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The Pokemon core game series has introduced several pseudo-legendary species over the years, known as creatures that have improved stats and battle capabilities compared to ordinary mons, but falling a little short of real legendary species. Many pseudo-legendaries remain incredibly popular among trainers, but the Kalos creature Goodra is considered the worst among all pseudo-legendaries.
Why is this the case exactly? The answer points back to a few factors regarding Goodra's abilities in Pokemon battles. From its stats to its learnable moves as well as its lack of a second elemental type, Goodra doesn't have a lot to work with compared to other pseudo-legendaries. It isn't the worst Pocket Monster out there, but it's also not a shining example of its pseudo-legendary status.
Goodra falls short as a pseudo-legendary Pokemon
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When Pokemon players hear the term "pseudo-legendary", they typically expect a few specific things from a creature with that designation. It should have stats that are above average that typically fit a defined role, a quality collection of learnable moves that fit the role, and ideally a secondary elemental type to make countering it more difficult. Goodra doesn't meet these expectations in a few ways.
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Goodra's base Sp. Defense stat of 150 does make it appear to be suited for a tank role, but it lacks a quality Defense stat (70) and doesn't have a stellar base HP stat either (90). Its base Speed stat of 80 is expected, but Goodra's stats don't lend it much help to being a well-rounded pseudo-legendary tank aside from shrugging off special attacks.
Even with EV training, Goodra users are caught in a dilemma. They can train its Defense and Sp. Defense to ensure that it's as capable in a tank role as possible, but this leaves it at a loss when it comes to dealing any kind of decent damage. Despite having access to powerful moves like Draco Meteor, countless other Dragon-type Pokemon can use the attack to much better effect.
There's also the matter that pseudo-legendary tank Pokemon are expected to have quality moves that allow them to heal themselves and support their allies. Unfortunately, Goodra's access to moves like Absorb and Rest don't exactly measure up. Goodra's Hydration ability does help it cure status effects, but that simply isn't enough for serious battling.
Moreover, Goodra is a pure Dragon-type Pocket Monster, making it the only fully evolved pseudo-legendary to only possess one elemental type. As a pure dragon, opponents will know from the outset of battle that it's weak to Dragon, Fairy, and Ice-type moves, and there isn't much Goodra can do about it outside of Generation IX where it can at least use Terastallization to temporarily change its type.
Compared to other pseudo-legendary dragons like Baxcalibur (Dragon/Ice), Dragonite (Dragon/Flying), Garchomp (Dragon/Ground), Salamence (Dragon/Flying), and Hydreigon (Dragon/Dark), Goodra falls short in stats, moves, type, and its ability to fill an adequate battle role compared to other pseudo-legendaries. Even non-pseudo-legendary Pokemon can outshine Goodra in its defined role.
While some may make the argument, including in the competitive community, that Kommo-o is a worse pseudo-legendary species, Goodra simply doesn't have much going for it. It's easy to counter, it can't heal itself reliably, and its ability to support its teammates is disappointing. Kommo-o can at least serve in a decent capacity as a physical attacker/defender.
Goodra isn't the worst Pocket Monster when it comes to battles. It can be built as an unspectacular tank, but there are simply so many better options in both the pseudo-legendary and non-pseudo-legendary space that can outperform it in the one thing it's intended to be used for. Perhaps Goodra can get a little help in the core series' future, but it remains to be seen if this will be the case.
This article is based on the writer's opinions.
