Understanding Dragon Scales in the Pokémon Universe: Uses, Rarity, and More
Dragon Scales in the Pokémon world are unique evolutionary items primarily known for their role in transforming specific Pokémon. Specifically, a Dragon Scale is used to evolve the Water-type Pokémon Seadra into the powerful Water/Dragon-type Kingdra. This transformation is crucial for trainers seeking to complete their Pokédex or add a formidable Dragon-type to their team. Beyond evolution, the Dragon Scale’s importance is primarily confined to Pokémon Go where it exists as a random item that can be acquired when spinning Pokestops and Gyms.
The Dragon Scale, while having roots in the mainline Pokémon games, functions differently across the various games. In the main series, it was also associated with a 10% buff to Dragon-type moves when held by a Pokémon. This buff is not relevant within the context of the Pokémon Go Mobile game. It is a key item in certain other games, providing additional functionality within their context.
Dragon Scale Usage in Pokémon Games
Evolution Catalyst
As previously mentioned, the primary function of the Dragon Scale in Pokémon games is to facilitate the evolution of Seadra into Kingdra. This evolution is triggered when a Seadra is traded while holding a Dragon Scale (original core games) and in Pokémon go in combination with 100 Horsea Candies. This method is specifically required for Kingdra, making the Dragon Scale an essential item for trainers aiming to obtain this powerful Pokémon. In main series games the Dragon Scale is only required for the trade evolution and not for any candy requirements.
Pokémon Go Functionality
In Pokémon Go, the Dragon Scale remains solely an evolution item for Seadra. Unlike the main series games, there are no battle-related buffs associated with holding it. To evolve your Seadra into Kingdra, you need the Dragon Scale and 100 Horsea Candy, this function in the game means Dragon Scales are most commonly used as a means for game progression rather than as a held item during battle.
How to Acquire a Dragon Scale in Pokémon Go
The methods to acquire a Dragon Scale in the mobile game are limited to spinning Pokéstops and Gyms. This is an important point to note as it means there is a lot of luck involved in getting one of these items. It is one of several evolution items that has a random chance of being obtained and is not specific to any single event or Pokestop/Gym location.
Dragon Scales in Other Games
Dragon scales also play a role in other game universes, notably Minecraft. In Minecraft, you may find that scales are used for creating Dragon Scale Armor and are a crucial component to making a Dragonforge which in turn is used to create Dragonsteel. These scales are obtained by defeating dragons and have important crafting uses to further a player’s progress in the game. Dragon scales in Minecraft have additional utility as they can be formed into blocks that can be used for easy storage or decorative purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Pokémon can evolve with a Dragon Scale?
Currently, the only Pokémon that evolves using a Dragon Scale is Seadra. When combined with 100 Horsea Candy, Seadra will evolve into Kingdra in Pokémon Go. In core games, the Dragon Scale is used alongside trading to evolve Seadra.
2. Where can I find a Dragon Scale in Pokémon Go?
Dragon Scales are primarily obtained by spinning Pokéstops and Gyms. There is a small 1% chance of receiving one when spinning. This is a random chance event shared with other rare evolution items.
3. What is the drop rate for Dragon Scales in Pokémon Go?
The drop rate for Dragon Scales is approximately 1% per Pokéstop or Gym spin, the same as all other evolution items. The probability of obtaining one does not increase through consistent gameplay or grinding of spinning the same stop.
4. How rare is a Dragon Scale in Pokémon Go?
The Dragon Scale is considered a rare item due to its low drop rate, with an approximately 1% chance from each Pokéstop or Gym spin.
5. Is the Dragon Scale used for anything else besides evolving Seadra?
No, in Pokémon Go, the sole purpose of the Dragon Scale is to evolve Seadra into Kingdra. In the core games, there is no other purpose for the item aside from triggering trade evolutions.
6. Should I keep Dragon Scales in Pokémon Go?
Yes, Dragon Scales should be kept if you have a Seadra you want to evolve into Kingdra. Due to their rarity, it is always best to save them for their intended purpose.
7. Are there any other evolution items similar to the Dragon Scale?
Yes, other similar items include the King’s Rock (for evolving Slowpoke and Poliwhirl), the Sun Stone (for evolving Gloom, Sunkern, and Cottonee) and the Metal Coat (for evolving Scyther), and many more. Each item is generally specific to a Pokémon or a family of Pokémon.
8. Can I find Dragon Scales on wild Pokémon?
While wild Pokemon may hold held items in core games, and while it has been indicated that Dragon Scales can be found in the wild. It’s important to note that Dragon Scales are primarily obtained from Pokéstops/Gyms in Pokémon Go and not through finding them on wild Pokémon. The best strategy is to spin stops and gyms to try and obtain a Dragon Scale.
9. Does the Dragon Scale have any battle advantages in Pokémon Go?
No, unlike some main series games, the Dragon Scale has no battle-related advantages or buffs when held in Pokémon Go. Its sole purpose in this game is evolution.
10. What is the best way to increase my chances of getting a Dragon Scale?
The only way to increase your chances of finding a Dragon Scale is to spin as many Pokéstops and Gyms as possible. The more you spin, the more opportunities you have for a drop, but keep in mind that the probability of each item remains the same.
11. What is Kingdra’s role in Pokémon Go?
Kingdra is a dual Water/Dragon-type Pokémon that is considered a very powerful option in Pokémon Go. It acts as the final evolution for the Horsea family and offers a unique move-set that can be beneficial in certain battle matchups.
12. Is Kingdra rare?
Kingdra, while the final form of a somewhat common family (Horsea and Seadra), can be considered a rare Pokemon as it requires a Dragon Scale to evolve, it also has somewhat limited moves and a generally average stat pool. This can be seen as something of a trade off due to the ease of finding the Pokemon in its prior evolutions.
13. Are there other Dragon-type Pokémon that are rare in Pokémon Go?
Yes, some other rare Dragon-type Pokémon in Pokémon Go include Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o, and Kommo-o, which can be quite difficult to find in the wild and often require specific event opportunities to obtain.
14. Can Dragon Scales be traded to other players?
No, Dragon Scales cannot be traded to other players in Pokémon Go. This item, like other evolution items, must be found by individual players through spinning Pokéstops or Gyms.
15. What should I do with multiple Dragon Scales?
In general, it’s good to keep at least one Dragon Scale for evolving Seadra. If you manage to get multiple, consider saving them as you may eventually catch or be traded a different Seadra to use to add to your collection. They do not have any other additional purposes.