Fighting-type Pokemon weaknesses & resistances explained

Sam Smith
Pokemon fighting type machop header

True to their name, Fighting-type Pokemon like Machamp, Lucario, or Urshifu pack quite the punch, meaning battles against them can result in the opposing Pokemon being knocked down. Thankfully, we have ways to exploit these Pokemon weaknesses & capitalize on types that can counter them.

Getting pummelled by those musclebound Fighting-type Pokemon? It’s not a surprise as these Pokemon naturally excel at combat. So, unless you know Fighting-type Pokemon weaknesses, they can be troublesome in battle.

Fighting-type Pokemon have been around since the very first generation of Pokemon games, so plenty of Trainers before you have struggled to overcome them. Now that Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and its Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are out, there are plenty of new Fighting types joining the Pokedex.

So, let’s look at the weaknesses of Fighting-type Pokemon, as well as their resistances. This way you’ll know exactly which Pokemon and moves to use against them in battle.


Contents


fighting type pokemon hitmonlee
Hitmonlee is a kicking Fighting-type Pokemon.

What are a Fighting-type Pokemon’s weaknesses?

Fighting-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:

  • Fairy-types
  • Flying-types
  • Psychic-types

Therefore, when looking to take down a Fighting-type Pokemon, bring some that belong to those categories and focus on using moves related to those types.

Best counters for Fighting-type Pokemon

When facing down a Fighting-type, Pokemon like Xatu, Togekiss, Tornadus, and Gen 9’s Flamigo are great counters against these powerful monsters.

Unfortunately, many Flying-type Pokemon come with a secondary Normal-typing, meaning they don’t fully resist Fighting-type moves. As such, Pokemon with a secondary type that isn’t weak to Fighting like Noivern, Cramorant, and Xatu are the best choices to take them on.

Don’t forget that a Pokemon can have multiple types. For example, the Legendary Terrakion is a Fighting and Rock-type Pokemon. So be sure to take advantage of any other weaknesses they may have by being aware of their secondary type.

Fighting-type Pokemon strengths & resistances

As well as having weaknesses, Fighting-type Pokemon are also resistant to certain other types and moves. When going up against a Fighting-type Pokemon, avoid Dark, Ice, Normal, Rock, and Steel-type Pokemon or moves.

Fighting types are resistant to the damage they’ll do, and in some cases, may even do more damage against you. Therefore, either switch your Pokemon out when you come up against a Fighting type, or don’t have them on your team for that battle.

machop machoke machamp pokemon bdsp
The Machop family may be the most iconic Fighting-type Pokemon in the franchise.

What is a Fighting-type Pokemon?

Fighting-type Pokemon can usually be identified by their look or attire. These Pokemon are usually dressed or designed to look like martial artists.

They may be extremely muscular or enter the battle in some kind of fighting stance. Some Fighting-type Pokemon are pure, but others may have a second type. So, always factor this into how you approach the battle.


So, that’s how you bring down Fighting-type Pokemon. For more content like this, check out our other ‘mon lists:

Fairy-type | Water-type | Grass-type | Fighting-type | Psychic-type | Electric-type | Legendary Pokemon | All cat Pokemon | All dog Pokemon | Creepiest ‘mon | Cutest Pokemon | The rarest and most expensive Pokemon cards | 10 best ROM hacks and fan-made games

About The Author

Sam is a Senior Games Writer for Dexerto specializing in Survival Horror, Diablo, Final Fantasy, and Soulslikes. An NCTJ accredited journalist, Sam also holds a degree in journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and has many years of experience as a professional writer. Being able to marry his love of writing with his addiction to video games was always one of his life goals. He also loves all things PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo in equal measure. Contact at sam.smith@dexerto.com