Dragon pinball rules and strategy

In Dragon, plunge lane 5 when possible, then shoot up either side. Lanes 1, 3, and 5 increase the left, center, and right bumper values. The five dragon targets build Bonus and eventually light the kick-out hole for Special, but their rebounds are dangerous. Favor side shots and collect center progress only when it comes naturally.

The goal

Use the numbered lanes to raise bumper values, then loop the side feeds through the bumpers. Treat the dragon targets as incidental progress unless Extra Ball or Special is already lit and the shot is controlled.

  1. Soft-plunge toward lane 5; it is the easiest valuable lane and improves a frequently hit side bumper.

  2. Shoot up either outside lane so the return visits the numbered lanes and bumper area.

  3. Repeat the safer side route while lit bumpers add points and incidental dragon hits build Bonus.

  4. If Extra Ball lights at the center stand-up, shoot it only from a settled flipper and a proven angle.

  5. After all five dragons fall, collect the lit kick-out hole only from control; otherwise stay on the side route.

Need to know
Lane 1
Increase the left bumper value.
Lane 3
Increase the center bumper value.
Lane 5
Increase the right bumper value.

Machine setup

  • Confirm three- or five-ball play, Extra Ball and Special conversion, the Bonus threshold that lights Extra Ball, and whether award lamps reset by ball or game.
  • Test lanes 1–5, all three bumper value changes, five dragon targets and their Bonus advances, both Special qualifications, the kick-out, center Extra Ball target, side buttons, and weak-flipper or center-drain tendencies.
Sources and references
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Playbooks

Dragon playfield

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