Koraidon

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Koraidon Overview

Koraidon is a Fighting/Dragon-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 9 in the Paldea region. It is the mascot of Pokemon Scarlet and is classified as a Paradox Pokemon — a being from the ancient past. Koraidon is known as the Winged King of the ancient world, and its design combines elements of a lizard, a motorcycle, and a feathered serpent. Its ability to change between multiple forms (Apex, Sprinting, Swimming, Gliding) reflects its role as the player's mount in the Paldea region.

Koraidon's signature ability Orichalcum Pulse summons harsh sunlight for five turns when it enters battle. This not only powers up Fire-type moves for the team but also boosts Koraidon's Attack by 33% in sun. With base 135 Attack and 135 Speed, Koraidon is a devastating physical sweeper. Its Fighting/Dragon typing is excellent offensively, hitting many Pokemon for super effective damage, while its defensive profile gives it useful resistances to Rock, Dark, Fire, Bug, and Electric.

Battle Strategy

Koraidon's primary competitive strategy is to use its Orichalcum Pulse ability to set sun and dominate with physical attacks. Collision Course is its signature Fighting-type move with 100 base power that increases by 30% if super effective. Dragon Claw or Scale Shot provides Dragon STAB. Flare Blitz benefits from the sun boost and covers Steel-types that resist both STABs. U-turn maintains momentum and lets Koraidon pivot out of unfavorable match-ups.

Koraidon typically holds a Choice Scarf to outspeed even faster threats, or a Choice Band for maximum immediate power. A Swords Dance set with Leftovers or Booster Energy can sweep teams after a single boost. Koraidon's base 135 Speed is excellent but still slower than Dragapult, Regieleki, and other top-tier Speedsters, so a Scarf is often the safer option. The EV spread maximizes Attack and Speed with the remaining EVs in HP or bulk.

Koraidon's main weaknesses are its 4x Fairy weakness and reliance on sun for its Attack boost. Fairy-types like Flutter Mane, Zacian-Crowned, and Iron Valiant completely wall Koraidon and threaten it with super effective Moonblast or Play Rough. Tera Steel, Tera Poison, or Tera Fire are common tera types to flip the Fairy weakness. Without its Orichalcum Pulse boost, Koraidon's Attack is merely good rather than exceptional, so disrupting the weather with Drizzle or Sand Stream can neuter it.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Koraidon has been a dominant force in VGC Regulation E and F formats. Its ability to set sun automatically while being a terrifying physical attacker makes it a top-tier restricted Pokemon. Koraidon pairs exceptionally well with Groudon for double sun and double Intimidate-proof physical offense, or with Chi-Yu, whose Beads of Ruin lowers the Special Defense of all other Pokemon. Sun-boosted Flare Blitz from Koraidon is one of the strongest attacks in the game.

Koraidon's main counters include Fairy-types, particularly Flutter Mane which resists Fighting and is immune to Dragon. Dondozo with Unaware ignores Koraidon's Attack boosts and can survive multiple hits. Intimidate users like Incineroar and Landorus-T reduce Koraidon's physical damage output. Tera Fairy Koraidon has emerged as a popular set to flip its Fairy weakness and gain STAB on Play Rough. Despite these checks, Koraidon remains a centralizing force in any format it is legal in.

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