All Dragonite weaknesses in Pokemon Go & best counters

Aakrit Sharma
Dragonite Pokemon Go

Dragonite has been one of the most sought-after Pokemon in Pokemon Go since its launch. It is a nightmare to face this Dragon-Type beast in raids and battles, but this guide will list all its weaknesses and best counters.

Dragonite is one of the best Pokemon in Pokemon Go for several reasons. It belongs to the Dragon-Type which generally dominates the Master League. Moreover, it can learn a wide range of Normal, Dragon, and Steel-Type moves that are effective against several Pokemon.

Having said that, every Pokemon including Dragonite has its weaknesses and certain attacks are ‘super effective’ against it.

Dragonite Pokemon

All Dragonite weaknesses in Pokemon Go

Ice-Type Pokemon

Ice-Type Pokemon are Dragnoite’s Kryptonite in Pokemon Go. This is because Ice attacks deal extra damage to Flying and Dragon-Type Pokemon and Dragonite belongs to both these categories. Accordingly, Ice moves deal 256% damage against the flying dragon.

The best Ice-Type Pokemon in terms of attack and durability are:

  • Mamoswine
  • Weavile
  • Glaceon
  • Beartic
  • Articuno
  • Lapras
  • Cloyster

The most promising fast Ice moves in Pokemon Go are Ice Fang, Ice Shard, and Frost Breath. For Charged moves, relying on Avalanche, Ice Punch, and Blizzard is recommended.

Glaceon Pokemon

Fairy-Type Pokemon

Fairy-Type Pokemon can also give Dragonite a tough time because of their additional damage and immunity to Dragon-Type attacks. However, they are much harder to unlock.

Fairy-Type attacks like Dazzling Gleam, Draining Kiss, and Moonblast are super effective against Dragon-Type Pokemon. Sylveon, Clefable, and Wigglytuff also gain a STAB (Same-Type attack bonus) when they use Fairy-Type attacks which makes their DPS even better.

To make a perfect Fairy-Type Pokemon to face Dragonite, just equip them with one of the aforementioned Charged Moves and Charm (fast attack).

Sylveon Pokemon

Rock & Dragon-Type Pokemon

Rock-Type Pokemon like Golem, Tyranitar, and Rhyperior can be great against Dragonite. Their attacks deal 160% extra damage, and apart from Steel Wing, none of Dragonite’s attacks are effective against them.

While Rock Throw and Smack Down are the best Rock-Type fast moves, Rock Slide and Stone Edge are the best Charged Moves.

Other Dragon-Type Pokemon are also effective against Dragonite but they should be your last resort because only Legendary Pokemon can outclass the latter. Dragonite itself is a Dragon-Type and primarily learns Dragon-Type attacks that are outright lethal when combined with its massive Combat Power.

Best Pokemon to use against Dragonite in Pokemon Go

It is worth noting that Dragonite can learn Steel Wing which is super effective against Ice, Rock, and Fairy-Type Pokemon. Clearly, this move is a game-changer.

Even though the Pokemon mentioned above (especially Ice) will deal a ton of damage against Dragonite, it is equally important for them to stay alive. Their immunity is significantly affected by Steel Wing,

Gyarados vs Dragonite Pokemon

The best Pokemon to have in your party against a Dragonite with Steel Wing is Lapras, followed by Gyarados. Subsequently, you can simply count on the best Ice-Type damage dealers because of the double ‘Super Effective’ scenario.

Similarly, it is safe to use Fairy-Type Pokemon against a Dragonite with Dragon-Type attacks. Last but not least, Rock-Type Pokemon have a solid defense against Flying and Normal moves, which should make them your first options against a Dragonite that has Hurricane or Hyper Beam as a Charged Attack.


All in all, it is evident that Dragonite’s versatility is what makes it one of the best Pokemon out there. Another Pokemon that offers versatility through eight unique evolutions is Eevee, and here’s our guide on the best Eevee evolutions in Pokemon Go.

Image Credits: Niantic, The Pokemon Company

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