How Many Candies for Dragonite? The Ultimate Dragonite Candy Guide
The burning question on every aspiring Pokémon Go trainer’s mind: How many candies does it really take to get a Dragonite? The answer is a straightforward 125 Dratini Candy in total. This breaks down into 25 candies to evolve your Dratini into Dragonair, and then a hefty 100 candies to evolve your Dragonair into the coveted Dragonite.
Understanding the Dragonite Evolution Line
The Dragonite evolution line is one of the most iconic and powerful in the Pokémon universe. It represents dedication, patience, and a commitment to the game. Unlike some Pokémon that evolve at lower levels or through special items, Dragonite demands a significant investment of your time and effort.
The Stages of Evolution
- Dratini: The serpentine Dragon-type is your starting point. These are typically found near water sources in Pokémon Go.
- Dragonair: After feeding your Dratini 25 candies, it will evolve into Dragonair. This form is elegant and retains the Dragon-type classification.
- Dragonite: The final form, obtained by spending 100 candies on your Dragonair, transforms the graceful serpent into a powerful, pseudo-legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon.
Optimizing Your Candy Acquisition
Gathering 125 candies is no small feat. Here are some proven strategies to maximize your candy intake:
- Catch, Catch, Catch: The most obvious, but arguably the most effective. Every Dratini you catch grants you 3 candies. Use Pinap Berries to double this to 6 candies per catch.
- Transfer Excess Pokémon: Don’t hoard extra Dratini! Transfer them to Professor Willow for an extra candy each.
- Buddy System: Make your Dratini or Dragonair your buddy. Walking a certain distance with them will earn you additional candies. This can take a while, but it’s a steady stream of resources.
- Raids and Special Events: Keep an eye out for special events in Pokémon Go that might feature increased Dratini spawns or reward extra candies for catching Dragon-type Pokémon. Sometimes, even Dragonite appears in raids.
- Rare Candy: If you have Rare Candy from raids or research tasks, consider using them on your Dratini or Dragonair to expedite the process.
The Allure of Dragonite
Dragonite is more than just a powerful Pokémon; it’s a symbol of achievement. It’s a testament to the time and effort you’ve put into the game. Its impressive stats, versatile movepool, and cool design make it a valuable asset to any trainer’s team.
Dragonite in Battle
Dragonite stands out as a dominant force in battles. Its high Attack and HP stats, coupled with access to powerful moves like Dragon Claw, Outrage, and Hurricane, make it a formidable opponent in both PvP and Raids. Keep an eye on its weaknesses. Because Dragonite is a Dragon/Flying type, it is especially weak against Ice-type attacks.
Best Movesets
For optimal performance, consider these movesets:
- Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw: A fast-charging moveset that allows for frequent damage output.
- Dragon Tail and Outrage: A more powerful moveset, but with a slower energy gain.
- Hurricane: Excellent in raids with appropriate weather.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Dragonite and Candy
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you on your Dragonite journey:
1. How many Dratini Candies do I need total to get a Dragonite?
As previously stated, you’ll need a total of 125 Dratini Candies. 25 to evolve Dratini into Dragonair and 100 more to evolve Dragonair into Dragonite.
2. Where can I find Dratini in Pokémon Go?
Dratini are commonly found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. Look for areas with frequent water-type spawns, as Dratini often appear in these locations. Special events in Pokémon Go may also increase Dratini spawns.
3. Can I use Rare Candy to evolve Dratini?
Yes! Rare Candy can be used as a substitute for Dratini Candy when evolving Dratini and Dragonair. This is a valuable way to speed up the process, especially if you have a limited number of Dratini encounters.
4. What is the best way to earn candies quickly?
The most efficient methods for acquiring Dratini Candy quickly include:
- Catching Dratini with Pinap Berries: This doubles the amount of candy received.
- Making Dratini or Dragonair your Buddy: This earns you candy as you walk.
- Participating in events: Some events increase spawn rates and candy rewards.
- Completing relevant research tasks: Some tasks may reward candy for catching specific Pokémon, including Dratini.
5. What is Dragonite’s Max CP at level 50?
A perfect IV (100 IV) Dragonite can reach a maximum CP of 4287 at Level 50.
6. Is Dragonite a good Pokémon to use in battles?
Yes! Dragonite is considered a strong and versatile Pokémon for battles. Its high Attack stat, coupled with its access to powerful moves, makes it effective in both PvP and Raids.
7. Is Dragonite better than Charizard?
In terms of overall stats, Dragonite is statistically superior to Charizard. While Charizard might be faster, Dragonite outshines it in HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, and Special Defense.
8. Why is Dragonite so popular?
Dragonite has been a fan favorite since the first generation of Pokémon games. It is one of the few Dragon-type Pokémon available early in the game, and its powerful stats and iconic design have cemented its place in Pokémon history.
9. What are Dragonite’s weaknesses?
Dragonite is a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, making it particularly vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. It also has weaknesses to Rock, and Dragon-type attacks.
10. Can I solo a Dragonite raid?
With proper preparation and a high-level team of counters, it’s often possible for a well-prepared trainer to solo a Tier 3 Dragonite raid. However, lower-level trainers may require assistance from additional players.
11. What are the best counters for Dragonite in raids?
The best counters for Dragonite in raids include Ice-type Pokémon like Mamoswine, Glaceon, and Weavile, and Dragon-type Pokémon like Rayquaza, Salamence, and other powerful attackers with strong Ice and Dragon-type moves.
12. What is an XL Candy, and how does it relate to Dragonite?
XL Candy is required to level a Pokémon past Level 40. You cannot get XL Candy until you reach Trainer Level 31.
13. Is Dragonite the best Dragon-type Pokémon?
While powerful, Dragonite faces competition from other Dragon-types like Rayquaza and Garchomp, who often surpass it in specific roles. The “best” Dragon-type depends on the situation and team composition.
14. Are there other Pokémon that require a lot of candies to evolve?
Yes. Some Pokémon require 400 Candies to evolve.
15. How can I improve my understanding of Pokémon strategy and gameplay?
Participating in Pokémon communities, reading articles, and watching strategy videos are great ways to improve your knowledge. You can also explore the educational aspects of gaming by visiting the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can enhance learning and problem-solving skills.
Final Thoughts
Evolving a Dratini into Dragonite in Pokémon Go is a rewarding experience. It requires dedication, strategy, and a good understanding of the game mechanics. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to adding this powerful and iconic Pokémon to your collection. So, get out there, start catching Dratini, and prepare to unleash the might of Dragonite!