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Is Altaria a Good Flying Type? A Comprehensive Analysis

Altaria, the Humming Pokémon, is a dual-type Dragon/Flying creature known for its elegant design and fluffy, cloud-like wings. But is it a good Flying-type? The answer is nuanced. While not the most powerful or competitively dominant Flying-type, Altaria holds its own in specific niches, particularly in lower-tier competitive battles like the Great League in Pokémon GO. It shines with its bulk, decent damage output, and access to key moves, making it a respectable choice under the right conditions. Its strategic utility in setting up and its unique defensive capabilities, bolstered by its Dragon/Flying typing (though presenting significant weaknesses), grant it specific advantages over many other Flying-types, making it a valuable asset to any team.

Altaria’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Bulk and Survivability: Altaria boasts respectable Defense and Special Defense stats, allowing it to withstand several hits, especially in formats like the Great League.
Dual-Type Advantage: The Dragon/Flying typing provides a unique movepool and some type resistances that pure Flying-types lack. It can resist types such as Grass and Water, making it a valuable asset against a variety of common threats.
Great League Dominance (Pokémon GO): In Pokémon GO’s Great League, Altaria’s maximum CP aligns perfectly, allowing it to utilize its bulk and moves effectively against common threats.
Access to Key Moves: Access to moves like Dragon Breath, Sky Attack, and Moonblast provides a mix of damage output and coverage.
Competitive Niche: While outclassed in higher tiers, Altaria can be a viable option for lower tiers like NU (NeverUsed) due to its unique defensive typing and utility.

Weaknesses

Quadruple Weakness to Ice: A devastating weakness to Ice-type moves severely limits its effectiveness against common Ice-type attackers.
Common Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks, which are prevalent in many competitive formats.
Outclassed by Other Dragon/Flying Types: Powerhouses like Dragonite, Salamence, and Rayquaza generally offer superior stats and movepools.
Limited Offensive Presence: Compared to other offensive Flying-types, Altaria’s attacking stats are relatively low, making it less effective as a dedicated sweeper.
Dependence on Specific Formats: Altaria shines mostly in the Great League in Pokémon GO; its viability significantly decreases in other formats due to its stats and power compared to other available Pokémon.

Competitive Viability

Altaria’s competitive viability is format-dependent. In main series games, its main roles are as a bulky support Pokémon capable of setting up entry hazards and providing status support. Its Mega Evolution, Mega Altaria, improves its stats significantly, adding Fairy typing and making it a more formidable offensive presence, but it is still outshined by other Mega Evolutions in Ubers and OU (OverUsed).

In Pokémon GO, as mentioned, Altaria finds a sweet spot in the Great League. Its combination of bulk, Dragon Breath, and Sky Attack allows it to compete against top-tier Pokémon, but its performance drops off considerably in Ultra and Master League where its CP limitations become apparent.

Alternative Flying Types to Consider

If you’re looking for a more powerful or versatile Flying-type, consider these alternatives:

Dragonite: A classic Dragon/Flying type with exceptional Attack and a diverse movepool.
Salamence: Another powerful Dragon/Flying type with high Attack and Speed, known for its sweeping capabilities.
Rayquaza: A legendary Dragon/Flying type with incredible stats and devastating offensive potential.
Corviknight: A Steel/Flying type with excellent defensive capabilities and utility.
Talonflame: A Fire/Flying type with Gale Wings, allowing priority Brave Bird attacks.
Staraptor: A Normal/Flying type with high Attack and Speed, excelling as a physical attacker.

Games Learning Society and Pokémon

Pokémon, at its core, is a game that encourages strategic thinking, team building, and understanding complex type matchups. Educational organizations like the Games Learning Society recognize the value of game-based learning and how games like Pokémon can enhance cognitive skills. For more information on the organization, you can visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Altaria good for beginners?

Yes, Altaria is decent for beginners, particularly in games like Pokémon GO’s Great League, where its balance between survivability and offense can carry new players through many battles. It’s relatively easy to obtain and use, making it a friendly choice.

2. What is the best moveset for Altaria in Pokémon GO?

The most effective moveset is Dragon Breath (Fast Move) and Sky Attack (Charged Move) along with Moonblast or Dazzling Gleam (Charged Move). Dragon Breath provides consistent damage, while Sky Attack is a powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) move. Moonblast offers Fairy-type coverage against Dragon-types.

3. How do I counter Altaria in Pokémon GO?

The best counters include Registeel, Azumarill (with Ice Beam), and other Ice-type or Steel-type Pokémon. Due to its weakness to Ice, a powerful Ice-type move will take it down quickly. Steel types can resist its Dragon-type attacks.

4. Is Mega Altaria worth using?

Mega Altaria is a decent option in formats where Mega Evolutions are allowed, adding Fairy typing, improved bulk, and Special Attack. However, it competes with many other powerful Mega Evolutions, and its usage depends on the specific team composition.

5. Is Altaria better than Skarmory?

Altaria and Skarmory serve different roles. Altaria is more of an offensive threat with its Dragon/Flying typing, while Skarmory excels as a defensive wall and hazard setter with its Steel/Flying typing. It depends on what your team needs.

6. What are the best abilities for Altaria?

The best abilities for Altaria are Natural Cure, which heals status conditions upon switching out, and Cloud Nine, which negates weather effects. Cloud Nine can be useful in certain team compositions.

7. What are Altaria’s weaknesses?

Altaria is quadruple weak to Ice and also weak to Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves.

8. What is the best nature for Altaria?

A Bold or Calm nature is usually preferred to boost Defense or Special Defense, respectively, at the cost of Attack.

9. Can Altaria be used in competitive play?

Yes, Altaria can be viable in lower-tier formats like NU (NeverUsed) due to its unique defensive typing and utility. It can also find a niche in specific team compositions.

10. What generation was Altaria introduced in?

Altaria was introduced in Generation III (Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald).

11. What is Altaria’s evolution line?

Altaria evolves from Swablu starting at level 35.

12. What is Altaria’s role in a team?

Altaria typically fills a role as a bulky support or stall Pokémon. It can set up entry hazards, provide status support, and act as a pivot.

13. What are some good teammates for Altaria?

Good teammates include Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses to Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. Pokémon that can provide support with entry hazards or status conditions are also beneficial.

14. Is Altaria better than Braviary?

Altaria and Braviary serve different purposes. Altaria has a more defensive nature with its Dragon/Flying typing and ability to tank hits in Great League. In contrast, Braviary is a physical attacker with powerful moves. One isn’t strictly “better” – it’s team dependent.

15. Is Altaria a Legendary Pokémon?

No, Altaria is not a Legendary Pokémon. It is a regular Pokémon that can be found and evolved in various Pokémon games.

In conclusion, Altaria’s viability as a Flying-type Pokémon hinges on specific formats and team compositions. While it isn’t the strongest, its unique blend of bulk, utility, and typing can make it a valuable asset, especially in lower-tier battles and the Pokémon GO Great League. Consider its strengths and weaknesses when building your team, and you might find that Altaria’s fluffy wings can carry you to victory.

Is Altaria a good flying type?