Which of Dragonite or Salamence's pre-evolutions are better for an in-game B2W2 team?

Question

Starting from the start of the game with Dratini and Bagon. I know that by the time they are fully evolved they will be roughly equivalent, but what about the pre-evolutions? Who thrives more in a B2W2 playthrough?

Comments

If you want a more balanced stat spread, use dratini. if you want strong attack and defense, but worse stats regarding them, use bagon.

Answer 1

Bagon line is going to give better results for most of the game purely based on the higher attack. Dratini runs 64 base attack into 84 base attack for Dragonair. Bagon starts with 75 into 95 at Shellgon. Shellgon is also going to give you a higher base defense which since this is gen V, you can slap an eviolite on.

Early Headbutt from Bagon is also going to help it have consistent early game damage. The main thing you're looking for in game is the balance of Pokemon you like and teams that can move through battles at a pace that let's you have fun and not lose too much momentum.

That being said, I'd probably give the same advice for any game they both appear in when looking at them as early additions.

Comments

Thanks for rising from the depths of pokebase to answer this