What is Flying Weak Against in Pokémon Go? Mastering Type Matchups & Counters

What is Flying Weak Against in Pokémon Go? Mastering Type Matchups & Counters

Pokémon type charts are essential tools for any Pokémon Go player looking to understand the game’s intricate battle system. This system, rooted in type effectiveness, dictates whether a Pokémon’s attack will be super effective, not very effective, or neutral against an opponent. Since the inception of the Pokémon franchise, mastering type matchups has been key to victory, and Pokémon Go is no exception. Understanding type effectiveness is crucial, even emphasized in recent Pokémon games like Scarlet and Violet with in-game tutorials.

In essence, elemental types determine the damage multiplier in battle. A Fire-type move against a Grass-type Pokémon is super effective, dealing increased damage. Conversely, a Water-type move against a Fire-type Pokémon is not very effective, resulting in reduced damage. Beyond these, there’s neutral damage and, importantly in Pokémon Go, resistances. While the core type matchups remain consistent with the main series Pokémon games, Pokémon Go adjusts certain mechanics, notably removing immunities and tweaking damage multipliers.

Although Pokémon Go type effectiveness shares its foundation with the core series, there are key differences. Immunities, a staple in main series games, are absent in Pokémon Go. For example, in the main series, Ground-type Pokémon are immune to Electric-type attacks, but in Pokémon Go, they are merely resistant. Despite these variations, the fundamental type relationships remain largely the same.

With 18 distinct types in Pokémon Go, memorizing all matchups can seem like a monumental task. Even seasoned trainers occasionally need to consult a Pokémon type chart. To aid you in your battles, we’ve created a comprehensive Pokémon type chart and will delve into how type effectiveness works in Pokémon Go, focusing specifically on what Flying-type Pokémon are weak against and how to strategically plan your battles.

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Pokémon Go Type Chart: Effectiveness and Weaknesses Explained

Pokémon Go utilizes the same 18 Pokémon Types found in the main series games, but with a crucial difference: the absence of immunities. In the core series, Fairy-type Pokémon are immune to Dragon-type attacks. However, in Pokémon Go, Fairy types are simply resistant to Dragon-type attacks. This alteration applies across all type-based immunities in Pokémon Go. Remember, ability-based immunities like Levitate are not present in the game, simplifying type interactions.

To help you navigate type matchups, here’s a comprehensive Pokémon Go type chart. This chart illustrates attack effectiveness, not the Pokémon’s type itself. If a Pokémon’s type aligns with the move it uses, it receives a Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB), providing a damage boost separate from type effectiveness. While STAB is beneficial, type matchup effectiveness is the more significant factor in battle.

Type Strong Against Weak Against Resistant To Vulnerable To
Normal None Rock, Steel, Fighting Ghost Fighting
Fighting Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark Flying, Poison, Psychic, Bug, Ghost, 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 type effectiveness with an example. If a Mewtwo uses Ice Beam against a Venusaur, significant damage will be dealt. This is because Venusaur is a Grass-type Pokémon, and Grass types are weak against Ice-type attacks. However, if a Kyurem of the same level uses Ice Beam against the same Venusaur, the damage would be even greater due to Kyurem benefiting from STAB, in addition to type effectiveness. While a Pokémon’s attack stat is a crucial factor, this example highlights the power of type matchups.

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Pokémon Go Type Effectiveness Changes: No Immunities

As previously mentioned, Pokémon Go diverges from the main series by eliminating type immunities. The immunities absent in Pokémon Go include:

  • Electric-type attacks are not ineffective against Ground-type Pokémon; Ground types are merely resistant.
  • Ground-type attacks are not ineffective against Flying-type Pokémon; Flying types are merely resistant.
  • Normal and Fighting-type attacks are not ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon; Ghost types are merely resistant.
  • Ghost-type attacks are not ineffective against Normal-type Pokémon; Normal types are merely resistant.
  • Poison-type attacks are not ineffective against Steel-type Pokémon; Steel types are merely resistant.
  • Psychic-type attacks are not ineffective against Dark-type Pokémon; Dark types are merely resistant.
  • Dragon-type attacks are not ineffective against Fairy-type Pokémon; Fairy types are merely resistant.

Initially, these immunities were replaced with standard resistances. However, Pokémon Go further refined this by introducing a stronger resistance tier. Pokémon that would be immune in the main series now take only 0.39 times the normal damage in Pokémon Go. This “immunity” in Pokémon Go effectively reduces damage by approximately two-thirds, acting as a super resistance.

Here’s a breakdown of the damage multipliers in Pokémon Go type matchups:

  • Doubly Effective: 2.56x damage (compared to 4x in the main series). This occurs when a Pokémon has two types, and both are weak to the incoming attack type.
  • Super Effective: 1.6x damage (compared to 2x in the main series).
  • Neutral: 1.0x damage (same as the main series).
  • Not Very Effective: 0.625x damage (compared to 0.5x in the main series).
  • “Immunity” (Super Resistance): 0.39x damage (compared to 0x in the main series).

Doubly effective damage is significant. For instance, Alolan Sandslash, being both Ice and Steel-type, is doubly weak to Fire and Fighting-type attacks, as both Ice and Steel are vulnerable to these types.

Consider a Charmeleon using a Fire-type attack with 100 base damage. Against another Charmeleon (neutral matchup), it deals 1.0x damage, plus a 1.2x STAB bonus, resulting in 120 damage.

Now, if that same Charmeleon attacks an Alolan Sandslash with the same Fire-type move, the damage calculation changes drastically. With a 2.56x type effectiveness multiplier and the 1.2x STAB multiplier, Alolan Sandslash takes a massive 3.07x damage.

Type effectiveness is paramount in Pokémon Go battles. Mastering these matchups is crucial for success. While the calculations might seem complex, understanding the type chart simplifies strategic play. For specific challenges like raiding Mega Garchomp, our raid guides highlight weaknesses and recommend optimal counters for easier victories.

In PvP battles, opponent Pokémon are unpredictable, making type mastery even more critical. Understanding type matchups allows for strategic Pokémon switching, maximizing your chances of winning. Once you grasp type effectiveness, further enhance your battling prowess by learning about the best moves in Pokémon Go and identifying the best Pokémon in Pokémon Go.

Pokémon Go Type Breakdowns

Pokémon Go features 18 distinct types. Let’s explore each type individually, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and highlighting notable Pokémon within each category.

For clarity, while Mega and Shadow Pokémon often represent the pinnacle of power, they are generally excluded from these lists. If you have them, utilize them; if not, focus on the readily available best attackers mentioned.

Best Normal-type Attackers in Pokémon Go

Here are the top Normal-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Regigigas, a powerful Normal-type Pokémon.

Normal-type attacks are strong against: No types. Normal-type damage is neutral unless resisted.

Normal-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting-type attacks.

Best Normal-type Mega attacker: Mega Lopunny.

Best Normal-type attackers: Regigigas, Meloetta, Porygon-Z.

Best Normal-type counters: 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

Discover the best Fighting-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Terrakion, a formidable Fighting-type Pokémon.

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. Therefore, Flying-type attacks are super effective against Fighting-type Pokémon.

Best Fighting-type Mega attacker: Mega Blaziken.

Best Fighting-type attackers: Terrakion, Keldeo, Lucario.

Best Fighting-type counters: 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, learn about the best Flying-type attackers, moves, and counters:

Rayquaza, a top-tier Flying-type Pokémon.

Flying-type attacks are strong against: Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon.

Flying-type Pokémon are weak against: Rock, Electric, and Ice-type attacks. This means Rock-type, Electric-type, and Ice-type attacks are super effective against Flying-type Pokémon.

Best Flying-type Mega attacker: Mega Rayquaza.

Best Flying-type attackers: Rayquaza, Yveltal, Galarian Zapdos.

Best Flying-type counters: Zekrom, Xurkitree, Therian Thunderus.

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, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Nihilego, a powerful Poison-type Pokémon.

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.

Best Poison-type attackers: Nihilego, Gengar, Roserade.

Best Poison-type counters: 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 best Ground-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Groudon, a top-tier 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.

Best Ground-type attackers: Groudon, Ursaluna, Therian Landorus.

Best Ground-type counters: 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, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Rampardos, a powerful Rock-type attacker.

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.

Best Rock-type attackers: Rampardos, Rhyperior, Nihilego.

Best Rock-type counters: 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

Discover the best Bug-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Volcarona, a strong Bug-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.

Best Bug-type attackers: Volcarona, Pheromosa, Genesect.

Best Bug-type counters: 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

Explore the best Ghost-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Lunala, a top-tier Ghost-type 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.

Best Ghost-type attackers: Lunala, Giratina, Chandelure.

Best Ghost-type counters: 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

Find the best Steel-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Metagross, a powerful Steel-type 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.

Best Steel-type attackers: Metagross, Melmetal, Jirachi.

Best Steel-type counters: 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

If you’re harnessing Fire-type power, learn about the best attackers, moves, and counters:

Reshiram, a top Fire-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.

Best Fire-type attackers: Reshiram, Heatran, Volcarona.

Best Fire-type counters: 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, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Kyogre, a premier 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.

Best Water-type attackers: Kyogre, Palkia, Greninja.

Best Water-type counters: 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

Find the best Grass-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Kartana, a top Grass-type attacker.

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.

Best Grass-type attackers: Kartana, Zarude, Sky Shaymin.

Best Grass-type counters: 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, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Xurkitree, a powerful 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.

Best Electric-type attackers: Xurkitree, Zekrom, Therian Thunderus.

Best Electric-type counters: 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-type power with the best attackers, counters, and moves:

Mewtwo, the iconic 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.

Best Psychic-type attackers: Mewtwo, Hoopa Unbound, Lunala.

Best Psychic-type counters: 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:

Kyurem, a top Ice-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.

Best Ice-type attackers: Kyurem, Baxcalibur, Galarian Darmanitan.

Best Ice-type counters: 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

Discover the best Dragon-type attackers, moves, and counters in Pokémon Go:

Rayquaza, again, a top Dragon-type Pokémon.

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.

Best Dragon-type attackers: Rayquaza, Palkia, Zekrom.

Best Dragon-type counters: 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

Explore the best Dark-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Tyranitar, a powerful Dark-type Pokémon.

Dark-type attacks are strong against: Ghost, Psychic, and Dark-type Pokémon.

Dark-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks.

Best Dark-type Mega attacker: Mega Tyranitar.

Best Dark-type attackers: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Hoopa Unbound.

Best Dark-type counters: 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, find the best Fairy-type attackers, counters, and moves in Pokémon Go:

Zacian, a top 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.

Best Fairy-type attackers: Hero Zacian, Xerneas, Tapu Koko.

Best Fairy-type counters: 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!

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