Dragon-type Pokémon are among the most powerful attackers in Pokémon GO raids, boasting high base stats and access to some of the best moves in the game. Whether you are taking on a Dragon-type raid boss or need a generalist powerhouse, this guide ranks the best Dragon-type attackers for raids in 2026.
Why Dragon-Types Excel in Raids
Dragon-type Pokémon have excellent base stats across the board, with high Attack stats that translate into strong damage output. They resist Fire, Water, Electric, and Grass moves, making them durable in many raid matchups. The only downside is their weakness to Ice, Fairy, Dragon, and Ice-type moves, so choose your battles carefully.
Top Dragon-Type Attackers Ranked
| Rank | Pokémon | Fast Move | Charged Move | DPS | TDO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shadow Salamence | Dragon Tail | Outrage | 18.2 | 342 |
| 2 | Shadow Dragonite | Dragon Tail | Outrage | 17.9 | 365 |
| 3 | Mega Rayquaza | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe | 17.7 | 388 |
| 4 | Dialga (Origin Forme) | Dragon Breath | Roar of Time | 17.5 | 356 |
| 5 | Palkia (Origin Forme) | Dragon Tail | Spacial Rend | 17.3 | 344 |
| 6 | Shadow Garchomp | Dragon Tail | Outrage | 16.8 | 331 |
| 7 | Reshiram | Dragon Breath | Draco Meteor | 16.5 | 352 |
| 8 | Zekrom | Dragon Breath | Outrage | 16.4 | 347 |
| 9 | Haxorus | Dragon Tail | Breaking Swipe | 16.2 | 318 |
| 10 | Latios | Dragon Breath | Dragon Claw | 15.8 | 329 |
Best Budget Dragon-Type Options
Not everyone has access to Shadow Pokémon or Legendaries. Here are strong budget-friendly Dragon-types that are easier to obtain:
- Dragonite — Common in the wild, evolves from Dratini, and learns Dragon Tail + Outrage
- Garchomp — Gible Community Day classic, powerful with Earth Power as coverage
- Kyurem — Available in 5-star raids, learns Dragon Breath + Draco Meteor
- Salamence — Bagon is relatively common, evolves into a top-tier attacker
Dragon-Type Counters for Specific Raids
| Raid Boss | Type | Best Dragon Counter | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragonite | Dragon/Flying | Shadow Mamoswine (Ice) | Shadow Salamence |
| Latias/Latios | Dragon/Psychic | Shadow Salamence | Mega Gengar (Ghost) |
| Dialga | Steel/Dragon | Shadow Machamp (Fighting) | Shadow Salamence |
| Palkia | Water/Dragon | Shadow Salamence | Zekrom |
Final Tips for Dragon-Type Raid Attacking
Dragon-type attackers are versatile but require careful move selection. Always pair Dragon Tail or Dragon Breath with Outrage or Draco Meteor for maximum damage. For more raid strategies, check our Fairy-type raid guide and Ghost-type raid guide for alternative coverage options.









