Dragonite (Japanese: カイリュー Kairyu) is a dual-type Dragon/Flying pseudo-legendary Pokémon introduced in Generation I of the Pokémon series. It evolves from Dragonair starting at level 55 and is the final form of Dratini. Known for its kindhearted nature and powerful abilities, Dragonite has become one of the most iconic and beloved Pokémon in the franchise.
Dragonite Pokemon with a happy expression, standing in a forest background. The artwork is in a simple, cartoon style...
Dragonite's backstory is rooted in its evolutionary lineage. It begins life as a Dratini, a serpentine Dragon-type Pokémon, which then evolves into Dragonair, maintaining its serpentine form but gaining a more mystical appearance. Upon reaching level 55, Dragonair evolves into Dragonite, transforming into a large, draconic creature capable of flight. This evolution signifies a significant power boost, marking Dragonite as a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, a category reserved for those with exceptionally high stats and formidable abilities.
In the Pokémon world, Dragonite plays a significant role due to its strength and versatility. It is known to be incredibly rare in the wild, typically residing near the sea. Dragonite is often depicted as a guardian of the seas, with lore stating it helps ships in distress and rescues drowning humans. This altruistic behavior is contrasted by its potential for uncontrollable rage if its environment is threatened, showcasing a duality in its nature. Dragonite's power is such that it can affect weather patterns, and it is often used by Pokémon Rangers for rapid transportation across regions, highlighting its importance in various Pokémon narratives.
Dragonite is characterized by its light orange skin, large grayish-green eyes, and small, teal wings. Despite its bulky build, it can fly faster than the speed of sound, capable of circling the globe in sixteen hours. It possesses thick arms and legs ending in three claws, with a cream-colored underbelly extending to the tip of its long tail. Known for its intelligence and kindheartedness, Dragonite exhibits altruistic behaviors, yet can become fiercely destructive if angered. Its abilities include a wide range of powerful moves, such as the Dragon-type Outrage, emphasizing its status as a formidable battler in the Pokémon world.