Psychic-type Pokemon: Weaknesses & Strengths explained

❘ Updated: 2024-05-07T13:37:01

Nintendo

In the Pokemon franchise, Psychic-type Pokemon are among the most powerful ones. So, if you come across one or want to add one to your team, here’s everything you need to know about their weaknesses, strengths, counters, and more.

Psychic-type Pokemon have existed since the very first generation of Pokemon games, and have given players trouble for over 25 years. They’re great if you’re using them, but a nightmare if you’re up against powerful Pocket Monsters.

Here’s what you need to know to survive an encounter with a Psychic-type in any Pokemon game and how to thrive with one in your team.

Contents

What is a Psychic-type Pokemon?
Psychic-type Pokemon weaknesses
Psychic-type Pokemon strengths & resistances
Best counters for Psychic-type Pokemon
Best Tera Types for Psychic-type Pokemon
All Psychic-type moves

Jirachi’s dual Psychic/Steel typing makes it very versatile.

What is a Psychic-type Pokemon?

Psychic-type Pokemon use the power of the mind to battle their opponents, focusing on themes like telekinesis or hypnosis.

For example, ‘Confusion’ puts the opposing Pokemon into a trance-like state that forces the Pokemon to attack allies or themselves.

Lots of Legendary Pokemon are Psychic-type due to many of them being directly descended from the powerful Pokemon God Arceus.

Psychic-type Pokemon weaknesses

All Psychic-type Pokemon are weak to the following move types:

Dark-type Pokemon are especially useful against Psychic-types Pokemon, as they are immune to Psychic-type moves, so if you’re going up against tough enemies, Dark-type is the way to go.

Psychic moves also don’t do very much damage against Steel-type Pokemon or other Psychic types.

Remember, a Psychic-type Pokemon could also have a second type; for example, they could have a dual Grass-typing. In this case, they’ll also be weak against other forms of damage relating to that type.

Meaning that, if you were battling the mythical Grass/Psychic-type Celebi, then Fire-type moves would also be effective as well as Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves.

Psychic-type Pokemon strengths & resistances

Abra may be the first Psychic-type Pokemon players ever come across.

It’s worth avoiding bringing any Fighting or Posion-types into a Psychic battle, as their moves do little to no damage against them.

Meanwhile, Psychic-type moves do double damage to Fighting-type Pokemon.

Best counters for Psychic-type Pokemon

To face Psychic-type Pokemon you should choose these counters:

Darkrai (Dark/Ghost)
Dragapult (Dark/Ghost)
Spiritomb (Ghost/Dark)
Sableye (Ghost/Dark)
Gengar (Ghost/Poison)
Scizor (Bug/Steel)
Bisharp (Dark/Steel)

The Steel and Dark combination is a fantastic choice for a Psychic battle as Steel-types are resistant to Psychic damage, giving you added protection.

Best Tera Types for Psychic-type Pokemon

With the addition of Tera Types in Gen 9’s Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, players should know the best combinations available for Psychic-type Pokemon, as this mechanic bends the battling rules a little bit.

Psychic: They get an extra boost of power on top of the STAB. Plus, their secondary typing weaknesses get removed.
Fire: Boosts Fire-type moves to target Bug-type, which they are weak to.
Fairy: Boosts Fairy-type moves and negates their Dark-type weakness.