Summary
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce a new concept of close bond with the box art Legendary, Koraidon or Miraidon, bringing fresh ideas to the Pokemon formula.
- Legendary Dragon-types have been around for decades in the Pokemon franchise, with multiple generations featuring some of the most powerful and iconic Pokemon.
- Each generation has brought its own unique Dragon-type Legendaries, from the Tao Trio in Unova to the imposing Eternatus in Galar, showcasing the evolution of Dragon types throughout the series.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet bring several fresh concepts to the Pokemon formula, with each game's primary feature being the close bond the player shares with the box art Legendary, Koraidon or Miraidon. These new Dragon-types introduce newfound functionality as bicycles, making their mark on franchise history, but the presence of Legendary Dragon-types in Pokemon has been around for decades. Multiple generations of Legendaries predate last year's release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, comprising some of the most powerful and iconic Pokemon of all time.
There may have been several Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon of the Dragon type over the years, but only after a couple of generations did Game Freak truly start fully incorporating the typing that was once exclusive to the Dragonite family. Dragon types were extremely rare prior to Gen 3, but they have become a common sight at the forefront of the series as Legendary Pokemon ever since
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire
Hoenn was the first generation to introduce legendary Dragon-type Pokemon, but there wasn't much special about them beyond that. It wouldn't be until Gen 4 and Gen 5 that the abundance of legendary Dragon-types would emerge. However, because Rayquaza and the Eon Duo are the first, they can be seen as the start of a growing trend.
- Latios and Latias (Psychic/Dragon)
- Rayquaza (Dragon/Flying) - The face of Pokemon Emerald, this Legendary Pokemon defined Gen 3 before returning as Mega Rayquaza in Gen 6.
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
Sinnoh would see the introduction of the Creation Trio, Legendary Pokemon going beyond conventional nature and representing metaphysical concepts of time, space, and dark matter. Featuring more experimental designs and backstories, the Dragon-type Legendaries of this era continued Pokemon's journey into a heavy presence for the archetype.
- Dialga (Steel/Dragon)
- Palkia (Water/Dragon)
- Giratina (Ghost/Dragon) - Giratina's control over its Distortion World and ability to change into an alternate form makes it one of the scariest Pokemon in the franchise. The face of Pokemon Platinum, this Legendary pushed the limits of the Dragon-type with its sinister Ghost-type presence.
Pokemon Black and White
The Unova region pushed the 2D era of Pokemon to its limits, and its Legendary Dragon-type Pokemon see the series lean even further into complicated designs. A single ancient dragon was split into the Tao Trio seen on Gen 5's box art, Dragon-types representing the concepts of Yin and Yang.
- Reshiram (Dragon/Fire)
- Zekrom (Dragon/Electric)
- Kyurem (Dragon/Ice) - The broken shell of the original dragon of the Unova region, Kyurem can famously fuse with either of the other Tao Trio to become White Kyurem or Black Kyurem respectively during the events of Pokemon Black 2 and White 2.
Pokemon X and Y
Gen 6 may have brought the series into 3D with the Kalos region, but it also introduced the lowest number of new Pokemon. A surprising number of the few turned out to be Dragon-types, but only one Legendary of the type made it. This generation saw the introduction of Fairy typing in an effort to provide a counter for the overbearing strength of Dragon-types, and it essentially took until the next generation for them to recover.
- Zygarde (Dragon/Ground) - Existing as both small Zygarde Cell components and the imposing nature of the 100% form, this Dragon-type defies several consistent traits of other similar Legendaries. Able to switch between multiple forms, Zygarde's significance in the franchise was revealed over time. Zygarde started off only having the Aura Break ability, relatively mediocre throughout the tenure of X and Y until it got Power Construct in Gen 7 and become one of the strongest Dragon-types.
Pokemon Sun and Moon
Alola brought Pokemon into a tropical setting and experimented with the core formula of the franchise, but a Dragon-type still managed to make it into the lineup of Legendaries. However, unlike Gen 4 and Gen 5, their presence was not as demanding or as core to the story.
- Naganadel (Poison/Dragon)
- Guzzlord (Dark/Dragon) - One of the Ultra Beasts of Sun and Moon, Guzzlord is possibly the strangest Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon and barely follows conventions with its alien-inspired design.
- Ultra Necrozma (Psychic/Dragon) - The true form of the esoteric Necrozma, its Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings forms can become the Dragon-type Ultra Necrozma.
Pokemon Sword and Shield
Galar saw Legendary Dragon-types mostly take a step back in favor of the Hero Duo, but its ultimate antagonist Pokemon brought a rare type combination to the forefront in the late game.
- Eternatus (Poison/Dragon) - The source of the Darkest Day and the entire phenomenon known as Dynamax, Eternatus features one of the darkest stories in the franchise, with its typing reflecting its truly terrifying form.
- Regidrago (Dragon) - A continuation to the Regi family following years of no additions, Regidrago was introduced alongside Regieleki with The Crown Tundra expansion DLC as a golem made of crystallized dragon energy that exists as one of the few pure Dragon-types.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Paldea has brought Dragon-types back to the forefront with the Paradox Duo that are closer to the player than ever. Both of the mascots are companions to the player while traversing the world, the biggest role a Pokemon of this archetype has ever played. With future updates on the horizon, even more Dragon-type Legendaries could even have the potential to appear as well.
- Koraidon (Fighting/Dragon) - The Winged King, Koraidon is a beast of the ancient past that represents the prehistoric side of Scarlet and Violet's box legendaries.
- Miraidon (Electric/Dragon) - The Iron Serpent, Miraidon rounds out the Paradox Duo by representing the future with its cybernetic design.
- Walking Wake (Water/Dragon) - Considered a Paradox Pokemon rather than an explicit Legendary, this Dragon-type variation of Suicune is a prehistoric iteration on Pokemon Crystal's iconic Legendary mascot. Walking Wake is rumored to be inspired by all three of the Legendary Beasts, its Dragon-typing channeling their beastly nature.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are currently available on the Nintendo Switch.