Does Dragon Rage Always Do 40? The Definitive Guide to This Classic Pokémon Move
Yes, in the original Pokémon games (Generation I), Dragon Rage always inflicts exactly 40 HP damage if it hits, with the notable exception of Fairy-types, who are immune. This holds true regardless of the attacker’s stats, the defender’s stats, or any type matchups (other than immunity). While subsequent generations have introduced complexities and changes to the Pokémon battle system, the legacy of Dragon Rage remains tied to this fixed damage output. This article will delve into the specifics of Dragon Rage, exploring its history, strengths, weaknesses, and how it stacks up against other Dragon-type moves. Plus, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this iconic attack.
Understanding Dragon Rage: A Deep Dive
Dragon Rage is a Dragon-type move that debuted in Generation I. Its defining characteristic is its fixed damage output of 40 HP, setting it apart from most other attacks that calculate damage based on a complex formula involving attack, defense, level, and type effectiveness. Dragon Rage ignores all these factors, providing a consistent, albeit sometimes underwhelming, source of damage.
How Dragon Rage Works
The mechanics of Dragon Rage are simple:
- Check for Accuracy: The move has 100% accuracy, so unless a status condition like Paralysis or a move like Double Team interferes, it will always hit.
- Check for Immunity: The only exception is if the target is a Fairy-type, as they are immune to Dragon-type moves. In this case, Dragon Rage will have no effect.
- Inflict Damage: If the move hits, it will always inflict 40 HP damage. No more, no less.
Dragon Rage in Different Generations
While the core function of Dragon Rage remains consistent across generations, its relative usefulness has varied.
- Generation I: Dragon Rage was the only Dragon-type move available, making it a staple for Dragon-type Pokémon. Its fixed damage was useful early in the game when stats were low.
- Later Generations: As more Dragon-type moves were introduced, Dragon Rage’s utility diminished. Moves like Dragon Claw, Dragon Pulse, and Outrage offered much higher damage potential based on stats and type matchups.
Dragon Rage: Strengths and Weaknesses
Like any move, Dragon Rage has its advantages and disadvantages:
Strengths
- Early Game Utility: In the early stages of the game, when Pokémon levels and stats are low, 40 damage can be a significant amount. It allows weak Dragon-types to contribute effectively in battle.
- Consistency: The fixed damage ensures a reliable damage output, regardless of the opponent’s defenses.
- Guaranteed Damage (Almost): Its 100% accuracy (barring status effects or evasion boosts) ensures that damage is almost always inflicted.
- Pika Cup Powerhouse: The article mentioned that Dragon Rage is good in Pokemon Stadium’s Pika Cup, where all pokemon are between level 15-20. This is because the fixed 40 damage is a good amount given the low HP stats of the pokemon involved.
- Shedinja Counter: The article suggests Dragon Rage will instant kill Shedinja while Dragon Claw can’t.
Weaknesses
- Low Damage Output: As Pokémon level up and their HP increases, 40 damage becomes increasingly insignificant.
- Type Ineffectiveness: Dragon Rage does not benefit from type advantages, limiting its damage potential against resistant or neutral targets.
- Fairy-Type Immunity: The immunity of Fairy-types renders Dragon Rage completely useless against them.
- Outclassed by Other Dragon Moves: As more powerful Dragon-type moves become available, Dragon Rage is quickly outclassed in terms of damage potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dragon Rage
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Dragon Rage, providing further insights into this classic Pokémon move:
1. Why is Dragon Rage not super effective?
Dragon Rage does set damage, so the super effect doesn’t apply to it. Super effectiveness is calculated by comparing type matchups and statiscs. Since Dragon Rage does fixed damage, these calcuations aren’t involved, so super effect does not apply.
2. Is Dragon Rage stronger than Twister?
The article mentioned that Dragon Rage always inflicts 40 HP damage, but Twister’s power is 40. A flat 40 HP attack remains useful up until you get a stronger dragon move. So in this regard, they are relatively equal.
3. Does Dragon Rage only do 40 damage?
Dragon Rage always inflicts exactly 40 HP damage if it hits, with the exception of a Fairy-type being immune to Dragon-type moves.
4. What level is Dratini 100 IV?
Dratini’s 100% perfect IV stats in Pokémon Go:
- Level 30 (wild CP maximum) – 861 CP.
- Level 35 (weather boosted CP maximum) – 933 CP.
5. Does Dragon Darts do 100 damage?
Dragon Darts is a physical move that hits twice, with each hit having a base power of 50. This means the total base power is 100, assuming both hits connect.
6. What is the most powerful dragon move?
Based on the article, the most powerful Dragon-type move is Clangorous Soulblaze. It has a base power of 185 and increases the user’s stats.
7. Why is Dragon Rage so good?
Dragon Rage is helpful in early stages due to weak baby dragon pokemon needing a way to kill a lot because of their high exp requirements. Also, Static damage moves don’t get hindered by those early low stats.
8. Is Dragon Rage better than Dual Chop?
They’re equal in base power because Dual Chop hits twice for 40 per hit, and Dragon Claw is just 80 period. Dual Chop hits twice, so it can break substitute and do damage on the second hit and ignore Focus Sash. But it trades off that utility for less-than-100 accuracy.
9. Is Dragon Claw better than Dragon Rage?
Yes. Dragon Claw does damage based on your attack stat vs the opponent’s defense stat, with a base power of 80. Dragon Rage does a fixed 40.
10. Which is stronger Dragon Rage or dragon breath?
Definitely Dragon Rage. Dragonbreath deals variable damage, while Dragon Rage deals a clean 40.
11. Is Dragon Rage good early game?
Yes, Dragon Rage is good early game, but it quickly loses its punch with higher Level Pokémon.
12. Can Dragon Rage hit fairy types?
No. Dragon Rage will have no effect on Fairy types due to their immunity to Dragon-type moves.
13. What is the only dragon move in Gen 1?
Dragon Rage is Generation 1’s only Dragon-type move.
14. Will a level 50 Dratini evolve?
No, Dratini evolves into Dragonair at level 30. Later, Dragonair will evolve into Dragonite, but not until level 55.
15. Why was needle arm removed?
Needle Arm was removed in Sword/Shield – it got replaced by Poison Jab in Cacnea/Cacturne’s level up movepool in Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
Conclusion: Dragon Rage’s Legacy
While Dragon Rage’s fixed damage output of 40 HP may seem underwhelming in later generations, it remains a significant part of Pokémon history. Its early-game utility and guaranteed damage (against non-Fairy types) made it a valuable move for Dragon-type Pokémon. Its simplicity also highlights the evolution of the Pokémon battle system, where complex calculations and strategies now dominate competitive play. You can learn more about the impact of games on learning and education through organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org aims to advance understanding and promote the design and use of games for educational purposes. Dragon Rage serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of the Pokémon franchise and the enduring appeal of its strategic battles.