Understanding Altaria Weakness in Pokémon Battles
Altaria is a unique and formidable Pokémon known for its elegant design and strong battle potential. As a Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon, Altaria boasts impressive resistances but also carries significant weaknesses that trainers must consider in battles. This article will explore the various Altaria weaknesses, how they impact competitive play, and the best strategies to counter this Pokémon effectively.
What Is Altaria?
Altaria is a dual-type Pokémon with Dragon and Flying attributes. First introduced in Generation III, it evolves from Swablu at level 35. With its cloud-like wings and graceful movements, Altaria is a fan favorite, known for its versatility in battles.
Base Stats of Altaria
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 75 |
| Attack | 70 |
| Defense | 90 |
| Sp. Attack | 70 |
| Sp. Defense | 105 |
| Speed | 80 |
While Altaria’s defensive stats are respectable, its weaknesses can leave it vulnerable if not played correctly.
Altaria Weakness: Understanding Its Vulnerabilities
Due to its Dragon/Flying typing, Altaria has several weaknesses that trainers should be aware of. These weaknesses can significantly impact how Altaria performs in battles, whether in casual play or competitive settings.
1. Ice-Type Weakness (4x Damage)
Altaria’s most significant weakness is to Ice-type moves. As a Dragon/Flying Pokémon, it takes quadruple damage (4x) from Ice-type attacks. This makes Ice-type Pokémon and moves like Ice Beam, Blizzard, and Avalanche particularly effective against it.
Best Ice-Type Counters:
- Mamoswine – With high Attack and access to Ice Shard and Icicle Crash, Mamoswine is a deadly threat to Altaria.
- Weavile – A fast and powerful Ice-type attacker with moves like Ice Punch and Ice Beam.
- Lapras – Can tank hits while delivering strong Ice-type attacks like Ice Beam.
2. Rock-Type Weakness (2x Damage)
Altaria also takes double damage (2x) from Rock-type moves. This makes Pokémon with Rock Slide, Stone Edge, or Rock Blast a strong choice when facing Altaria.
Best Rock-Type Counters:
- Tyranitar – High offensive power and access to Rock Slide and Stone Edge.
- Rhyperior – Sturdy bulk with devastating Rock-type moves.
- Aerodactyl – Fast and can hit hard with Stone Edge.
3. Dragon-Type Weakness (2x Damage)
As a Dragon-type, Altaria is weak to other Dragon-type moves. While this is a common trait among Dragon Pokémon, it still makes Altaria susceptible to strong Dragon-type attacks.
Best Dragon-Type Counters:
- Salamence – Fast and powerful, with access to Outrage and Draco Meteor.
- Garchomp – One of the strongest Dragon-types, with a lethal combination of speed and attack.
- Dragonite – High durability and access to Dragon Claw and Draco Meteor.
4. Fairy-Type Weakness (2x Damage)
Since Fairy-type moves are super effective against Dragon Pokémon, Altaria is weak to them as well. This is particularly relevant in competitive play, where Fairy-types are common counters.
Best Fairy-Type Counters:
- Togekiss – High bulk and powerful Fairy moves like Dazzling Gleam and Moonblast.
- Gardevoir – Access to strong Fairy-type moves and a high Special Attack stat.
- Sylveon – Its Pixilate ability boosts Fairy-type moves, making it a strong choice.
How to Counter Altaria Effectively
Now that we understand Altaria’s weaknesses, let’s explore effective strategies to counter it in battles.
1. Use Ice-Type Pokémon and Moves
Since Ice-type moves deal quadruple damage to Altaria, they are the best option for taking it down quickly. Always prioritize Ice Beam, Blizzard, or Ice Punch when facing Altaria.
2. Exploit Rock, Dragon, and Fairy Weaknesses
If you don’t have Ice-type moves, using Rock, Dragon, or Fairy-type Pokémon is the next best strategy. Dragon-type Pokémon, however, also take damage from Altaria’s Dragon-type moves, so proceed with caution.
3. Target Its Speed and Bulk
Altaria isn’t the fastest Pokémon, so using speedy attackers like Weavile or Aerodactyl can be a good approach. Additionally, strong physical attackers can overwhelm Altaria’s defenses before it has a chance to retaliate.
4. Consider Mega Evolution (If Allowed)
In some formats, Altaria can Mega Evolve into Mega Altaria, which changes its type to Dragon/Fairy. This removes its weakness to Ice and Dragon moves but introduces new vulnerabilities to Poison and Steel.
Best Counters for Mega Altaria:
- Metagross – Steel-type moves like Meteor Mash hit Mega Altaria hard.
- Excadrill – With Iron Head and high speed, it can easily counter Mega Altaria.
- Gengar – Poison-type moves like Sludge Bomb deal heavy damage.
Conclusion
Understanding Altaria weakness is essential for any trainer looking to optimize their battle strategies. While Altaria is a strong and versatile Pokémon, its quadruple weakness to Ice-type moves makes it particularly vulnerable in battles. Additionally, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks can also deal significant damage, making it crucial to choose the right counters.
Whether you’re battling Altaria in Pokémon GO, the main series games, or competitive tournaments, knowing these weaknesses and strategies will give you a significant edge. By leveraging Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves, you can effectively neutralize Altaria and secure victory in your battles.
So next time you encounter an Altaria, be prepared with the right counters and dominate the battlefield!
