In the Pokemon universe, Ghost-type Pokemon are known for being incredibly powerful and extremely elusive. 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 88 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.
Ghost-type Pokemon weaknesses
Ghost-type creatures have two primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing 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
As well as having weaknesses, Ghosts can be resistant to certain types such as Poison and Bug opponents, while also being immune to Normal and Fighting-type creatures. So it’s better to avoid all of them when fighting against a Ghost.
If you decide to add a Ghost Pokemon to your team, you should always rely on it to go against Psychic or Ghost-type enemies, as the attacks will be super effective. On the other hand, never put them against a Normal type because their moves will have no effect at all.
Best counters for Ghost-type Pokemon
To succeed against Ghost-type Pokemon you should choose between these counters:
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- Darkrai (Dark)
- Umbreon (Dark)
- Absol (Dark)
- Mabosstiff (Dark)
- Tyranitar (Rock/Dark)
Pure Dark-type Pokemon are the best way to go when battling a Ghost-type, 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.
Best Ghost moves in Pokemon
There are 34 Ghost-type moves in the franchise and we’ve picked the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks you can use in battle:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astral Barrage | Special | 120 | 100% | 5 | – | Gen VIII |
| Moongeist Beam | Special | 100 | 100% | 5 | User ignores the target’s ability | Gen VII |
| Shadow Ball | Special | 80 | 100% | 15 | May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense | Gen II |
| Hex | Special | 65 | 100% | 10 | Inflicts more damage if the target has a status condition | Gen V |
| Shadow Force | Physical | 120 | 100% | 5 | Strikes on second turn. Can strike through Protect/Detect | Gen IV |
| Poltergeist | Physical | 110 | 90% | 5 | Fails if the target doesn’t have an item | Gen VIII |
| Shadow Claw | Physical | 70 | 100% | 15 | High critical ratio | Gen IV |
| Phantom Force | Physical | 90 | 100% | 10 | Strikes on second turn. Can strike through Protect/Detect | Gen VI |
| Confuse Ray | Status | X | 100% | 10 | Confuses the opponent | Gen I |
| Curse | Status | X | X | 10 | Ghosts lose 50% HP to curse the opponent. Non-Ghosts raise Attack, Defense, and lowers Speed | Gen II |
Best Ghost-type Pokemon of all time
The Pokemon franchise has a total of 88 Ghost-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:
- Giratina
- Gengar
- Shadow Rider Calyrex
- Lunala
- Dragapult
- Hoopa
- Mimikyu
- Marshadow
- Flutter Mane
- Blacephalon
If none of the creatures listed above suits you, you can go to our guide with the Top 15 Ghost-type Pokemon.
So, that’s everything you need to know about Ghost-type Pokemon. You can also check out our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Psychic and Fairy.