Dragonite has long been celebrated as one of the iconic pseudo-legendary Pokémon from Generation 1, and with its introduction as a Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it finally receives the recognition it deserves. However, Mega Dragonite comes with a unique twist: its stat distribution shifts dramatically upon Mega Evolution, transforming it from a primarily physical attacker to a formidable special attacker. This shift makes building optimal movesets and team compositions both exciting and challenging.

Mega Dragonite Stats and Implications

In its base form, Dragonite boasts an attack stat of 134 and a special attack of 100. Once it Mega Evolves, its attack decreases to 124, while its special attack jumps to an impressive 145. Additionally, Mega Dragonite gains 20 points in speed, 20 in defense, and 25 in special defense. These changes turn it into a faster and bulkier special attacker, capable of leveraging powerful moves like Hurricane with devastating efficiency.

The stat changes, however, introduce complexity in moveset decisions. Players must balance between exploiting Mega Dragonite's special attack potential and maintaining physical coverage where necessary.

Recommended Movesets

For Mega Dragonite, the following moves are highly effective:

• Hurricane: With the Mega Evolution boosting special attack, Hurricane becomes a deadly STAB move that can punish opponents heavily.

• Dragon Pulse or Draco Meteor: You can choose between Dragon Pulse for consistent special damage or Draco Meteor for a high-risk, high-reward option. Some players may even experiment with both.

• Thunderbolt: Many popular threats, including Water-types with Ice coverage, can be difficult for Dragonite. Thunderbolt helps mitigate this weakness.

• Extreme Speed: Despite its role as a special attacker, Extreme Speed remains essential for securing KOs due to its priority and speed.

Regarding nature and EV spreads, a modest nature maximizes special attack, while a neutral nature may offer better synergy with Extreme Speed. For alternative physical options, moves like Outrage or coverage moves such as Fire Punch, Ice Punch, and Thunder Punch can be incorporated depending on your strategy and items like Life Orb or Expert Belt.

Base Dragonite Considerations

Even without Mega Evolution, Dragonite remains versatile. Its physical attack is strong, and coverage options like Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and even Dragon Rush or Iron Head allow it to handle a variety of threats. Extreme Speed is equally critical here, making Dragonite a reliable finisher. Life Orb or Expert Belt can amplify its damage output, whereas Assault Vest provides additional bulk for more defensive playstyles.

Team Building with Mega Dragonite

Choosing teammates for Mega Dragonite is crucial to maximize its potential. Popular synergistic combinations include:

• Metagross: Setting up screens like Reflect or Light Screen allows Mega Dragonite to safely switch in and capitalize on its special attack. Rocky Helmet or other supportive items enhance team utility.

• Fairy-types (Gardevar, Sylveon, Clefable): These Pokémon cover Dragonite’s weaknesses and complement its strengths. Be mindful of team balance to avoid redundant screen setters.

• Steel-types (Scizor, Metagross variants): Pairing with a solid steel-type allows your team to manage Fairy-types effectively, ensuring coverage diversity.

When building a team, always consider whether Mega Dragonite will be your Mega target or if you plan to run its base form. The differences in stats between forms mean that your teammates must compensate for specific weaknesses, particularly Ice-type coverage from threats like Gyarados or Greninja.

Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a versatile and powerful addition to any ranked team. Its unique shift from physical to special attacker opens up diverse strategies, while its wide movepool allows creative team compositions. When building around Dragonite, balance coverage, item choice, and teammate selection carefully to leverage its full potential. Whether you favor its Mega form or base form, Dragonite remains a cornerstone Pokémon for competitive play.

For players looking to experiment further, the game also features opportunities to buy custom pokemon or explore custom pokemon legends za for sale, which can provide additional flexibility for creative team builds.