Hydreigon is a powerful Dark/Dragon Pokémon, but knowing what's weak against hydreigon is essential for competitive trainers and raid players. Understanding these vulnerabilities helps you select the right counters and avoid costly mistakes.
Several types and moves exploit Hydreigon’s defensive shortcomings, especially when it relies on special attack. The following sections break down key matchups and practical strategies.
| Type | Weak Against | Damage Multiplier | Example Moves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | Bug, Fairy, Fighting | 2x | Play Rough, Close Combat, Leech Life | Fairy hits hardest and resists Dark STAB |
| Dragon | Ice, Dragon, Fairy | 2x | Ice Beam, Outrage, Moonblast | Ice coverage is common and reliable |
| Steel | Fire, Fighting, Ground | 2x | Flamethrower, Close Combat, Earthquake | Resists Dragon and Dark, limiting Hydreigon’s damage |
| Ice | Steel, Fire, Rock | 2x | Icicle Crash, Freeze-Dry | Freeze-Dry also threatens Water-types |
Common Dragon Counters
Many Dragon-type specialists carry reliable answers to Hydreigon. These Pokémon often resist or absorb Dragon damage while threatening back.
Good Fairy Types
Tapu Fini, Togekiss, and Azumarill force Hydreigon to switch or take heavy damage from Moonblast. Their bulk and utility also help them survive Dark attacks.
Icy Options
Weavile and Mamoswine bring strong Ice-type moves that hit Hydreigon for 2x damage. They often run items like Choice Band or Life Orb to pressure Dragon cores.
Fighting Pressure
Fighting moves ignore Wonder Guard and threaten Hydreigon’s lower Defense. Many players use Fighting-types to pivot safely after a Dragon-type sets up screens.
Breach and Setup Breakers
Conkeldurr and Lucario can run Drain Punch or close-range Close Combat to chip Hydreigon while staying healthy. Bulk Up Lucario also pressures Steel-types that normally wall Hydreigon.
Steel and Special Walls
Steel walls are among the best checks to Hydreigon, thanks to resistances and reliable recovery. They can stall out Hydreigon’s momentum and set up hazards to increase pressure.
Physically Defensive Walls
Ferrothorn and Corviknight resist Dark and Steel. They answer Hydreigon with Leech Seed, Roost, or Brave Bird while threatening status or knockback.
Special Setup Walls
Special Defense Clefairy and Hariyama can redirect special attacks while using Follow Me or Obstruct to protect partners. They often force Hydreigon into inefficient switch-ins.
Recommended Coverage
To exploit what's weak against hydreigon effectively, include moves that cover resistances and secondary threats. A balanced team combines type coverage with speed control.
- Use Fairy or Ice moves to punish Dragon and Dark STAB.
- Add Fighting coverage for bulky Waters and Rock-types that switch into Hydreigon.
- Include hazards like Stealth Rock to punish repeated switches.
- Consider priority moves to clean up weakened Hydreigon after a Knock Off.
Building Around These Matchups
Designing a team around what's weak against hydreigon means layering type advantages and coverage while maintaining flexibility against common counters.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can Hydreigon safely switch into common Dragon moves in doubles?
No. Dragon-type attacks from partners like Kingdra or Dragapult deal 2x damage, and Hydreigon’s Defense is low, making switches risky without screens or healing support.
How does Knock Off help against Hydreigon in formats with items?
Knock Off removes Assault Vest, Leftovers, or Heavy-Duty Boots, reducing Hydreigon’s survivability and making it easier to break with special or physical attacks.
Are there priority options that threaten Hydreigon after a Substitute?
Yes. Priority users like Scizor with Bullet Punch or Talonflame with Gale Wings Brave Bird can punish Substitute setups even when Hydreigon tries to buy time.
Which bulky Water-types counter Hydreizon effectively?
Palkin and Toxapex check Hydreigon thanks to their resistances and recovery. They threaten back with Scald or Baneful Bunker while forcing Hydreigon to use weaker moves.