Pokémon type effectiveness is a core mechanic of the Pokémon games, a system as crucial as understanding the strengths and weaknesses in a game of Rock Paper Scissors. Since the dawn of the series, type matchups have dictated battle strategy, influencing whether your Pokémon’s attack will be super effective, not very effective, or have a neutral impact on your opponent. Even in the latest installments like Scarlet and Violet, the game ensures players grasp these elemental interactions, even providing in-game lessons on type effectiveness.
In essence, a Pokémon’s type, and the type of move it uses, determines the damage multiplier in battle. This system dictates if an attack will land for super effective damage, normal damage, or reduced damage if the target resists. Adding another layer, some Pokémon types can even be immune to certain attack types in the main series games. Mastering these matchups is key to becoming a successful Pokémon trainer.
While Pokémon GO adapts type effectiveness with slight variations – notably, the absence of immunities and adjusted damage multipliers – the fundamental type relationships remain consistent with the core series.
With 18 distinct types to learn, the type chart can initially seem overwhelming. Even seasoned Pokémon veterans sometimes need a quick reference! To help you navigate this intricate system, we’ve created a comprehensive Pokémon type chart, complete with explanations of how type effectiveness operates in Pokémon GO and strategies for leveraging this knowledge.
Watch us battle Guzzlord, one of the Ultra Beasts in Pokémon Go. Click to watch on YouTube.
Pokémon GO Type Chart: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Effectiveness Explained
Pokémon GO utilizes the same 18 types found in the main Pokémon series. The primary difference lies in the handling of immunities. In the main series, for example, Fairy-type Pokémon are immune to Dragon-type attacks. However, in Pokémon GO, this immunity is translated into a resistance. This adjustment applies universally to all type-based immunities; ability-based immunities like Levitate are not part of Pokémon GO.
Here’s a detailed Pokémon GO type chart to guide you on type effectiveness. Remember, this chart applies to the attack type, not the Pokémon’s type itself. If a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, it receives a Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB), which is an additional damage modifier, but type matchup effectiveness is the more significant factor.
| Type | Strong Against | Weak Against | Resistant To | Vulnerable To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Nothing | Fighting | Ghost | Fighting |
| Fighting | Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark | Flying, Poison, Psychic, Bug, Fairy | Rock, Bug, Dark | Flying, Psychic, Fairy |
| Flying | Fighting, Bug, Grass | Rock, Steel, Electric | Fighting, Ground, Bug, Grass | Rock, Electric, Ice |
| Poison | Grass, Fairy | Poison, Ground, Rock, Ghost, Steel | Fighting, Poison, Grass, Fairy | Ground, Psychic |
| Ground | Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, Electric | Flying, Bug, Grass | Poison, Rock, Electric | Water, Grass, Ice |
| Rock | Flying, Bug, Fire, Ice | Fighting, Ground, Steel | Normal, Flying, Poison, Fire | Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, Grass |
| Bug | Grass, Psychic, Dark | Fighting, Flying, Poison, Ghost, Steel, Fire, Fairy | Fighting, Ground, Grass | Flying, Rock, Fire |
| Ghost | Ghost, Psychic | Normal, Dark, Ghost | Normal, Fighting, Poison, Bug | Ghost, Dark |
| Steel | Rock, Ice, Fairy | Steel, Fire, Water, Electric | Normal, Flying, Poison, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy | Fighting, Ground, Fire |
| Fire | Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice | Rock, Fire, Water, Dragon | Bug, Fire, Grass, Steel, Ice, Fairy | Ground, Rock, Water |
| Water | Ground, Rock, Fire, Electric | Water, Grass, Dragon | Steel, Fire, Water, Ice | Grass, Electric |
| Grass | Ground, Rock, Water | Flying, Poison, Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Dragon | Ground, Water, Grass, Electric | Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice |
| Electric | Flying, Water | Ground, Grass, Electric, Dragon | Flying, Steel, Electric | Ground |
| Psychic | Fighting, Poison | Steel, Psychic, Dark | Fighting, Psychic | Bug, Ghost, Dark, Psychic |
| Ice | Flying, Ground, Grass, Dragon | Steel, Fire, Water, Ice | Ice | Fighting, Rock, Steel, Fire |
| Dragon | Dragon | Steel, Fairy | Fire, Water, Grass, Electric | Ice, Dragon, Fairy |
| Dark | Ghost, Psychic | Fighting, Dark, Fairy | Ghost, Psychic, Dark | Fighting, Bug, Fairy |
| Fairy | Fighting, Dragon, Dark | Poison, Steel, Fire | Fighting, Bug, Dragon, Dark | Poison, Steel |
Let’s illustrate with an example: If Mewtwo uses Ice Beam against Venusaur, it will inflict significant damage because Venusaur is a Grass/Poison-type, and Grass-type Pokémon are vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. If a Kyurem of similar level uses Ice Beam against the same Venusaur, the damage will be even greater due to STAB, as Kyurem is an Ice-type Pokémon itself. While a Pokémon’s attack stat also plays a crucial role in damage calculation, this example demonstrates the power of type effectiveness.
The Dual Destiny Season is ongoing in Pokémon GO! Don’t miss the Go Tour Unova: Global event, and grab the new Incarnate Forme codes for Timed Research quests. Dynamax Pokémon are appearing in Max Battles, and you can collect Max Particles from Power Spots to participate in the To the Max! quest. Explore Routes, engage in Gift Exchange with Mateo, and team up with Party Play while hunting rare Pokémon, battling in the Go Battle League, or showcasing your Pokémon in PokéStop Showcases.
Pokémon GO Type Effectiveness: Deviations from Main Series Games
As previously mentioned, Pokémon GO omits type immunities present in the main series games. The immunities removed include:
- Ground’s immunity to Electric
- Flying’s immunity to Ground
- Ghost’s immunity to Normal and Fighting
- Normal’s immunity to Ghost
- Steel’s immunity to Poison
- Dark’s immunity to Psychic
- Fairy’s immunity to Dragon
Instead of complete immunity, these matchups initially functioned as simple resistances in Pokémon GO. However, they have been adjusted to represent a stronger form of resistance. Pokémon that would normally be immune to an attack type now take only 0.39 times the normal damage, effectively reducing damage by approximately two-thirds.
Here’s a breakdown of the damage multipliers in Pokémon GO:
- Doubly Effective: 2.56x damage (compared to 4x in main series).
- Super Effective: 1.6x damage (compared to 2x in main series).
- Neutral: 1.0x damage (same as main series).
- Not Very Effective: 0.625x damage (compared to 0.5x in main series).
- Immunity (in Pokémon GO context): 0.39x damage (compared to 0 damage in main series).
Double effectiveness occurs when a defending Pokémon has two types, both of which are weak to the incoming attack type. Alolan Sandslash, being Ice and Steel-type, exemplifies this. Both Ice and Steel types are weak to Fire and Fighting attacks.
Consider a Charmeleon using a Fire-type attack that deals 100 neutral damage. Against another Charmeleon, the damage remains neutral (1.0x), boosted by STAB (1.2x), resulting in 120 damage.
However, if the same Charmeleon attacks an Alolan Sandslash with the same Fire-type move, the 2.56x double weakness multiplier combined with STAB (1.2x) results in a massive 3.07x damage multiplier. Alolan Sandslash would take a significant 307 damage from a move that would only inflict 120 on another Charmeleon!
Type effectiveness is paramount in Pokémon GO battles. Mastering these matchups is crucial for success, especially in Player vs Player (PVP) scenarios where opponent Pokémon are unpredictable. While memorizing every interaction takes time, understanding the type chart gives you a significant advantage, informing strategic decisions like when to switch Pokémon during battles. Once you’re comfortable with type matchups, delve into learning the best moves in Pokémon GO and identifying the top-tier Pokémon to build a formidable team.
Pokémon GO Type-by-Type Breakdown: Best Attackers, Moves, and Counters
Below, we analyze each of the 18 Pokémon types individually, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal attackers, moves, and counters within Pokémon GO.
Note: While Mega and Shadow Pokémon often represent the pinnacle of power, these lists focus on generally accessible strong Pokémon. If you have Mega or Shadow variants, they will likely be even more effective!
Best Normal-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Discover the best Normal-type attackers in Pokémon GO, along with their ideal movesets and counters:
Regigigas, a powerful Normal-type Pokémon.
Normal-type Attacks are Strong Against: Nothing (deals neutral damage).
Normal-type Pokémon are Weak To: Fighting-type attacks.
Best Normal-type Mega Attacker: Mega Lopunny.
Top Normal-type Attackers: Regigigas, Meloetta, Porygon-Z.
Effective Counters Against Normal-types: Terrakion, Keldeo, Machamp, Lucario.
Best Normal-type Fast Moves: Hidden Power, Lock-On, Pound.
Best Normal-type Charged Moves: Giga Impact, Hyper Beam, Stomp.
Best Fighting-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Explore the best Fighting-type attackers in Pokémon GO, including their counters and ideal moves:
Terrakion, a top-tier Fighting-type attacker.
Fighting-type Attacks are Strong Against: Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark-type Pokémon.
Fighting-type Pokémon are Weak To: Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type attacks.
Best Fighting-type Mega Attacker: Mega Blaziken.
Top Fighting-type Attackers: Terrakion, Keldeo, Lucario.
Effective Counters Against Fighting-types: Mewtwo, Hoopa (Unbound), Lunala.
Best Fighting-type Fast Moves: Counter, Double Kick, Low Kick.
Best Fighting-type Charged Moves: Sacred Sword, Focus Blast, Dynamic Punch.
Best Flying-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
If you’re building a Flying-type team, knowing the best attackers, moves, and counters is essential:
Rayquaza, a legendary Flying and Dragon-type Pokémon.
Flying-type Attacks are Strong Against: Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon.
Flying-type Pokémon are Weak To: Rock, Electric, and Ice-type attacks.
Best Flying-type Mega Attacker: Mega Rayquaza.
Top Flying-type Attackers: Rayquaza, Yveltal, Galarian Zapdos.
Effective Counters Against Flying-types: Zekrom, Xurkitree, Therian Thundurus.
Best Flying-type Fast Moves: Air Slash, Wing Attack, Gust.
Best Flying-type Charged Moves: Dragon Ascent, Sky Attack, Brave Bird.
Best Poison-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Discover the best Poison-type attackers in Pokémon GO, including their counters and moves:
Nihilego, a powerful Poison and Rock-type Ultra Beast.
Poison-type Attacks are Strong Against: Grass and Fairy-type Pokémon.
Poison-type Pokémon are Weak To: Ground and Psychic-type attacks.
Best Poison-type Mega Attacker: Mega Gengar.
Top Poison-type Attackers: Nihilego, Gengar, Roserade.
Effective Counters Against Poison-types: Mewtwo, Hoopa Unbound, Groudon.
Best Poison-type Fast Moves: Poison Jab, Acid.
Best Poison-type Charged Moves: Sludge Bomb, Gunk Shot, Sludge Wave.
Best Ground-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Explore the most effective Ground-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Groudon, a legendary Ground-type Pokémon.
Ground-type Attacks are Strong Against: Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Electric-type Pokémon.
Ground-type Pokémon are Weak To: Water, Grass, and Ice-type attacks.
Best Ground-type Mega Attacker: Primal Groudon.
Top Ground-type Attackers: Groudon, Ursaluna, Therian Landorus.
Effective Counters Against Ground-types: Kartana, Kyogre, Zarude.
Best Ground-type Fast Moves: Mud Shot, Mud-Slap.
Best Ground-type Charged Moves: Precipice Blades, Earth Power, High Horsepower.
Best Rock-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Find the best Rock-type attackers in Pokémon GO, along with their counters and moves:
Rampardos, a Rock-type Pokémon with incredible attack power.
Rock-type Attacks are Strong Against: Flying, Bug, Fire, and Ice-type Pokémon.
Rock-type Pokémon are Weak To: Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, and Grass-type attacks.
Best Rock-type Mega Attacker: Mega Diancie.
Top Rock-type Attackers: Rampardos, Rhyperior, Nihilego.
Effective Counters Against Rock-types: Terrakion, Keldeo, Kartana.
Best Rock-type Fast Moves: Rock Throw, Smack Down.
Best Rock-type Charged Moves: Rock Slide, Stone Edge, Rock Wrecker.
Best Bug-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Here are the best Bug-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Volcarona, a powerful Bug and Fire-type Pokémon.
Bug-type Attacks are Strong Against: Grass, Psychic, and Dark-type Pokémon.
Bug-type Pokémon are Weak To: Flying, Rock, and Fire-type attacks.
Best Bug-type Mega Attacker: Mega Pinsir.
Top Bug-type Attackers: Volcarona, Pheromosa, Genesect.
Effective Counters Against Bug-types: Rayquaza, Reshiram, Chandelure.
Best Bug-type Fast Moves: Bug Bite, Fury Cutter, Struggle Bug.
Best Bug-type Charged Moves: X-Scissor, Bug Buzz, Megahorn.
Best Ghost-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Discover the best Ghost-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Lunala, a Ghost and Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon.
Ghost-type Attacks are Strong Against: Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon.
Ghost-type Pokémon are Weak To: Ghost and Dark-type attacks.
Best Ghost-type Mega Attacker: Mega Gengar.
Top Ghost-type Attackers: Lunala, Giratina, Chandelure.
Effective Counters Against Ghost-types: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Darkrai.
Best Ghost-type Fast Moves: Lick, Shadow Claw, Hex.
Best Ghost-type Charged Moves: Shadow Ball, Shadow Force, Poltergeist.
Best Steel-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
If you need Steel-type power, here are the best attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Metagross, a Steel and Psychic-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Steel-type Attacks are Strong Against: Rock, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon.
Steel-type Pokémon are Weak To: Fighting, Ground, and Fire-type attacks.
Best Steel-type Mega Attacker: Mega Aggron.
Top Steel-type Attackers: Metagross, Melmetal, Jirachi.
Effective Counters Against Steel-types: Reshiram, Terrakion, Keldeo.
Best Steel-type Fast Moves: Bullet Punch, Metal Claw, Iron Tail.
Best Steel-type Charged Moves: Meteor Mash, Iron Head, Heavy Slam.
Best Fire-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Unleash the power of Fire with the best Fire-type attackers, moves, and counters in Pokémon GO:
Reshiram, a legendary Fire and Dragon-type Pokémon.
Fire-type Attacks are Strong Against: Bug, Steel, Grass, and Ice-type Pokémon.
Fire-type Pokémon are Weak To: Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks.
Best Fire-type Mega Attacker: Mega Blaziken.
Top Fire-type Attackers: Reshiram, Heatran, Volcarona.
Effective Counters Against Fire-types: Kyogre, Groudon, Rampardos.
Best Fire-type Fast Moves: Fire Spin, Fire Fang, Incinerate.
Best Fire-type Charged Moves: Blast Burn, Fire Blast, Fusion Flare.
Best Water-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Explore the best Water-type attackers in Pokémon GO, along with their counters and moves:
Kyogre, a legendary Water-type Pokémon.
Water-type Attacks are Strong Against: Ground, Rock, and Fire-type Pokémon.
Water-type Pokémon are Weak To: Grass and Electric-type attacks.
Best Water-type Mega Attacker: Primal Kyogre.
Top Water-type Attackers: Kyogre, Palkia, Greninja.
Effective Counters Against Water-types: Kartana, Xurkitree, Zekrom.
Best Water-type Fast Moves: Waterfall, Water Gun, Bubble.
Best Water-type Charged Moves: Origin Pulse, Hydro Cannon, Hydro Pump.
Best Grass-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Here are the top Grass-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Kartana
Kartana, an Ultra Beast Grass and Steel-type Pokémon.
Grass-type Attacks are Strong Against: Ground, Rock, and Water-type Pokémon.
Grass-type Pokémon are Weak To: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, and Ice-type attacks.
Best Grass-type Mega Attacker: Mega Sceptile.
Top Grass-type Attackers: Kartana, Zarude, Sky Shaymin.
Effective Counters Against Grass-types: Rayquaza, Reshiram, Yveltal.
Best Grass-type Fast Moves: Bullet Seed, Razor Leaf, Vine Whip.
Best Grass-type Charged Moves: Frenzy Plant, Leaf Blade, Power Whip.
Best Electric-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Discover the best Electric-type attackers in Pokémon GO, including counters and moves:
Xurkitree, an Ultra Beast Electric-type Pokémon.
Electric-type Attacks are Strong Against: Flying and Water-type Pokémon.
Electric-type Pokémon are Weak To: Ground-type attacks.
Best Electric-type Mega Attacker: Mega Manectric.
Top Electric-type Attackers: Xurkitree, Zekrom, Therian Thundurus.
Effective Counters Against Electric-types: Groudon, Excadrill, Garchomp.
Best Electric-type Fast Moves: Thunder Shock, Charge Beam, Thunder Fang.
Best Electric-type Charged Moves: Wild Charge, Discharge, Fusion Bolt.
Best Psychic-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Unleash Psychic power with the best Psychic-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Mewtwo, a legendary Psychic-type Pokémon.
Psychic-type Attacks are Strong Against: Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon.
Psychic-type Pokémon are Weak To: Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks.
Best Psychic-type Mega Attacker: Mega Alakazam.
Top Psychic-type Attackers: Mewtwo, Hoopa Unbound, Lunala.
Effective Counters Against Psychic-types: Hydreigon, Tyranitar, Giratina Origin.
Best Psychic-type Fast Moves: Psycho Cut, Confusion, Zen Headbutt.
Best Psychic-type Charged Moves: Psystrike, Psychic, Future Sight.
Best Ice-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Freeze your foes with the best Ice-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Kyurem, a legendary Ice and Dragon-type Pokémon.
Ice-type Attacks are Strong Against: Flying, Ground, Grass, and Dragon-type Pokémon.
Ice-type Pokémon are Weak To: Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fire-type attacks.
Best Ice-type Mega Attacker: Mega Glalie.
Top Ice-type Attackers: Kyurem, Baxcalibur, Galarian Darmanitan.
Effective Counters Against Ice-types: Reshiram, Terrakion, Keldeo.
Best Ice-type Fast Moves: Powder Snow, Ice Shard, Ice Fang.
Best Ice-type Charged Moves: Glaciate, Avalanche, Weather Ball.
Best Dragon-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Here are the best Dragon-type attackers in Pokémon GO, including moves and counters:
Rayquaza, also a top Dragon-type attacker.
Dragon-type Attacks are Strong Against: Dragon-type Pokémon.
Dragon-type Pokémon are Weak To: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks.
Best Dragon-type Mega Attacker: Mega Rayquaza.
Top Dragon-type Attackers: Rayquaza, Palkia, Zekrom.
Effective Counters Against Dragon-types: Dialga, Rayquaza, Salamence.
Best Dragon-type Fast Moves: Dragon Tail, Dragon Breath.
Best Dragon-type Charged Moves: Outrage, Draco Meteor, Dragon Claw.
Best Dark-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Discover the best Dark-type attackers in Pokémon GO, including counters and moves:
Tyranitar, a Dark and Rock-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
Dark-type Attacks are Strong Against: Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon.
Dark-type Pokémon are Weak To: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks.
Best Dark-type Mega Attacker: Mega Tyranitar.
Top Dark-type Attackers: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Hoopa Unbound.
Effective Counters Against Dark-types: Terrakion, Keldeo, Lucario.
Best Dark-type Fast Moves: Bite, Snarl, Sucker Punch.
Best Dark-type Charged Moves: Brutal Swing, Foul Play, Crunch.
Best Fairy-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Finally, explore the best Fairy-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon GO:
Zacian, a legendary Fairy-type Pokémon.
Fairy-type Attacks are Strong Against: Fighting, Dragon, and Dark-type Pokémon.
Fairy-type Pokémon are Weak To: Poison and Steel-type attacks.
Best Fairy-type Mega Attacker: Mega Gardevoir.
Top Fairy-type Attackers: Hero Zacian, Xerneas, Tapu Koko.
Effective Counters Against Fairy-types: Metagross, Nihilego, Dialga.
Best Fairy-type Fast Moves: Charm, Geomancy, Fairy Wind.
Best Fairy-type Charged Moves: Dazzling Gleam, Moonblast, Play Rough.
Good luck mastering type matchups and dominating your Pokémon GO battles!
