Altaria
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Altaria, the Humming Pokemon, is the showy performer of the Dragon family, not a fighter. Its Attack stat is weak and its Health is middling. This alone makes Dragonite a stronger option on defense than Altaria.
That said, raising an Altaria isn't a terrible option, as it is set to be a fairly efficent Mega Evolution. While its DPS is absolutely nowhere near the levels of monsters like Mega Rayquaza, it can spread its mega boosts for an extremely long time, which can actually work out better full-team average DPS depending on what its team mates are.
Offense
- Dragon Breath is the superior fast move of choice for PvE offense.
- Peck isn't particularly strong, but can be chosen for a Flying-type role if stronger Pokemon aren't available.
- Sky Attack synergizes well for a Flying-type role, and is also the strongest charge move in neutral fights.
- Dragon Pulse makes Altaria a budget Dragon-type attacker if the player lacks stronger Pokemon.
- Dazzling Gleam outperforms Moonblast*, but both lack STAB.
- Flamethrower is worthless on offense for Altaria.
Defense
- Peck is generally preferred on defense due to its higher base power than Dragon Breath.
- Flamethrower has great counter-coverage for Altaria, making it a prime choice.
- Sky Attack has the shortest damage window, and deals moderate damage as a 2-bar move.
- Dazzling Gleam lacks STAB but is less likely to be resisted by attackers.
- Dragon Pulse is easily dodged, and also most likely to be resisted.
- Moonblast* as a 1-bar move might not have a chance to be used before Altaria faints.
Dragon Breath and Peck are both excellent, providing incredible energy gains and decent damage; Dragon Breath is generally preferable for its shorter duration and helps widen Altaria's coverage.
Sky Attack isn't particularly amazing, but it is Altaria's cheapest attack and benefits from STAB. Flamethrower melts down Steel-type opponents who try to wall Altaria's Dragon and Flying damage. Moonblast is the other decent option with its solid DPE (Damage per Energy) and debuff potential, but picking it up will either slow Altaria down or leave it easily walled.
Once upon a time, Altaria was one of THE Pokemon in the Great League. This thing had outstanding matchups against most things, and was one of the top-tier threats that you HAD to have some sort of answer for. Nerfs and power creep caused it to vanish for some time, but it's been up and down since then.
Right now, Altaria is a monster. With a great stat product, a typing that has genuine utility in the Great League, and solid/useful coverage, this thing counters a number of strong matchups that make it a massive threat in the league.
