Goodra, the beloved Dragon-type pseudo-legendary from Kalos, dominates Pokémon Legends Z-A with exceptional special bulk and diverse coverage options. Whether you’re capturing Goomy early or hunting Alpha Goodra in Wild Zone 20, this snail dragon becomes an unstoppable special tank with the right moveset and nature optimization.
Table of Contents
Pokémon Legends Goodra: Complete Battle Profile
| Stat Category | Base Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 90 | Solid bulk foundation |
| Attack | 100 | Moderate physical (dump stat) |
| Defense | 70 | Vulnerable point—needs investment |
| Special Attack | 110 | Strong offensive presence |
| Special Defense | 150 | Elite-tier special wall |
| Speed | 80 | Decent but not exceptional |
| Type | Pure Dragon | Single weakness to Dragon, Fairy, Ice |
| Role | Special Tank/Wallbreaker | Mixed offense-defense |
Optimal Moveset: Coverage King Strategy
Dragon Pulse (STAB Priority)
Goodra’s primary offensive tool delivers reliable Dragon-type STAB damage with perfect accuracy. This move learns naturally through level-up, requiring no TM investment. Dragon Pulse handles most neutral matchups efficiently while maintaining PP sustainability during extended battles.
Toxic (Strategic Chip Damage)
Open battles with Toxic to inflict devastating poison that compounds each turn. This move transforms Goodra into a stalling powerhouse, especially against tanky opponents who can’t be OHKO’d. Combined with Goodra’s special bulk, you can stall while Toxic eats through HP bars.
Ice Beam (Coverage Essential)
Ice Beam provides crucial super-effective coverage against Dragon and Flying types—Goodra’s most common competitive threats. Obtain this TM from Wild Zone shops or trainer rewards. Ice Beam ensures you’re never walled by opposing Dragons or Flying specialists.
Flamethrower (Anti-Steel & Grass)
Flamethrower rounds out perfect coverage by handling Steel types (which resist Dragon moves) and Grass types. This Fire-type special attack complements Ice Beam, ensuring Goodra can threaten virtually any opponent. TM availability makes this easily accessible mid-game.
Nature Selection: Bold vs. Modest
Bold Nature (↑ Defense, ↓ Attack) — Recommended
Why Bold wins: Goodra’s 70 base Defense represents its only statistical weakness. Bold nature patches this vulnerability, transforming Goodra into a complete tank that handles both physical and special threats. Since you never use physical attacks, the Attack drop is meaningless.
Where to find Bold Mint:
- Flower stalls in Wild Zone 3
- Nouveau Cafe (Truck No. 3)
Modest Nature (↑ Special Attack, ↓ Attack) — Offensive Alternative
When to use Modest: If your team already has dedicated tanks and needs another special wallbreaker, Modest boosts Goodra’s 110 Special Attack to threatening levels. This nature maximizes Dragon Pulse and coverage move damage.
Where to find Modest Mint:
- Sushi High Roller flower stalls
- Wild Zone 3 flower stalls
- Jaune Plaza
EV Investment Strategy
Focus your effort values on Defense and Special Attack to create a balanced threat:
Defensive Investment (Bold Nature):
- 252 EVs in Defense (shores up weakness)
- 252 EVs in Special Attack (maintains offense)
- 4 EVs in HP (leftover investment)
Offensive Investment (Modest Nature):
- 252 EVs in Special Attack (maximum damage)
- 252 EVs in HP (improves overall bulk)
- 4 EVs in Speed (tiebreaker potential)
Acquiring Goodra in Legends Z-A
Evolution Path: Capture Goomy (early routes) → Evolve to Sliggoo at Level 40 → Evolve to Goodra at Level 50 during rainy weather
Alpha Shortcut: Hunt Alpha Goodra directly in Wild Zone 20 for guaranteed strong stats and larger size
Competitive Role & Team Synergy
Goodra excels as a special pivot that switches into special attackers while threatening back with diverse coverage. Its 150 Special Defense allows it to tank Psychic, Electric, and Water attacks effortlessly, then retaliate with super-effective coverage or Toxic stalling.
Best Partners: Physical walls like Aggron or Hippowdon to handle physical threats Goodra can’t. Fairy types to handle Dragon weaknesses through type synergy.
For more Pokémon Legends Z-A team building strategies, Mega Evolution guides, and TM locations, explore our Pokémon coverage. Looking for competitive builds across other games? Check our gaming guides hub.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goodra worth using over other Dragon-types in Legends Z-A?
Absolutely. Goodra fills a unique niche as the only Dragon-type pseudo-legendary with defensive utility. While Garchomp and Dragonite offer superior offense and speed, Goodra’s 150 Special Defense makes it the premier special tank in the Dragon category. This specialization becomes crucial during late-game battles against trainers using special-heavy teams. Goodra’s access to Toxic + stalling also provides strategic depth other Dragons lack. If your team needs a special wall that can also threaten opponents, Goodra outperforms alternatives. However, if you prioritize raw sweeping power, Garchomp remains superior.
Should I teach Goodra Thunder or stick with the recommended moveset?
Thunder offers superior coverage against Water and Flying types but comes with critical drawbacks. The 70% accuracy makes it unreliable in crucial battles where a single miss can cost victory. Ice Beam already covers Flying types super-effectively while maintaining 100% accuracy. Thunder only adds meaningful coverage against bulky Water types, which Toxic + Dragon Pulse can handle through attrition. Stick with the recommended moveset for consistency. The only scenario where Thunder makes sense is if you’re running a rain-focused team where Thunder becomes 100% accurate—but Legends Z-A’s mechanics don’t support weather-setting reliably enough to justify this specialization.
