The Ultimate Guide to Finding Dragonite in Pokémon GO: Location, Tips, and FAQs
Where is the Best Place to Find Dragonite in Pokémon GO?
Let’s cut straight to the chase: pinpointing a single “best” place to find Dragonite in Pokémon GO is tricky because this powerful Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon is notoriously rare in the wild. It doesn’t have a fixed spawn location like some common Pokémon. Instead, your best bet is understanding the mechanics of how Dragonite spawns and focusing on evolving a Dratini or Dragonair rather than hunting directly for wild Dragonite. While incredibly rare, wild Dragonite do spawn. However, relying solely on finding them is not the most efficient strategy. So, although there isn’t a magic spot, understanding that consistent effort is key is paramount. Water biomes, where Dratini and Dragonair are more common, are a good place to start, especially during events that increase their spawn rate. In summary, there isn’t a consistent single best location, but rather a strategy revolving around finding and evolving its pre-evolutions combined with general tips to enhance your encounter chances.
Understanding Dragonite Spawns
The Elusive Wild Dragonite
The reason finding a wild Dragonite feels like finding a needle in a haystack is because of its incredibly low spawn rate. This is typically around 0.0011%, making it one of the rarest Pokémon to encounter in the wild. You might get lucky, as some trainers report sporadic wild spawns, often late at night and near water sources, but these are truly rare events.
Why Evolving is Key
Given the low spawn rate of wild Dragonite, most trainers obtain it by evolving Dratini into Dragonair, and then Dragonair into Dragonite. This is a far more achievable path. Dratini are more commonly found near water bodies, especially areas that are officially categorized as water biomes, like lakes, rivers, oceans, and canals. These areas are far more likely to spawn Dratini and, less commonly, Dragonair. During events that feature Dragon-type Pokémon, the chance to encounter Dratini and Dragonair (and occasionally, even Dragonite), is significantly increased.
Event-Based Dragonite Opportunities
Pokémon GO events, such as Community Days, Dragon-type events, and special Research Days, often feature dramatically increased spawn rates for specific Pokémon, including the Dratini evolutionary line. These events are crucial for building up your Dratini Candy stock and evolving a Dragonite. Always stay informed about upcoming events through the in-game news or Pokémon GO community channels.
Strategic Steps for Obtaining Dragonite
- Focus on Dratini: Rather than hoping for a wild Dragonite, make it your primary objective to find Dratini. Explore water biomes frequently and during different weather conditions that might boost spawns.
- Use Lures and Incense: Deploy Lures at PokéStops near water and use Incense when you are moving. These items increase the chance of spawning Pokémon and will greatly aid in finding Dratini.
- Complete Research Tasks: Always keep an eye out for Research tasks that reward Dratini encounters or Dratini Candy. Some special research quests, like the Jump-Start Special Research, can offer Dratini encounters as rewards.
- Participate in Events: Stay updated on Pokémon GO events, as they often feature increased spawns for specific Pokémon, including Dragon-types. These events dramatically increase your opportunities to encounter Dratini and Dragonair.
- Buddy Up: Set a Dratini or Dragonair as your buddy Pokémon to passively earn candies through walking. This consistent collection of candy will eventually enable the needed evolutions.
- Utilize Remote Raids: While Dragonite isn’t a typical raid boss, you can sometimes encounter Dragonite in special raid events or through community-organized raids. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
- Trade with Friends: If you know other players, trading is also a viable strategy. Sometimes, you can benefit from a friend having caught a Dratini/Dragonair and trading with them.
The Importance of Candy
Remember that evolving a Dragonite requires 100 Dratini Candies – 25 to evolve Dratini into Dragonair and 75 more to evolve Dragonair into Dragonite. Pinap berries are a game-changer when catching Dratini. Always try to land a great or excellent throw and make every catch count.
Additional Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Weather Boosts: Look for windy weather, as this will boost Dragon-type Pokémon spawns, potentially increasing your chances of encountering Dratini and Dragonair near water sources.
- Play at Night: Some reports suggest that wild Dragonite encounters can be more frequent during late-night hours, but this is still a very rare occurrence.
- Be Patient: Finding a Dragonite is a process. It requires patience, persistence, and strategic gameplay. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one immediately, and try to learn from each experience.
- Community Days and Events: Participating in events where Dratini or Dragonair is featured can greatly accelerate your progress. Save rare items and try to maximize the event time.
FAQs About Dragonite in Pokémon GO
1. Is Dragonite a Legendary Pokémon?
No, Dragonite is not a Legendary Pokémon. Despite its powerful stats and relative rarity, it is classified as a regular Pokémon that evolves from Dratini and Dragonair.
2. What is the spawn rate of Dragonite in Pokémon GO?
The wild spawn rate of Dragonite is extremely low, often estimated at about 0.0011%, making it very rare to encounter in the wild.
3. Where is the best place to find Dratini in Pokémon GO?
Dratini are most commonly found in water biomes, like lakes, rivers, oceans, and canals. Areas designated as water biomes in the game are your best bet for finding them. Locations such as the San Francisco Piers and other similar areas are often cited as good places.
4. How do I get Dratini fast?
The quickest ways to get Dratini include: fishing at bubbling spots during certain events, focusing on water biomes, using lures and incense, and participating in events that feature Dragon-types.
5. How many candies do I need to evolve a Dragonite?
You need 100 Dratini Candies to evolve a Dragonite. This includes 25 candies to evolve Dratini into Dragonair and an additional 75 to evolve Dragonair into Dragonite.
6. Can I find Dragonite in the wild?
Yes, Dragonite can spawn in the wild, although it’s very rare. It often occurs near water sources and is reported to sometimes appear late at night.
7. Is Dragonite hard to catch?
Yes, Dragonite is considered a hard Pokémon to catch due to its low catch rate. Use Golden Razz Berries and make excellent throws to maximize your chances.
8. What moves are best for Dragonite in Pokémon GO?
The best moveset for Dragonite often includes Dragon Breath as a Fast Move and Dragon Claw and Superpower as Charged Moves. Dragon Breath is typically superior to other Fast Moves.
9. Does weather affect Dragonite spawns?
Yes, windy weather can boost the spawn rate of Dragon-type Pokémon, including Dratini, Dragonair, and sometimes Dragonite.
10. Is Dragonite a Chinese or European Dragon?
Dragonite is based on the Chinese Dragon type, whereas Charizard is based on the European Dragon type.
11. Can I get Ash’s Dragonite in Pokémon GO?
No, Ash’s Dragonite is only available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. There is no current method to obtain it in Pokémon GO.
12. What is the CP of a 100% IV Dratini?
A 100% IV Dratini at Level 30 has a CP of 861, and at Level 35 (weather boosted) the CP is 933.
13. Can a Dratini hatch from a 10km egg?
Yes, Dratini can hatch from 10km eggs, which provides an opportunity to gain some candies for evolution.
14. What are some of the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Some of the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO include Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie (regional), Mewtwo (when not available in raids), and various Unown letters.
15. Is Dragonite the fastest flying Pokemon?
Yes, in the Pokémon universe, Dragonite is often described as being able to fly faster than any other known Pokémon.
Conclusion
While finding a wild Dragonite in Pokémon GO is a rare and thrilling experience, it is not the most reliable way to add this powerful Pokémon to your team. Instead, focusing on catching Dratini in water biomes, taking advantage of events and research tasks, and strategically using in-game items are key steps towards evolving your own Dragonite. Patience, strategic gameplay, and knowledge about the game mechanics are crucial. Don’t give up, Trainer, that Dragonite is well within your reach!