Pokemon is known for creating strange and wonderful creatures in each Generation, and new moves and abilities come along with these creatures. A strong move can make the difference between success and failure in a battle. In fact, even some of the weakest Pokemon can vastly improve their combat worth by learning great moves.
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Dragon-types have always been a fan favorite in the Pokemon community. While they do have a few drawbacks, Dragon-types make strong additions to any team. Even if players can't have a Dragon-type, they may still be able to teach their Pokemon Dragon-type moves. But of these, which are the best? Let's take a look at the best Dragon-type moves of each generation, and rank them by sheer power.
8 Generation VI: None
It's impossible give the lowest ranking in this list to anything except Gen 6. In a "move" that was highly disappointing to all Pokemon fans, particularly to players who love Dragon-types, Generation 6 did not introduce any new Dragon-type moves. That's right, not a single one.
Even though the Pokemon X & Y games contained some fan-favorite Dragon-type Pokemon, this generation of games did not offer a single new move for them to use. It's not exactly the best way for Game Freak to endear themselves to the Dragon-loving Pokemon community.
7 Generation III: Dragon Dance
Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because a move doesn't deal immediate damage, it can't be effective. For example, Dragon Dance, which was introduced in Gen 3, can be a very scary attack in battle.
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Dragon Dance boosts the user's Attack and Speed both by 50%. Add that to a few already scary Dragon-type Pokemon such as Gyarados, Flygon, Haxorus, Kingdra, and Dragapult, and the player has just given their opponent a massive headache. Dragons can take massive advantage of the boosts this move gives, as these Pokemon are often already fast and have high Attack.
6 Generation I: Dragon Rage
Dragon Rage is Generation 1's only Dragon-type move, and it does not disappoint. This particular attack has 100% accuracy and does a static 40 damage to its target, regardless of weaknesses or resistances.
While Dragon Rage is a Special move, the fact that it does a fixed amount of damage makes that a completely moot point. It will hit hard, and hit every time. Dragon Rage is an especially solid move in the early parts of the game, as most Pokemon will not have 40+ HP at that point.
5 Generation V: Dragon Tail
Generation 5 brought the Dragon Tail Move into the Pokeverse. This is a Physical move with 60 base power and 90% accuracy. It also has -6 priority, meaning it always goes last, regardless of the user's or the target's speed stats. At first glance, this move does not seem that exciting. However, Dragon Tail is powerful for a more complex reason.
If this move hits its target, the opponent is forced to switch to the next Pokemon in their party. This is useful against opponents who have given their Pokemon a lot of stat boosts, as switching out will make those disappear. Additionally, if an opponent has sent out a Pokemon the player wants to avoid, Dragon Tail will force it back out. This allows players a chance to fight said Pokemon at a better point in the battle. Both of these strategies are used often in the competitive game.
4 Generation VIII: Breaking Swipe
Gen 8, the latest in the series, gave Dragon lovers a devastating new move, Breaking Swipe. Breaking Swipe is a Physical move with 60 base power and 100% accuracy. As a secondary effect, it will always reduce the Attack stat of the Pokemon hit by 50%.
On top of all that, in dual battles, Breaking Swipe hits both Pokemon on the opponent's side at the same time. All of this combines to make this move a favorite for players in both dual battles and competitive games.
3 Generation IV: Dragon Pulse
Generation 4 added an extremely powerful attack to the Dragon lineup. Dragon Pulse is a Special move with 85 base power and 100% accuracy. In short, it is a simple, reliable damage-dealing attack. Pokemon like Ampharos, Lucario, Dragalge, Noivern, and Drampa can use it very effectively.
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However, Clawitzer may be the Dragon-type that gets the most benefit from Dragon Pulse. This is thanks to its Mega Launcher Ability, which boosts aura and pulse moves by 50%. This makes Dragon Pulse even more powerful, and turns Clawitzer into a real heavy hitter.
2 Generation VII: Clanging Scales
In Gen 7, Clanging Scales was introduced as one of the signature moves of Kommo-o. It is a Special move that truly lives up to the name "Special," because Clanging Scales has 110 base power and 100% accuracy.
The developers obviously recognized that this attack might be a bit too powerful, and thus gave it a handicap. Clanging Scales will always reduce the user's Defense stat by 50%.vWhile this is an extremely powerful move, players must use it strategically and sparingly due to its drawbacks.
1 Generation II: Outrage
Proving that the Pokemon developers love their Dragon-types, the most powerful Move was added to the series very early on. Way back in Generation 2, fans got Outrage. This incredibly powerful attack deals massive physical damage thanks to its 120 base power. It is not only, powerful but a completely reliable move as well, due to having 100% accuracy.
The only drawback is that users are locked into only using Outrage for 2-3 turns. When this ends, the Pokemon is left with the Confusion status. However, experienced players know to have their Outrage-equipped Pokemon hold Perism and Lum Berries in battle. These will cure the Confusion as soon as it activates, giving the Pokemon all of the advantages with no drawback.
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