Games
Ghost-Type Pokémon Weaknesses & Resistances
Ghost-type Pokémon have been around since Generation I, and they are the only type to have more than one immunity.
They are also unique because they have a type-specific attack, Curse, which works differently for Ghost-types.
Whether you’re using this type of Pokémon or need to know how to beat one, there are certain strengths and weaknesses to keep in mind.
Fortunately, we’ve created our own guide to Ghost type Pokémon weaknesses and resistances so that you can learn to handle them effectively!
Ghost Type Pokémon Weaknesses
Ghost-type Pokémon are the third-rarest type in the world of Pokémon, making them something you’re unlikely to come across as often as a grass or fire type.
Due to their rarity, you’re likely going to be asking yourself, “What are Ghost-type Pokémon weak against?” when you come up against one in a battle.
While they have been around since Gen I, not many players can remember their weaknesses, since this type isn’t the most well-known.
That said, they do have a unique set of weaknesses, which are:
- Dark
- Ghost
Additionally, Ghost-type moves do not affect Normal-type Pokémon, meaning you don’t want to use them if you’re up against a Snorlax, Meowth, or other pure Normal-type.
Though likewise, Normal-type attacks aren’t effective against Ghost-type Pokémon either.
They are also susceptible to same-type damage bonuses, meaning Ghost-type moves will be super effective against Ghost-type Pokémon.
If you’re having trouble fighting a Ghost-type, your best bet would be using something like Poochyena, one of the best dog Pokémon that is a straight dark type.
However, despite these weaknesses, Ghost-type Pokémon have the potential to be incredibly powerful due to their status effect moves.
Ghost Type Pokémon Resistances
Now that you know what Ghost-type Pokémon are weak to, let’s take a look at their particular resistances.
These are important to know since they can help you understand when it is best to use this type of Pokémon.
Ghost-type Pokémon have two specific resistances, which are:
- Bug
- Poison
It should also be noted that certain Ghost-type Pokémon, particularly the Gastly ones, are part poison themselves, making them even more poison resistant.
Ghost-types also have complete immunity to Fighting-type moves and Normal-type moves, so you don’t want to go up against them with a Mankey or Dunsparce.
While Ghost types themselves aren’t super effective against Bug or Poison types, due to their resistance, they can be good to use in a fight against these kinds of Pokémon.
These resistances are worth keeping in mind so that you can more effectively fight or use any Ghost-type Pokémon you come across.
Best Counters For Ghost Type Pokémon
If you know you’re going to be battling a Ghost-type Pokémon, you’ll want to prepare beforehand.
There are some specific counters you can use to help give yourself an upper hand.
Having a Dark-type Pokémon on your team is one of the best things you can do to defeat any Ghost Pokémon more easily.
Dark-type moves are super effective against all Ghost-types, so keeping one in reserve can be a smart move.
You can also use dual dark types, like Yveltal, one of the best bird Pokémon, which is a Flying/Dark-type with the Dark Pulse ability, to defeat any Ghost-type with ease.
What Beats Ghost Type Pokémon?
Ghost types have been featured in all of the best Pokémon games of all time, and when it comes time to fight them, you’ll want to have the right team.
The last thing you want to do is go into a battle with a Ghost-type using a Pokémon that is ineffective, or at worst, highly vulnerable to their attacks!
Fortunately, if you’re using the right Pokémon and the right move sets, you can easily defeat any Ghost-type that gets in your way.
Pokémon To Use Against Ghost Types
When it’s time to take down a Ghost-type, these are the Pokémon you’ll want to have on your team.
- Meowth (Dark-type)
- Poochyena (Dark-type)
- Zorua (Dark-type)
- Nickit (Dark-type)
- Absol (Dark-type)
- Maschiff (Dark-type)
Because all pure Dark-types are resistant to Ghost-type attacks, these will be the best to have on your team.
However, you can still use half Dark-types, though they will still be damaged normally by Ghost-type attacks.
On the plus side, Dark-type Pokémon can be relatively easy to come across, especially if you go looking for them at night.
Moves To Use Against Dark Types
While Dark-type Pokémon are the most effective against Ghost-types, there are also some moves you should get to ensure they have the biggest impact possible.
The best offensive moves to use against a Ghost-type include:
- Bite
- Crunch
- Knock Off
- Brutal Swing
- Dark Pulse
It should be noted that moves like Bite, Crunch, and Knock Off can also be taught to Normal-type and Fighting-type Pokémon to give them a slight edge over Ghost-types.
All Dark-type moves are super effective against Ghost-types, so they will be able to inflict 2x damage compared to other options.
These are the ones you will definitely want to set your Pokémon up with before taking on any Ghost-type Pokémon in a battle.
Summary
Ghost-type Pokémon are some of the coolest in the franchise, but they can be devastating to fight if you’re not prepared.
If you find yourself having to fight a Ghost-type, you’ll need to know exactly what it is weak to, so you can set up your team correctly.
Make sure to keep our guide handy if you’re having trouble remembering what is most effective to use against this Pokémon type!