Goodra has emerged as a surprisingly versatile pick in Pokémon Legends: Z-A ranked battles. With its impressive bulk and decent special attack, it can serve as both a defensive pivot and a special attacker. If you’re looking to optimize your Goodra for competitive play, this guide breaks down the best builds, strategies, and battle tips.
Why Goodra Works in Ranked Battles
Goodra’s Dragon typing gives it access to strong STAB moves, while its Water and Fire resistances allow it to handle a variety of threats. Its high HP and Special Defense make it a reliable wall against common special attackers, giving you the opportunity to control the pace of the match. For ranked battles where consistency is key, a well-built Goodra can swing games in your favor.
Recommended Goodra Build
Ability
Gooey: This ability allows Goodra to slow down physical attackers, which can be crucial in tight ranked matches. Combined with its natural bulk, it makes it much harder for opponents to break through.
Sap Sipper: A situational option against Grass-types, granting an immunity and an attack boost, but less universally useful than Gooey.
Nature
Modest: Maximizes special attack without sacrificing too much bulk.
Calm: If you want to enhance Goodra’s defensive role, a Calm nature works well to increase Special Defense.
EV Spread
252 HP / 252 Special Attack / 4 Speed: The classic setup allows Goodra to hit hard while surviving longer in battle.
Alternative Defensive Spread: 252 HP / 252 Special Defense / 4 Speed if your goal is to stall or support your team more effectively.
Moveset
Draco Meteor: Your primary STAB nuke, capable of heavily pressuring opposing Dragons and threats.
Muddy Water: Provides coverage against Fire-types and can lower accuracy, giving you a small edge.
Thunderbolt: Useful for handling Water-types that might otherwise wall Goodra.
Sludge Bomb / Dragon Pulse: Sludge Bomb is great against Fairy-types, while Dragon Pulse is more consistent for STAB damage without the recoil of Draco Meteor.
Battle Strategy
Goodra excels when you predict switch-ins and capitalize on its bulk. Lead with Muddy Water to soften targets, then switch into Draco Meteor for heavy damage. If you need to survive a strong hit, Gooey can slow down physical attackers, giving your team the breathing room it needs. Pair Goodra with faster sweepers or Fairy-types to cover its weaknesses.
Tips for Competitive Play
Team Synergy: Pair Goodra with strong Fairy-types or Pokémon that resist Ice moves to mitigate its weaknesses.
Predict Opponent Moves: Goodra’s success often hinges on anticipating threats and using its bulk to turn the tide.
Item Choice: Leftovers for sustained battles or Life Orb for more aggressive damage output.
For players looking to expand their competitive roster, some may consider options to buy custom Pokemon or even buy custom Pokemon legit site through trusted services like U4GM to get perfectly optimized builds ready for ranked battles. While it’s always satisfying to train Pokémon yourself, having a high-level Goodra can save time and let you jump straight into competitive play.
Goodra is a sleeper hit in Pokémon Legends: Z-A ranked battles, offering a mix of offensive presence and defensive reliability. By fine-tuning its ability, moveset, and EV spread, you can create a formidable force that challenges even the toughest opponents. Whether you’re grinding to climb the ladder or experimenting with team compositions, Goodra deserves a spot in your competitive arsenal.
