Life Orb makes this a mixed-attacker Dragapult build. It uses its broad coverage and high Speed to alternate between physical and special attacks to break opposing walls — its composition.

EV Allocation Intent

Alternative Move Options

Thunderbolt and Surf are also recommended

Flamethrower slot can run Thunderbolt or Surf are also recommended. Choose the coverage move that best targets the matchups you want to win.

Role of the Life Orb mixed-attacker build

Its main role is to move first with its high Speed and pressure the opposing field by switching between physical and special moves. It can easily carry effective moves against both physical and special walls, and use U-turn in unfavorable matchups to bring in an ally, giving it a flexible playstyle — its role.

Favorable Matchups

Pokémon Whose Weakness It Can Hit First

Dragapult has the advantage against Pokémon whose weaknesses it can exploit before they move.Use its broad coverage and high Speed to control the field.It does not take counterattacks well, so if a one-hit KO looks unlikely, use U-turn to chip the foe while switching to a reserve Pokémon.

Threats

Struggles against Choice Scarf users

Dragapult has extremely high Speed, but Pokémon holding a Choice Scarf will still outspeed it. Play carefully and watch the opponent's held item.

Using its high Speed to move first and set up Reflect, Light Screen to support the ace waiting in the back. This Dragapult is a setup-support build that holds Light Clay to extend the duration of the screens, while it uses Curse to leave the field voluntarily and bring in an ally safely — its composition.

Alternative Move Options

Dragon Darts is also recommended

For the attacking-move slot, Dragon Darts is another option. If you choose Dragon Darts, change its nature to ようき.

Screen Setter / Hazard Setup Build Role

Reflect and Light Screen to create opportunities for allies to use setup moves. Its Ability Cursed Body can also disrupt the opponent, while it uses Curse to leave the field voluntarily, preventing the opponent from setting up on it while creating an advantageous position — its role.

Good Partners

Pair it with a setup sweeper

This Dragapult build works best when paired with a setup sweeper. Reflect and Light Screen to reduce incoming damage and help the ally use its setup moves.

Threats

Pokémon with Psychic Fangs or Prankster

This Dragapult build cannot fully perform its role against Pokémon carrying Psychic Fangs, which can break screens. Pokémon with the Ability Prankster that can use priority Taunt or Encore are also difficult matchups. Check the opposing team carefully before bringing it to battle.

Focus Sash guarantees it can act, which this mixed matchup Dragapult build uses to spread status and attack with wide-coverage physical and special moves. Its Ability Infiltrator lets it bypass opposing screens and Substitute, and it can finish off weakened foes with Sucker Punch—another powerful option.

Alternative Move Options

Shadow Ball is also recommended as a Ghost-type move

For its Ghost-type move, Shadow Ball is also an option. Although its maximum power is lower than Hex, it still deals consistent damage even when the opponent has no status condition.Deals consistent damage even when the opponent isn't statused.

The pivot move U-turn is also strong

Sucker Punch can be replaced by the pivot move U-turn; it is useful for scouting and switching out of unfavorable matchups.

Thunder Wave and Curse are also candidates for support moves

can lower Speed, while Thunder Wave, which is effective against Pokémon using setup moves, Curse are also options.When using Curse, Hex cannot reach its maximum power on its own; therefore, consider switching to Shadow Ball.

Role of the Matchup Mixed Attacker Dragapult build

Comes in as the lead or after a faint, leveraging its inherent Speed and guaranteed turn to handle the matchup opponent—that is its primary role.Will-O-Wisp and Hex combo and multi-hit moves effective against the opponent's Focus Sash, allowing it to function as a stopper as well.

Threats

Struggles against Fairy-type special attackers

Dragon Darts or Sucker Punch do not work well against Fairy types, making those matchups clearly unfavorable. If the opponent is a special attacker, Will-O-Wisp is also less effective, so switch out and handle it with a reserve Pokémon.