Bug-type Pokemon are not the most used ones in the game, however, some can be real nightmares. If these insects are bugging you, here’s how to take advantage of their weaknesses to properly counter them in battle.
Even though it doesn’t seem like, Bug-type Pokemon can be tough to take down as they’re often confused with the Grass and Poison types. They may look like pushovers, but Bug-type Pokemon can be deadly to an inexperienced trailer and their trusty Pokemon team.
However, as with any element in the Pokemon game series, Bug-types can be countered as they have their own weaknesses to exploit. So here’s all you need to know to squash this type in seconds.
What is Bug-type weak to?
Bug-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:
Therefore, when looking to take down a Bug-type Pokemon, bring along a team that belongs to those categories and focus on moves related to those types for the best results in battle.
Don’t forget that a Pokemon can have multiple types, so be sure to take advantage of any other weaknesses they may have by being aware of their secondary type.
Bug-type strengths
As well as having weaknesses, Bug-type Pokemon are also resistant to certain Pokemon types, such as Fighting, Ground, and Grass.
More so, when using their Bug-type moves, they can deal super effective damage against Grass, Psychic, and Dark. So, when you go into battle against or with a Bug-type Pokemon, be sure to switch these out accordingly.
Bug-type weaknesses
Aside from being weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock attacks, if you – on the other hand – add a bug to your team and want to take it for a spin, never use it against Fire, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Ghost, Steel, and Fairy as Bug moves are not very effective toward those.
Super effective types against Bug Pokemon
Pure Fire, Flying, and Rock-type Pokemon are great counters, but those that combine two Bug-type weaknesses are even better.
These are some of the best Pokemon you can take into battle to counter Rock-type:
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- Charizard (Fire/Flying)
- Ho-Oh (Fire/Flying)
- Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying)
- Magcargo (Fire/Rock)
- Coalossal (Rock/Fire)
Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the examples above are effective against Bug-types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.
Super effective moves to use against Bug Pokemon
There are plenty of Fire, Flying, and Rock super-effective moves that players can use against Bug-type Pokemon. Here are the ones we recommend due to their power and effects:
- Blast Burn (Fire)
- Blue Flare (Fire)
- Pyro Ball (Fire)
- Sky Attack (Flying)
- Hurricane (Flying)
- Aeroblast (Flying)
- Fly (Flying)
- Rock Wrecker (Rock)
- Meteor Beam (Rock)
- Stone Edge (Rock)
Blast Burn is a Gen 3 special move with an outstanding 150 power. However, as the Pokemon can’t move the next turn, it’s smarter to use it as a finisher. Another great Fire-type move is Pyro Ball, an attack introduced to the franchise as Gen 8’s Cinderace signature move. This physical move has a power of 120 and 90% accuracy and may cause a burn to the opponent.
Sky Attack is the most powerful Flying-type move, not only due to its incredible power but also because it has a high critical ratio. However, it needs a turn to charge and might cause flinching. Fly is the ultimate fan favorite Flying-type attack. The Gen 1 move has 95 power and almost perfect accuracy, and because it makes the Pokemon fly up before hitting, it can save you from an upcoming attack.
Rock Wrecker is the best physical Rock-type move. This powerful nuke deals an outstanding 150 damage and its 90% accuracy means it rarely misses. However, the user must recharge the next turn. On the other hand, Stone Edge excels due to its very high critical hit ratio.
Best Tera Types
Scarlet & Violet‘s addition of Tera Types changed the battle rules, so here are the ones you should consider to make your Bug-type Pokemon stronger:
- Bug: Boosts the power of Bug-type moves on top of STAB
- Fire: Removes the Bug-type weakness to Fire moves
- Steel: Helps resist Flying and Rock-type moves
Best Bug-type moves
There are 33 Bug-type moves and we’ve picked the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks you can use in battle:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Buzz | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense | Gen IV |
| Pollen Puff | Special | 90 | 100% | 15 | Deals damage to the opponent or restores a teammate’s HP | Gen VII |
| Signal Beam | Special | 75 | 100% | 15 | May confuse the opponent | Gen III |
| Silver Wind | Special | 60 | 100% | 5 | May raise all user stats at once | Gen III |
| Megahorn | Physical | 120 | 85% | 10 | – | Gen II |
| Attack Order | Physical | 90 | 100% | 15 | High critical hit ratio | Gen IV |
| Leech Life | Physical | 80 | 100% | 10 | User recovers half the HP the opponent took | Gen I |
| X-Scissor | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 | – | Gen IV |
| Heal Order | Status | X | X | 10 | User recovers half of its max HP | Gen IV |
| Silk Trap | Status | X | X | 10 | Protects the user and lowers the opponent’s Speed | Gen IX |
Best Bug-types ever in Pokemon
The Pokemon franchise has a total of 100 Bug-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:
- Genesect
- Pheromosa
- Buzzwole
- Scizor
- Volcarona
- Heracross
- Galvantula
- Araquanid
- Shedinja
- Kleavor
That’s all there is about Bug-type Pokemon. Check out our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Dark, Electric, or Dragon.