Psychic-type Pokémon are some of the most powerful creatures in the Pokémon universe. They often have high Special Attack, strong moves, and a mystical aura, making them a favorite among trainers. But like every type, Psychic Pokémon have their weaknesses.
If you’re struggling to counter Psychic-type Pokémon in battles, this content will cover their weaknesses, which types are strong against them, and how to build the perfect team to take them down.
With the arrival of new Pokémon generations like Scarlet and Violet, trainers must adapt to changing battle mechanics and newer Psychic-type Pokémon. These Pokémon often dominate with high Special Attack stats, making them a formidable force. But by studying their weaknesses and employing the right strategies, even the strongest Psychic-type opponents can be defeated.
Analysis of Psychic-type Pokémon Weaknesses
How To Counter Psychic Type Weaknesses
Psychic-type Pokémon are weak to three different damage types, which are Bug, Dark, and Ghost. All of these types do super-effective damage against Psychic Pokémon, which makes them the strongest of the counters in battle. The most effective are Dark-types, as these Pokémon are fully protected from Psychic attacks. This effectively means zero Psychic-type moves to a Dark-type Pokémon.
Ghost and Bug Pokémon also get the advantage, but it is situation-dependent depending on the secondary type of their opponent. Fighting-type moves are resisted by some Psychic Pokemon, like Metagross (Psychic/Steel), and others, like Gengar (Ghost/Poison), take neutral damage from Psychic-type attacks. Unless players are designed specifically to counter Psychic Pokémon, Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type Pokémon are ideal counters to Psychic-types in the majority of situations.
The strengths of psychic-type Pokémon.
Do Psychic-types have their weaknesses? Yes. They dominate against Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon, dealing super-effective damage against them. In other words, trainers that use Fighting or Poison Pokémon against Psychic-types will be at a major disadvantage.
Psychic Pokémon resist Fighting and Psychic-type moves, so these attacks deal less damage to them. For example, sending in another Psychic-type against a Psychic Pokémon can cause a stalemate, as both Pokémon resist each other’s types.
Psychic Type Weakness: The Catch of Dual Types
Many Psychic Pokémon are dual-type, meaning that they come alongside another type of abilities. This can further complicate their weaknesses. For example:
- Lugia (Psychic/Flying) is weak to Dark, Ghost, Electric, Ice, and Rock moves.
- Celebi (Psychic/Grass) is weak to Dark, Ghost, Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, and Bug moves—making Bug attacks quadruple effective (4x damage) against it.
- Metagross (Psychic/Steel) resists many types but remains weak to Dark, Ghost, Fire, and Ground moves.
Understanding a Pokémon’s secondary type is crucial when planning an attack strategy, as it may introduce additional weaknesses or resistances.
Spotlight on Iconic Psychic-Type Pokémon and Their Weaknesses
Alakazam: The Fast and Strongest Psychic Pokémon
Alakazam is one of the most iconic Psychic Pokemon and also has high Speed and Special Attack. On the other hand, its Defense is low, allowing it to be targeted by heavy-hitting physical damage attacks. A heavy hitting Dark/Ghost/Bug move will be able to knock it out in no time.
Mewtwo: The Psychic Legend Titan
Mewtwo remains one of the most dangerous Psychic-types in the competitive PvP scene. This Pokemon is extremely dangerous with its Mega Evolutions, and it has an expansive move pool. It is still weak to Dark, Bug, and Ghost-type moves, though. Mewtwo may be countered well by Pokémon such as Yveltal, Weavile and Chandelure.
Gardevoir: The Fairy-Psychic Juggernaut
Psychic/Fairy typing gives Gardevoir some more weaknesses (Steel and Poison moves) and some useful resistances (Dragon, Dark and Fighting). Solid Steel-type Pokemon such as Metagross or Poison-types like Gengar are good counter options against it.
Psychic-Type Pokémon in Competitive Combat
In competitive play, Psychic-types are frequently used for their high Special Attack and support roles. But savvy trainers are trained to overcome them. The best Pokémon to deal with these are Dark types, which are immune to Psychic moves and are capable of dealing super-effective damage back.
Psychic-type Pokémon are also vulnerable to fast physical attackers. Many Psychic-types have low Defense, so powerful physical moves from Mons like Bisharp, Scizor, or Tyranitar can easily take them down.
Using Terrain and Abilities to Counter Psychic-Types
Psychic Terrain boosts Psychic moves and prevents priority attacks and is active in some battles against Pokémon. This could give Psychic Pokémon even more power. Nevertheless, terrain can be countered if a Pokémon uses Misty Terrain or Grassy Terrain to change conditions on the field.
Dark Aura (Yveltal) boosts Dark-type moves, so they will hit Psychic Pokémon that much harder. Also a useful ability, Overcoat protects Pokémon from status moves commonly used by Psychic-types, such as Hypnosis or Toxic.
How to Build a Team to Counter Psychic-Type Pokémon
To defeat Psychic Pokémon, trainers should consider adding Bug, Dark, or Ghost-type Pokémon to their team. Some of the best choices include:
- Tyranitar (Dark/Rock) – High Attack, immune to Psychic moves, strong Dark-type attacks like Crunch.
- Scizor (Bug/Steel) – Resists Psychic moves and has powerful Bug-type moves like X-Scissor.
- Chandelure (Ghost/Fire) – Strong Special Attacker with access to Shadow Ball, a devastating Ghost move.
- Weavile (Dark/Ice) – Fast physical attacker with powerful moves like Night Slash.
- Hydreigon (Dark/Dragon) – Bulky and strong, with moves like Dark Pulse that can overwhelm Psychic Pokémon.
Using a combination of these Pokémon can help trainers dominate battles against Psychic opponents.
ALSO READ : – Review of “Children of the Black Sun” Comic
Psychic-Type Weakness in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, the same weaknesses apply, but battle mechanics are different. Fast moves and charge moves play a bigger role, meaning trainers must act quickly. Some of the best Pokémon GO counters for Psychic-types include:
- Tyranitar with Bite & Crunch
- Gengar with Shadow Claw & Shadow Ball
- Pinsir with Bug Bite & X-Scissor
- Weavile with Snarl & Foul Play
Trainers should always carry a strong Dark-type Pokémon in their lineup to deal with Psychic-type Raid Bosses and Gym defenders.
Psychic Type Weakness: Final Thoughts
Psychic-type Pokémon may be powerful, but they are not invincible. Dark, Bug, and Ghost Pokémon remain their biggest threats, and careful strategy can ensure victory. Whether playing in the mainline Pokémon games or Pokémon GO, the key to defeating Psychic Pokémon is understanding their weaknesses and using the right counters.
With the right Pokémon, moves, and strategy, trainers can outsmart even the strongest Psychic Pokémon and dominate their battles.