Battle Spot: Dragalge Trick Room and Doubles strategy

Build set as of Gen 6

• Ability – Adaptability
• Stats – HP (252), SpA (252), SpD (4)
• Nature – Modest/Quiet 
• Item – Life Orb
• Move set – Draco Meteor (stab), Sludge Bomb (stab), Hydro Pump/Thunderbolt, Protect

When Dragalge was discovered in XY, I knew it was another perfect candidate for Trick Room but it didn't have Adaptability ability yet. So I had to wait until ORAS came around and it finally got the hidden ability, verdict? It kicks so-much-ass. 

Strength

Adaptability, the ability to boost power STAB moves from the usual 1.5 to 2 which makes a LOT of difference. Combined with Life Orb, it would almost always OHKO a Pokemon that is neutral against Draco Meteor or Sludge Bomb. Adaptability + Life Orb combo is also guaranteed to OHKO a Sylveon (the highest SpD among all fairies) with Sludge Bomb, and that's a huge bonus given how annoying that fairy is. 

The first ever Dragon/Poison type is special too as it gets neutral damage from Fairies, not to forget its high SpD stat too that complements Fire, Water, Electric and Grass resistance even more, making it a tank favourite against SpA Pokemon. But then again...

Weakness

That also means it's weak to both Ground and Ice, which are everywhere in the metagame. Also, its Defence stat is just alright so physical attackers have a greater chance of taking it down. 

Dragalge users should also be wary of Psyshock users, as it focuses on Pokemon's Defence stat instead of SpD. 

Another major problem it has is facing a Steel-type Pokemon, Dragon-type moves won't do much, and Sludge Bomb won't have any effect. That's where you have to rely on your third move...

Move set

Fortunately, Dragalge can learn some decent third SpA moves from its move pool. It can learn Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Thunderbolt. I'd opt for either Hydro Pump or Thunderbolt for coverage and consistent power, not really a fan of Focus Blast because of that low accuracy. Well, depend what your team is lacking really.

You could consider Dragon Pulse if you want more consistency, but Draco Meteor is the way to go for good reasons. Sure, Draco Meteor will drop the SpA sharply but you'd most prolly OHKO that Pokemon 90% of the time anyway. Remember you have Adaptability + Life Orb combo, Draco Meteor still kinda hurt even after using it once. 

Another thing, Sludge Bomb is preferred over Sludge Wave because of the 30% chance of poisoning a Pokemon, Sludge Wave only has 10% chance and it won't OHKO Sylveon either.

Closing thoughts

(image credit to foxeaf)

Dragalge is an excellent wallbreaker and has been a staple in my Trick Room team ever since ORAS was released, if it wasn't for Adaptability, I'm not sure which Pokemon I can rely on for playing the anti-Sylveon role (yes, I really hate facing Sylveon, but like using it as well haha). 

There you have it, a terrifying S-Class Trick Room Pokemon. So Dragalge, I choose you! Glhf!