The Dragon-type is a firm favorite among Pokemon players, frequently among the most powerful additions to any team. These Pokemon take a lot of effort to train, often evolving in the later level stages. But the wait is certainly worth it, with trainers being treated to fiercely powerful creatures with equally impressive designs.
Compared to other types in the Pokemon universe, Dragon-type Pokemon are a little rarer than the rest. And that’s what makes their designs all the more incredible, as these are often inspired by mythological creatures from across the world or prehistoric animals that were once the rulers of the Earth.
10 Noivern
Known as the Sound Wave Pokemon, Noivern’s design takes on that of a draconic bat through a dragon-shaped body with bat wings and claws. It shares major similarities with species like the Leaf-Nosed bat through the distinctive red marking on its face, the Long-Eared bat with its large ears, and the Fruit Bat in size.
Its sound speaker-shaped ears represent the ultrasonic abilities of bats, which in this case, it uses to fend off enemies by weakening them “with ultrasonic waves that could crush stone,” according to its Pokedex entry in Shield.
9 Dragonair
The serpentine look of Dragonair continues the motif from its pre-evolution Dratini, showcasing a connection to dragons of Korean legend. Known as the Imugi, these “gigantic land serpents” eventually “transform into true dragons,” which only happens “from time and patience.” This makes sense when considering its significant evolutionary jump to Dragonite, which bears nearly no resemblance to that of Dratini or Dragonite.
Regarded as a mystical Pokemon in Pokedex entries, Dragonair’s minimal design features two wings on the side of its head that look similar to that of the Greek God Hermes and pearl-like gems on its neck and tail.
8 Kommo-o
Kommo-o is a land-based dragon, but it makes up for its lack of wings with the armored scales adorning its body. This Dragon/Fighting-type imbues an aura of power, shown through its large, forebody claws and stature. The design entirely relies on the armored scales, which “function as offense and defense,” according to its Pokedex entry in Moon.
These armor plates are reminiscent of a pangolin, and Kommo-o’s reptilian stature is reminiscent of the Mo’o in Hawaiian mythology, which were “large creatures with long and terrifying bodies.”
7 Goodra
Dripping in slime, Goodra would have suited a dual Poison-typing. Instead, this Pokemon is referred to as simply the Dragon Pokemon. Goodra’s design may not have many draconic qualities, but it could be based on the Lou Carcolh of French mythology. This was said to be a “monstrous snail-like creature,” which fits with the four stalks on its head and the curled tail.
Despite the seemingly docile nature of its design, Goodra can pack one hell of a punch. According to its Pokedex entry in Violet, Goodra “is uncontrollable when enraged” and “rampages on and on, lashing its tail with enough power to send a dump truck flying.”
6 Haxorus
Known as the Axe Jaw Pokemon, the protruding tusks of Haxorus’ pre-evolution Axew have transformed into fully-fledged battle-axes. This imposingly fierce Pokemon has an effortless design, which immediately draws players' eyes to its primary tools of combat - its tusks. Haxorus is proud of these, too, which are described as its “pride and joy” that it maintains by consuming minerals from dirt.
Haxorus resembles dinosaurs in its design, particularly the Heterodontosaurus, which “had the capacity for biting, tearing, and grinding with its three kinds of teeth,” according to the University of California, Berkeley.
5 Roaring Moon
Introduced in Scarlet, Roaring Moon is a prehistoric Paradox Pokemon believed to be an ancient relative of Salamance. The Dragon/Dark-type takes inspiration from the Pokemon’s Mega Evolution, going by the crescent shape and continuous wingspan. However, the wings are now feathered with two colors, most likely referring to the belief that dinosaurs had feathers.
Roaring Moon’s design relates directly to its wings, becoming the ultimate version of Salamance. As cool as the original design looks, the wings always lacked in some capacity, looking too small to carry its heavy frame. This was slightly improved with the Mega Evolved form, but this certainly tops it.
4 Flygon
Flygon's design plays on its name, taking on the look of a reptilian dragonfly. The wings are subtly patterned to resemble dragonfly wings, and the tail is similar in length. While the design relies heavily on the draconic part, Flygon still has insect qualities concerning the transparent red orbs over its eyes.
As a desert-dwelling Pokemon, these red orbs protect Flygon from the sand whipping up it hides in, as detailed in the FireRed and LeafGreen Pokedex entries. However, it’s strange that it hides itself in the sand but is pale green instead of beige or light brown.
3 Drampa
Drampa’s design exudes good vibes and wise energy, with its name linking to the elderly look of the dragon with its white, wispy fur. But don't get any predispositions, as when it's angered, it “stirs up a gale and flattens everything around,” according to its Pokedex entry in Shield.
Of all the Dragon-types, Drampa has the most traditional Chinese dragon design. It has a particularly strong connection to the Zhulong dragon, considered a God in Chinese mythology. While these dragons are typically red, Drampa’s color palette consists of pastel green and yellow shades, matching the vibe of its Alolan habitat.
2 Mega Garchomp
The pseudo-legendary Garchomp got a makeover in X & Y, being one of the lucky few to receive a Mega Evolved form. Garchomp has always been a favorite among fans and has a fantastic design. But its Mega Evolution improves upon this even further. The wings on its arms change into sharp sickle blades, and the spikes protruding from its body increase, now appearing on its chest.
Mega Garchomp looks vicious but also in pain, which is solidified by its Pokedex entry in Ultra Sun, revealing that the “excess energy” from Mega Evolution has melted “its arms and wings” into sickles. The rest of Garchomp’s design has received a subtle overhaul, including increased shark-like qualities and a more prominent jaw.
1 Dragapault
Known as the Stealth Pokemon, Dragapault is the only non-legendary Dragon/Ghost-type in the series. This draconic Pokemon resembles the prehistoric amphibian Diplocaulus, which its Ghost-typing may allude to, as that creature has long been extinct. Dragapault’s tail fades out to be ghostly transparent. If it concentrates enough, it can do this to its whole body, according to its Pokedex entry in Scarlet.
Dragapault’s head resembles a stealth bomber with compartments that shoot little Dreepy out of like missiles. But don’t worry, these Pokemon relish this task and “eagerly look forward to being launched at Mach speeds,” as described in Shield’s Pokedex entry.