Dragonair is technically a pre-evolution of Dragonite, but it holds its own in formats where Eviolite is allowed. Only weak to Ice and Dragon. Known as the Dragon Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
An unusually even spread gives Dragonair flexibility. Attack barely edges ahead. But HP isn't far off. Tough to catch and follows a slow 1.25M XP grind. Yields 2 Attack EVs.
They say that if it emits an aura from its whole body, the weather will begin to change instantly.
Its crystalline orbs appear to give this Pokémon the power to freely control the weather.
Dragonair Weakness
AvgDragonair is weak to Ice and Dragon-type moves. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. Just 2 weak spots to worry about, which keeps teambuilding straightforward.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Partway through Dratini's chain. Dragonair still has another evolution ahead before reaching Dragonite. For breeding, takes forever to hatch with a decent partner pool via two egg groups. HP has grown the most so far (+20), but there's still another 180 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Dragonair to get Dratini eggs easily using 30 partners from the Dragon and Water1 egg groups. Notable egg moves include Dragon Breath, Dragon Dance, Dragon Rush and 5 more.
One boost from Dragon Dance and Dragonair gets dangerous fast. The Jolly nature targets max Attack and Speed, and Shedskin backs the whole approach. Dragon Dance and Water coverage handle most of what's left standing.
Best Build
Best Dragonair Moveset
- Dragon Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Waterfall
- Rest
Recommended Teammates
Egg moves make a real difference. Dragonair gets Dragon Breath and Dragon Dance exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Normal and Water coverage and more rounds out the picture alongside Draco Meteor and Outrage.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Dragonair sits at moderate rates across 2 spots in late-game fishing spots. Pick one from the sorted list and commit to it. Jumping between areas wastes more time than waiting in the right location.
Where To Catch Dragonair in HeartGold & SoulSilver
To get Dragonair, start by catching Dratini through fishing, gift, and more encounters at Lv. 5-40. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch DratiniEFFORTLESSDragon's DenSoulSilverGift from NPCLv.15CommonEarlyEFFORTLESSDragon's DenHeartGoldGift from NPCLv.15CommonEarlyMODERATEDragon's DenHeartGoldSurfing on waterLv.5-15UncommonEarlyMODERATEDragon's DenSoulSilverSurfing on waterLv.5-15UncommonEarlyMODERATEGoldenrod City - Game CornerSoulSilverGift from NPCLv.15LimitedEarlyCityPurchase: 2,100 coinsMODERATEGoldenrod City - Game CornerHeartGoldGift from NPCLv.15LimitedEarlyCityPurchase: 2,100 coinsHARDDragon's DenSoulSilverGood RodLv.20RareMidHARDDragon's DenHeartGoldGood RodLv.20RareMidEASYDragon's DenHeartGoldSuper RodLv.40CommonLateEASYDragon's DenSoulSilverSuper RodLv.40CommonLate
Step 2Dragonair ✓EXTREMEDragon's DenSoulSilverSuper RodLv.40RareLateEXTREMEDragon's DenHeartGoldSuper RodLv.40RareLateor evolve from Dratini (Step 1)
Dragonair is meant to evolve into Dragonite. At 420 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Shed Skin is the go-to ability for Dragonair. It has a 33% chance of curing any major status ailment after each turn. Its hidden ability Marvel Scale can work in specific setups.
Base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Dragonair is leaning toward the physical side (base 84 Attack).
Dragonair appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Dragonair has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A