Pokémon Sword and Shield: A competitive guide to Dragapult in doubles

Dragapult is the new pseudo-legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It hasn’t taken long for this Dragon/Ghost-type to establish itself at the top of the competitive meta. It currently has the highest usage rate in VGC 2020, according to Pikalytics. This Pokémon Sword and Shield guide will help you better understand this dominating creature.

What makes Dragapult so strong?

Dragapult is an extremely versatile Pokémon that can play multiple different roles on a team. Its whopping 142 base Speed stat makes it the second-fastest non-legendary Pokémon in generation eight, second only to Accelgor. It has a total stat spread of 600, a solid move pool, and a great ability in Clear Body that protects it from all the stat changes Dynamax moves inflict.

Dragapult as a physical sweeper

Set details:

• Dragapult @ Life Orb/Weakness Policy/Choice Band
• Ability: Clear Body
• EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spe
• Jolly Nature

Moves:

• Phantom Force
• Dragon Claw/Dragon Darts
• Protect
• Fly/Steel Wing/Psychic Fangs

Dragapult is most commonly used as a physical sweeper due to its high base Speed and Attack. Life Orb or Weakness Policy is preferred to a Choice Band so that Dragapult doesn’t get locked into one move. In doubles battles, Protect and Phantom Force are very useful for dodging damage.

Physical Dragapult is a great Pokémon to Dynamax because it gives it instant access to a Ghost-type STAB (same-type attack bonus) move in Max Phantasm. Max Wyrmwind and Max Airstream are also very useful moves Dynamax Dragapult can make use of (assuming it takes Fly).

Dragapult as a special sweeper

Set details:

• Dragapult @ Life Orb/Weakness Policy/Choice Specs
• Ability: Clear Body
• EVs: 4 HP/252 Sp. Atk/252 Spe
• Timid Nature

Moves:

• Shadow Ball
• Draco Meteor
• Protect/Thunderbolt
• Flamethrower/Thunderbolt

Dragapult doesn’t have quite as high of a Special Attack stat as it does Attack, but it does offer a wider range of moves and can throw the opponent off guard. Most players will see Dragapult and assume it’s going to be a physical attacker, so taking Special Dragapult can offer an element of surprise.

Special Dragapult generally will also take a Life Orb or Weakness Policy, but Choice Specs are also a good option to boost its Special Attack. Having an Electric or Fire-type attack is also helpful for type coverage, and Special Dragapult is still a great Pokémon to Dynamax.

Dragapult as a support

Set details:

• Dragapult @ Light Clay
• Ability: Clear Body/Cursed Body
• EVs: 252 HP/4 Sp. Atk/252 Spe
• Timid Nature

Moves:

• Light Screen
• Reflect
• Will-O-Wisp/Thunder Wave
• Draco Meteor/Ally Switch/U-Turn

Support Dragapult isn’t quite as popular, but it can still be very effective. Like Special Dragapult, opponents will not expect it. Light Clay and an investment in HP allow it to safely set up screens effectively to protect the team. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave help cripple opposing Pokémon, and Draco Meteor can be taken to offer some additional damage.

While Grimmsnarl is typically preferred as a screen setter, Dragapult offers the element of surprise. Dragapult also has the advantage of being Ghost-type, which means it cannot be hit with Fake Out. Be sure not to Dynamax support Dragapult unless there are no other options left.

There are likely going to be plenty more Dragapult sets to come. The Pokémon has amazing stats and can do a number of different jobs effectively. Stay tuned for more competitive Pokémon Sword and Shield guides.