Dragonair, the evolved form of Dratini, is a captivating Dragon-type Pokémon from the first generation, known for its elegant serpentine design and mystical aura. Trainers and fans alike often wonder about the capabilities of this Dragon Pokémon, especially considering its graceful appearance. One question frequently surfaces: Can Dragonair Learn Fly?
To answer this directly, in the core Pokémon games, Dragonair cannot learn any moves categorized as “Flying-type” through leveling up or TM/TR moves. While Dragonair possesses the Dragon typing and eventually evolves into Dragonite, a Dragon/Flying type, it itself remains solely a Dragon type. This means it does not gain access to moves like Fly, Wing Attack, or Air Slash in its learnset.
Dragonair artwork by Ken Sugimori
Dragonair artwork by Ken Sugimori showcases its elegant and serpentine form, often leading to questions about its flying capabilities.
However, the question of whether Dragonair can “fly” is more nuanced when considering its lore, Pokédex entries, and in-game behavior. Let’s delve deeper into the abilities and characteristics of Dragonair to understand its relationship with flight.
Dragonair’s Pokédex Lore and Flight
While Dragonair may not learn Flying-type moves, the Pokédex entries across various Pokémon games consistently hint at its ability to fly, albeit in a unique, mystical way. Several entries mention its capacity to control weather and exude a gentle aura, often associating these powers with flight:
- FireRed: “It is said to live in seas and lakes. Even though it has no wings, it has been seen flying occasionally.”
- Sword: “This Pokémon lives in pristine oceans and lakes. It can control the weather, and it uses this power to fly into the sky, riding on the wind.”
- Ultra Moon: “Some say that if you see it at the start of the year, flying through the sky and twisting its body, you’ll be healthy all year long.”
These descriptions suggest that Dragonair’s flight isn’t achieved through wings like Dragonite. Instead, it appears to levitate or fly using its mystical energy and weather manipulation abilities. The crystalline orbs on its neck and tail are often cited as the source of its power, enabling it to influence the environment and, potentially, defy gravity.
Examining Dragonair’s In-Game Capabilities
Despite the lore suggesting flight, Dragonair’s in-game movepool and stats reinforce its Dragon-type identity without explicitly incorporating flight mechanics through move types.
Base Stats and Abilities
Dragonair boasts a well-rounded stat distribution, highlighting its potential as a special attacker and a reasonably fast Pokémon:
| Base Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 61 |
| Attack | 84 |
| Defense | 65 |
| Special Attack | 70 |
| Special Defense | 70 |
| Speed | 70 |
| Total | 420 |
Its abilities, Shed Skin and Marvel Scale, further emphasize its resilience and Dragon-type nature. Shed Skin allows it to heal status conditions, while Marvel Scale boosts its Defense when afflicted by a status condition. Neither ability directly relates to flight, but they enhance its combat effectiveness as a Dragon Pokémon.
Movepool Analysis
Dragonair’s learnset is primarily composed of Dragon, Normal, Water, and Electric-type moves. It learns powerful Dragon moves like Dragon Tail, Dragon Rush, and Outrage through leveling up, solidifying its Dragon-type offense. It also gains access to useful utility moves like Thunder Wave and Agility, and coverage moves like Aqua Tail.
While it lacks direct Flying-type moves, moves like Agility and Dragon Dance could be interpreted as representing its capacity for swift, aerial movements, even if they aren’t categorized as “Flying” type. Dragon Dance, in particular, is a move that enhances both Attack and Speed, potentially allowing Dragonair to maneuver more effectively in battles, which could be visually interpreted as a form of flight or aerial agility.
Evolution into Dragonite: The True Flyer
The evolutionary line of Dratini to Dragonair and finally to Dragonite is crucial to understanding the flight aspect. Dragonite, Dragonair’s final evolution, does gain the Flying type in addition to Dragon. This evolutionary leap is when the line truly embraces flight, both in type and movepool. Dragonite can learn powerful Flying-type moves and is often depicted soaring through the skies.
This evolutionary progression suggests that Dragonair is in a transitional phase. It possesses the latent mystical abilities and Dragon energy that will eventually allow it to fly as Dragonite, but in its Dragonair form, this potential is expressed through weather manipulation and graceful, levitation-like movements rather than explicit winged flight.
Conclusion: Dragonair’s Unique Form of “Flight”
So, while Dragonair cannot learn “Flying-type” moves in the traditional sense, the answer to “Can Dragonair learn fly?” is a qualified yes. It “flies” in the context of its lore, using its mystical powers and weather control abilities as described in Pokédex entries. This flight is distinct from the winged flight of its evolution, Dragonite.
A shiny Dragonair sprite from the Silver game, showcasing its rare color variation and reinforcing its iconic design.
Instead of flapping wings, Dragonair’s flight is more akin to levitation or gliding, powered by the energy stored within its crystalline orbs. This interpretation aligns with its serpentine, wingless design and the mystical aura that surrounds it. Therefore, while not a “Flying-type” battler, Dragonair embodies a unique and fascinating form of flight within the Pokémon world, making it a truly captivating and somewhat enigmatic Dragon Pokémon.
For trainers looking to utilize a Flying-type Pokémon in battle, evolving Dragonair into Dragonite remains the key. However, appreciating Dragonair involves recognizing its unique abilities and lore, where its capacity to “fly” is deeply intertwined with its mystical nature and Dragon-type powers.
