Dragonite in Pokemon GO – Stats, Moves, PvP Tips & More
Dragonite is a popular Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. With a maximum CP of 3,792, Dragonite is a solid choice for Ultra League battles and various raid encounters.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Dragonite in Pokemon GO, including its stats, best moveset, counters, and tips for using it effectively in both PvE raids and PvP battles.
π Table of Contents
π Dragonite Base Stats & Overview
Dragonite (#149) is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon from Generation 1.
| Base Stats | |
|---|---|
| Attack | 263 |
| Defense | 198 |
| Stamina | 209 |
| Total Stats | 670 |
| Max CP | 3,792 |
| Buddy Distance | 3 km |
With 263 Attack, 198 Defense, and 209 Stamina, Dragonite has a total stat product of 670. Its exceptionally high Attack stat makes it a premier choice for dealing massive damage in raids and gym battles.
βοΈ Best Moveset for Dragonite
Choosing the right moveset is crucial for maximizing Dragonite’s potential in Pokemon GO. The optimal moveset varies depending on whether you’re using Dragonite for raids, gym battles, or PvP.
Best Raid & Gym Moveset
For PvE content like raids and gym battles, you want moves that maximize DPS (Damage Per Second). The best Dragon/Flying-type moves will benefit from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), increasing damage by 20%.
β’ Fast Move: Best Dragon-type fast move
β’ Charged Move: Best Dragon-type charged move
Best PvP Moveset
In PvP battles, energy generation and coverage moves become more important. You’ll want a fast move that charges energy quickly and charged moves that provide good type coverage.
β’ Fast Move: High energy generation move
β’ Charged Move 1: STAB move for consistent damage
β’ Charged Move 2: Coverage move for countering weaknesses
π― Dragonite Type Effectiveness
Understanding type effectiveness is crucial for both using Dragonite effectively and knowing how to counter it. As a Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon, Dragonite has specific strengths and weaknesses.
β οΈ Weaknesses (Takes Super Effective Damage From)
Dragonite is weak to: Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Electric, Rock-type moves. When battling against Dragonite, use Pokemon with these types to deal 1.6x (or 2.56x for double weaknesses) damage.
- Ice – Deals increased damage
- Dragon – Deals increased damage
- Fairy – Deals increased damage
- Electric – Deals increased damage
- Rock – Deals increased damage
π‘οΈ Resistances (Takes Reduced Damage From)
Dragonite resists: Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, Ground-type moves. This means Dragonite takes reduced damage (0.625x or less) from these attack types.
- Fire – Reduced damage
- Water – Reduced damage
- Electric – Reduced damage
- Grass – Reduced damage
- Fighting – Reduced damage
- Bug – Reduced damage
- Ground – Reduced damage
π Dragonite PvP Analysis
Dragonite can be used in Pokemon GO’s GO Battle League PvP battles. Here’s how it performs in each league:
Great League (1500 CP Limit)
With a max CP of 3,792, Dragonite would need to be under-leveled for Great League. Check if the stats at 1500 CP are competitive before investing resources.
Ultra League (2500 CP Limit)
Dragonite can be used in Ultra League but won’t reach its full stat potential due to the 2500 CP cap.
Master League (No CP Limit)
Dragonite can hold its own in Master League with proper support, though it may struggle against the top-tier threats like Dialga, Giratina, and Mewtwo.
βοΈ Dragonite Raid Guide
Dragonite is primarily used as a raid attacker rather than a raid boss. Here’s how to use it effectively in raids:
Using Dragonite in Raids
When using Dragonite as a raid attacker:
- Best against raid bosses weak to Dragon-type moves
- Power up to at least level 30-35 for decent performance
- Ensure you have the optimal moveset for maximum DPS
π― Best Counters for Dragonite
Whether you’re battling Dragonite in raids, gyms, or PvP, knowing the best counters is essential for victory. Here are the top Pokemon to use against Dragonite:
Top Counter Pokemon
The best counters exploit Dragonite’s weaknesses to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Electric, Rock-type moves:
| Pokemon | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Mamoswine | Ice/Ground | Best Ice attacker with Powder Snow + Avalanche |
| Glaceon | Ice | Accessible Ice attacker with high damage |
| Weavile | Dark/Ice | Fast Ice damage dealer |
| Rayquaza | Dragon/Flying | Dragon Tail + Outrage |
| Salamence | Dragon/Flying | Dragon Tail + Draco Meteor |
| Dragonite | Dragon/Flying | Accessible Dragon attacker |
Counter Strategy Tips
- Prioritize Type Advantage: Use Pokemon with moves that are super effective against Dragonite
- Consider Bulk: Tankier counters can survive longer and deal more total damage
- Watch for Coverage Moves: Dragonite may have moves that counter its own counters
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of weather conditions that boost your counter’s attacks
π How to Get Dragonite in Pokemon GO
There are several ways to obtain Dragonite in Pokemon GO:
- Wild Encounters: Dragonite can spawn in the wild, especially in areas matching its type
- Eggs: May hatch from 3km eggs
- Evolution: Evolve from its pre-evolution using Candy
- Raids: Occasionally appears in raid battles
- Research Tasks: Complete field research for a chance to encounter
- Trading: Trade with friends
Shiny Dragonite
Yes, Shiny Dragonite is available in Pokemon GO! The shiny variant has a different coloration and is highly sought after by collectors. The shiny rate for wild encounters is approximately 1 in 500, though this can be boosted during special events like Community Days or Spotlight Hours.
Dragonite Evolution
Check the PokΓ©dex for complete evolution information including candy costs and special evolution requirements.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragonite good in Pokemon GO?
Yes! Dragonite is considered a top-tier Pokemon in Pokemon GO with excellent stats and a max CP of 3,792. It’s valuable for both raids and PvP battles.
What is Dragonite’s best moveset?
The best moveset for Dragonite depends on your use case. For raids and gyms, prioritize high DPS Dragon-type moves for STAB bonus. For PvP, focus on moves with good energy generation and coverage options.
What are Dragonite’s weaknesses?
Dragonite is weak to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Electric, Rock-type moves. When battling Dragonite, use Pokemon with these attack types for maximum effectiveness.
Can Dragonite be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Yes, Shiny Dragonite is available in Pokemon GO. Keep catching Dragonite for a chance at the shiny variant!
What is Dragonite’s max CP?
Dragonite’s maximum CP is 3,792 at level 50 with perfect 15/15/15 IVs. At level 40, the max CP is approximately 3,450.
π‘ Pro Tips for Using Dragonite
Here are some advanced strategies and tips to maximize Dragonite’s potential in Pokemon GO:
1. IV Optimization
For raids and gym battles, prioritize Dragonite with high Attack IVs (15 Attack is ideal). The Attack stat contributes most to damage output in PvE content.
For PvP battles, the ideal IVs depend on the league:
- Great League: Look for low Attack, high Defense and HP (0/15/15 is often ideal)
- Ultra League: Similar to Great League, optimize for stat product under 2500 CP
- Master League: Perfect 15/15/15 IVs are best since there’s no CP cap
2. Power Up Priority
Before investing Stardust and Candy into Dragonite, consider:
- Do you have enough resources? (Powering to level 50 costs 296,000 Stardust and 296 Candy)
- Will this Pokemon fill a gap in your battle team?
- Are there better alternatives for the same role?
- Do you have the optimal moveset or need Elite TMs?
3. Team Composition
Dragonite works best when paired with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses. As a Dragon/Flying type weak to Ice, Dragon, consider adding team members that resist these types.
4. Weather Considerations
Take advantage of weather boosts:
- When catching: Weather-boosted Dragonite spawns at higher levels (up to 35)
- When battling: Weather that boosts Dragon moves increases your damage output
- When raiding: Spawn weather-boosted counters by raiding in appropriate weather
π Dragonite in the Pokemon Franchise
Dragonite first appeared in Generation 1 of the main Pokemon series. For more detailed lore and information about Dragonite’s origins, check out Bulbapedia.
In Pokemon GO, Dragonite was introduced as part of the Generation 1 Pokemon rollout. Being a Generation 1 Pokemon, Dragonite has been available since the game’s launch in July 2016.
π How Dragonite Compares
Let’s see how Dragonite stacks up against other Dragon-type Pokemon:
| Stat | Dragonite | Type Average | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | 263 | ~180 | βββ |
| Defense | 198 | ~160 | ββ |
| Stamina | 209 | ~170 | βββ |
| Max CP | 3,792 | ~2,500 | βββ |
π― Conclusion
Dragonite is a powerful Dragon/Flying-type Pokemon that can be a valuable addition to your Pokemon GO roster. With a max CP of 3,792 and solid base stats (263/198/209), it stands as one of the premier options for high-level content including Master League PvP and Legendary raids.
Remember to:
- Optimize IVs based on your intended use (PvP vs PvE)
- Use the recommended moveset for maximum effectiveness
- Build a team that covers Dragonite’s weaknesses
- Take advantage of weather boosts when possible
For more Pokemon guides and the complete Pokedex, visit our Pokemon GO Database. Check out our PvP Rankings for the current meta and Raid Guides for battle strategies.
Last updated: January 2026. Information based on the latest Pokemon GO game data.