Rayquaza
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Rayquaza, the master of Kyogre and Groudon, has arrived. With its arrival, it assumed the place of best Dragon-type attacker and a top generalist attacker. It sat on that throne for quite some time, but has actually fallen from its place amid the stars in the face of powerful Shadows surpassing it.
...But all is not lost for Rayquaza, because it has received its signature move, Dragon Ascent. Dragon Ascent is genuinely outstanding, causing Rayquaza's DPS to tower over even Mewtwo. With this monstrously powerful attack, Rayquaza not only becomes the game's uncontested best Flying attacker, it also becomes a very respectable generalist. The move also enables Rayquaza to Mega Evolve, and Mega Rayquaza's power is on a whole new level...
Note that Dragon Ascent can only be taught using Meteorites; it cannot be taught even with an Elite Charged TM.
Offense
- Dragon Tail should be paired with Breaking Swipe* for maximum Dragon Type damage output, or with Outrage as a good secondary option.
- Air Slash should be used for Flying Type damage. Dragon Ascent* is far and away the strongest Flying-type move choice, but its availability is limited. Hurricane* falls behind to a large degree, while Aerial Ace is hardly worth a mention.
- Ancient Power is not a good investment for Rayquaza.
Dragon Tail is slightly superior to Air Slash in terms of energy gain, but more importantly in the formats where Rayquaza can compete in, Dragon-type coverage is valuable against other Dragon Pokemon, as well as its relatively neutral coverage overall.
Breaking Swipe is one of the best Charged Attacks in the game, having the same damage and energy as Dragon Claw but with an additional guaranteed Attack drop. Dragon Ascent has a steep cost and also comes with a Defense self-debuff, but its raw power makes it an incredible closing move when shields are down. It provides coverage against Fairy-type Pokemon, and is strong enough to nearly OHKO them. Hurricane is generally an outclassed option; it is slightly cheaper, but inconsequentially so, and it is so much weaker than Dragon Ascent. Ancient Power can provide a quick way to smash Ho-Oh and is Rayquaza's best non-exclusive option. Aerial Ace is a terrible move. Outrage is a solid attack, but it leaves Rayquaza helpless against Fairies.
Research Rayquaza can have a low enough CP to enter the Great League if rerolled via trade, but it really shouldn't be wasted for such things. Competition with Dragons such as Altaria, Dragonite, and Dragonair leaves Rayquaza as largely a gimmick choice.
