dimensionsword64
Smash Champion
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2014
- Messages
- 2,495
- 3DS FC
- 3609-1605-6649
#887 - Dragapult
When it isn't battling, it keeps Dreepy in the holes on its horns. Once a fight starts, it launches the Dreepy like supersonic missiles.
Apparently the Dreepy inside Dragapult's horns eagerly look forward to being launched out at Mach speeds.
Dragapult is the pseudo legendary of the Galar region, a Ghost/Dragon type speedster that uses its babies as ammo. As you can see, Dragapult's horns serve as little tents for its pre-evolution Dreepy. It can fire these Dreepy out in battle as missiles, which seems a little bit concerning until you read that the Dreepy apparently really enjoy it, and even "eagerly look forward" to it. This gimmick of firing out Dreepy as ammo is seen in Dragapult's signature move, Dragon Darts, a Dragon-type move that hits the opponent twice (once for each Dreepy). As far as we know, there's nothing restricting Dragapult's from having more than two Dreepy, but for now, we've only ever seen them with two.When it isn't battling, it keeps Dreepy in the holes on its horns. Once a fight starts, it launches the Dreepy like supersonic missiles.
Apparently the Dreepy inside Dragapult's horns eagerly look forward to being launched out at Mach speeds.
The transformation from Dreepy to Dragapult is another classic Pokemon case of a really weak, useless Pokemon turning into a huge powerhouse when it evolves. As a Dreepy, it has very poor stats and an incredibly lackluster movepool, with no Dragon-type moves and the strongest Ghost-type move being the 30 base power Astonish. Once it evolves, however, into Drakloak and then Dragapult, it gains a myriad of strong moves, as well as becoming one of the strongest and fastest Pokemon in the Galar region. Its 142 base speed outdoes even things like Mega Manetric and Mega Mewtwo Y! Though it's primarily a Physical attacker, it gets a lot of strong coverage moves on the Special side, so it can even run Mixed or Special sets. Its 100 base Special Attack isn't quite as high as its Physical Attack, but it's still nothing to scoff at.
Why Dragapult?
That's a great question, and I'm glad you asked. Dragapult has a ton of potential for a unique and fun moveset, due to its ability to use Dreepy as weapons. It has has a high focus on speed and stealth, even being the Stealth Pokemon. This could lend itself well to a style that focuses on keeping just out of reach of the opponent while pelting them with Dreepy or other quick attacks. In addition, while using characters as weapons or tools in battle isn't a new concept in Smash (Peach, King Dedede, etc.), the only character where that it's really integral to the design is Olimar and Rosalina. Adding another character like that could be cool, and Dragapult could put its own spin on the concept.In terms of representation, while Pokemon is not necessarily hurting for another character, gen 8 could definitely use a rep. In addition, Dragapult would be the first Ghost-type and the first Dragon-type representation in the Smash roster, unless you want to count Charizard's final smash from Smash 4 as Dragon representation. Dragapult would also be our first Pseudo legendary in Smash. It's kinda interesting that we've never had one, and some might say that Sakurai is intentionally not including them, but I'd say that as long as it isn't expressly deconfirmed, anything is fair game at this point.
In addition, Dragapult is just popular. It's one of the most popular designs of the new generation, with tons of people putting it on their in-game teams for Sword and Shield. Unfortunately, you have to go way out of your way to obtain one, but it's a testament to how good of a design this is that people are willing to jump through so many hoops to get one. In fact, Dragapult has seemingly become extremely popular even when compared with Pokemon from all generations, ranking in at #11 out of all of the Pokemon in the 2020 Pokemon Day Poll. Maybe its popularity has to do with being able to use a powerful pseudo-legendary as well as its adorable baby form at the same time. Maybe it has to do with its suspicious eyes and wide mouth. Or maybe it's just because it's a really powerful Ghost/Dragon Pokemon. Whatever the reason, I'm sure many people would love to see it in Smash.
What about insert other Gen 8 Pokemon here?
First and foremost, the Pokemon Day Poll showed that Dragapult is the most popular out of all of the gen 8 Pokemon. Just getting that out of the way so I don't have to repeat it for every Pokemon. And yes, the Pokemon Day Poll took place after Sakurai said the Fighters Pass 2 characters were finalized, but it was still evident beforehand that Dragapult was very popular. Additionally, his main focus with that comment was telling people not to spam him with requests. It's not out of the realm of possibility that they just saved a slot for a gen 8 character and waited for the results of the Pokemon Day Poll to decide which one to include.The starters (Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon): These seem like the biggest competitors for Dragapult. All three of them could feasibly work as a fighter, and all three of them could provide interesting moves and mechanics. Out of the three of them, Cinderace seems to be the biggest competitor. It got number 6 out of all of the Galar Pokemon, and they've been pushing its line in the new anime series, just as they did for Greninja and Incineroar before they got added to Smash. However, Dragapult seems to have more to offer than Cinderace, moveset wise. Cinderace's main gimmick is using flame balls as soccer balls. That's a really cool concept, and I could see Cinderace having some cool moves based on that, but it's unrealistic to think that it would conjure a soccer ball for every attack. For most of its attacks, it would likely be a simple kick based fighter, which is neat, but not anything especially groundbreaking. Rillaboom and Inteleon both have neat gimmicks, with Rillaboom's drumming focus and Inteleon's spy theme, but Dragapult would have so much more potential for a creative and unique moveset.
Toxtricity: Toxtricity got second place in the Pokemon Day Poll, right behind Dragapult, it's humanoid, and it has lots of moveset potential due to its unique typing and sound based design. There's no denying that Toxtricity has potential for a fun, creative moveset, but when it comes down to it, I believe that Dragapult outshines it. However, there's one problem that seems to make Toxtricity less likely. It has two forms that would require slightly different models and animations, and it is unable to freely switch between them. If it were able to switch between the forms, it could be incorporated into its gameplay, but as it is, that would go against how the forms worked in the games. It is possible that they could do palette swaps, as some characters with alternate costumes, including Byleth and Ike, have some differing animations between their costumes. However, they do not change any attack animations, meaning the Toxtricity forms as palette swaps with differing attack animations would be unprecedented. That's not to say that it would be impossible, but it could be a factor against Toxtricity's inclusion.
Zacian/Zamazenta: Though Zacian and Zamazenta certainly have moveset potential, it doesn't seem like anything they can do would be able to surpass Dragapult. In terms of likeliness, Sakurai has never added a mascot legendary as a playable character. Doing so would require him to choose between the two legendaries, and though he has no problem choosing between the starters, picking between the faces of the games seems like it would be a bigger deal, as it actually influences which version consumers pick. That's not necessarily an inherently bad thing, but it seems like something Game Freak would prefer to avoid.
Urshifu: The new legendary in the DLC could be an option, but it suffers from the same problem as Toxtricity: it has two forms that require different models and animations, and they can't be switched between freely. I'm sure Sakurai could figure out a way to make it work, but it does seem to lessen Urshifu's chances, especially considering that Urshifu's forms have drastically different poses and animations. We also don't know a ton about Urshifu's battle capabilities currently, but it doesn't seem like it will be able to match Dragapult in uniqueness.
Zarude: The new mythical is also a potential option, but Sakurai has never added a mythical Pokemon as a Smash fighter, which might be intentional. Zarude could have some neat moves with its vines, but Ivysaur already uses vines a decent amount, and it doesn't compare to the sheer moveset potential that Dragapult has.
Please don't take any of this as me trying to bash Dragapult's opponents. As a huge Pokemon fan, I'm sure I'd be ecstatic for any new Pokemon to join the fray. However, when looking at all of these great options for a Pokemon rep, it seems to me that Dragapult is the clear standout due to its popularity, stellar design, and unique gimmick that lends itself to a fun, creative moveset.
What would Dragapult's moveset be like?
As I mentioned earlier, Dragapult could have a moveset all about keeping your distance from the opponent while chipping at them with your quick, long-range attacks. Dragapult is actually nine feet tall when you include its tail, so it could definitely have some good range on its attacks. Speaking of the tail, that and the Dreepy would likely be Dragapult's primary form of attack. Its stubby little legs and arms don't really give it much momentum for attacks, so its tail is its best weapon. It could also have some nice headbutt attacks, as that's its other very prominent body feature.Neutral Special: Dragon Darts
Dragapult fires one Dreepy forward, and another if you press the button again. The Dreepy automatically home in slightly towards opponents, and the move can be angled up or down.
Forward Special: U-Turn
Dragapult lunges forward for as long as you hold down the button. If it reaches an opponent, it unleashes a powerful tail swipe before disappearing and reappearing where it started. Alternatively, you can release the button early to quickly teleport back to its original position. It's a good option for approaching an opponent, as you can quickly return to safety if it seems your opponent will counterattack you.
Up Special: Phantom Force
A pretty typical teleport, but with a slight twist. Dragapult disappears in ghostly energy, and reappears elsewhere in another burst of ghostly energy. Unlike most teleports, however, you can keep holding the button down to delay Dragapult's reappearance. Any one who gets caught in the burst takes chip damage for a few seconds.
Down Special: Grudge
A counter move where Dragapult blocks for a second. However, instead of dealing damage if it activates, it simply stops your opponent from using any moves or shielding for several seconds. This gives Dragapult a good opportunity to go in for an attack.
Final Smash: Dynamax Dragon Darts
Dragapult Dynamaxes, turning massive in size, and flies to the background. Very similarly to Bowser's Final Smash, a target appears on the screen and you aim and fire a Dreepy to attack the opponent from the background. The shot is less powerful than Giga Bowser's punch, but you have two shots, one for each Dreepy.
Neutral Attack: Dragapult slashes with both of its claws before one of the Dreepy pops out for a headbutt. The claw hits have pretty short range but the Dreepy has long range.
Dash Attack: Dragapult lunges forward and hits opponents with its head. The two Dreepy shoot out a short distance, giving it a little bit of extra range (though the Dreepy do less damage than Dragapult).
Forward Tilt: A basic claw swipe.
Up Tilt: A headbutt upwards.
Down Tilt: A tail swipe at the ground.
Forward Smash: Dragapult charges up and fires a blast of dragonic energy out of its mouth, like Ridley's forward smash.
Up Smash: Dragapult flips and whacks the air above it with its tail
Down Smash: The two Dreepy fly out, one to the left and one to the right, and perform a headbutt.
Neutral Air: Dragapult spins around, hitting everything around it with its tail.
Forward Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy forward.
Back Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy backwards.
Up Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy up.
Down Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy down.
Grab: Grabs the opponent with its tail. Decently long range.
Pummel: The two Dreepy headbutt the opponent.
Forward Throw: Dragapult throws the opponent forward with its tail.
Back Throw: Dragapult slams the opponent on the ground behind it, sending them flying.
Up Throw: Dragapult tosses the opponent up and a Dreepy headbutts it.
Down Throw: Dragapult headbutts the opponent into the ground.
Taunt 1: The two Dreepy fight in midair while Dragapult chuckles.
Taunt 2: Dragapult roars menacingly with the two Dreepy doing the same.
Taunt 3: A Dreepy flies out of Dragapult's horn, looking around curiously, before getting scared and flying back in.
Victory Animation 1: The area is blank, with the camera looking around for Dragapult. Dragapult appears in the center of the screen in ghostly energy.
Victory Animation 2: Dragapult flies by really fast from the left to the right. The camera turns to the right to look for Dragapult, only for it to appear from the left side of the screen laughing.
Victory Animation 3: The two Dreepy are flying around Dragapult as it looks overwhelmed.
Losing Animation: Dragapult claps somewhat unsuccessfully (with its arms being a little bit too short)
Dragapult fires one Dreepy forward, and another if you press the button again. The Dreepy automatically home in slightly towards opponents, and the move can be angled up or down.
Forward Special: U-Turn
Dragapult lunges forward for as long as you hold down the button. If it reaches an opponent, it unleashes a powerful tail swipe before disappearing and reappearing where it started. Alternatively, you can release the button early to quickly teleport back to its original position. It's a good option for approaching an opponent, as you can quickly return to safety if it seems your opponent will counterattack you.
Up Special: Phantom Force
A pretty typical teleport, but with a slight twist. Dragapult disappears in ghostly energy, and reappears elsewhere in another burst of ghostly energy. Unlike most teleports, however, you can keep holding the button down to delay Dragapult's reappearance. Any one who gets caught in the burst takes chip damage for a few seconds.
Down Special: Grudge
A counter move where Dragapult blocks for a second. However, instead of dealing damage if it activates, it simply stops your opponent from using any moves or shielding for several seconds. This gives Dragapult a good opportunity to go in for an attack.
Final Smash: Dynamax Dragon Darts
Dragapult Dynamaxes, turning massive in size, and flies to the background. Very similarly to Bowser's Final Smash, a target appears on the screen and you aim and fire a Dreepy to attack the opponent from the background. The shot is less powerful than Giga Bowser's punch, but you have two shots, one for each Dreepy.
Neutral Attack: Dragapult slashes with both of its claws before one of the Dreepy pops out for a headbutt. The claw hits have pretty short range but the Dreepy has long range.
Dash Attack: Dragapult lunges forward and hits opponents with its head. The two Dreepy shoot out a short distance, giving it a little bit of extra range (though the Dreepy do less damage than Dragapult).
Forward Tilt: A basic claw swipe.
Up Tilt: A headbutt upwards.
Down Tilt: A tail swipe at the ground.
Forward Smash: Dragapult charges up and fires a blast of dragonic energy out of its mouth, like Ridley's forward smash.
Up Smash: Dragapult flips and whacks the air above it with its tail
Down Smash: The two Dreepy fly out, one to the left and one to the right, and perform a headbutt.
Neutral Air: Dragapult spins around, hitting everything around it with its tail.
Forward Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy forward.
Back Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy backwards.
Up Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy up.
Down Air: Dragapult fires a Dreepy down.
Grab: Grabs the opponent with its tail. Decently long range.
Pummel: The two Dreepy headbutt the opponent.
Forward Throw: Dragapult throws the opponent forward with its tail.
Back Throw: Dragapult slams the opponent on the ground behind it, sending them flying.
Up Throw: Dragapult tosses the opponent up and a Dreepy headbutts it.
Down Throw: Dragapult headbutts the opponent into the ground.
Taunt 1: The two Dreepy fight in midair while Dragapult chuckles.
Taunt 2: Dragapult roars menacingly with the two Dreepy doing the same.
Taunt 3: A Dreepy flies out of Dragapult's horn, looking around curiously, before getting scared and flying back in.
Victory Animation 1: The area is blank, with the camera looking around for Dragapult. Dragapult appears in the center of the screen in ghostly energy.
Victory Animation 2: Dragapult flies by really fast from the left to the right. The camera turns to the right to look for Dragapult, only for it to appear from the left side of the screen laughing.
Victory Animation 3: The two Dreepy are flying around Dragapult as it looks overwhelmed.
Losing Animation: Dragapult claps somewhat unsuccessfully (with its arms being a little bit too short)
So, yeah! If you agree that Dragapult could be a great addition to the Smash Bros roster, just ask to be added to the supporters list and I'll add you as soon as I can! In addition, if you have a moveset idea for Dragapult, post it and I can add it to the OP.
Supporters
dimensionsword64
Pokelego999
RealPokeFan11
Xevious 1
SvartWolf
LukeRNG
IronWarrior94
toonito
Last edited: