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Bug-Type Pokemon Weakness and Resistances

By Brigid Drake

Photo courtesy of The Pokemon Company

Any experienced Pokemon player knows what usually awaits them in tall grass in the early game: at least one Bug-type Pokemon, who you can fully evolve by the time of the first gym. Bug-types are known to evolve fast and be extremely helpful during the beginning of the game, but their power can tend to wane as you find other Pokemon. However, that's not the case for all Bug types. From Pinsir to Scyther, Heracross to Scolipede, the Bug type is diverse and filled with Pokemon packed with the potential to be a powerhouse. If you're trying to add a Bug-type Pokemon to your team, or are wondering how to defeat one, this list will give you the rundown of Bug-type strengths, weaknesses, and resistances.

Bug-type Weaknesses

If you're trying to defeat a Bug-type Pokemon, you'll want to bring a Pokemon with moves of the following types:

  • Fire
  • Flying
  • Rock

While Bug-type Pokemon don't have a lot of weaknesses to other types, many types of Pokemon resist Bug types. The Pokemon types that resist Bug types are:

  • Fairy
  • Fighting
  • Fire
  • Flying
  • Ghost
  • Poison
  • Steel

Bug-types are tied with Grass types as being the most resisted type. Bug types also have the lowest base HP, and lowest overall base stats, out of all Pokemon types. This is likely due to how they're meant to be strong choices for the early game to help inexperienced players have a comparatively powerful fully-evolved Pokemon.

Bug Type Strengths and Resistances

Bug-type moves do super-effective damage to Pokemon of these types:

  • Dark
  • Grass
  • Psychic

Bug-type Pokemon resist damage from moves of these types:

  • Fighting
  • Grass
  • Ground

You may think Bug-type Pokemon are weak, but there are many Bug-types that stand out as some of the strongest Pokemon in the game. As an example, Pokemon like Heracross and Scolipede have enjoyed great success in the competitive Pokemon scene because of their strength.

Best Counters for Bug Types

Bug types, with a few exceptions, tend to be extremely frail. Many Bug-types are also dual-types, meaning they will be 4x weak to many moves. If you're fighting a Bug-type Pokemon, bringing a Pokemon with access to moves Bug-types are weak to like Fire and Flying-type moves, and resistant to Bug-type attacks, and you should be able to defeat your opponent.

Those interested in learning more about Pokemon types should check out our type guides:

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