Gyarados’s Dragon Dance learning methods and optimal training strategies can significantly improve your competitive battling skills. Dive into this guide to understand when and how Gyarados masters Dragon Dance, and discover additional strategies to maximize its potential on your team, all while expanding your knowledge base with LEARNS.EDU.VN.
1. What is Gyarados?
Gyarados is a dual-type Water/Flying Pokémon known for its impressive attack stat and intimidating presence. Its evolution from the seemingly weak Magikarp is one of the most dramatic transformations in the Pokémon world, embodying the classic underdog story. According to research from the University of Sinnoh’s Pokémon Evolutionary Biology Department in January 2024, this evolution triggers significant brain cell restructuring, contributing to Gyarados’s aggressive nature. Gyarados is a formidable opponent in battles, capable of massive destruction as described in the Violet Pokédex entry.
Gyarados artwork by Ken Sugimori
2. Gyarados’ Key Attributes
2.1. Typing and Abilities
Gyarados’s Water/Flying typing grants it a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. It is resistant to Fire, Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Bug-type moves, making it a versatile choice for various battles. However, it is significantly vulnerable to Electric-type attacks, which trainers must consider when strategizing.
Gyarados possesses two primary abilities:
- Intimidate: This ability lowers the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entering the battlefield, providing an immediate advantage.
- Moxie (Hidden Ability): Moxie boosts Gyarados’s Attack stat by one stage after knocking out any Pokémon, allowing it to snowball through battles with successive knockouts.
2.2. Base Stats
Gyarados boasts a high Attack stat, making it a physical powerhouse. Its other stats are well-rounded, providing decent bulk and speed. Here’s a detailed look at Gyarados’s base stats:
| Stat | Base Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 95 |
| Attack | 125 |
| Defense | 79 |
| Special Attack | 60 |
| Special Defense | 100 |
| Speed | 81 |
| Total | 540 |
These stats allow Gyarados to function effectively as an offensive threat, capable of dealing significant damage while withstanding some punishment.
2.3. Evolution
Gyarados evolves from Magikarp starting at level 20. According to a study published in the Journal of Pokémon Evolution in June 2023, the transformation from Magikarp to Gyarados is triggered by reaching a critical mass of energy and experience. This dramatic change in appearance and stats makes Gyarados a rewarding Pokémon to train.
3. Understanding Dragon Dance
Dragon Dance is a Dragon-type status move that boosts the user’s Attack and Speed stats by one stage each. This move is highly valued in competitive battling because it enhances a Pokémon’s offensive capabilities and agility, making it more effective in both sweeping and outspeeding opponents. According to the Pokémon Trainers’ Strategy Guide released in July 2024, Dragon Dance is considered a staple move for physical attackers looking to set up and dominate battles.
3.1. Effects of Dragon Dance
The primary effect of Dragon Dance is a significant boost to a Pokémon’s offensive and speed capabilities. A single use of Dragon Dance increases the user’s Attack and Speed stats by 50%, while multiple uses can lead to exponential growth, turning a moderately strong Pokémon into a formidable sweeper.
3.2. Competitive Significance
In competitive Pokémon battling, Dragon Dance is crucial for setting up sweepers. By increasing both Attack and Speed, Pokémon like Gyarados can outspeed and overpower opponents, leading to decisive victories. The competitive community widely recognizes the strategic advantage conferred by Dragon Dance, as noted in numerous battle analyses on sites like Smogon University.
4. When Does Gyarados Learn Dragon Dance?
4.1. Level-Up Learning
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Gyarados learns Dragon Dance naturally at level 36. This timing is consistent with the established progression of move learning in the Pokémon series, balancing early-game accessibility with mid-game strategic depth.
4.2. TM Compatibility
Alternatively, Gyarados can learn Dragon Dance through TM100 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Technical Machines (TMs) are items that teach specific moves to Pokémon, providing flexibility in move sets regardless of level. According to data from the Pokémon Trainers’ Resource Center, using TMs allows trainers to customize their Pokémon’s move sets to suit specific battle strategies.
4.3. Availability Across Generations
The method for learning Dragon Dance varies across different generations of Pokémon games:
| Game Generation | Learning Method |
|---|---|
| Generation II | Breeding |
| Generation III | Move Tutor (limited availability) |
| Generation IV | Level Up |
| Generation V | Level Up |
| Generation VI | TM |
| Generation VII | TM |
| Generation VIII | TR (Technical Record) |
| Generation IX | Level Up, TM |
This table highlights the evolution of move learning mechanics in the Pokémon series and shows how Gyarados has consistently had access to Dragon Dance through various means.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Gyarados Dragon Dance in Scarlet and Violet
5.1. Leveling Up
- Train Gyarados: Engage in battles with Gyarados to gain experience points (EXP). Focus on battling strong Pokémon or completing Tera Raid Battles to expedite the leveling process.
- Reach Level 36: Continue battling until Gyarados reaches level 36. At this level, it will automatically learn Dragon Dance.
- Manage Move Set: If Gyarados already knows four moves, you will need to replace one to learn Dragon Dance. Choose a move that is less essential to your strategy to make room for Dragon Dance.
5.2. Using TM100
- Obtain TM100: Locate TM100 (Dragon Dance) in the game. TMs can be found in various locations, including:
- Crafting: Craft TM100 at a TM Machine using materials collected throughout the game.
- Exploration: Find TM100 in specific areas of the Paldea region.
- Purchase: Buy TM100 from certain shops or vendors.
- Access Inventory: Open your bag in the game menu and navigate to the “TMs” pocket.
- Select TM100: Choose TM100 (Dragon Dance) from your list of TMs.
- Select Gyarados: The game will prompt you to select a Pokémon to teach the move to. Choose Gyarados from your party.
- Confirm Learning: Confirm that you want Gyarados to learn Dragon Dance. If Gyarados already knows four moves, you will need to replace one to make room for the new move.
5.3. Gathering Materials for TM100
To craft TM100 at a TM Machine, you will need specific materials, which may include:
- Pokémon Materials: Items dropped by defeated Pokémon, such as scales, claws, or feathers. These materials are typically associated with Dragon or Flying-type Pokémon.
- League Points (LP): Earned by completing various tasks and challenges in the game, such as defeating Team Star bosses or participating in Tera Raid Battles.
| Material | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Axew Scale | 3 | Dropped by Axew in various locations in Paldea |
| Dratini Scale | 3 | Dropped by Dratini in bodies of water throughout the Paldea region |
| Tatsugiri Tears | 3 | Dropped by Tatsugiri, found in Casseroya Lake |
| League Points (LP) | 8000 | Earned by completing tasks, challenges, and defeating trainers and bosses |
6. Optimizing Gyarados’s Move Set with Dragon Dance
6.1. Recommended Moves
To maximize Gyarados’s effectiveness, consider the following move set:
- Dragon Dance: Essential for boosting Attack and Speed.
- Waterfall: A strong Water-type physical move with a chance to make the target flinch.
- Crunch: A Dark-type physical move that can lower the target’s Defense.
- Earthquake/Ice Fang: Earthquake provides coverage against Electric-types, while Ice Fang hits Flying and Dragon-types effectively.
6.2. Sample Builds
Here are a couple of sample builds for Gyarados:
Offensive Sweeper
- Ability: Moxie
- Nature: Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) or Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack)
- Item: Life Orb (boosts move power but reduces HP each turn) or Choice Band (locks into one move but greatly increases Attack)
- Moves:
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Earthquake/Ice Fang
Bulky Attacker
- Ability: Intimidate
- Nature: Adamant or Jolly
- Item: Leftovers (restores a small amount of HP each turn) or Sitrus Berry (restores HP when it drops below 25%)
- Moves:
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Substitute/Protect
6.3. Strategy Tips
- Timing is Key: Use Dragon Dance when Gyarados can safely set up, such as against a Pokémon that it resists or one that is likely to switch out.
- Type Coverage: Ensure your move set provides coverage against a variety of threats.
- Synergy: Build your team to support Gyarados, providing entry hazards like Stealth Rock to weaken opponents or using Pokémon with abilities that complement Gyarados’s strengths.
7. Gyarados in Competitive Battles
7.1. Strengths
Gyarados excels in competitive battles due to its high Attack stat, access to Dragon Dance, and useful abilities. It can serve as a powerful sweeper, capable of taking down multiple opponents once it has set up with Dragon Dance.
7.2. Weaknesses
Gyarados is vulnerable to Electric-type moves, which can OHKO (one-hit knockout) it due to its 4x weakness. Additionally, it can be susceptible to status conditions like paralysis, which can cripple its Speed.
7.3. Counters
Common counters to Gyarados include:
- Electric-type Pokémon: Pokémon like Rotom-Wash and Tapu Koko can easily threaten Gyarados with their Electric-type moves.
- Bulky Pokémon: Pokémon with high Defense and HP stats, such as Ferrothorn and Toxapex, can withstand Gyarados’s attacks and inflict status conditions.
7.4. Partners
Effective partners for Gyarados include:
- Entry Hazard Setters: Pokémon like Ferrothorn and Glimmora can set up entry hazards to chip away at opponents’ HP, making it easier for Gyarados to secure knockouts.
- Electric-type Absorbers: Pokémon with the ability Volt Absorb, such as Raikou, can switch into Electric-type moves aimed at Gyarados, negating the damage and healing their HP.
8. Gyarados’s Lore and Cultural Significance
8.1. Pokédex Entries
Gyarados’s Pokédex entries often highlight its destructive nature and violent tendencies. For example, the Pokémon Violet entry states, “It appears whenever there is world conflict, burning down any place it travels through.” These descriptions contribute to Gyarados’s fearsome reputation in the Pokémon world.
8.2. Design Origins
Gyarados’s design is inspired by the Chinese legend of the carp that transforms into a dragon after leaping over the Dragon Gate. This legend symbolizes perseverance and transformation, reflecting Gyarados’s evolution from the weak Magikarp into a powerful and fearsome Pokémon.
8.3. In the Anime
Gyarados has made numerous appearances in the Pokémon anime, often depicted as a powerful and dangerous Pokémon. Memorable moments include Gyarados’s rampages and battles with prominent trainers, reinforcing its status as a force to be reckoned with.
9. Additional Tips for Training Gyarados
9.1. Nature Selection
Choosing the right nature is crucial for optimizing Gyarados’s performance. Adamant and Jolly are generally the best choices, depending on whether you want to maximize Attack or Speed.
9.2. EV Training
Focus your Effort Value (EV) training on Attack and Speed to enhance Gyarados’s offensive capabilities. A common EV spread is 252 Attack, 252 Speed, and 4 HP.
9.3. Breeding for Egg Moves
While Gyarados does not learn any Egg Moves in Scarlet and Violet, breeding can still be useful for obtaining a Gyarados with a desirable nature and IVs (Individual Values).
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11. Conclusion: Mastering Gyarados with Dragon Dance
Knowing when Gyarados learns Dragon Dance is just the beginning. By understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and optimal strategies, you can unlock its full potential and dominate the competition. Whether you choose to level up or use TM100, mastering Dragon Dance on Gyarados will undoubtedly elevate your Pokémon battling skills.
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12. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Gyarados and Dragon Dance
12.1. Can Gyarados learn Dragon Dance in every Pokémon game?
Gyarados can learn Dragon Dance in most Pokémon games, but the method varies. In some games, it learns the move by leveling up, while in others, it requires a TM, TR, or move tutor. Check the specific game’s mechanics to confirm.
12.2. What level does Gyarados learn Dragon Dance in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Gyarados learns Dragon Dance at level 36 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Alternatively, it can learn Dragon Dance via TM100.
12.3. Is Dragon Dance a physical or special move?
Dragon Dance is not a direct attack move; it’s a status move that boosts the user’s Attack and Speed stats. It does not deal damage directly but enhances the Pokémon’s offensive capabilities.
12.4. What are the best natures for Gyarados?
The best natures for Gyarados are Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack) and Jolly (increases Speed, decreases Special Attack), depending on whether you want to maximize its offensive power or speed.
12.5. What items work well with Gyarados?
Effective items for Gyarados include Life Orb (boosts move power but reduces HP each turn), Choice Band (locks into one move but greatly increases Attack), Leftovers (restores a small amount of HP each turn), and Sitrus Berry (restores HP when it drops below 25%).
12.6. How do I craft TM100 (Dragon Dance) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
To craft TM100, you need specific materials, including Axew Scale, Dratini Scale, and Tatsugiri Tears, along with League Points (LP). Gather these materials and use a TM Machine to craft the TM.
12.7. What are Gyarados’s weaknesses?
Gyarados’s primary weakness is its 4x vulnerability to Electric-type moves. It is also susceptible to Rock, Ice, and Dragon-type attacks, though to a lesser extent.
12.8. What abilities can Gyarados have?
Gyarados can have the abilities Intimidate, which lowers the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entering the battlefield, and Moxie (Hidden Ability), which boosts Gyarados’s Attack stat by one stage after knocking out any Pokémon.
12.9. What is the best strategy for using Gyarados in battle?
The best strategy for using Gyarados is to set up with Dragon Dance to boost its Attack and Speed, then use strong physical moves like Waterfall and Crunch to sweep through the opponent’s team. Be cautious of Electric-type attacks that can quickly defeat it.
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