So you're getting wrecked by psychic-types, huh? Been there. I remember my first showdown with a high-level Alakazam back in Pokémon Red – my Charizard went down faster than a free pizza at a gaming convention. That frustration made me dig deep into the mechanics. If you're wondering what is strong against psychic types, you've come to the right place. This isn't just theory; it's battle-tested stuff.
Why Psychic Types Mess You Up
Psychic-types like Mewtwo or Espeon dominate because they exploit common weaknesses. They hit fighting and poison types brutally hard while resisting their attacks. Their special defense often soaks up damage like a sponge. But they're not invincible. Every time I see someone spam psychic attacks, I grin because I know exactly what's strong against psychic strategies.
The Core Counters: Bug, Dark & Ghost
These three types are your bread and butter. Here’s why:
| Type | Why It Works | Top Attackers | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark | Deals 2x damage, immune to psychic moves | Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Umbreon | Fighting/fairy moves |
| Ghost | Deals 2x damage, resists psychic | Gengar, Chandelure, Dragapult | Other ghost/dark moves |
| Bug | Deals 2x damage, often underestimated | Scizor, Volcarona, Buzzwole | Fire/flying moves |
Dark types are my personal go-to. Ever sicced a Tyranitar on a Slowbro? It’s like watching a bulldozer crush a soda can. Bug types surprise people – Scizor's Bullet Punch can OHKO frail psychics before they blink.
Move Matters More Than Type
Type advantage isn't everything. A Weavile using Knock Off (dark) will shred psychics faster than a Garchomp using Dragon Claw. Priority moves like Sucker Punch let slower dark/ghost types strike first. Coverage moves are key too – teach your Gengar Shadow Ball instead of relying solely on ghost-type Pokémon.
Pro Tip: Always pack U-turn or Parting Shot on bug/dark types. They let you pivot out if the opponent switches.
Unexpected Counters & Niche Picks
Beyond the big three, these counters catch opponents off guard:
Steel Types
They resist psychic moves hard. Excadrill with Iron Head or Metagross with Meteor Mash can tank hits while dishing pain. Just avoid fire/ground moves!
Strong Neutral Damage
Sometimes brute force beats type advantage. Choice Band Dragonite’s Extreme Speed flattened my friend’s Reuniclus last week. Physical attackers with setup moves (Swords Dance, Dragon Dance) overwhelm psychics’ weaker defense.
I once swept a whole team with Belly Drum Azumarill – zero type advantage, just pure power. Psychic walls crumble under pressure.
Pokémon-Specific Breakdown
Generic advice sucks. Here's how to counter top psychic threats:
| Pokémon | Weaknesses | Best Counter | Moves to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alakazam | Fragile defense, slow if no speed boost | Scizor | Bullet Punch (priority negates speed) |
| Metagross | 4x weak to ghost/dark, slow | Chandelure | Shadow Ball, Fire Spin (traps it) |
| Mewtwo | No reliable recovery, hates status | Tyranitar | Crunch, Stealth Rock chip damage |
| Hatterene | Slow, weak to steel/poison | Corviknight | Brave Bird, Iron Head |
Watch Out: Tapu Lele’s Psychic Terrain blocks priority moves. Use strong dark-types like Krookodile instead of relying on Sucker Punch.
Battle Strategy Deep Dive
Knowing what is strong against psychic Pokémon isn’t enough. Execution decides battles.
Early Game
Set hazards! Stealth Rock or Spikes punish every switch-in. I lead with Klefki – sets spikes then pivots to Tyranitar when they bring in their psychic.
Mid Game
- Bait them: Show a fighting-type to lure out their psychic, then switch to dark/ghost
- Prediction > Reaction: If they have a Gardevoir, expect them to switch. Fire off a Pursuit or U-turn
End Game
Clean up with scarfed dark/bug types. Choice Scarf Hydreigon outspeeds everything except speed boosters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-relying on one counter: If your dark type faints, have backup
- Ignoring coverage moves: That Alakazam might know Dazzling Gleam for your Hydreigon
- Forgetting abilities: Mold Breaker Excadrill ignores Magic Bounce
I learned this the hard way when a Focus Sash Mewtwo survived my Crunch and nuked my Tyranitar with Aura Sphere. Always scout for sets!
FAQ: Answering Your Psychic Counter Questions
What is strong against psychic and fairy?
Poison and steel types. Toxapex walls them while Nidoking poisons them. Avoid dragon/fighting counters – fairy destroys them.
Why isn't fighting strong against psychic?
Psychics outmaneuver fighters mentally. Lore-wise, they dodge punches with precognition. Game-wise, fighting moves deal neutral damage to psychics.
Can normal types counter psychics?
Rarely. They take neutral damage but deal nothing special. Exceptions: Obstagoon using Knock Off or Porygon-Z with Dark Pulse.
What beats psychic in Pokemon Go?
Same core types! Hydreigon with Bite/Dark Pulse, Tyranitar with Crunch, Chandelure with Shadow Ball. Speed matters less in Go.
How do I counter psychic terrain teams?
Destroy the terrain setter (Tapu Lele) first. Use Corviknight – immune to terrain, resists psychic, hits back with steel moves.
Underrated Gems for Psychic Counters
Forget the meta. These Pokémon wreck psychics but fly under the radar:
- Bisharp: Defiant ability punishes stat drops. Sucker Punch OHKOs most psychics
- Overqwil: Poison/dark typing absorbs toxic spikes. Thunder Wave cripples fast sweepers
- Froslass: Speed ties with Alakazam. Destiny Bond for guaranteed trades
My Overqwil once walled a whole psychic team while poisoning them. Satisfying doesn't cover it.
Team Building Essentials
Want a psychic-proof team? Follow this skeleton:
| Role | Pokémon Examples | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Sweeper | Hydreigon, Krookodile | Cleans late-game with dark STAB |
| Bug Pivot | Scizor, Volcarona | U-turn momentum + threatens psychics |
| Ghost Wall | Aegislash, Sableye | Switches into psychic attacks safely |
| Hazard Setter | Skarmory, Ferrothorn | Chips psychics on every entry |
Closing Thoughts from the Arena
Mastering what is strong against psychic gameplay isn't about memorizing charts. It's about anticipating your opponent's fear when you switch in Tyranitar. It's about that moment Scizor's Bullet Punch connects before their Alakazam moves. Psychic types feel unbeatable until you rip them apart with dark energy.
Got a psychic horror story? My DMs are open. Now go crush those mind-readers.
Leave a Message