Although Dragonite fell somewhat short compared to the pseudo-legendary Pokémon from other generations, players had still worked out several strategies that allowed it to make full use of its strength.
A quick analysis showed that Dragonite's Dragon/Flying typing provided five resistances and one immunity, but left it weak to Dragon and Ice.
Its ability was Inner Focus. Without its Hidden Ability, this was its only option. With Generation VIII mechanics applied, it granted immunity to Intimidate and flinching, making it a fairly decent ability. At least Pokémon like Gyarados could not lower its Attack.
As a pseudo-legendary with a base stat total of 600, it was extremely sturdy. Its 91-95-100 bulk let it comfortably take hits that were not super effective. Its high Attack favored physical offense, though its base 100 Special Attack was respectable too. With powerful same-type moves like Draco Meteor and Hurricane, it could also run a mixed set. Its base 80 Speed was awkward. Even at maximum Speed, it could not outrun base 81 Gyarados. Mamoswine shared its base 80 Speed but had an Ice-type priority move, making it another difficult matchup. Chandelure more often ran a Speed-boosting nature, while Kabutops had Swift Swim, so Dragonite could not compete there either. Within the 132-145 Speed range, there was little reason for Dragonite to maximize its Speed. Boosting its Attack instead was better.
Based on these characteristics, Dragonite's training could broadly be divided into four approaches.
The first was a fast setup build, also known as Dragon Dance Dragonite.
The recommended nature was Adamant, with Inner Focus as the preferred ability, though Multiscale also worked. Its moves could be Dragon Dance, Dragon Claw, Extreme Speed, and Fire Punch or Superpower.
Held item options were Leftovers, a Lum Berry, or an Ice- or Dragon-resist Berry.
For a fast