What is Koraidon‘s Weakness? An In-Depth Competitive Analysis

As an avid competitive battler and content creator passionate about all things Pokémon, I‘ve carefully analyzed Koraidon‘s weaknesses and how to exploit them effectively. With its unique Fighting/Dragon typing, Koraidon presents a formidable challenge but also glaring vulnerabilities. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge to counter the majestic Legendary!

Koraidon‘s Type Matchups and Weaknesses

Koraidon‘s unique dual Fighting/Dragon typing gives it a very specific set of type matchups:

As we can see, Koraidon has 5 separate type weaknesses, giving us plenty of options to counter it. Now let‘s analyze the best picks for exploiting these vulnerabilities.

Hard Counters: Pokémon That Check Koraidon

Taking advantage of one or more of its 5 weaknesses, these Pokémon make fantastic Koraidon counters:

Togekiss

Togekiss brings a devastating Fairy/Flying dual threat that strikes 2 of Koraidon‘s biggest Achilles‘ heels. With exceptional Special Attack and access to moves like Dazzling Gleam, Air Slash, and Aura Sphere, Togekiss melts through Koraidon‘s HP. It also packs wish support and Thunder Wave to substantially support teammates.

Calcs vs. Koraidon:

• +2 Dazzling Gleam: 73.1% – 86.3%
• Air Slash: 41.3% – 48.7%
• Aura Sphere: 84.3% – 99.3% (if Koraidon boosts Defense with Curse or Coil)

Gardevoir

As a premier special attacker, Gardevoir unleashes devastating Psychic STAB attacks. With Psychic and Moonblast Gardevoir shreds Koraidon while avoiding its Fighting weakness thanks to the Fairy sub-typing. Shadow Ball provides crucial coverage against ghost-weak checks like Machamp.

Calcs vs 0 SpDef Koraidon:

• Psychic: 73.1% – 86.1%
• Moonblast: 84.6% – 99.5%

Salamence

The Dragon/Flying powerhouse Salamence can switch into Koraidon easily and threaten with Draco Meteor thanks to its colossal Special Attack Stat. It also packs Dragon Dance to set up on Koraidon.

Calcs after 1 Drag Dance:

• Outrage: 169.3% – 199.1%
• Dual Wingbeat: 141.1% – 166.2%

With Intimidate support, Salamence also makes an excellent check to Koraidon‘s substantial physical Attack.

As we can see, these picks all provide tremendous offensive pressure targeting Koraidon‘s crippling weaknesses. But don‘t underestimate its power either…

Koraidon‘s Strengths: What to Watch Out For

Despite clear vulnerabilities, Koraidon has fearsome qualities that make it difficult to counter directly:

• Solid 95/125/100 bulk means it takes decent neutral hits
• 142 Attack Stat hits terrifyingly hard after just 1 Dragon Dance
• Access to Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, Bulk Up, and Coil to set up
• STAB Outrage and Close Combat make it very dangerous offensively
• Tough Skin ability halves contact move damage taken

With setup and by avoiding its weaknesses, Koraidon can easily run through unprepared teams. But with the right game plan, you can restrict and eliminate this threat.

Alternative Counters and Checks

Beyond the best hard counters mentioned already, plenty other picks can battle or support against Koraidon:

Bulky Waters

The combination of Slowbro, Milotic, Quagsire, Gastrodon and other bulky waters can switch in comfortably while threatening with Scald. This steady chip damage adds up over time while their bulk allows them to take un-boosted hits.

Rotom Wash deserves special mention for its excellent dual Water/Electric STAB attacks.

Steel Types

Steel-types handle Koraidon‘s STAB moves easily while threatening back. Heatran and Magnezone in particular trap and defeat Koraidon 1v1 while Skarmory utilizes Sturdy, Rocky Helmet, and Roost to reliably check it.

Ferrothorn pairs hazard setting with Rocky Helmet and exceptional physical bulk.

Strong Special Attackers

Powerful special attackers that don‘t mind taking an unboosted hit can blow holes through Koraidon. Good choices include Kyogre, Calyrex Shadow, eternal-Dynamax Pokémon and even Specs Keldeo. Choice item locking limits scouting potential.

Entry Hazards

Entry hazards like Stealth Rock, Spikes and Toxic Spikes stack up steady residual damage each switch in. Combined with hard counters this greatly shortens Koraidon‘s lifespan. Consider Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Toxapex and the Galarian Slow Twins to set them up!

With numerous options to directly counter, slow down, or support against Koraidon, constructing an effective team matchup becomes very achievable, even at high competitive levels!

Now let‘s explore extra tips for defeating this magnificent Legendary lizard.

Additional Competitive Koraidon Counters Tips

• Carry Phoebe the Ghost Elite Four member to block Outrage locking
• Watch out for Substitute + Coil/Curse/Dragon Dance sets
• Always calc +2 Attack Dragon Dances sets – they hit devastatingly hard!
• Pressure with Toxic/Burn if you lack a direct counter
• Pair strong special attackers with Nuzzle or Thunder Wave users

The Lore Behind Koraidon – Connections to its Weaknesses

As an ancient ancestor to Cyclizar, we can look to real world ancient creatures like the Archosaur precursor to dinosaurs and modern birds.

This primitive reptile link explains Koraidon‘s weakness to Ice, fitting for an ancient creature preceding true dragons.

Its avian ties may explain the Flying and Dragon weaknesses, while its saurian nature accounts for its Fairy and Psychic vulnerabilities.

Piecing together scraps of history and lore, we inch closer to understanding the majestic Koraidon!

Conclusion: Overcoming the Ancient Obstacle

Koraidon stands as a formidable Legendary beast – its prehistoric power enough to overwhelm unprepared teams.

Yet knowledge of its 5 weaknesses gives trainers the tools to engineer its downfall. So draft solid counterpicks, stack entry hazard damage, and fight smart. Do so and victory shall be yours.

I hope this guide has armed you with the competitive knowledge to successfully combat Koraidon. May your adventures in Paldea lead to glory. Go forth and conquer this fierce dragon warrior!