Bug-type Pokemon are not the most used ones in the game, however, some can be real nightmares. If these insects are bugging you, here’s how to take advantage of their weaknesses to properly counter them in battle.
Even though it doesn’t seem like, Bug-type Pokemon can be tough to take down as they’re often confused with the Grass and Poison types. They may look like pushovers, but Bug-type Pokemon can be deadly to an inexperienced trailer and their trusty Pokemon team.
However, as with any element in the Pokemon game series, Bug-types can be countered as they have their own weaknesses to exploit. So here’s all you need to know to squash this type in seconds.
Bug-type Pokemon weaknesses
Bug-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:
Therefore, when looking to take down a Bug-type Pokemon, bring along a team that belongs to those categories and focus on moves related to those types for the best results in battle.
Don’t forget that a Pokemon can have multiple types, so be sure to take advantage of any other weaknesses they may have by being aware of their secondary type.
Bug-type Pokemon strengths & resistances
As well as having weaknesses, Bug-type Pokemon are also resistant to certain Pokemon types, such as Fighting, Ground, and Grass, and can be super effective against Grass, Psychic, and Dark. So, when you go into battle against a Bug-type Pokemon, be sure to switch these out accordingly.
If you, on the other hand, add one bug to your team and want to take it for a spin, never use it against Fire, Fighting, Poison, Flying, Ghost, Steel, and Fairy as Bug moves are not very effective toward those.
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Best counters for Bug-type Pokemon
These are some of the best Pokemon you can take into battle to counter Rock-type:
- Charizard (Fire/Flying)
- Ho-Oh (Fire/Flying)
- Aerodactyl (Rock/Flying)
- Magcargo (Fire/Rock)
- Coalossal (Rock/Fire)
Pure Fire, Flying, and Rock-type Pokemon are great counters, but those that combine two Bug-type weaknesses are even better.
Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the examples above are effective against Bug-types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.
Best Tera Types for Bug-type Pokemon
Scarlet & Violet‘s addition of Tera Types changed the battle rules, so here are the ones you should consider to make your Bug-type Pokemon stronger:
- Bug: Boosts the power of Bug-type moves on top of STAB
- Fire: Removes the Bug-type weakness to Fire moves
- Steel: Helps resist Flying and Rock-type moves
Best Bug moves in Pokemon
There are 33 Bug-type moves and we’ve picked the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks you can use in battle:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Buzz | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense | Gen IV |
| Pollen Puff | Special | 90 | 100% | 15 | Deals damage to the opponent or restores a teammate’s HP | Gen VII |
| Signal Beam | Special | 75 | 100% | 15 | May confuse the opponent | Gen III |
| Silver Wind | Special | 60 | 100% | 5 | May raise all user stats at once | Gen III |
| Megahorn | Physical | 120 | 85% | 10 | – | Gen II |
| Attack Order | Physical | 90 | 100% | 15 | High critical hit ratio | Gen IV |
| Leech Life | Physical | 80 | 100% | 10 | User recovers half the HP the opponent took | Gen I |
| X-Scissor | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 | – | Gen IV |
| Heal Order | Status | X | X | 10 | User recovers half of its max HP | Gen IV |
| Silk Trap | Status | X | X | 10 | Protects the user and lowers the opponent’s Speed | Gen IX |
Best Bug-type Pokemon of all time
The Pokemon franchise has a total of 100 Bug-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:
- Genesect
- Pheromosa
- Buzzwole
- Scizor
- Volcarona
- Heracross
- Galvantula
- Araquanid
- Shedinja
- Kleavor
That’s all there is about Bug-type Pokemon. Check out our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Dark, Electric, or Dragon.
