How to Beat Bug-Type Pokémon

Bug-type Pokémon are one of the most common types you'll encounter, especially in the early stages of your journey. While they might seem easy to handle at first, powerful bugs like Scizor, Volcarona, and Golisopod can pose a significant threat if you're unprepared. Understanding their core strengths and, more importantly, their weaknesses is key to victory.

Defensive Profile: Weaknesses & Resistances

The Bug type has a straightforward set of weaknesses. To effectively counter them, focus on these three types:

• Fire: Fire-type attacks are super-effective and often come from Pokémon with high Special Attack, targeting the generally lower Special Defense of many Bug Pokémon.
• Flying: A classic counter. Fast and powerful Flying-type Pokémon can quickly overwhelm most Bug types.
• Rock: Rock-type moves are not only super-effective but can also set up hazards like Stealth Rock, which is particularly devastating for Bug/Flying Pokémon, dealing 4x damage upon switching in.

On the flip side, Bug types resist Fighting, Ground, and Grass-type attacks. Avoid using these moves unless the opponent has a secondary typing that removes the resistance.

Dealing with Dual-Type Bugs

Many of the strongest Bug Pokémon have a secondary typing that changes their matchups dramatically. For example, Scizor (Bug/Steel) is only weak to Fire, but that weakness is a crippling 4x. Similarly, Heracross (Bug/Fighting) has a 4x weakness to Flying-type moves. Always consider both types before choosing your attack.

Use our Dual Type Calculator below to see the specific weaknesses of any Pokémon combination and plan your strategy accordingly.

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By exploiting their key weaknesses and preparing for their common dual-typings, you can confidently take down any Bug-type challenger that buzzes your way.