Altaria weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Altaria is a fan-favorite Pokémon that was first introduced in Generation 3. Known as the Humming Pokémon, it is a Dragon and Flying type with impressive bulk and reasonable Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. Here’s our guide on Altaria’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

Altaria weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Altaria’s strong Dragon and Flying typing combined with its impressive bulk make it a tricky matchup for the unprepared. Thankfully, due to the absence of Mega Evolution in Scarlet and Violet, Altaria’s superior form cannot be used. Its regular form is still strong, but Altaria is held back by its 4x weakness to Ice along with its 2x weakness to Dragon, Fairy, and Rock.

Despite having a 4x weakness to Ice, it isn’t always a good idea to use Ice types against Altaria. Many of Altaria’s movesets include Fire Blast, which will make short work of most Ice types. Instead, it is better to use types that Altaria struggles to damage like Fairy and Rock. Although certain Ice types such as Cetitan with Thick Fat or Baxcaliber with Thermal Exchange can still get value against Altaria.

An example of a typical bulky moveset that opponents could run on Altaria. Screenshot by PC Invasion

One of Altaria’s weaknesses in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is that it is reliant on Dragon Dance. Before the boost received from Dragon Dance, Altaria doesn’t hit hard enough to cause tankier Pokémon any real problems. Knowing that an Altaria will almost always open up with Dragon Dance makes it surprisingly easy to counter.

Any Pokémon that can take a neutral hit that also has Taunt hard counters Altaria. When used, Taunt forces the opposing Pokémon to attack and prevents it from using status or boosting moves. Without access to Dragon Dance or Roost, Altaria isn’t a threat and can be dealt with easily enough.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo Store.