Palkia
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Palkia's got the stats to be one of the better non-Shadow/Mega Dragon Type attackers. Unfortunately, Draco Meteor holds it back from being anywhere near Rayquaza's damage output. No Water-type fast moves also make it unviable as a Water-type attacker. It still holds its own against similar Dragon-types and should be considered in the same manner as Dragonite and Salamence. It tends to rank as a good counter against many Dragon types, but it may not be the strongest general dragon-type legendary investment.
Despite being slightly below the top now, Palkia can potentially look forward to a brighter future, as in the main series it has a dragon-type special move called Spacial Rend...
...which was given to its strictly superior Origin Forme in Pokemon GO. That said, should Palkia get this move, it'll still be an incredible Dragon attacker. It's just that it will live forever in the shadow of itself.
Offense
- Dragon Breath is generally inferior to Dragon Tail. However Dragon Breath does charge up Party Power more quickly, which can make it a better option in a 2-man party.
- Palkia is best suited for Draco Meteor for STAB and effectiveness against other Dragons.
- Hydro Pump hits harder than Fire Blast.
- Aqua Tail is the inferior choice.
Dragon Tail has slightly better stats on paper, but Dragon Breath is easier to use and benefits significantly more from certain breakpoints.
The addition of Aqua Tail following the April 29, 2020 update gives Palkia a much needed charge move that costs significantly less energy than its options, which lets it bait shields or apply more consistent damage. Draco Meteor or Fire Blast are both viable as the second charge move option; the former takes advantage of STAB to deal massive damage to almost every Pokemon in the game, while the latter threatens Steel Pokemon that would resist Dragon-type moves.
Palkia's CP is too high to enter the Great League
