What is a good moveset for Dragapult?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Dragapult, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some explanation, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Dragapult Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

Dragapult @ Leftovers
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Dragon Dance
- Phantom Force
- Psychic Fangs

• Dragon Darts (signature move, good STAB, double-hit)
• Dragon Dance (boosts its two best stats)
• Phantom Force (great Ghost-type move, STAB for its other type)
• Psychic Fangs (coverage)

Comments

You should not run cursed body. Go for either infiltrator or clear body. It cannot tank too many hits. I run this set too but I do jolly and leftovers. Leftovers gives it gets an extra turn of healing in phantom force. But anyways, I'll upvote u.

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This is a good set, just replace phantom force with Shadow Ball( i know its a physical attacker but lets be honest phantom force is just as bad as fly and dig) and maybe replace Psychic Fangs with U-Turn.

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Phantom force is way better than those moves. The user cannot be hit at all, except by no guard pokemon, whereas other moves and no guard can hit pokemon in fly and dig. It can even remove all protection moves for the remainder of the turn, making it sometimes useful in doubles, especially since it's a fast pokemon. The only counter is to switch in a normal type. Note: it does not remove protection if it is a normal type

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I'd rather use a move that takes 1 turn to use and does a lot of damage than a that does 1/8 more damage but takes 2 turns to use and can potentially be wasted because the enemy switches in. Also, nobody is going to need phantom force to bypass protect and crap like that if you already have Infiltrator.

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infiltrator doesn't bypass protect lol

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snom, since this dragapult is adamant, and dragapult has base 120 attack and 100 sp. Atk, phantom force does a lot more than 1/8 more than shadow ball. It would probably do around 50% more damage in this case.

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@NebbyY, Shadow Force breaks through protection.

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he isn't talking about Phantom Force, he's talking about infiltrator lol

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It's better to have Clear body rather than Infiltrator When you have Psychic fangs.Its almost the same thing. Or, Have Sucker punch rather than Psychic fangs coz both has a advantage where sucker punch has greater priority while Psychic fangs has more damage.

Answer 2

Gen 8 OU

Dragapult @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball / Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
- Hex
- U-turn / Flamethrower / Thunderbolt

To be used on teams with Toxic Spikes. Draco Meteor is powerful STAB. Shadow Ball is a reliable Ghost STAB that can easily be spammed, but you already have 2 powerful STAB moves in Poison boosted Hex and Draco Meteor, so Shadow Ball can be replaced by Flamethrower for Steels not named Heatran and Thunderbolt for Defoggers like Mandibuzz and Corviknight, as well as threatening the opposing team's Toxapex, which removes Toxic Spikes. With Toxic Spikes down and Steel and Flying types removed, Hex becomes extremely powerful. Hex also beats common Specs Shadow Ball switchins like Clefable. U-turn allows Dragapult to pivot out of some bad matchups like Heatran and Tyranitar.

Partners

OU's best Toxic Spikes setter. If you want to make Specs Hex work, Pex or a lot of status users are mandatory.

I'd say Ferrothorn is also mandatory. Not only does it make for an excellent defensive pairing with Toxapex, it also can use Spikes, wearing down Dragapult's checks until they are in KO range.

/
Bisharp or Galarian Zapdos are good partners because with Defiant, they can pressure Defoggers. Bisharp is better though, since it doesn't lose to most Defoggers like Galarian Zapdos does,

Comments

Would slashing Shadow Ball be useful, as it’s Pult’s one of the best STAB options?

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If you make good plays and keep your toxapex healthy enough throughout a game and use toxic spikes at the right time, you'll be using Hex quite a lot. That's why I didn't completely remove it as an option.

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Hm yeah might work like that

Answer 3

National Dex AG

Dragapult @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature

• Dragon Darts
• Phantom Force
• Dragon Dance
• Substitute

This is the set that got Dragapult banned from Nat Dex OU, and it is surprisingly decent in National Dex AG. Dragon Darts is STAB which has a high chance to OHKO Mega Rayquaza and OHKOes Ultra Necrozma and cleaves through Sash Marshadow, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-50% after a Dragon Dance boost and technically OHKOes Defensive Zygarde-Complete after 1 Dragon Dance. Phantom Force is Ghost STAB and stalls Dynamax turns. Most Pokemon that get suspect banned from OU are usually unviable picks in Ubers / National Dex AG because of the metagame's high defenses and huge power. Enter Z-Phantom Force. After a boost, Physically Defensive Necrozma Dusk Mane doesn't stand a chance, and neither do many other defensive threats. I'll show calcs later. Dragon Dance is the main move on the set, allowing it to set up and blast through the metagame. Substitute allows for safe Dragon Dance set up and blocks moves like Spore from Smeargle, and Toxic, Will-o-Wisp, or Thunder Wave. Dragapult can take advantage of something like Primal Groudon using Stealth Rock to sub up and then Dragon Dance.

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 406-478 (102 - 120.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 136 HP / 0 Def Groudon-Primal: 295-348 (78.6 - 92.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 393-463 (120.9 - 142.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Calyrex-Shadow: 2140-2520 (627.5 - 739%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Dragon Darts (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Marshadow: 306-360 (95.3 - 112.1%) -- approx. 81.3% chance to OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kyogre-Primal: 484-570 (141.9 - 167.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Dragapult Never-Ending Nightmare (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Quagsire: 237-280 (60.1 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Answer 4

Dragapult @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
Nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast
- U-Turn/Thunderbolt

Would love to do a Physical Set but this Pokemon doesn't make any sense. Higher physical Attack, but worse physical learnset. Can learn Dragon Claw but not Shadow Claw, meaning you have to use Phantom Force. Immensely frustrating. Anyways... Infiltrator is for getting past Subs & Screens. Timid is if you wanna speed tie or outspeed other Dragapult, if not go with Modest to hit harder. U-Turn is for pivoting and T-Bolt is for wider Coverage. Yay.

Comments

U turn is a stupid move choice since ur choiced

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but you're going to switch out anyway...

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Why does nobody talk about using steel wing. It covers two types.

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because this is a special set, as well as steel wing being somewhat inaccurate and unviable against fairy types. Dragon Darts as well is stronger than Steel Wing on ice types.

Answer 5

Gen 8 OU

Dragapult @ Leftovers
Ability: Infiltrator / Cursed Body
EVs: 208 HP / 48 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature

• Will-O-Wisp
• Thunder Wave
• Hex
• U-turn

2 status moves look weird on paper, but it lets Dragapult deal with more Pokemon. Thunder Wave is good for fast mons like Spectrier, Cinderace-Fire, Thundrus-Therian, opposing Dragapult, and Magearna. Will-O-Wisp is for physical attackers like Tyranitar, Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, Melmetal, Excadrill, Dragonite, Non-fire Cinderace, Kartana, and Excadrill. Hex is a powerful STAB option if the enemy is statused. U-turn to pivot.

Answer 6

VGC Support Pokémon

Now, I know what you're thinking. This sounds stupid. However, it gets some...annoying...moves to say the least. Here we go.

Dragapult @ Focus sash
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Ally Switch
- Helping Hand
- Will-O-Wisp
- Phantom Force

Ally switch can be really good in taking a Dynamaxed Terrakion hit for your Rillaboom, Helping Hand boosts attacks, and Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers. Phantom Force is used for Fairies, because if you used Dragon-type STAB, you would be hard walled by them.

Answer 7

Battle Stadium Singles

Dragapult @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature

• Dragon Darts
• Steel Wing
• Phantom Force
• Fly / Dragon Dance

Dragon Darts is STAB that breaks Substitute and Focus Sash. Steel Wing is coverage, however its main purpose is to give Dragapult a defense boost when Dynamaxed so that it can activate Weakness Policy without much trouble. Phantom Force is STAB and loses the 2 turn effect in Dynamax, while also lowering Defenses. PF also lets Dragapult stall an enemy's Dynamax turns after reverting. Fly also stalls Dynamax turns but is pretty useless outside of that niche in its regular form. However, Dynamax Fly is a powerful 1-turn coverage move that raises Dragapult's Speed, making it extremely hard to revenge kill. Dragon Dance is also a great option to not completely rely on Dynamax to sweep.

Answer 8

Singles status-setter suicide-lead

Dragapult @ Focus Sash
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Curse

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The general idea is that you open with Thunder Wave to slow (and hopefully fully paralyze) their lead. You would only use Will-O-Wisp instead if the opponent is immune to Thunder Wave. Then, you attack with Hex for as many turns as possible. If you KO the opponent, then repeat. Otherwise, if you expect to be KO'd yourself in the very next round, then use Curse to inflict damage-over-time on the opponent that will last even after you are KO'd.

Infiltrator is chosen as the ability instead of Cursed Body because Infiltrator enables status moves to pass through Crafty Shield and Safeguard, which could otherwise wall this build. Besides, this build is optimized for Speed and bursty damage, not for longevity.

Answer 9

Terablast Dragapult variants for Gen 9 OU

Dragapult @ Choice Specs / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Infiltrator
Tera Type: Steel / Electric
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball
- U-turn
- Tera Blast

Terablast Steel makes Dragapult probably uncheckable. You can beat Clef, Tyranitar, and Fairy types in general. Electric is if you want to get rid of Corviknight or Toxapex. Choice Specs makes it one of the best wallbreaking Pokemon in OU (in my humble opinion, however I am just some nobody) however, the ability to choose freely between your moves is more important than ever, as the metagame in its early stages is more punishing to a bad Choice lock than ever, with Pokemon like Calm Mind Flutter Mane, Cyclizar, and Bulk Up Palafin eager to capitalize off of Choice items. Therefore, for now, Heavy-Duty Boots are likely the safer option, but as time continues and these threats disappear Specs might be the go-to option, in my opinion.

Comments

With Tera Electric Tbolt is probably best choice I think.

Answer 10

Physical Sweeper

Dragapult @ Power Herb
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Phantom Force
- Dragon Darts
- Acrobatics / Psychic Fangs

Dragapult, the 8th pseudo-legendary in Gen 8, is cursed with a high attack stat, but with a bad physical movepool. However, even with a mediocre physical ghost-type STAB move, Dragapult can still work as a physical sweeper thanks to its great attack stat, excellent speed stat, and access to the rare Dragon Dance. With the Power Herb, Phantom Force can be used for only one turn without wasting another turn. However, this can only be done once, as the Power Herb is a one-time use item. Dragon Darts is an excellent STAB move, which hits twice and can break Sturdy/Focus Sashes. And finally, Acrobatics can be used to hit tanky grass-type Pokemon, and once its Power Herb is consumed its power is doubled to 110. On the other hand, Psychic Fangs can be used to hit fighting-types properly. An adamant nature is recommended to max out its attack stat due to Dragapult's already high speed stat. However, a jolly nature is also very good if you prefer to setup first. Infiltrator is the preferred ability, as it is able to hit through substitutes.

Support

Dragapult @ Leftovers / Sitrus Berry
Ability: Infiltrator / Cursed Body
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Draco Meteor
- U-turn

Dragapult has access to Will-O-Wisp and U-turn, making it a great pivot. Will-O-Wisp + Hex is a great combination, as Hex's BP is doubled when the target is burned. Draco Meteor is a powerful STAB move, and could be used before pivoting out with U-turn. Infiltrator is the recommended ability for this set, as it is able to burn opponents through substitutes. However, Cursed Body is also an option for a 30% chance disable the opponent's move(s) used on Dragapult. An alternative stat spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe can be used over the stat spread for a better damage output, but the stat spread used above allows Dragapult to hit decently hard and have great physical bulk with Will-O-Wisp.

Comments

Clear Body can ignore Intimidate and the stat lowering effects of certain Max Moves, so I prefer using it.

Answer 11

Dragapult @ Power Herb
Ability: Infiltrator / Clear Body / Cursed Body
EVs: 6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Phantom Force
- Acrobatics
- Curse

Description: Ok I love this Pokémon, it can be good either special or physical, but I prefer physical. Pretty simple, Dragon Dart for Focus Sashers or the Sturdy Ability, and it's great at knocking out other Dragon types. Phantom Force is kinda bad, waiting a turn isn't good, and the opponent can easily switch or set up. That’s why Power Herb comes to play, and Dragapult can Dynamax after the item has been used, so no problem. Acrobatics increases to 110 base power after Power Herb has been used. Curse for Sucker Punchers, pretty much Dragapult's weakness. Dragon Dance can be used instead, or you can give it Sucker Punch, but I prefer Curse for stallers and walls that Dragapult can’t get by. Now for the Abilities, to me personally, all three are good, depends on what you are looking for.

Comments

Dragapult is already quite frail, so halving it's hp isn't a good decision.

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Curse is the kamikaze option. It's only there as a last resort or when you absolutely need it against stallers/walls.

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Curse doesn't seem very effective to me bc the walls can just switch out.

Answer 12

Physical

Dragapult @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Phantom Force
- Dragon Dance
- Sucker Punch

Dragon Darts deals a decent amount of damage, like Shadow Sneak but Dragon type, and two times better but without priority. Phantom Force can avoid an attack that can be possibly something massive like Leaf Storm, Hydro Pump, Fire Blast or even Draco Meteor, and does a decent amount of damage at the same time. Dragon Dance is to make Dragapult even more of a threat to take out, boosting its Speed outspeeds Zeraora, the fastest Pokemon in OU, while having increased damage for the rest of its Physical moves. Sucker Punch is for priority.
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Special

Dragapult @ Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Tri Attack
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball

Tri-Attack to get the 20% Burn, Poison or Freeze, Draco Meteor for STAB and to deal lots of damage, Flamethrower because this whole moveset is weak to Steel types, Shadow Ball for the 20% defense drop and STAB.

NOTES: I didn't want to put Fire Blast due to its 70% Accuracy, although it's much better than Flamethrower.
I hoped I've helped!

Comments

Fire Blast is 85% accuracy, not 70%. The extra power is usually worth the accuracy sacrifice.

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Yeah, Fire Blast is much better, but I am going to advice choosing Flamethrower if you have bad luck (okay, Mega-Blade X, Fire Blast Dragapult always misses at least once and Flamethrower Dragapult is much more useful to me). Thanks for the suggestion anyway!

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That doesn't change the fact that its better.

Answer 13

Revenge Killer + Choice Specs
Special

Dragapult @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature / Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Shadow Ball
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt

You can run Timid nature for Speed, but Modest is also good. Dragapult in this set has no use for Attack, so both natures work well. But we have given it Choice Specs, so running a Speed nature is beneficial. Draco Meteor hits hard plus stab. Shadow Ball also has stab. Flamethrower and T-bolt for coverage. Infiltrator bypasses Substitiute and Reflect, Light Screen, etc.

Physical

Dragapult @ Leftovers
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Dragon Dance
- Phantom Force
- U-Turn / Substitute / Will-o-Wisp

Dragon Darts hits twice plus stab. Dragon Darts hits twice, and thus breaks Sturdy and Focus Sash. Phantom Force takes two turn and Stab. And it gives a turn to heal itself. U-Turn for pivoting, Substitute plus Dragon Dance then sweep the enemy. Or you could run Will-o-Wisp against Physical attacker.

Answer 14

Physical Dragapult
Gen 8 OU

Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Infiltrator
252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Darts
- U-Turn
- Steel Wing / Psychic Fangs

Dragapult can afford to run an Adamant Nature and still outspeed most non-scarfed OU Pokémon. However, if you are wary of some choiced Pokémon, run Jolly. I prefer Adamant, but your choice. With its great offensive Pokémon, it can pressure a switch to set up a Dragon Dance or 2. After that, you sweep with Dragon Darts. Steel Wing is to cover Fairies. Unfortunately, this set doesn't cover Steel, which is why I have U-Turn. Alternatively, you can run Fire Blast and change the 4 Special Defense EVs to SpA. I prefer U-Turn, but your choice.

Comments

I use sucker punch over u turn. And Jolly over adamnt. I have the exact same set otherwise tho lol

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I figured out that Jolly makes no significant difference against Dragapult's Speed Tier in OU.  It still outspeeds everything but Zeraora.  And I can see using Sucker Punch as well.

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Nebby once said that steelwing is inaccurate and unviable against fairy types. In one of the earlier answers.

But I would agree for Jolly. Scarfed pokes are somewhat common and pose too huge a threat.

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I guess I can see running Jolly, so I'll provide that as an option.  I mainly included Steel Wing to cover 2 of its weaknesses, but I'll provide Psychic Fangs as another option.  I agree though that Steel Wing will miss when it needs to hit.

Answer 15

Dragapult @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body / Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Sucker Punch / Phantom Force
- U-turn
- Psychic Fangs / Steel Wing

Band pult matched up a bit to the current meta. Darts is obvious, Sucker Punch is for other dragapult and scarf spectriers. Phantom Force is for ghost STAB that you may want for things you outspeed like specs Spectrier. U turn is pivot. Psychic Fangs is for the eventually pex switch ins once they realized your Band. Steel Wing is for the eventual clef switch in. Jolly is for the 130 base speed Pokemon like Koko. Clear Body is to help with Landos, but Infiltrator can help with subs (although if your faster darts should work as well)

Answer 16

Dragapult @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Darts
- U-turn
- Sucker Punch

Dragon Dance boosts it's two best stats. Dragon darts is to take full advantage of it's high physical attack and dragon dance. U-turn is for pesky dark types and for switching out and finally sucker punch is for other ghosts and psychic types because it doesn't get shadow claw and phantom force is a two turn attack.

Answer 17

Gen 8 NFE

Drakloak @ Eviolite
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Steel Wing
- Phantom Force
- U-turn

Dragon Dance boosts your attack and speed. Outrage is strong STAB but do note that you get locked into it for 2-3 turns. Steel Wing can be an option to hit fairy and ice types. Phantom Force is STAB. U-Turn is to pivot out of bad matchups.

Answer 18

Another Random Set:

Catapult (Dragapult) @ Life Orb
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Dragon Dance
- U-Turn
- Dragon Darts

Explanation:
-This set should surprise Physical Sweepers with a sudden Will-O-Wisp, and they can't protect themselves from it due to Infiltrator. If they chose to use a Dark-Type to defeat you, use U-Turn and say "bye bye, see you later". 142 Base Speed mean you will out-speed a ton of threats and either escape or cripple them with a Will-O-Wisp. Dragon Darts is obvious, because, why not?

And yet another random set, and this one, I find it fun to use:
Dragapult (F) @ Grip Claw
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Infestation
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
- Protect
- Hex

Explanation:
-Traps enemies effectively. Grip Claw to trap them longer (7 turns) and would surely annoy them. Toxic/Will-O-Wisp is obvious, as well as Protect, for that stall combo. Using Hex will hurt them a lot while they're badly poisoned/burned as well as trapped. You may also use Will-O-Wisp if you trap physical sweepers.

-You don't really need to hit that hard. But you can go choose Modest nature and hit harder with Hex if you're confident about your speed.

Comments

It doesn't get toxic

Answer 19

Dragapult @ Choice Band
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Darts
- U-turn
- Phantom Force
- Sucker Punch

-Dragon Darts (Main Dragon Move)
-U-turn (Damages Pokemon and Switches out)
-Phantom Force (Main Ghost Move)
-Sucker Punch (Execute Move)

Use U-turn when needs to switch
if the opponent is weak against Dragon type Use Dragon Darts
if the opponent is weak against Ghost type Use Phantom Force
Sucker punch always goes first, its recommended when a Pokemon is at low health

Answer 20

screenpult (+reflect)

Dragapult @ Light Clay
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe or 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Phantom Force
- Dragon Darts
- Light Screen
- Reflect

let me explain it, its a screen setter dragapult. light clay so the reflect and light screen duration become more long, and infiltrator so you can pass another screen setter:D. I give 2 EVs spread with different utility. the first one so you can live longer and the second one is for more damage. you could defeat 1 or 2 and even more if you lucky(i usually get 1) or damage your opponents team. I give pult all of the screenie(reflect and light screen) so that you will take half the damage from both pyhsical and special. phantom force and dragon darts is for damage.

NOTE: I use this set for my monotype dragon team but I believe the set works pretty well with other format