Dragalge, the Mock Kelp Pokémon. Using a liquid poison, Dragalge indiscriminately attacks anything that wanders into its territory. This poison can corrode the undersides of boats. Since Finizen is the better swimmer, Dragalge will approach it under the cover of seaweed, then immobilize it with a poisonous attack. Their poison is strong enough to eat through the hull of a tanker, and they spit it indiscriminately at anything that enters their territory.

Overview

Drawing inspiration from the common or weedy sea dragon, Dragalge is a fascinating blend of offense and defense. Base 123 Special Defense is what immediately stands out about Dragalge and is quite solid allowing Dragalge to make the most of the plentiful resistances provided by its typing. Being able to absorb multiple blows from the likes of Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, Mega Gengar and Mega Raichu Y proves that Dragalge’s special bulk is nothing to scoff at. That defensive prowess is surpassed by Dragalge’s offense. While Base 97 Special Attack is nothing to write home about, that all changes with Dragalge’s ability. Adaptability is an insane power boost to any Pokémon that gets it, let alone Dragalge and its STAB Draco Meteors. With Adaptability, Dragalge’s STAB attacks are so strong that they are slightly stronger than that of its own Mega Evolution’s even before taking the possibility of power boosting items into account. Add in something like Life Orb, and even Pokémon as bulky as Rotom-Wash and ironically enough opposing Mega Dragalge can be OHKOd.

Such offensive prowess does not apply to Dragalge’s non-STAB attacks, however. While not a total loss given the wide neutral coverage of Dragon and Poison for Fairy types, this leaves Steel types a major blind spot that Dragalge cannot overcome even with coverage. Dragalge’s defensive prowess is similarly flawed. While Dragalge’s Special Defense is quite impressive, the same cannot be said for its physical, though not bad, still struggles to hold up against the myriad of physical attackers dominating the format. What hurts the most though is Dragalge’s lack of recovery. This causes any damage Dragalge incurs to stick with no easy way to recover it, leaving it prone to being worn down. This is especially concerning given Dragalge’s abysmal base 44 Speed ensuring in moves second in nearly all engagements and must rely on its bulk to flourish. Dragalge has the tools for greatness, but its failings leave it better off hiding amongst the reeds.
Positives
Base 123 Special Defense is impressive, allowing Dragagle to tank a few special attacks.
Adaptability grants an absurd power boost, allowing Dragagle to out damage even its Mega Evolution.

Negatives
Base 44 Speed is molasses slow, all but ensuring Dragalage will be hit before acting.
Unable to handle Steel types that resist STABs and are immune to Toxic.
Mediocre physical bulk is prone to being overwhelmed.
Lack of recovery leaves Dragalge prone to being worn down.

Movesets

Seaweed Predator

-Draco Meteor
-Sludge Wave
-Scald
-Thunderbolt
Ability: Adaptability
Item: Life Orb
Stats and Nature:
32 HP / 32 SAtk / 2 SDef
Modest Nature

This Dragalge set pushes its power to the limit making the most of Adaptability boosted attacks to rip holes in the opposing team. Draco Meteor is the star of the set for its sheer power alone, OHKOing even decently bulky targets like Rotom-Wash, Mega Charizard Y, Hippowdon, and even a small chance to OHKO offensive Mega Dragonite through Multiscale. Draco Meteor’s power is as such that even if a bulky Steel type like Corviknight or Mega Metagross still takes at least 50% upon switch in. It must be Steel types too as Fairy types want nothing to do with Dragalge’s Poison STAB with even targets as bulky as 32 HP Mega Floette still being OHKO’d by Sludge Wave. Sludge Wave is also a strong secondary STAB in general that is good for handling chipped targets or for compromising a target so an ally can clean up. Scald is coverage mainly for Excadrill, though the good burn chance is a harsh deterrent towards physical attackers looking to prey on Dragalge’s lesser Defense. Thunderbolt too is for handling Steel types, namely Corviknight and Skarmory, getting reliable 2HKOs where its STABs cannot.

Stats and Items:
A bulky attacker array of 32 HP and Special Attack is recommended for Dragalge. Dragalge’s Speed is unsalvageable, so it is best to invest fully in HP and make good use of that Special Defense for Dragalge to survive a blow and get an attack off. Everything else goes into Special Attack to make Dragalge’s attacks deal as much damage as possible despite its otherwise lacking power. Recommended item is the Life Orb as that is the current item that grants the largest power boost, giving Dragalge as much stopping power as possible. If Choice Specs return, those would be preferable, allowing Dragalge to act as a one time delete button. Dragon Fang is an alternative if one does not want Dragalge to sap its good bulk with Life Orb. Alternatively one could lean into Dragalge’s defensive prowess with Leftovers or Sitrus Berry, giving Dragalge a bit more staying power and the possibility of getting another attack off.

Partners:
Steel types are a huge issue for Dragalge, so partners that can answer them are a must. Mega Charizard Y and Mega Delphox immediately stand out as nuclear attackers that can melt most Steel types in an instant on top of being able to pivot into Ground attacks sent Dragalge’s way. Both like Dragalge’s ability to absorb Water attacks with ease, as well as Electric in the case of Mega Charizard Y. Mega Blaziken also stands out due to its STABs and Earthquake covering every Steel type out there, while appreciating Dragalge’s sheer power for compromising if not removing physical walls like Hippowdon. Given Dragalge’s unimpressive Defense, it is inevitable opponents would try to exploit it, so having a physically bulky ally to take such blows is invaluable. Corviknight and Skarmory are standout picks, their high Defense, immunity to Ground and resistance to Dragon complementing Dragalge’s Special Defense, and Electric and Fire resistances nicely. Their ability to control hazards also helps Dragalge stay healthy, and chip opponents into Draco Meteor KO range. Mega Sableye can also work as a physical answer, with Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers and Dark STABs to handle Psychic attackers. Mega Slowbro is another decent partner given its Ice and Psychic resistances on top of truly absurd physical bulk and Water STAB to threaten Ground attackers. Dragalge provides value in turn by being able to absorb Toxic and Toxic Spikes that Slowbro wants nothing to do with as well as Grass and Electric moves.

Other Options:
Focus Blast is Dragalge’s best option against Steel types. Dragon Pulse is an alternative Dragon STAB option that doesn’t drop Dragalge’s Special Attack, making it ideal for cleaning up weakened foes without forcing Dragalge immediately out. Toxic and Toxic Spikes are great utility for Pokémon Dragalge can’t deal meaningful damage to, placing such targets on a timer. Flip Turn is worth consideration on any Dragalge set simply for the sheer value that a slow pivot provides.

Countering Dragalge

While Dragalge’s Adaptability boosted attacks are worth respect, its abysmal speed and flawed defenses means it doesn’t get many chances to use them.

Steel types are Dragalge’s biggest bane, resisting both STABs on top of being immune to Toxic, giving Dragalge few reliable outs. Mega Mawile all but counters Dragalge being immune to both STABs by virtue of its typing, while outspeeding and favored to OHKO with Play Rough. The only thing Mega Mawile fears is an unlucky Scald Burn. Mega Metagross, and Gholdengo are similarly oppressive due to not being weak to any coverage Dragalge has. The same is true of Aegislash, but as Dragalge is slower, it can strike at Aegislash’s frailer Blade form much more easily and Aegislash can struggle to OHKO Dragalge. Corviknight and Skarmory only have issues with Thunderbolt, while Excadrill abhors Scald and Focus Blast.

32 HP / 32+ Special Defense Galarian Slowking is also a big issue for Dragalge, given its immunity to Toxic, ability to absorb Toxic Spikes and sheer special bulk causing even Life Orb Draco Meteor to cap at 69% while being able to Slack Off any damage and threaten back with Psychic STAB.

Given the difficult to absorb Draco Meteors from Dragalge, checking it offensively is generally the way to go. Ground attackers like Garchomp, Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Diggersby all make short work of Dragalge. Triple Axel Weavile, Meowscarada, and Mega Lopunny also grab easy knockouts. Dragon attackers also work well, with Hydreigon, Kommo-o, Dragapult, and (Mega) Dragonite all making quick work of Dragalge. Mega Delphox with Psyshock, and Mega Froslass with Blizzard can also do the deed.

Even without super effective attacks, physical attackers easily overwhelm Dragalge and will reliably one to two hit KO it, especially given Dragalge’s inability to effectively recover.

Mega Corner

Mega Dragalge, the Mock Kelp Pokémon. It spits a liquid that causes the regenerative power of cells to run wild. The liquid is deadly poison to everything other than itself.

Overview

The original Poison Dragon type, Dragalge always had a reputation for its enduring presence and with its new Mega Evolution, pushes it to the extreme. With base 163 Special Defense, Mega Dragalge has the highest currently available and third highest in the full history of Pokémon allowing it to weather even the fiercest of Special Attacks. Base 105 Defense, while nowhere near as impressive, cannot be called bad either, allowing Mega Dragalge to stomach a physical blow or several depending on stat investment. Poison-Dragon is a solid defensive pairing as well with handy resistances to Water, Electric, Fire, and Fighting, granting Mega Dragalge no lack of opportunity to pivot in and soak up attacks that would down most others. Yet what truly pushes Mega Dragalge’s defensive profile over the edge is gaining Regenerator upon Mega Evolution. With this, Mega Dragalge not only solves the biggest issue with its lack of longevity but gains a hypothetical infinite amount of healing, allowing it to pivot in repeatedly. Mega Dragalge can utilize this bulk to great effect, either repeatedly laying Toxic Spikes or just manually spreading Toxic in general and just running out the clock. Or go on the offense as a much-improved base 132 Special Attack allows Mega Dragalge to hit fairly hard, generally knocking out most targets in two hits, especially with the wide coverage of its STABs, Thunderbolt and Scald/Hydro Pump. While not getting OHKOs is a disappointment, Mega Dragalge’s sheer bulk means even when it is 2HKOing it is generally trading positively against most Pokémon.

There are a myriad of factors holding our transformed weedy sea dragon back. While Mega Dragalage’s defenses are fantastic, the same can’t be said about its HP. Base 60 HP is a significant letdown to the sheer bulk that Mega Dragalge otherwise boasts, requiring full investment to make the most of Mega Dragalge’s defenses. Mega Dragalge will need to given its pitiful base 44 Speed means that it is moving last in almost all scenarios, and thus must rely on its defenses to make up for the hits it is forced to take. This exasperates Mega Dragalge’s poor matchup against other Dragon types that it would otherwise threaten and makes any opponent that can exploit its Ground, Ice and Dragon weaknesses much more of an untenable matchup. Furthermore, Mega Dragalge is quite comparable to Galarian Slowking who possesses phenomenal special bulk and Poison typing at a far lower opportunity cost. Offensively, Mega Dragalge struggles greatly against Steel types, having nothing but the unreliable Focus Blast to answer them which Mega Dragalge struggles to fit on an already cramped moveset. This does little to change how Mega Dragalge’s superb durability and potent power can dictate the course of a match and how it demands specific answers or become impossible to remove.
Positives
Base 163 Special Defense is one of the best in the series, allowing Mega Dragalge to survive even super effective Special Attacks.
Base 105 Defense is solid, giving Mega Dragalge some physical durability.
Regenerator is an absurd ability, offering endless healing and generating advantage just by switching out.
An amazing base 132 Special Attack ensures Mega Dragalge is far from passive for a defensive Pokémon.

Negatives
Base 44 Speed is molasses slow, all but ensuring Mega Dragalage will be hit before acting.
Loses against most Dragon types despite mutual advantage.
Struggles to handle Steel types that resist STABs and are immune to Toxic.

Movesets

The Ocean Hunter

-Toxic Spikes
-Draco Meteor
-Sludge Bomb
-Flip Turn
Ability: Adaptability -> Regenerator
Item: Dragalgite
Stats and Nature:
32 HP / 32 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature

This Mega Dragalge set makes the most of its defenses, repeatedly coming in to absorb attacks, continuously establish Toxic Spikes and pivot out. With Mega Dragagle’s defensive profile, it can come in on some of the scariest attackers around like Mega Charizard Y, Primarina, Mega Raichu Y, Volcarona, Mega Meganium, Hisuian-Zoroark, and Mega Pyroar, just to name a few. Mega Dragalge makes ample use of the wide opportunities afforded by its defensive profile to setup Toxic Spikes, placing every Grounded non-Poison immune target on a timer, one that Mega Dragalge can easily run out. Draco Meteor is a more immediate threat, doing large damage to a wide range of Pokémon, easily picking off most neutral targets from at least half health. The Special Attack drop matters little given how Regenerator means Mega Dragalge generates advantage even when pivoting out. Sludge Bomb is secondary STAB, valued for hitting the Fairy types that could otherwise come in and absorb a Draco Meteor, doing 50-60% to even Fairy types as bulky as Max HP Mega Floette. Flip Turn is an incredible pivoting option for Mega Dragalge that pushes it to the next level. Not only can Mega Dragalge use Flip Turn to reset Draco Meteor’s Special Attack drops and trigger Regenerator, but with Mega Dragalge’s slow speed it is an amazing slow pivot and can get any ally in safely, a powerful positioning tool. The damage Flip Turn inflicts, while minor, is invaluable, breaking Focus Sashes and Multiscale and pushing opposing Pokémon that much more closely to being knocked out.

Stats and Items:
The given spread aims to maximize Mega Dragalge’s physical bulk throwing everything into HP and Defense, granting it a more rounded defensive profile. This stat spread allows Mega Dragalge to survive the likes of Adamant Garchomp’s Earthquake, Jolly Meowscarda’s Triple Axel, Adamant Basculegion’s 2 Ally Last Respects, and Adamant Mamoswine’s Earthquake. Alternatively one could go all in on Special Defense, further emphasizing Mega Dragalge’s role as a special wall. With full investment into Special Defense, Timid Mega Floette’s Light of Ruin only does 54-63% and Modest Hydreigon’s Draco Meteor only doing 70-84% to Mega Dragalge, greatly improving its special walling capabilities against its dedicated targets. Item is locked to the Dragalgite.

Partners:
Corviknight and Skarmory make for natural partners for Mega Dragalge, readily absorbing Ground, Dragon and to a lesser extent Psychic attacks from the ubiquitous Garchomp, Hippowdon and Mega Metagross that Mega Dragalge struggles with. In return, Mega Dragalge makes an excellent pivot into the Fire and Electric attacks normally used to handle Corviknight and Skarmory. Corviknight is more direct in its checking as an IronPress sweeper, while Skarmory can stack more hazards Spikes or Stealth Rock, further grinding opponent’s down into Mega Dragalge’s KO range. While Mega Dragalge’s base bulk is great, it can be overwhelmed by setup sweepers, especially if lacking Dragon Tail. While such sweepers can be deterred by Toxic poisoning, Mega Dragalge can struggle to survive long enough to get the knockout. As such, allies that can handle such attackers are invaluable for Mega Dragalge’s own walling efforts. Skeledirge is arguably the best at this given its strong matchup into Steel types that Mega Dragalge struggles to break through on its own, despite the shared Ground weakness. Mimikyu is also a strong option given its ability to survive any one hit and myriad of crippling options including Curse, Will-O-Wisp as well as Speed control in Trick Room.

Other Options:
Toxic is more immediate than Toxic Spikes, allowing Mega Dragalge to place opponents on a timer immediately instead of requiring setup and switch out, and allows for more control on who gets Poisoned. Sludge Wave is a slightly stronger alternative to Sludge Bomb but with a lower Poison chance. Venoshock pairs wonderfully with Toxic and Toxic Spikes giving Mega Dragalge a secondary STAB that can be just as strong as Draco Meteor. Thunderbolt is a coverage option that is great in handling Corviknight and Skarmory, as well as an option for more reliably pressuring Mega Staraptor. Scald threatens Excadrill, and the Burn chance goes a long way in handling physical attackers, but pairs poorly with Toxic Spikes. Dragon Tail gives Mega Dragalge a direct method to handle setup sweepers and trigger Toxic Spikes and Fairy types don’t want to pivot in to block because of Poison STAB. Focus Blast is Mega Dragalge’s best answer into Steel types, but is unreliable.

Doubles and VGC Options

Mega Dragalge has not risen to the same heights in Doubles that it has in Singles. This is in part due to the issue all defensive Pokémon face where their bulk is far more surmountable in Doubles due to there being multiple Pokémon attacking at once. Mega Dragalge is no exception to this, and this is even before getting into poor matchups with common staples like Garchomp, Farigiraf and Steel types in general. Mega Dragalge also lacks the instant stopping power expected by most other Mega Evolutions, giving its opposition more chances to attack. Past these issues, Mega Dragalge is a phenomenal Trick Room attacker, being difficult to remove while doing enough damage that Mega Dragalge cannot be ignored. Fantastic matchups into other staples especially the Mega Charizard Y+ Fairy cores, as well Mega Raichu Y, Torkoal, Sneasler, and Whimsicott further increases Mega Dragalge’s worth. While Mega Dragalge does have answers, they are limited in scope, and if preemptively compromised can mean there is nothing to stop Mega Dragalge.

Lurker in the Reeds

-Dragon Pulse
-Sludge Bomb
-Thunderbolt
-Protect
Ability: Adaptability -> Regenerator
Item: Dragalgite
Stat Points and Nature:
32 HP / 2 Def / 32 SAtk
Modest Nature

Mega Dragalge's niche in doubles as a bulky attacker, being too strong to simply ignore, and so bulky that it will require specific answers or a dedicated effort to beat down. This set is meant to work alongside Trick Room as a dedicated attacker, though Mega Dragalge's sheer bulk is enough that it can excel outside of it with the proper support. Dragon Pulse is Mega Dragalge's primary STAB, not only for the wide coverage it offers, but also pressuring opposing Dragon types that will be called upon to remove Mega Dragalge, placing more pressure on the opponent. Sludge Bomb is secondary STAB, but no less important for its ability to threaten Fairy types like Mega Floette and Sylveon and the high Poison chance can place even bulkier opponents on a timer. Thunderbolt is coverage against Steel types, though being able to reliably 2HKO the likes of Mega Charizard Y and +1 Special Defense Mega Staraptor allows Mega Dragalge to continue to provide the offensive pressure. Protect is the best move in Doubles and is invaluable for blocking Fake Out, punishing focus fire, stalling for Trick Room setup, stalling out detrimental field conditions and more.

Preferred Partners & Other Options:
As bulky as Mega Dragalge is normally, allies that can improve its defensive profile can make it downright oppressive. Incineroar stands out immediately not only for Intimidate and Parting Shot, but also its Flare Blitz handling Steel types and Dark STAB threatening Psychic types. Sinistcha is also notable between Hospitality and Life Dew for healing, as a Trick Room setter, redirector for Ground attacks and the ability to burn with Matcha Gatcha, Sinistcha is possibly Mega Dragalge’s greatest enabler. Screen setters like Grimmsnarl and Alolan Ninetails also work well, with the former handling Psychic types and the latter threatening opposing Dragon types. Draco Meteor is a much stronger Dragon STAB option and given Regenerator, the near forced switch after the Special Attack drop just heals up any damage Mega Dragalge has incurred. Flip Turn pairs amazingly with Draco Meteor and Regenerator, allowing Mega Draglage to pivot out while chipping the opponent. Out of Trick Room, Mega Dragalge is an amazing slow pivot that can get an ally in safely. While Toxic is normally excessively slow for Doubles, Mega Dragalge is great at slowing a battle’s pace down to a crawl and Toxic directly punishes protecting to stall out Trick Room. .

Countering Mega Dragalge

Mega Dragalge’s bulk is truly astounding and with its switching tendencies impossible to pin down, but its flawed offenses means it can’t have answers to every situation.

Steel types are a consistent check to Mega Dragalge, immune to Toxic and Toxic Spikes, immune to Poison STAB while resisting Dragon STAB while fearing only the rare Focus Blast or auxiliary coverage. Mega Metagross is easily Mega Dragalge’s biggest nightmare, its special bulk being phenomenonal while Psychic Fangs is an OHKO an all but fully invested Defense Mega Dragalge. Mega Mawile isn't far behind, by dint of being immune to both STABs, and not weak to any coverage. The only thing holding Mega Mawile back is its inability to OHKO Mega Dragalge. Gholdengo is immune to even Focus Blast while +2 Life Orb Make It Rain OHKOs. Aegislash is in an awkard position in that Mega Dragalge is slower than it and can hit the weaker Special Defense of Blade Form, but physically offensive Aegislash reliably 2HKOs even fully physical Mega Dragalge. Excadrill abhors any Water coverage but otherwise offers a swift OHKO on anything but 32/32+ Mega Dragalge. Archaludon may not be OHKO’d by Draco Meteor, but it is still does at least 50%, which can compromise Archaludon for the rest of Mega Dragalge’s teammates. Archaludon also misses the OHKO on Specially Defensive Mega Dragalge, though even then will be doing at least 59-70% with Draco Meteor. Blackglasses Kingambit can 2HKO specially defensive Mega Dragalge, but only does 40-47% to physically defensive Mega Dragalge. While this still outpaces Mega Dragalge, it leaves Kingambit much more vulnerable Scald sets.

Poison types, while not found of Draco Meteors do avoid the worst of Mega Dragalge, being immune to Toxic and wiping away Toxic Spikes. Mega Venusaur with Earth Power will 3HKO while Draco Meteor only deals 43-51%. Mega Venusaur will need Synthesis to outlast Mega Dragalge, as Giga Drain will not suffice. Mega Glimmora can 3HKO with Earth Power, but fears Water coverage and is 2HKO’d by Draco Meteor.

The best way to handle Mega Dragalge is to threaten it with strong attackers that can exploit its weaknesses. Such Pokémon will often force Mega Dragalge to directly switch out and not flip turn, forcing its much less durable partners to soak up damage. Mega Starmie, Mega Froslass, Meowscarda, Mega Greninja, Mamoswine, and Mega Swampert. Dragon types are a bit more contentious as while they can threaten Mega Dragalge with an OHKO, Mega Dragalge can threaten them back with an OHKO of its own and depending on how it is statted can survive the Dragon attack, though it will need to be healthy to do so. Dragonite, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Mega Charizard X and Mega Dragonite all fall under this category.

Spikes and Stealth Rocks are also important in handling Mega Dragalge, chipping it when it comes in and undoing some of the healing from Regenerator.

Anime Appearences

Dragalge has made a few appearances in the anime. Most notably, it was used by Drasna during her battle against Ash in the World Coronation Series # -English Episode Name- -Jp. Episode Name- Pics 827 An Undersea Place to Call Home! The Castle on the Seabed! Skrelp & Dragalge!! Pics M17 Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction The Cocoon of Destruction and Diancie Pics 1192 The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy! Ash & Clemont! Special Friendship Training!! Pics 1193 Taking Two For The Team! Ultra Class! VS Elite Four Drasna! Pics 31 Song Within the Mist The Song in the Mist Pics 32 Lapras's Feelings for its Friends Lapras' Thoughts for its Companions Pics