Goodra

Using Goodra in a Playthrough

Goomy evolves into Sliggoo at level 40, and ordinary Sliggoo evolves into Goodra starting at level 50 when leveled during rain in the overworld. Standard Goodra is pure Dragon with base 150 Special Defense, 110 Special Attack, 100 Attack, and 90 HP, making it one of the strongest special tanks among pseudo-legendary Pokemon. Dragon Pulse or Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Sludge Bomb, Surf or Muddy Water, Power Whip, Earthquake, and numerous physical or special coverage moves let Goodra exploit either attacking stat. Sap Sipper grants a Grass immunity and raises Attack, Hydration cures status at the end of each turn in rain, and Gooey lowers the Speed of opponents that make contact. In Hisui, Goomy evolves into Hisuian Sliggoo at level 40 and then Hisuian Goodra at level 50 during rain; the regional forms are Steel/Dragon with far greater physical defense, lower Speed, and access to Shell Armor instead of Hydration. Standard Goodra is weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy, while Hisuian Goodra trades that profile for only Fighting and Ground weaknesses while gaining many resistances and a Poison immunity. Modest or Calm suit standard Goodra; Calm, Careful, Modest, or Relaxed can all work well for the Hisuian branch.

Goodra in Competitive Pokémon

Standard Goodra was a solid XY UU special tank rather than a dominant OU pseudo-legendary. Its base 150 Special Defense, Sap Sipper, Dragon typing, and huge mixed movepool let it switch into special Water-, Fire-, Grass-, and Electric-type attacks and immediately threaten the opponent with Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Sludge Bomb, Power Whip, or other coverage. Smogon's XY analysis emphasizes that Goodra can run Choice Band, Choice Specs, or Assault Vest because both offensive stats are usable, but mediocre base 70 Defense and lack of reliable recovery prevent it from staying healthy indefinitely. Hisuian Goodra substantially improves the defensive profile: Steel/Dragon typing, 100 Defense, 150 Special Defense, and Shell Armor or Sap Sipper make it one of the most dependable special walls in current lower and mid tiers. Smogon describes Hisuian Goodra as a reliable defensive Pokemon that can still make progress through Knock Off, Acid Spray, Heavy Slam, Body Press, or powerful special attacks. The main shared limitation is recovery; neither form has dependable instant healing in ordinary competitive play, so hazards and repeated pivoting can eventually wear them down.

Goodra in Nuzlockes

The Goomy line requires patience because level 40 and rainy-weather evolution conditions delay the final form, but Goodra is an excellent payoff. Standard Goodra is exceptionally safe against special attackers thanks to base 150 Special Defense and can create free switch opportunities with Sap Sipper, while Dragon typing supplies useful Fire, Water, Grass, and Electric resistances. Its base 70 Defense is the main danger, so strong physical Ice, Dragon, or Fairy moves should not be taken lightly. Hisuian Goodra is even more forgiving defensively because Steel/Dragon has only Fighting and Ground weaknesses and base 100 Defense backs up the same 150 Special Defense; Shell Armor can also eliminate unexpected critical hits. The Hisuian branch is slower, so it often takes the first hit, but its defensive typing makes that much safer. Calm is excellent for pure special tanking, while Modest gives either final form stronger immediate offense.

Standard Goodra is affectionate, friendly, and physically much stronger than its soft appearance suggests. It frequently hugs its Trainer, coating people in sticky slime in the process, and it may become lonely or distressed when separated from companions. Its long feelers and tail are powerful enough to strike hard, while its mucus makes the body difficult for attackers to grasp. Despite its reputation as a gentle Dragon, Goodra can defend companions with surprising force when threatened.