Table of Contents

Unlocking Altaria’s Potential: The Ultimate Moveset Guide

Quick answer

This page answers What is the best Moveset for Altaria? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The best moveset for Altaria hinges on where you’re using it. In Pokémon GO, for the Great League, the optimal setup is Dragon Breath (Fast Move), Sky Attack (Charged Move), and Moonblast (Legacy Charged Move). For Raids as a Mega Altaria, use Dragon Breath (Fast) and Dazzling Gleam (Charged). Understanding these nuances is key to maximizing Altaria’s effectiveness.

Delving Deeper: Altaria’s Moveset Analysis

Altaria, the Humming Pokémon, is a unique Dragon/Flying type that offers surprising versatility. Its effectiveness isn’t immediately obvious, making move selection critical. Let’s break down why the recommended movesets are the best choices.

Pokémon GO Great League Dominance

The Great League is where Altaria truly shines. Its bulk and access to powerful moves allow it to consistently perform well.

Dragon Breath: This fast move is the cornerstone of Altaria’s strategy. It deals significant damage and applies consistent pressure, forcing opponents to use shields or take substantial damage. Peck is simply outclassed in both damage and energy generation.
Sky Attack: A relatively low-energy charged move, Sky Attack is crucial for baiting shields and dealing high damage. Its accessibility allows Altaria to threaten opponents frequently, disrupting their strategies.
Moonblast (Legacy): This is where Altaria becomes truly exceptional. Moonblast provides crucial Fairy-type coverage, allowing Altaria to overcome matchups against Dark and Dragon-type Pokémon. It also grants Altaria better performance against other Fairy-types like Azumarill. Acquiring an Altaria with Moonblast requires either an Elite TM or having obtained one during a special event, making it highly valuable.

Mega Altaria: Raid Powerhouse

Mega Altaria shifts its typing to Dragon/Fairy, significantly altering its role.

Dragon Breath: As with the Great League, Dragon Breath is the best fast move for dealing consistent damage in raids.
Dazzling Gleam: This Fairy-type charged move synergizes perfectly with Mega Altaria’s Dragon/Fairy typing, providing strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) damage against Dragon-type raid bosses. While Moonblast is statistically better, Dazzling Gleam is easier to obtain and still performs admirably.

Beyond the Best: Alternative Considerations

While the above movesets are optimal, some alternative moves can be situationally useful. However, they generally fall short of the top recommendations.

Dragon Pulse: This Dragon-type charged move is a weaker alternative to Sky Attack or Moonblast. Its higher energy cost and lower damage output make it less desirable.
Twister: Avoid this move at all costs. It is incredibly weak and offers virtually no strategic advantage.

Strategies for Success with Altaria

Choosing the right moveset is just the first step. To truly master Altaria, consider these strategic elements:

Shield Baiting: Use Sky Attack to bait out opponent shields. This allows you to land a devastating Moonblast later in the match.
Energy Management: Keep track of your energy and plan your charged move usage accordingly. Avoid overcharging and wasting energy.
Team Composition: Build a team that covers Altaria’s weaknesses. Steel and Ice-type Pokémon can pose a threat, so include teammates that can effectively counter them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Altaria

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Altaria:

Is Altaria good in Pokémon GO? Yes! Altaria is excellent in the Great League due to its bulk, access to Dragon Breath, Sky Attack, and Moonblast. It struggles in higher leagues due to its relatively low CP.
What are Altaria’s weaknesses in Pokémon GO? Altaria is weak to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, and Rock types. Common threats include Azumarill, Registeel, and Galarian Stunfisk.
What is the best Nature for Altaria in the main series games? Adamant or Modest are generally preferred. Adamant increases Attack, while Modest increases Special Attack. Since Mega Altaria relies more on its Special Attack, Modest could be better to cover the lower attack stat.
Is Altaria a pseudo-legendary Pokémon? No, Altaria is not a pseudo-legendary. It does not have a three-stage evolution line and a base stat total of 600.
What is the best held item for Altaria in the main series games? Leftovers provide passive healing, increasing its survivability. Life Orb can boost its damage output, but the recoil damage can be detrimental.
Can Altaria learn Moonblast? Yes. In Pokémon GO, it’s a legacy move. In the main series games, Altaria can learn Moonblast via level up or TM, depending on the game.
Why does Altaria require 400 candies to evolve in Pokémon GO? This is likely to compensate for its Dragon-type status and to make evolving it a more significant achievement.
Is Mega Altaria a good Mega Evolution? Yes, Mega Altaria is a strong Mega Evolution in raids and certain PvP formats. Its Dragon/Fairy typing and increased stats make it a formidable opponent.
What is the best strategy for using Altaria in the Great League? Focus on shield baiting with Sky Attack and landing powerful Moonblasts on vulnerable targets. Manage your energy wisely and be aware of its weaknesses.
What Pokémon does Altaria counter effectively in the Great League? Altaria excels against Grass, Fighting, and Dark-type Pokémon. Common examples include Medicham, Scrafty, and Venusaur.
How do I get an Altaria with Moonblast in Pokémon GO? The best way is to use an Elite TM on an Altaria. Another way is to find someone willing to trade an Altaria that was caught during a special event when Moonblast was a featured move.
Is Altaria a rare Pokémon? In Pokémon GO, Swablu, Altaria’s pre-evolution, is relatively common, especially during events. Altaria itself is less frequently seen in the wild. In main series games, its rarity varies depending on the specific game and location.
Is Dragon Dance a good move for Altaria? Dragon Dance can be useful in certain situations, especially for boosting its attack and speed. However, Altaria’s base stats aren’t ideally suited for sweeping, so it’s not always the most effective strategy.
What are the alternative movesets for Altaria? While Dragon Breath/Sky Attack/Moonblast is optimal, you could consider Dragon Breath/Sky Attack/Dragon Pulse as a budget option if you lack Moonblast.
Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and tactics? Explore resources like PvPoke.com for detailed analysis and rankings. You can also check out educational gaming initiatives like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, to discover how gaming is integrated into educational practices.

Final Thoughts: Embrace Altaria’s Strengths

Altaria might not be the most intimidating Dragon-type, but its strategic depth and surprising power make it a valuable addition to any team, especially in the Great League of Pokémon GO. By understanding its best movesets and exploiting its strengths, you can unlock Altaria’s full potential and dominate your opponents.