Ghost-type Pokemon: Weaknesses & Strengths explained

Ghost-type Pokemon are incredibly elusive, but also shockingly powerful. So, if you want to defeat them – or grab one for your own – here’s all you need to know.

Ghost-types are the third-rarest type of Pokemon overall, with only 72 total Ghost Pokemon in the Pokedex as of Generation 9, and while trainers won’t have to face them very often, the fights you encounter can be pretty tough.

These ‘mon do have weaknesses and ideal counters, so here’s everything you need to know to survive battles with Ghost-type Pokemon or how to beat your opponent with one.

Contents

• What is a Ghost-type Pokemon?
• Ghost-type Pokemon weaknesses
• Ghost-type Pokemon strengths & resistances
• Best counters for Ghost-type Pokemon
• Best Tera Types for Ghost-type Pokemon
• All Ghost-type moves

What is a Ghost-type Pokemon?

The Pokemon Company / Game Freak

Ghost-type Pokemon are rare, darker creatures that are usually based on real-world objects, like candles, tree stumps, or adorable pumpkins.

In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, they are often found floating around the map at nighttime and may even disappear and reappear when approached.

Ghost-type Pokemon weaknesses

Ghost-type Pokemon have two primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:

• Dark-types
• Other Ghost-types

We suggest focusing your efforts on Dark types as if you battle another Ghost-type Pokemon, you’ll also be weak against your opponent.

Ghost-type Pokemon strengths & resistances

THE POKEMON COMPANY

As well as having weaknesses, Ghost-type Pokemon are resistant to avoid Bug and Poison-type Pokemon so avoid using those in a battle.

Pure Ghost-types are also immune to Fighting and Normal-type damage which can make unprepared trainers instantly find themselves in trouble.

Best counters for Ghost-type Pokemon

To succeed against Ghost-type Pokemon you should choose these counters:

• Darkrai (Dark)
• Umbreon (Dark)
• Absol (Dark)
• Mabosstiff (Dark)
• Tyranitar (Rock/Dark)
• Hydreigon (Dark/Dragon)

Pure Dark-type Pokemon are the best way to go when battling a Ghost-type Pokemon, but using a powerful mixed Pokemon is still great, so long as it features some sort of Dark-type in its design.

Best Tera Types for Ghost-type Pokemon

With the addition of Tera Types in Gen 9’s Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, players should know the best combinations available for Ghost-type Pokemon, as this mechanic bends the battling rules a little bit.

• Ghost: They get an extra boost of power on top of the STAB. Plus, some weaknesses get removed.
• Fighting: Boosts Fighting-type moves and removes their Dark-type weakness.
• Dark: Boosts Dark-type moves and helps them resist all Ghost-type weaknesses.

All Ghost-type moves

There are 34 Ghost-type moves in the Pokemon franchise, and all have been listed below:

Generation One

• Confuse Ray
• Lick
• Night Shade

Generation Two

• Curse
• Nightmare
• Shadow Ball
• Spit

Generation Three

• Astonish
• Grudge
• Shadow Punch

Generation Four

• Ominous Wind
• Shadow Claw
• Shadow Force
• Shadow Sneak

Generation Five

• Hex

Generation Six

• Phantom Force
• Trick-or-Treat

Generation Seven

• Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom
• Moongeist Beam
• Never-Ending Nightmare
• Shadow Bone
• Sinister Arrow Raid
• Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike
• Spectral Thief
• Spirit Shackle

Generation Eight

• Astral Barrage
• Bitter Malice
• G-Max Terror
• Infernal Parade
• Max Phantasm
• Poltergeist

Generation Nine

• Rage Fist

So, that’s everything you need to know about Ghost-type Pokemon. For more Pokemon content, check the guides below:

Flying-type weaknesses | Ground-type weaknesses | Electric-type weaknesses | Water-type weaknesses | Fairy-type weaknesses