Unlocking TM226 Dragon Cheer in Indigo Disk

TM226, featuring the unique move Dragon Cheer, stands as a pivotal item in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet‘s The Indigo Disk expansion. This status move boosts the attack stat of Dragon-type Pokemon on your team by one stage, making it invaluable for competitive play and specific evolutions like turning Dipplin into Hydrapple. Players must navigate the Blueberry Academy’s challenges, particularly the BB League, to access it.

Navigating Blueberry Academy to Access TM226

The journey begins upon arriving at Blueberry Academy in the Terarium, a vast biome simulating various environments. Enrollment in the BB League club unlocks elite battles. Complete introductory quests by catching Pokemon native to the Terrarium—such as those in the polar, volcanic, or savanna zones—to gain eligibility for Elite Four trials.

• Focus on Terrarium-exclusive catches like Raging Bolt or Iron Crown for club points.
• Achieve BB League rank by participating in league matches and accumulating Blueberry Points (BP).
• Once ranked, challenge the Elite Four sequentially.

Elite Four Drayton, the Dragon-type specialist, guards TM226. His trial demands Terrarium-caught Pokemon at level 65+, adding preparation layers.

Preparing Your Squad for Drayton Showdown

Drayton deploys a formidable lineup emphasizing Dragon-types, terastallized for extra punch. Expect Flygon, Kingdra, Sceptile (Grass Tera Type), Haxorus, Baxcalibur, and ace Archaludon (Dragon Tera). Levels hover around 78, with items like Choice Specs enhancing threats.

Counter with Fairy, Ice, or Dragon moves. Flutter Mane excels with Moonblast; Weavile hits hard with Icicle Crash. Train to level 80+ and stock Hyper Potions. Terrarium Pokemon like Iron Valiant provide type advantages if used in his trial.

Securing TM226 After Victory

Defeating Drayton rewards TM226 directly—no scavenging required. This single-use TM teaches Dragon Cheer, a priority move lowering opponents’ defense while buffing your Dragons’ attack. Post-battle, access unlimited crafting at any Pokemon Center TM Machine.

Crafting Endless Dragon Cheer TMs

TM Machines demand League Points (LP) and materials from specific Pokemon. Stockpile via BB League victories or material hunts in Terarium.

• 1500 LP: Earn from battles, auctions, or BP exchanges.
• 1x Applin Juice: Farm from Applin/Dipplin in forested Terrarium areas or Polar Biome.
• 2x Tatsugiri Scales: Hunt Tatsugiri in underwater sections or Coastal Biome shoals.
• 2x Lapras Teardrop: Rare drops from Lapras in Polar Biome lakes; use Shiny Charm for better rates.

Crafting unlocks post-Drayton, enabling team-wide Dragon Cheer coverage. Repeat for multiples, vital for breeding or multi-Pokemon strategies.

Dragon Cheer’s Mechanics and Strategic Value

Dragon Cheer is a Dragon-type status move (0 BP, 100% accuracy, 15 PP max). It raises all friendly Dragon-types’ Attack by +1, stacking with boosts like Dragon Dance. Ideal for doubles or raids, it synergizes with Garchomp or Dragapult sweeps.

In PvE, pair with Baxcalibur for setup. PvP sees use in stall teams, though priority status limits it against faster foes. Post-3.0.1 patch, glitches like infinite stacking on Inkay were fixed, ensuring balance.

Evolving Dipplin to Hydrapple: The Core Application

TM226’s fame stems from Dipplin’s evolution. Normally, Applin evolves via apples; Dipplin (Syrupy Apple) requires Dragon Cheer known, then any level-up to Hydrapple—a three-headed Dragon/Grass behemoth with 585 BST.

1. Catch Applin (Level 25+ Syrupy Apple for Dipplin).
2. Teach Dragon Cheer via TM226.
3. Level up once (Exp. Candy suffices).

Hydrapple boasts high Special Attack (145) and Defense (110), learning Fickle Beam—a Dragon special move doubling power if all heads align (33% per head). Tera Dragon amplifies sweeps.

Optimizing Hydrapple in Your Team

Build Hydrapple around special sweeping:

• Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk).
• EV Spread: 252 SpA / 252 HP / 4 Spe.
• Moveset: Fickle Beam, Dragon Pulse, Energy Ball, Protect.
• Item: Life Orb or Choice Specs.

Pair with Dragon Cheer users like Applin line allies or Roaring Moon for +2 Attack chains.

Common Pitfalls and Patch Notes

Early Indigo Disk had Dragon Cheer bugs, like unintended evolutions or Inkay interactions—resolved in 3.0.1. Ensure game updates. Can’t teach Applin line Dragon Cheer naturally; TM mandatory. Terrarium catches must be Blueberry Academy registered for Drayton.

Advanced Farming and LP Strategies

Maximize materials: Auto-battles in Terrarium dens yield drops. Trade BP for LP at exchanges (100 BP = 500 LP). Tatsugiri appears in Curio Cascades; Lapras patrols Glaseado Mountain echoes.

Competitive Implications in VGC

Dragon Cheer shines in regulated formats, boosting restricted Dragons like Roaring Moon. Hydrapple’s bulk resists common Fairy threats, positioning it as a dark horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get TM226 before Drayton?

No, Drayton is the sole source initially.

What if I lack Terrarium Pokemon for the trial?

Catch 3+ in Terrarium; levels auto-scale.

Does Dragon Cheer work in singles?

Yes, but team-wide effect suits doubles best.

How rare are crafting materials?

Applin Juice common; Lapras drops take 10-20 hunts average.

Is Hydrapple shiny-locked?

No, chain shiny hunts post-evolution.