Dialga


PvE Analysis
The Temporal Pokemon has arrived, and it is a great asset to most teams. As the only Dragon that doesn't take Super Effective damage from other Dragon-types, it has a TDO that tends go outclass most of its fellow dragon-type counters. However, its DPS leaves a bit to be desired in most cases, lagging behind many of its compatriots. Its DPS isn't bad, but definitely not as high as many of the other top Dragons. As a Steel-type attacker, it's pretty decent overall. It has some utility, but it's definitely not worth raising a Dialga just for this Niche.
Dialga does have some hope for the future in the form of its signature move, Roar of Time. However, while its Origin Form does have access to this move, this form does not, so time will tell when/if it will change Dialga's place in the meta if it ever gets access to it.
Best PvE Offensive Moveset
Best | |
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Good |
- Dragon Breath should be paired with Draco Meteor for top TDO against Dragon-types.
- Metal Claw should be paired with Iron Head for top Steel-type DPS.
- Thunder isn't useful on Dialga.
PvP Analysis
Dragon Breath is, frankly, the main source of Dialga's offensive power, and is thus the correct choice for fast move. It provides an incredible amount of consistent Dragon-type damage.
Iron Head is Dialga's cheapest move, and while it is (on its own) mediocre, it provides solid anti-Fairy coverage, and is generally good enough.
The only real decision you have to make in your Dialga's moveset is between Thunder and Draco Meteor, and you'll find players who swear by each. Draco Meteor is a one-shot nuke, which can deal a huge amount of damage to everything in the format, but at the cost of dropping your attack to unusable levels after. Thunder gives you more power against Flying-types and Kyogre, but doesn't hit quite so hard against the rest of the format. Experiment, and see which you like more!
Note: Dialga is an incredibly IV-dependent Pokémon, requiring minimum 15/14/12 IVs and being Best Buddied to compete effectively.
Great League | |
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Dialga's CP is too high to be used in the Great League. | |
Ultra League | |
Dialga is fragile and its moveset is too slow in the overall spammy Ultra League. | |
Master League | |
Dialga was once the best Pokemon in the Master League. Though it is now a shell of its former self, it defined the metagame since its release in February 2019 up until the release of its own Origin Forme in February 2024. Its role would then be passed down to said Origin Forme, continuing its dominance until May 2025, when Crowned Zacian and Zamazenta made their debuts. Nowadays, there isn't much reason to run regular Dialga, and even its Origin Forme is niche at best. However, Dialga as a whole can be proud of the incredible legacy that it graced the metagame with. |