon / Flying typing gives it STAB on Aerilate Extreme Speed and lets it take on top metagame picks like Golisopod and Primal Groudon. On top of that, Dragonite's many coverage options let it bypass any given answer. However, Dragonite's mediocre Speed leaves much to be desired before boosting, even with Extreme Speed's priority, and a 4x weakness to Ice forces it to switch out against the likes of Weavile and support Arceus. It also often has just too little power, leaving a bit short of crucial KOs and giving it difficulty wallbreaking.

Extreme Speed Sweeper
Dragonite @ Pinsirite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Return / Stone Edge

Set Comments

Moves
Extreme Speed gives Dragonite a powerful, Aerilate-boosted priority STAB move with which to clean and revenge kill. Dragon Dance lets Dragonite boost its Attack and Speed, turning it into a powerful sweeper and letting it pick off Pokemon with its coverage. Earthquake hits the Rock-, Electric-, and Steel-type Pokemon that resist Flying attacks such as Arceus-Rock and Magearna for super effective damage. Return is a more powerful STAB move that gives Dragonite some crucial KOs at +1, such as on Garchomp and Xerneas. Stone Edge, meanwhile, hits Zapdos and other Flying-type Pokemon for super effective damage, stopping them from blocking a sweep.

Set Details

Pinsirite gives Dragonite the ability Aerilate and useful boosts to Attack and Speed, making it the best Mega Stone for Dragonite to hold. Multiscale allows Dragonite to safely set up before Mega Evolving as long as it is at full health, while Aerilate turns Dragonite's Normal-types moves into Flying-type and boosts their power, giving Dragonite a pair of highly spammable STAB moves in Return and Extreme Speed with which to sweep. 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly Nature make Dragonite as fast as possible, allowing it to Speed tie with other Dragonite and outspeed Absolite Darkrai, Tapu Koko, and Geomancy Xerneas at +1 Speed. The 252 Attack EVs maximize Dragonite's damage output, making it hit as hard as possible. An Adamant nature is another option to make Dragonite even stronger and harder to switch into but generally isn't worth the loss in Speed.


Usage Tips

Dragonite is best saved for late game where it can sweep weakened teams after a Dragon Dance boost. However, don't be afraid to use it before then; it isn't worthwhile to sacrifice important team members to revenge KO Pokemon like Pheromosa when Dragonite could do it without even taking damage. Keep Stealth Rock off the field whenever possible so that Dragonite can take advantage of any opportunities to safely set up and sweep. Even at low HP, however, Dragonite can be an extremely threatening sweeper, so don't write it off after a bit of damage.

Team Options

Defoggers such as support Arceus, Zapdos, and Skarmory are extremely handy to keep multiscale intact for a sweep and to let Dragonite switch more easily After Mega Evolving. Meanwhile, entry hazard setters such as Deoxys-S, Primal Groudon, and Blissey are also useful to gain key KOs on Pokemon such as Lunala while pressuring switch-ins like Zapdos. Other Aerilate Pokemon, such as Zygarde and Cobalion, are handy to wear down shared checks and counters and potentially overwhelm them. Ice type switchins such as Arceus-Water, Suicune, and Scizor are also good teammates, as they can come in on those attacks for Dragonite. Pivot Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pheromosa, and Tapu Koko are also useful to safely bring Dragonite in on pokemon it beats; it shouldn't switch in on even resisted hits, as they still break Multiscale.

Strategy Comments

Other Options


Salamencite is a perfectly viable replacement to Pinsirite, particularly on teams that already have two Pinsirite Pokemon, but provides somewhat worse stat boosts. While the bulk may be helpful in living hits post-Mega Evolution or for setting up more, the additional Attack is generally more important. A bulky set with Roost over Return can allow Dragonite to grab multiple boosts with the protection of Multiscale but has less overall utility. Various coverage options such as Thunder Punch for Pinsirite Steel-types, Thunder for Skarmory, or Superpower to OHKO Arceus-Rock are all decent options, but they are generally inferior to the moves listed above. Should bulky support Pokemon be an issue, Facade is an option to turn burns from a crippling blow into a benefit, but it is much less powerful than Return if Dragonite is not statused. Outrage is a secondary powerful STAB move that can pick off many Pokemon but is usually redundant coverage alongside Flying and allows Fairy-type Pokemon to trap Dragonite and KO it; Dragon Claw may also be used, but while it doesn't lock yDragonite into it, it also loses most of Outrage's benefits. Protect is a niche option that lets Dragonite sweep even through Weavile but has no other use and only allows for a 50/50.

Checks and Counters

Bulky Flying-Resistant Pokemon: Pokemon such as Zapdos, Pinsirite Steel-types, and Arceus-Rock can take Dragonite's Aerilate attacks and its coverage before crippling or KOing it in return.

Ice-type Attacks: Ice-type attacks from Pokemon such as Kyurem, Weavile, and support Arceus hit Dragonite 4x super effectively, dealing heavy damage or KOing even through Multiscale.

Stealth Rock: Stealth Rock negates Multiscale, decreasing Dragonite's setup chances significantly. In the mid-game, it also prevents Dragonite from freely revenge killing, and may make it prey for faster Extreme Speed users such as Zygarde.

Bulky Tanks: Extremely bulky Pokemon, such as Suicune, Mandibuzz, Lugia and Yveltal, can take Dragonite's hits and retaliate with their own attacks, whittling down Dragonite or taking it out with Foul Play. While the lack of resistance hurts switch-in chances, these Pokemon can switch in anyway if need be.

Faster Fairy Types: Psychic Terrain blocks priority, aiding Tapu Lele's teammates and giving it opportunities to switch in, while it can hit Dragonite extremely hard with a STAB Moonblast. Xerneas, meanwhile, can outspeed Dragonite with a Choice Scarf and OHKO it with Moonblast, while Tapu Koko resists Extreme Speed and can bluff Pinsirite or pivot to a better answer.
Uploaded.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top