Rayquaza

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Rayquaza Overview

Rayquaza is a Dragon/Flying-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 3 in the Hoenn region. It serves as the master of the Weather Trio, mediating conflicts between Kyogre and Groudon. Known as the Sky High Pokemon, Rayquaza dwells in the ozone layer and is said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years. It has an incredible 150 base Attack and 150 base Special Attack.

Rayquaza is a long, serpentine dragon with green scales, yellow fins, and a distinctive head crest. Its design is inspired by Chinese dragons and Ziz from Hebrew mythology. Rayquaza is the only Pokemon that can Mega Evolve without holding a Mega Stone. Instead, it requires knowing the move Dragon Ascent to undergo Mega Evolution. Mega Rayquaza has 780 BST, the highest of any Pokemon, before Primal Reversion and certain formes.

Battle Strategy

Rayquaza is one of the most powerful offensive Pokemon in existence. With 150 in both Attack and Special Attack, it can viably run physical, special, or mixed sets. Dragon Ascent is its signature Flying-type STAB, with 120 base power and a unique secondary effect that lowers Rayquaza's Defense and Special Defense. Dragon Dance sets boost its Speed to sweep. Extreme Speed provides priority.

Mega Rayquaza has 180 base Attack, 170 base Special Attack, and 115 base Speed, with the Delta Stream ability that removes all Flying-type weaknesses. This eliminates the Rock, Electric, and Ice weaknesses that would normally threaten Rayquaza. Mega Rayquaza was so powerful that it was banned to Anything Goes (AG) tier in Smogon. V-create, Dragon Ascent, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake or Swords Dance are its typical moves.

A standard Rayquaza set (non-Mega) runs Life Orb or Choice Band with Dragon Ascent, Outrage or Dragon Claw, Earthquake, and Extreme Speed. Mixed sets use Draco Meteor and Fire Blast alongside Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed. Air Lock negates all weather effects, making Rayquaza an excellent weather check against Groudon and Kyogre teams.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Rayquaza is an Uber and AG-tier Pokemon. Mega Rayquaza is the single most powerful Pokemon in standard competitive play, with a combination of stats, ability, and movepool that is unmatched. In VGC, restricted formats often see Rayquaza paired with Xerneas or Primal Groudon. Common checks to non-Mega Rayquaza include Ice Shard and other priority moves, Ice-type coverage from faster Pokemon, and bulky Steel-types like Heatran that resist Dragon and Flying. Mega Rayquaza has no reliable checks in standard play due to Delta Stream removing its weaknesses.

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