How to Get Dragonite in Pokémon Go: A Step-by-Step Guide

by Jerry Cook Updated on 2025-07-29 10:05:43 / Update for Pokemon iOS

For a long time, trainers have been asking how to get Dragonite in Pokémon Go because, for one, it is rare, and secondly, it is one of the starting Pokémons with which the popular AR game launched. With that said, whenever a Pokémon is highly sought after, so are its shiny and mega forms. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Go, shiny Dragonite, Dragonite weaknesses, Dragonite counters, and good Dragonite movesets, among many other things. Let’s get started!

how to get Dragonite in Pokemon Go

Part 1: Can Dragonite Mega Evolve in Pokémon Go

Mega Dragonite Debuts in Legends Z-A

The announcement of Mega Dragonite in the upcoming title Pokémon Legends: Z-A during the July 2025 Pokémon Presents has reignited interest in one of the most iconic Dragon-type Pokémon. While this powerful new form is confirmed for the console game, many players are now asking: “Can Dragonite Mega Evolve in Pokémon GO?” As of now, Mega Dragonite in Pokémon GO is not available, and Niantic has not provided any official timeline for its release.

Still, you can catch regular Dragonite in Pokémon Go. This powerful Dragon- and Flying-type Pokémon has been in the game since 2016, but it’s still quite rare. You won’t find it hatching from eggs, and it's almost never seen in the wild, except during special events or in specific biomes.

Is Shiny Dragonite Available in Pokémon Go?

Fortunately, when it comes to Dragonite’s shiny version, YES! Shiny Dragonite is available in Pokémon Go, but it’s even rarer to come by than its already rare non-shiny orange-coloured counterpart. Speaking of which, in terms of appearance, Dragonite Shiny has a striking green appearance.

Part 2: How do You Get a Dragonite in Pokémon Go

Since there’s no Dragonite’s mega evolution, here’s how to find a Dragonite in Pokémon Go (the regular version).

1Evolve from Dratini (Most Effective Method)

The best and most reliable way to get a Dragonite in Pokémon Go is by evolving it from a Dratini. First, catch a Dratini, then evolve it into Dragonair, and finally into Dragonite. You’ll need 25 Dratini Candy for the first evolution and 100 Candy for the second.

Note: Use Pinap Berries when walking with Dratini, as it can help you collect Candy faster!

2Wild Dragonite Encounters (Rare)

Catching a wild Dragonite in Pokémon Go is very rare. It only shows up during special events, windy weather boosts, or in Dragon-type biomes. Even during these times, finding one is uncommon.

3Field Research Rewards

Sometimes, Niantic includes Dragonite or its pre-evolutions as rewards in Field Research Tasks. These special tasks can be found by spinning PokéStops. However, Dragonite as a direct reward is not common, so it’s more likely you’ll get a Dratini this way.

4Special Events or Timed Research

Events like Community Days, Go Fest, or Seasonal Events often increase the spawn rate of Dratini or include Dragonite as a reward. These events may also give you a direct confrontation with Dragonite, or even a shiny Dragonite, in wild encounters, so make sure to watch the news in the app or online so you don’t miss these limited-time chances.

5Trading with Other Trainers

If you can’t find one yourself, no problem. If your friend has a spare Dragonite, you can trade with them using Stardust. Keep in mind, though, trading a Shiny Dragonite or high-IV Dragonite usually costs more Stardust unless you're Lucky Friends.

Part 3: Where is the Best Place to Find Dragonite in Pokémon Go

Even though it is not a common spawn, some locations are known to have higher chances of Dratini spawns, which you can evolve into Dragonite. Here are some popular coordinates where players reportedly have had success:

  • 37.802035, -122.396814 (San Francisco waterfront)

    This spot near the Embarcadero has about 1–2 Dratini spawns daily. It sits close to the bay, and Pikachu often gathers here.

  • 34.0094, -118.4973 (Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles)

    This coastal location draws lots of water Pokémon, including the rare Dratini and sometimes wild Dragonite—all boosted during special events.

  • 35.710063, 139.8107 – Sumida Park, Tokyo, Japan

    Located near a river, this park regularly sees Dratini spawns during events and even off-season.

Since travelling to all these places can take time and money, many trainers use a location spoofer like PoGoskill. This GPS spoofer not only saves you time by letting you set up custom routes but also lets you simulate your virtual movement naturally using the joystick mode.

Key features of PoGoskill:

  • Cooldown Timer: Keeps your account safe by preventing frequent teleporting in short intervals.
  • Auto Catch Pokémon: Automatically catches rare spawns like Dragonite for you. You don’t even have to look at your screen, let alone swipe it.
  • App Compatibility: Works seamlessly on both Android and iOS devices, running the latest OS versions.

How to Use PoGoskill to Catch Dragonite:

Free Download
secure download Secure Download
Free Download
secure download Secure Download
  • Step 1First, click the button to download PoGoskill on your computer and connect to your phone.

    pogoskill lunch
  • Step 2Second, choose "Game Mode" to get started.

    choose game mode
  • Step 3Enter the above coordinates on the PoGo map and teleport there. Find and catch Dragonite.

    auto catch box monimized
  •  

Part 4: Is Dragonite a Good Pokémon in PvP and PvE?

Dragonite in PvP (Master League) and PvE (Raids & Gym Battles)

In both PvP and PvE, Dragonite is a solid choice, but the choice of moves matters. For raids and gym fights, the good Dragonite moveset is fast Dragon Tail paired with powerful charged moves like Outrage or Draco Meteor, perfect for Windy weather boosts. In Master League PvP, pairing Dragon Breath or Dragon Tail with Dragon Claw and Superpower gives it good matchups.

Dragonite Weakness and Best Counters

Like all Dragon/Flying-types, Dragonite’s weakness include Ice, Rock, Fairy, and Dragon moves. Ice-type moves, in particular, deal double damage.

Some of the best Dragonite counters are:

  • Mamoswine
    Mamoswine
  • Galarian Darmanitan
    Galarian Darmanitan
  • Togekiss
    Togekiss
  • Rayquaza
    Rayquaza
  • Cloyster
    Cloyster
  • Jynx
    Jynx
  • Lapras
    Jynx
 

FAQs about Mega Dragonite Pokémon Go

Which Dragon Pokémon can Mega Evolve?

While Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Go has not been released yet, several other Dragon-type Pokémon can mega evolve. These include:

Until we see Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Go, these are top choices for any trainer looking for strong Mega Dragon Pokémon.

What is the Best Dragon Mega Pokémon Go?

Currently, Mega Rayquaza is widely considered the strongest Dragon-type Mega in Pokémon GO due to its exceptional DPS and max CP. Mega Garchomp also rivals it in bulk and versatility, whereas Mega Latios is also strong for PvE.

Conclusion

While Mega Dragonite in Pokémon Go is not available yet, its future looks promising with its debut in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Until then, trainers can enjoy hunting shiny Dragonite and using it in PvP battles.

In case you don’t want to spend hours walking to find Dragonite, then use a GPS spoofer tool like PoGoskill to help you teleport to the best locations safely and quickly.

pogoskill location changer PoGoskill

The Best Location Changer

  • Play Pokemon GO safely with the Original App
  • Enjoy Game Mode for PoGo spoofing
  • Quickly find Pokémon, Raids, and Routes nearby
  • Scan 2000+ PokéStops and Gyms in 1 Second
  • Compatible with latest iOS 18 & Android 15
jerry cook Jerry Cook

250+ Articles

  • Fix Gaming Problems
  • AR Gamer
  • Location Issues Technist

With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Jerry Cook has helped over 10,000 gamers conquer their gaming challenges. His expertise in resolving gaming problems is unparalleled.