Ground-type Pokemon can be extremely powerful and resistant, despite their numerous weaknesses. Here’s how to take advantage of their vulnerabilities in battle and employ the best counters to knock out these sturdy Pokemon.
Ground types are known to be tough opponents thanks to their usually high Defense and HP stats, meaning they can deal heavy damage while taking some hits. Plus, their moves can be super effective against five different types.
So, here’s everything you need to know about the weaknesses and resistances of Ground-type Pokemon to make sure you don’t get stuck in the mud.
Ground-type Pokemon weaknesses
Ground-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:
Therefore, when looking to take down a Ground-type Pokemon, bring along a team that includes those types and make sure they have matching movesets. However, take note of your opponent’s secondary typing, as they can change the rules.
Ground-type Pokemon strengths & resistances
As well as having weaknesses, Ground-type Pokemon are also resistant to certain moves such as Poison and Rock, while being immune to Electric types.
In case you decide to add a Ground-type creature to your team, never take them to battle against a Grass or Bug opponent, instead focus on targeting Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, and Steel enemies as you’ll be able to deal super effective damage.
Best counters for Ground-type Pokemon
The best Pokemon you should use to counter Ground-type Pokemon are listed below:
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
- Lapras (Water/Ice)
- Ludicolo (Water/Grass)
- Walrein (Ice/Water)
- Ogerpon Wellspring Mask (Grass/Water)
- Abomasnow (Grass/Ice)
When heading into battle against Ground types, pure Water, Grass, and Ice-type Pokemon will be very useful. However, creatures with two of them are even better.
Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the above examples are effective against pure ground types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their secondary typing.
Best Tera Types for Ground-type Pokemon
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet‘s addition of Tera Types can change the battle rules, so it’s always worth knowing the best Tera Types for a Ground-type Pokemon:
- Ground: Grants an extra boost of power with STAB
- Rock: Boosts the power of Rock-type moves
- Water: Eliminates the Ground-type weakness to Water-type moves
- Grass: Removes the Ground-type Pokemon weakness to Grass-type moves
Best Ground moves in Pokemon
There are 30 Ground-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandsear Storm | Special | 100 | 80% | 10 | May burn the opponent | Gen VIII |
| Earth Power | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense | Gen IV |
| Scorching Sands | Special | 70 | 100% | 10 | May burn the opponent | Gen VIII |
| Mud Bomb | Special | 65 | 85% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Accuracy | Gen IV |
| Precipice Blades | Physical | 120 | 85% | 10 | Hits all adjacent opponents | Gen VI |
| Headlong Rush | Physical | 120 | 100% | 5 | Lowers the user’s Defense | Gen VIII |
| Earthquake | Physical | 100 | 100% | 10 | Power is doubled is using Dig | Gen I |
| High Horsepower | Physical | 95 | 95% | 10 | – | Gen VII |
| Shore Up | Status | X | X | 5 | User regains up to half of its max HP. Restores more during Sandstorm | Gen VII |
| Sand Attack | Status | X | 100% | 15 | Lowers the opponent’s Accuracy | Gen I |
Best Ground-type Pokemon of all time
The Pokemon franchise has a total of 92 Ground-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:
- Groudon
- Zygarde (Complete Forme)
- Garchomp
- Landorus
- Excadrill
- Mamoswine
- Hippowdon
- Ursaluna
- Great Tusk
- Rhyperior
That’s all you need to know about Ground-type Pokemon weaknesses, resistances, and strengths. Don’t forget to check out our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Fire, Ghost, and Electric.