Generation 6 changed that, introducing the Fairy-type as a counter to the Dragon-types’ reign as the strongest. That hasn’t stopped Dragons from being overpowered though, and mega evolutions only made them stronger. So if you’re running a playthrough in Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire, here are the strongest Dragon-types that you can find on your trip through the Hoenn remakes.
4. Salamence
Salamence is one of Hoenn’s pseudo-legendary Pokémon, and it would top the list if it wasn’t such a hassle to add to your team. Not only do you have to wait until right before the end of the game to catch its pre-evolution Bagon, but you’ll then have to level it all the way to level 50 to make it a viable member of your team. If you aren’t put off by the work you’ll have to go through to get it, Salamence is immensely powerful – even for a Dragon-type. Dragon Claw will be Salamence’s Dragon-type attack, and Bagon should know it when you catch it. If not, head to the Move Reminder in Fallarbor Town to re-teach it. Shelgon (the middle evolution) will learn Zen Headbutt at level 35, a Psychic move which will give Salamence the potential to one-shot some Poison and Fighting-types. And at level 49, Shelgon will learn Flamethrower, which is worth using to act as Salamence’s coverage for its x4 weakness to Ice. Finally, you can teach Salamence Fly by HM, or through level-up at level 50. While Fly isn’t that important in ORAS (thanks to the new soaring mechanic), it’s still Salamence’s best Flying-type STAB move. How to catch: You can catch a Bagon in B1F of Meteor Falls. Bring a Pokémon that knows Waterfall so you can access the chamber that holds Bagon. Once caught, level up Bagon once to evolve it into Shelgon. It’ll evolve again into Salamence at level 50. Salamence’s mega stone is available after the Post-game Delta Episode.
3. Flygon
Flygon is a fan-favorite Dragon-type in the game – and it’s easy to see why. Its stats are high and well-rounded, and its unique Dragon/Ground-typing separates it from the more generic Dragon/Flying-typing that most Dragons have. First up, you can take Flygon to the Move Reminder to teach it Earthquake, its main STAB move. It’ll also learn its other STAB moves shortly after evolving. Dragon Claw and Dragon Rush are learned at levels 45 and 47 respectively, and offer slightly different ways of dealing damage. Dragon Claw is the most reliable, but Dragon Rush’s higher damage may be worth using if you don’t mind the lower accuracy. I personally teach Flygon both moves. Finally, pick up Flamethrower (TM35) from Victory Road to cover for Flygon’s Ice-type weakness. How to catch: Catch a Trapinch in the Route 111 desert, then raise it to level 35 to evolve it into Vibrava. Vibrava will evolve into Flygon starting at level 45.
2. Mega Latios & Latias
A couple of mega-evolved Legendary Pokémon are sure to be amongst the strongest in the game… so why aren’t they number one? The main reason is that they can just about ruin ORAS if you aren’t careful. Their hilariously high power bends an already pretty easy game around your finger, and completely removes any stakes boss battles could have. Not only that, but you get gifted them just over halfway through the game. So their impact is enormous if you choose to raise one. If you don’t care about all of that & just want to one-shot the rest of the game, here are the movesets I recommend. Heal Pulse is essential to keeping both Latios and Latias alive. Luckily, both Pokémon will know it from the moment you’re given them. Psychic and Dragon Pulse are both of these Pokémons’ best STAB moves, and are learned at level 51 and 56 respectively. If you’re playing Omega Ruby, teach Latios Calm Mind to buff it’s attacks and make the most of its more offensive build. If you’re playing Alpha Sapphire, you’ll have Latias instead, so play into its focus on defensive stats by using Psycho Shift, a move that Latias will already have when you obtain it. How to catch: You’ll get either Latios or Latias as a gift from Steven shortly after beating the fifth gym in Petalburg City. Steven will throw in their respective mega stones, too. Which Legendary you get depends on the version you’re playing. If you’re playing Omega Ruby, Steven will give you Latios and the Latiosite, whereas Alpha Sapphire players will get the Latias and the Latiasite.
1. Mega Altaria
Altaria is a personal favorite of mine. And it’s with great pleasure that I say that its ORAS mega form finally gave it the power it deserves. Without the mega stone, Altaria is an all-rounder with stats that fall short of its Dragon-type kin. When mega-evolved, Altaria gets a huge boost to its attack and defense, transforming it into one of the strongest non-Legendary Pokémon in the game. For moves, start by heading to the Mauville City PokeMart to set Swablu up with the Aerial Ace TM (TM40). This is Altaria’s best Flying-type STAB. Swablu will learn Dragon Dance at level 30, a status move that we’ll use to buff Altaria’s speed and physical attack before going in for the kill with one of its STAB moves. Altaria’s strongest STAB move is Dragon Pulse, learned at level 40. If Altaria is in a match-up that leaves it with no super-effective moves, Dragon Pulse is your best chance for a one-shot. Altaria’s main flaw is a x4 weakness to Ice-type weaknesses, so pick up the Flamethrower TM to cover for it. How to catch: Catch a Swablu on Route 114 or 115, then raise it to level 35 to evolve it into Altaria. You can get Altaria’s mega stone by talking to a man outside a house in Lilycove City. Bring Altaria with you to get the stone from him.
