Gyarados vs Blastoise: Who Wins?

Gyarados wins the overall comparison against Blastoise thanks to Intimidate, Dragon Dance, and a devastating offensive typing. While Blastoise excels as a Shell Smash sweeper with excellent bulk, Gyarados dominates story playthroughs and holds a higher competitive usage rate in UU as a physical breaker.

Gyarados if you need a physical Dragon Dance sweeper, otherwise Blastoise for Shell Smash setups.

Rating Gyarados · Tier UU · Role : Physical Sweeper & Pivot

Strengths

• Intimidate shuts down physical attackers instantly upon switching in.
• Dragon Dance combined with Moxie creates unstoppable late-game sweeps.
• Immunity to Ground-type moves provides excellent switch-in opportunities.

Weaknesses

• Crippling 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks.
• Blastoise has better mixed bulk and Rapid Spin utility.
• Requires Heavy-Duty Boots to avoid taking massive Stealth Rock damage.

Gyarados dominates the story mode scenario. Available early as Magikarp, it evolves into a physical powerhouse that steamrolls most regions thanks to Intimidate softening incoming blows.

In competitive UU play, Gyarados holds a slight edge over Blastoise. Its access to Intimidate and Moxie makes it a versatile physical sweeper that forces switches and creates setup opportunities.

For absolute beginners, Blastoise is the safer pick. Its pure Water typing lacks the crippling 4x Electric weakness that Gyarados suffers from, making it much more forgiving against unpredictable trainers.

In a direct 1v1 encounter, the winner depends entirely on the first turn. Gyarados is naturally faster and can shut down Blastoise's setup attempts instantly with Taunt.

If Blastoise avoids Taunt and uses Shell Smash with a White Herb, it outspeeds Gyarados on the following turn. A boosted Ice Beam deals massive damage, effectively winning the duel.

However, if Gyarados clicks Dragon Dance, it can pressure Blastoise with Earthquake or a Loaded Dice-boosted Scale Shot. Blastoise must secure its Shell Smash turn to win the matchup.

Gyarados operates primarily as a Dragon Dance sweeper in the UU tier. With Leftovers or Heavy-Duty Boots, it finds multiple opportunities to set up against passive walls.

It also functions as a highly disruptive pivot. Using Intimidate alongside Taunt and Thunder Wave cripples physical attackers and prevents opposing setups entirely.

Blastoise fills a different niche, acting as a dedicated Shell Smash sweeper or a Rapid Spin utility Pokémon. Assault Vest and Rocky Helmet sets allow it to absorb hits while clearing entry hazards with Rapid Spin.

Team synergy dictates which Water-type you should draft. Gyarados requires partners immune to Electric-type attacks. Excadrill and Thundurus-Therian are perfect teammates that easily absorb Electric moves aimed at Gyarados.

Blastoise pairs exceptionally well with physical cleaners. Haxorus and Mimikyu appreciate Blastoise punching holes in the opposing team with Surf and Ice Beam after a Shell Smash.

Both Pokémon synergize perfectly with Revavroom and Iron Jugulis. However, Gyarados's innate Ground immunity gives it an easier time switching into predicted Earthquakes meant for its grounded teammates.