Pokémon type charts are essential tools for trainers looking to master battles in Pokémon GO. Understanding type effectiveness—which types are strong against others—is key to victory. Since the early days of Pokémon, this Rock Paper Scissors-style system determines whether your Pokémon’s attacks will be super effective, not very effective, or neutral against opponents. Even Pokémon GO, while simplifying some aspects of the main series games, retains this core mechanic.
In Pokémon GO, elemental types dictate attack effectiveness. A Fire-type attack against a Grass-type Pokémon, for example, will deal significantly more damage. Conversely, using a Grass-type attack against a Fire-type will be less effective. Beyond effectiveness, there’s also resistance, where certain types reduce the damage taken from specific attacks. While Pokémon GO doesn’t have immunities in the same way as the main series, it has tweaked damage multipliers to create a similar effect.
While type effectiveness is fundamentally the same as in the core Pokémon games, Pokémon GO has made some adjustments. Notably, immunities are converted into strong resistances, and damage multipliers are slightly altered. However, the basic type matchups remain consistent.
With 18 different types in Pokémon GO, learning all the type matchups might seem overwhelming. Even seasoned trainers often need to consult a Pokémon GO type chart to ensure they’re using the best strategy. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to Pokémon GO type effectiveness, including a detailed type chart and explanations of how to use it to your advantage, particularly when considering What Is Effective Against Flying-type Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Type Chart: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Resistances
Here’s a handy Pokémon GO type chart to quickly reference type matchups. Remember, this chart indicates the effectiveness of the attack type, not the Pokémon’s type. If a Pokémon’s type matches the attack type, it receives a Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB), further increasing damage. While STAB is beneficial, type effectiveness is the more critical factor in battle strategy.
| 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 | 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 |
| 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 |
Understanding what is effective against Flying type Pokémon is crucial. Electric, Ice, and Rock-type attacks are super effective against Flying types.
YouTube video thumbnail showcasing a battle against Guzzlord in Pokémon Go.
Type Effectiveness in Pokémon GO: Key Differences from Main Series
As mentioned earlier, Pokémon GO simplifies type effectiveness by removing type-based immunities present in the main series games. Here’s a breakdown of the immunities removed and how they are handled in Pokémon GO:
- Ground is no longer immune to Electric: Electric attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Flying is no longer immune to Ground: Ground attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Ghost is no longer immune to Normal and Fighting: Normal and Fighting attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Normal is no longer immune to Ghost: Ghost attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Steel is no longer immune to Poison: Poison attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Dark is no longer immune to Psychic: Psychic attacks deal resisted damage instead.
- Fairy is no longer immune to Dragon: Dragon attacks deal resisted damage instead.
Instead of complete immunity, these matchups now function as strong resistances. Pokémon that would have been immune in the main series now take a significantly reduced amount of damage – approximately 0.39x the normal damage. This change means that while true immunities are absent, the impact of formerly immune types is still greatly minimized.
Here’s a detailed look at the damage multipliers in Pokémon GO:
- Doubly Effective: 2.56x damage (compared to 4x in main series). This occurs when a Pokémon has two types, and an attack is super effective against both.
- Super Effective: 1.6x damage (compared to 2x in main series). This is when an attack type is strong against the defending Pokémon’s type.
- Neutral: 1.0x damage (same as main series). This is the base damage when there’s no type advantage or disadvantage.
- Not Very Effective: 0.625x damage (compared to 0.5x in main series). This happens when an attack type is resisted by the defending Pokémon’s type.
- Resistant (Formerly Immune): 0.39x damage (compared to 0 damage in main series immunities). This is applied to matchups that were previously immunities.
For example, consider Alolan Sandslash, an Ice and Steel-type Pokémon. Both Ice and Steel types are weak to Fighting and Fire-type attacks. If a Fire-type attack with 100 base damage hits Alolan Sandslash, the damage multiplier is 2.56x, resulting in significantly higher damage than a neutral hit.
Understanding these multipliers is crucial for maximizing damage output and minimizing damage taken in battles. Mastering type effectiveness, particularly knowing what is effective against Flying and other common types, will dramatically improve your battle performance in Pokémon GO. For example, knowing that Electric-type moves are super effective against Flying-types is key to countering common Flying-type Pokémon.
While these calculations might seem complex, you don’t need to perform them manually during battles. However, understanding the underlying mechanics allows you to make informed decisions about your Pokémon teams and attack choices. For specific raid battles, it’s always beneficial to consult raid guides which often highlight key weaknesses and recommended counters, simplifying the process of choosing effective Pokémon. Especially when facing powerful Flying-type raid bosses, knowing what is effective against Flying becomes essential for success.
In Player vs Player (PVP) battles, the element of surprise is always present. Therefore, a strong grasp of type effectiveness is even more valuable. It allows you to quickly assess matchups and make strategic swaps to gain an advantage. Once you’ve mastered type effectiveness, the next steps to enhance your battle skills include learning the best moves in Pokémon GO and building a strong roster of the best Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
Pokémon GO Type Breakdown: Best Attackers, Counters, and Moves
Let’s delve into each of the 18 Pokémon types, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and the best Pokémon to use for each type in Pokémon GO. We will focus on top attackers and counters, keeping in mind that Mega and Shadow Pokémon often represent the absolute best options but are not always accessible.
Best Normal-Type Attackers in Pokémon GO
Normal-type attacks are unique because they are not super effective against any type. They deal consistent neutral damage, making them reliable in many situations but not ideal for exploiting weaknesses. However, Normal-type Pokémon are only weak to Fighting-type attacks.
Regigigas, a powerful Normal-type Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
- Normal-type attacks are strong against: Nothing (neutral damage).
- 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
Fighting-type attacks are powerful and super effective against a broad range of common types, including Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark. However, Fighting-type Pokémon are vulnerable to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy-type attacks. Understanding what is effective against Flying is important here, as Fighting-types are weak to Flying attacks.
Terrakion, a top-tier Fighting-type attacker in Pokémon Go.
- Fighting-type attacks are strong against: Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark.
- Fighting-type Pokémon are weak to: Flying, Psychic, Fairy.
- 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
Flying-type attacks excel against Fighting, Bug, and Grass-type Pokémon. Flying-type Pokémon themselves are weak to Rock, Electric, and Ice-type attacks. When considering what is effective against Flying, remember that Electric-type moves are a strong counter.
Rayquaza, a legendary Pokémon and excellent Flying-type attacker.
- Flying-type attacks are strong against: Fighting, Bug, Grass.
- Flying-type Pokémon are weak to: Rock, Electric, Ice.
- Best Flying-type Mega attacker: Mega Rayquaza.
- Best Flying-type attackers: Rayquaza, Yveltal, Galarian Zapdos.
- Best Flying-type counters: Zekrom, Xurkitree, Therian Thundurus (Electric-types are key here, showcasing what is effective against Flying).
- 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
Poison-type attacks are effective against Grass and Fairy-type Pokémon. Poison-type Pokémon are vulnerable to Ground and Psychic-type attacks.
Nihilego, a strong Poison and Rock-type Ultra Beast.
- Poison-type attacks are strong against: Grass, Fairy.
- Poison-type Pokémon are weak to: Ground, Psychic.
- 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
Ground-type attacks are super effective against Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, and Electric-type Pokémon. Ground-type Pokémon are weak to Water, Grass, and Ice-type attacks.
Groudon, a powerful Ground-type Legendary Pokémon.
- Ground-type attacks are strong against: Poison, Rock, Steel, Fire, Electric.
- Ground-type Pokémon are weak to: Water, Grass, Ice.
- 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
Rock-type attacks are highly effective against Flying, Bug, Fire, and Ice-type Pokémon. Rock-type Pokémon are vulnerable to Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, and Grass-type attacks. Remembering what is effective against Flying types, Rock attacks are a solid choice.
Rampardos, a Rock-type Pokémon known for its high attack stat.
- Rock-type attacks are strong against: Flying, Bug, Fire, Ice.
- Rock-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting, Ground, Steel, Water, Grass.
- 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
Bug-type attacks are effective against Grass, Psychic, and Dark-type Pokémon. Bug-type Pokémon are weak to Flying, Rock, and Fire-type attacks. When considering what is effective against Flying, remember that Bug attacks are resisted by Flying types.
Volcarona, a Bug and Fire-type Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities.
- Bug-type attacks are strong against: Grass, Psychic, Dark.
- Bug-type Pokémon are weak to: Flying, Rock, Fire.
- 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
Ghost-type attacks are super effective against Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon. Ghost-type Pokémon are weak to Ghost and Dark-type attacks.
Lunala, a Ghost and Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon.
- Ghost-type attacks are strong against: Ghost, Psychic.
- Ghost-type Pokémon are weak to: Ghost, Dark.
- 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
Steel-type attacks are effective against Rock, Ice, and Fairy-type Pokémon. Steel-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Ground, and Fire-type attacks.
Metagross, a powerful Steel and Psychic-type pseudo-legendary Pokémon.
- Steel-type attacks are strong against: Rock, Ice, Fairy.
- Steel-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting, Ground, Fire.
- 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
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.
Reshiram, a Fire and Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon.
- Fire-type attacks are strong against: Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice.
- Fire-type Pokémon are weak to: Ground, Rock, Water.
- 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
Water-type attacks are effective against Ground, Rock, and Fire-type Pokémon. Water-type Pokémon are weak to Grass and Electric-type attacks.
Kyogre, a Water-type Legendary Pokémon, master of the seas.
- Water-type attacks are strong against: Ground, Rock, Fire.
- Water-type Pokémon are weak to: Grass, Electric.
- 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
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. When considering what is effective against Flying, note that Grass-type Pokémon are particularly vulnerable to Flying attacks.
Kartana, an Ultra Beast and top Grass-type attacker.
- Grass-type attacks are strong against: Ground, Rock, Water.
- Grass-type Pokémon are weak to: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice.
- Best Grass-type Mega attacker: Mega Sceptile.
- Best Grass-type attackers: Kartana, Zarude, Sky Shaymin.
- Best Grass-type counters: Rayquaza, Reshiram, Yveltal (all examples of what is effective against Flying due to their Flying-type attacks).
- 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
Electric-type attacks are super effective against Flying and Water-type Pokémon. Electric-type Pokémon are only weak to Ground-type attacks. For players wondering what is effective against Flying, Electric-types are a prime choice.
Xurkitree, an Electric-type Ultra Beast with incredible attack power.
- Electric-type attacks are strong against: Flying, Water.
- Electric-type Pokémon are weak to: Ground.
- Best Electric-type Mega attacker: Mega Manectric.
- Best Electric-type attackers: Xurkitree, Zekrom, Therian Thundurus.
- 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
Psychic-type attacks are effective against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon. Psychic-type Pokémon are weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks.
Mewtwo, one of the most iconic and powerful Psychic-type Pokémon.
- Psychic-type attacks are strong against: Fighting, Poison.
- Psychic-type Pokémon are weak to: Bug, Ghost, Dark.
- 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
Ice-type attacks are super effective against Flying, Ground, Grass, and Dragon-type Pokémon. Ice-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Fire-type attacks. For trainers wondering what is effective against Flying and Dragon types, Ice attacks are a great choice.
Kyurem, a powerful Ice and Dragon-type Legendary Pokémon.
- Ice-type attacks are strong against: Flying, Ground, Grass, Dragon.
- Ice-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting, Rock, Steel, Fire.
- 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
Dragon-type attacks are only super effective against other Dragon-type Pokémon. Dragon-type Pokémon are weak to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks.
Rayquaza, again, also a top Dragon-type attacker.
- Dragon-type attacks are strong against: Dragon.
- Dragon-type Pokémon are weak to: Ice, Dragon, Fairy.
- Best Dragon-type Mega attacker: Mega Rayquaza.
- Best Dragon-type attackers: Rayquaza, Palkia, Zekrom.
- Best Dragon-type counters: Dialga, Rayquaza, Salamence (Dragon-types countering Dragon-types).
- 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
Dark-type attacks are effective against Ghost and Psychic-type Pokémon. Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks.
Tyranitar, a powerful Dark and Rock-type Pokémon.
- Dark-type attacks are strong against: Ghost, Psychic.
- Dark-type Pokémon are weak to: Fighting, Bug, Fairy.
- 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
Fairy-type attacks are strong against Fighting, Dragon, and Dark-type Pokémon. Fairy-type Pokémon are weak to Poison and Steel-type attacks.
Zacian, a Fairy-type Legendary Pokémon in its Hero of Many Battles form.
- Fairy-type attacks are strong against: Fighting, Dragon, Dark.
- Fairy-type Pokémon are weak to: Poison, Steel.
- 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.
By mastering type effectiveness and understanding what is effective against Flying and all other types, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in Pokémon GO battles. Good luck, trainers!
