In every Pokemon generation, there are a couple of creatures that become team staples due to how competitively viable they are. In Sword and Shield, one of those creatures was Dragapult, and it is available in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Before players run off to catch it, they should consider whether any of the new Pokemon from Gen 9 manage to do what Dragapult does better and whether the ghostly dragon is still competitively viable.
With each generation, the nature of the competitive scene changes, and things are no different with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The games introduce new Pokemon with unique type combinations, as well as a new battle mechanic called Terastallization. These changes haven't made Dragapult useless, but they are enough to make gamers think twice before picking it.
The Many Strengths of Dragapult
Dragapult is a Dragon/Ghost dual-type Pokemon introduced in Gen 8. It is the final form of the Dreepy evolutionary line, and it manages to stand out from the horde of dragons for many reasons, including its strange design. It has a green body that trails off like a wisp of smoke, and its triangular head holds a pair of Dreepy. The Pokemon's design is likely based on the Gerrothorax which is an extinct amphibian that also has a triangular head.
Dragapult is not loved for its looks alone, as it also is an effective competitor on the battlefield. The pseudo-legendary's typing leaves it immune to Normal-type and Fighting-type moves. Furthermore, it has a high base Speed stat of 142, an impressive Attack stat of 120, and a Special Attack stat of 100. It also learns a host of powerful moves, including Dragon Rush, Double-Edge, and Draco Meteor, which can devastate unprepared foes. Not unexpectedly, the Pokemon was used frequently during the Sword and Shield era, and many players will be interested in using it again in Scarlet and Violet's competitive scene. However, since Sword and Shield, there have been new Pokemon introduced that might be better alternatives.
Dragapult's Competitors in Scarlet and Violet
Dragapult is still a viable Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, though players might find themselves drawn to newer Pokemon who get the job done better. Superior options come in the form of the Paradox Pokemon from the past and future. Flutter Mane in particular is a good replacement for Dragapult as it is a Ghost/Fairy dual-type. Being part Ghost-type gives it immunity to Normal-type and Fighting-type moves, as is the case with Dragapult, but it also gains immunity to Dragon-type moves thanks to the Fairy-typing. With a base Speed of 135 and a Special Attack of 135, it can attack hard and fast.
Another good Ghost-type Pokemon to replace Dragapult is Gholdengo, which has the honor of being Pokemon 1000. Its Steel/Ghost dual-typing has three immunities (Normal, Fighting, and Poison), and its Special Attack stat of 135 allows it to pack a good punch. It also has the signature move Make It Rain which strikes with 120 Power, and the signature ability Good as Gold which protects it from any status conditions. Gholdengo has already found lots of use competitively, and it will likely only grow more popular as players figure out how to get the most out of it.
The unique Pokemon designs found in Scarlet and Violet bode well for future generations, and they illustrate that Game Freak isn't out of creativity yet. Unfortunately, performance problems plague the current generation, and this can diminish the overall experience for some. If these problems can be addressed, Pokemon has a bright future ahead of it.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
