Highlights
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce a new concept of close bond with the box art Legendary, Koraidon or Miraidon, bringing fresh ideas to the Pokemon formula.
Dragon-types in the Pokemon franchise have a long-standing history, with powerful and iconic Pokemon being introduced across multiple generations.
Every generation has introduced its own distinctive Dragon-type Legendaries, such as the Tao Trio in Unova and the formidable Eternatus in Galar. These remarkable Pokemon highlight the progression and evolution of Dragon types throughout the series.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce fresh concepts to the Pokemon formula, emphasizing the strong bond between the player and the box art Legendary, Koraidon or Miraidon. These new Dragon-types bring new functionality like bicycles and leave a lasting impact on the franchise's history. However, Legendary Dragon-types have been a part of the Pokemon universe for many decades. In fact, multiple generations of Legendaries predating last year's release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet consist of some of the most powerful and iconic Pokemon ever.
Although there have been several Pseudo-Legendary Dragon-type Pokemon over the years, Game Freak truly began fully incorporating this typing, once exclusive to the Dragonite family, after a few generations. Dragon types were exceptionally rare before Gen 3, but they have now become a common presence at the forefront of the series as Legendary Pokemon.
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
Hoenn introduced the first generation of legendary Dragon-type Pokemon, but they didn't have many unique features. It was only in Generations 4 and 5 that a larger number of legendary Dragon-types emerged. However, Rayquaza and the Eon Duo can be considered the pioneers of this trend.
Psychic/Dragon-type Latios and Latias.
Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying) - The face of Pokemon Emerald, this Legendary Pokemon defined Gen 3 before returning as Mega Rayquaza in Gen 6.
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
The Sinnoh region witnessed the emergence of the Creation Trio, a group of Legendary Pokemon that transcended the boundaries of ordinary nature. These exceptional beings symbolized metaphysical notions of time, space, and dark matter. With their unconventional designs and intricate backgrounds, the Dragon-type Legendaries in this epoch propelled Pokemon further into the realm of a dominant archetype.
Dialga (Steel/Dragon)
Palkia (Water/Dragon)
Pokemon Black and White
Giratina, the Ghost/Dragon-type Pokemon, is widely regarded as one of the most formidable creatures in the franchise due to its ability to manipulate the Distortion World and transform into an alternate form. This legendary Pokemon, known as the face of Pokemon Platinum, not only pushes the boundaries of the Dragon-type, but also instills fear with its eerie Ghost-type characteristics.
The 2D era of Pokemon was taken to its limits in the Unova region, where the design of Legendary Dragon-type Pokemon became even more intricate. The series embraced complex designs with the Tao Trio, which consists of Dragon-types representing the concepts of Yin and Yang.
Reshiram (Dragon/Fire)
Zekrom (Dragon/Electric)
Kyurem, the Dragon/Ice type Pokémon, is known for being the fragmented remnants of the original dragon in the Unova region. In the events of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Kyurem gains recognition for its ability to merge with either of the other Tao Trio, transforming into White Kyurem or Black Kyurem respectively.
Pokemon X and Y
Although Gen 6 transformed the series into 3D with the Kalos region, it presented a limited number of new Pokemon. Surprisingly, many of the few additions belonged to the Dragon type, with only one Legendary representing this category. To balance the overwhelming power of Dragon-types, the introduction of Fairy typing occurred during this generation. However, it took until the subsequent generation for the Dragon-types to regain their prominence.
Pokemon Sun and Moon
Zygarde (Dragon/Ground) - Unlike other similar Legendary Pokemon, Zygarde stands out with its ability to exist in both small Zygarde Cell components and its imposing 100% form. This unique Dragon-type can seamlessly switch between multiple forms, gradually unveiling its significance in the franchise. Initially, Zygarde's abilities were limited to Aura Break, which remained unremarkable throughout the X and Y games. However, in Generation 7, with the introduction of Power Construct, Zygarde transformed into one of the most formidable Dragon-types, solidifying its place in the Pokemon world.
While Alola diverged from the traditional Pokemon formula by immersing players in a vibrant tropical ambiance and introducing fresh gameplay elements, it still featured a Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon. Unlike in Generation 4 and Generation 5, this legendary creature's role was less prominent and integral to the overall storyline.
Naganadel (Poison/Dragon) is a unique Pokemon. Another intriguing Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon from Sun and Moon is Guzzlord (Dark/Dragon), known for its unconventional and alien-like appearance.
Ultra Necrozma (Psychic/Dragon) - The true form of the esoteric Necrozma, its Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings forms can become the Dragon-type Ultra Necrozma.
Pokemon Sword and Shield
In Galar, the Legendary Dragon-types were largely overshadowed by the Hero Duo, however, a unique and rare type combination emerged as a prominent force in the later stages of the game.
Eternatus (Poison/Dragon) - With its typing mirroring its truly horrifying appearance, Eternatus is responsible for the Darkest Day and the extraordinary phenomenon called Dynamax, making it a central figure in one of the franchise's darkest tales.
Regidrago (Dragon) - Making its debut alongside Regieleki in The Crown Tundra expansion DLC, Regidrago is the newest addition to the Regi family after years of absence. This golem, composed of crystallized dragon energy, stands out as one of the rare pure Dragon-types.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Paldea has reintroduced Dragon-types in a groundbreaking way with the Paradox Duo, which brings them closer to the player than ever before. These two mascots serve as companions to the player as they journey through the world, marking the largest role ever played by a Pokemon of this type. Looking ahead, future updates may even introduce additional Dragon-type Legendaries with the potential to make an appearance.
Koraidon (Fighting/Dragon) - Known as the Winged King, Koraidon is an ancient beast that embodies the prehistoric aspect of Scarlet and Violet's box legendaries.
Miraidon (Electric/Dragon) - Miraidon completes the Paradox Duo with its futuristic cybernetic design, representing the future.
Walking Wake (Water/Dragon) - Instead of being recognized as a traditional Legendary Pokemon, Walking Wake is regarded as a Paradox Pokemon. This Dragon-type variant of Suicune is a prehistoric rendition of the renowned Legendary mascot from Pokemon Crystal. Rumored to draw inspiration from all three Legendary Beasts, Walking Wake embodies their beastly characteristics through its Dragon typing.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently available on the Nintendo Switch.