- Ghost-type Pokémon are completely immune to Normal and Fighting-type attacks.
- Exploit their primary weaknesses: Ghost and Dark-type moves are super-effective.
- Be prepared for tricky status moves like Will-O-Wisp and Curse, which are common in their movepools.
TYPE EFFECTIVENESS
Ghost-Type Matchups: Offense and Defense
Ghost-type Pokémon are among the most unique and mysterious creatures in the Pokémon world. To defeat them, you must first understand their spectral properties. Their most defining feature is a complete immunity to both Normal-type and Fighting-type moves, rendering two of the most common offensive types useless. This can stop a powerful Tauros or Machamp in its tracks.
Offensively, Ghost-types are a major threat to Psychic and fellow Ghost-type Pokémon, dealing super-effective damage. This makes a Pokémon like Gengar a classic counter to Psychic-types like Alakazam.
Defensively, their weaknesses are straightforward but significant: they are vulnerable to Dark-type and other Ghost-type attacks. This creates a high-risk, high-reward scenario when pitting a Ghost-type against another. A Dark-type Pokémon, such as a Tyranitar or an Umbreon, is often a safer bet, as they can deal super-effective damage while resisting or being immune to common secondary types that Ghost Pokémon have.
Many Ghost Pokémon also have complex dual-typings that alter their weaknesses and resistances. For instance, Dragapult (Dragon/Ghost) has a different set of vulnerabilities than Froslass (Ice/Ghost). Analyzing these combinations is key to victory. Use our embedded Dual-Type Calculator below to instantly check the weaknesses of any specific Ghost-type Pokémon you're facing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type to use against Ghost Pokémon?
Dark and Ghost types are your best offensive options, as they both deal super-effective damage. Dark-types are often considered a safer choice because they are immune to Psychic-type attacks, a common coverage move for many Ghost Pokémon.
Are Ghost Pokémon immune to all physical attacks?
No, Ghost Pokémon are only immune to Normal-type and Fighting-type attacks, regardless of whether they are physical or special. They can be damaged by physical attacks of any other type, such as a Dark-type Crunch or a Flying-type Brave Bird.
Why didn't my Quick Attack work on a Gengar?
Quick Attack is a Normal-type move. Ghost-type Pokémon like Gengar are completely immune to all Normal-type moves, so the attack will fail to do any damage.