Goodra, the Dragon-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VI, is known for its high special defense and impressive versatility in battles. As the final evolution of Goomy and Sliggoo, Goodra boasts a unique combination of bulk, movepool diversity, and adaptability that makes it a popular choice for trainers. However, like any Pokémon, Goodra comes with its own set of weaknesses that players must be aware of to use it effectively in battle. In this article, we’ll delve into Goodra’s weaknesses, type disadvantages, and the best strategies for overcoming them, as well as how opponents can exploit these weaknesses to their advantage.
Goodra’s Typing and Base Stats
Goodra is a pure Dragon-type Pokémon, which means it comes with both strengths and weaknesses typical of Dragon-type Pokémon. Its base stats are well-rounded, making it a defensive powerhouse:
- HP: 90
- Attack: 100
- Defense: 70
- Special Attack: 110
- Special Defense: 150
- Speed: 80
Goodra’s Special Defense stands out as its most impressive stat, making it a reliable counter against special attackers. However, its Physical Defense is relatively low, and this can be a point of exploitation for opponents. Before diving into its weaknesses, it’s essential to understand how Goodra’s typing and stats play a role in battle.
Weaknesses of Goodra
Goodra’s Dragon typing gives it some notable weaknesses, as well as a few resistances. Understanding these weaknesses is key to knowing how to handle Goodra both in your team and when facing it as an opponent.
1. Weakness to Dragon-Type Moves
As a pure Dragon-type Pokémon, Goodra is weak to Dragon-type attacks. Moves like Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, and Outrage are particularly dangerous for Goodra. Since Dragon-type Pokémon often possess high offensive stats, Goodra can struggle to endure powerful Dragon-type hits, especially if they come from a Pokémon with superior speed and physical attack power.
Counter Strategy:
To mitigate this weakness, a common tactic is to invest in speed or rely on priority moves to land a hit before the opposing Dragon-type Pokémon. Additionally, equipping Goodra with items like the Assault Vest (which boosts Special Defense) or Focus Sash can help it survive a crucial hit and strike back.
2. Weakness to Ice-Type Moves
Dragon-types, including Goodra, have a weakness to Ice-type attacks. Ice-type moves like Ice Beam, Blizzard, and Freeze-Dry can deal super-effective damage to Goodra, which is particularly problematic when facing faster Pokémon that can outspeed and take advantage of this weakness. Many Water-type and Flying-type Pokémon commonly carry Ice-type moves as coverage, making it a frequent threat to Goodra.
Counter Strategy:
To counter Ice-type moves, trainers can teach Goodra moves like Flamethrower or Fire Blast to deal with Ice-type Pokémon effectively. Fire-type coverage can give Goodra a way to hit back hard against Pokémon that carry Ice-type attacks.
3. Weakness to Fairy-Type Moves
With the introduction of the Fairy-type in Generation VI, Dragon-type Pokémon, including Goodra, gained a significant new threat. Fairy-type moves like Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, and Play Rough can devastate Goodra, especially since many Fairy-type Pokémon also have high Special Attack stats that can overpower Goodra’s defenses. Fairy-types such as Gardevoir, Togekiss, and Clefable are particularly dangerous to Goodra.
Counter Strategy:
Fairy-type Pokémon often have lower physical defense, so one strategy is to capitalize on Goodra’s access to powerful physical moves like Iron Tail or Sludge Bomb, which hit Fairy-types for super-effective damage. Additionally, switching Goodra out when faced with a Fairy-type threat can prevent unnecessary damage.
4. Low Physical Defense
One of Goodra’s most exploitable weaknesses is its low Physical Defense. Despite its excellent Special Defense, Goodra is vulnerable to strong physical attackers. Pokémon with high Attack stats and access to powerful physical moves—especially Dragon, Ice, or Fairy-type physical attacks—can take advantage of Goodra’s lower defense stat to deal significant damage.
Physical attackers like Garchomp, Mamoswine, and Azumarill are prime examples of Pokémon that can easily overpower Goodra’s physical defenses. Moves such as Earthquake, Play Rough, and Outrage can quickly bring down Goodra if it isn’t properly protected.
Counter Strategy:
To address this weakness, trainers often invest in defensive EVs (Effort Values) to boost Goodra’s Physical Defense, allowing it to survive more physical hits. Additionally, moves like Rest paired with Sleep Talk can provide Goodra with reliable recovery, while Substitute can shield it from hard-hitting attacks.
How to Build Goodra Effectively
Now that we’ve covered Goodra’s weaknesses, let’s explore some strategies for building a more resilient Goodra. These sets focus on capitalizing on its strengths while mitigating its vulnerabilities in battle.
1. Assault Vest Goodra
One of the most common sets for Goodra is the Assault Vest build. The Assault Vest item boosts Goodra’s already impressive Special Defense by 50%, allowing it to tank hits from special attackers even more effectively. With this item, Goodra becomes a special defensive wall, able to take on common threats like Hydreigon, Heatran, and Charizard.
- Moveset:
- Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb (for Fairy-types)
- Thunderbolt (for Water and Flying-types)
This set capitalizes on Goodra’s ability to take special hits while dishing out damage with its versatile movepool.
2. Specially Defensive Goodra
A specially defensive Goodra can play a more supportive role in a team, utilizing its natural bulk to wear down opponents with status moves and reliable recovery.
- Moveset:
- Toxic (to wear down bulky opponents)
- Rest (for recovery)
- Dragon Pulse (consistent STAB move)
- Thunderbolt / Flamethrower (for coverage)
This set focuses on outlasting opponents by stalling with Toxic and Rest while maintaining offensive pressure with Dragon Pulse and coverage moves.
3. Mixed Attacker Goodra
Goodra’s solid base 100 Attack stat allows it to function as a mixed attacker, catching opponents off guard with a combination of physical and special moves.
- Moveset:
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Sludge Bomb / Iron Tail (for Fairy-types)
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Earthquake (for coverage against Steel-types)
This set lets Goodra hit hard on both the physical and special sides, providing versatility against a wide range of opponents.
How to Counter Goodra
When facing an opponent’s Goodra, the key is to exploit its weaknesses. Strong physical attackers with Ice, Fairy, or Dragon-type moves are particularly effective at bringing Goodra down. Additionally, Fairy-type Pokémon that resist Dragon-type attacks can easily threaten Goodra with super-effective moves. Pokémon such as Togekiss, Gardevoir, or Azumarill are excellent choices for countering Goodra.
Conclusion
Goodra is a formidable Dragon-type Pokémon with excellent Special Defense and a versatile movepool. However, like all Pokémon, it has notable weaknesses, particularly to Dragon, Ice, and Fairy-type moves. By understanding these weaknesses and building Goodra with the right strategy, trainers can maximize its effectiveness in battle while mitigating its vulnerabilities. Whether you’re using Goodra on your team or facing it as an opponent, knowing how to exploit its strengths and weaknesses is key to victory.