Ghost-type Pokemon: Weaknesses & Strengths explained

In the Pokemon universe, Ghost-type Pokemon are known for being incredibly powerful and extremely elusive. So, if you want to defeat them – or grab one for your own – here’s all you need to know.

Ghost-types are the third-rarest type of Pokemon overall, with only 88 total Ghost Pokemon in the Pokedex as of Generation 9, and while trainers won’t have to face them very often, the fights you encounter can be pretty tough.

These ‘mon do have weaknesses and ideal counters, so here’s everything you need to know to survive battles with Ghost-type Pokemon or how to beat your opponent with one.

Ghost-type Pokemon weaknesses

Ghost-type creatures have two primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing types:

• Dark
• Ghost

We suggest focusing your efforts on Dark types as if you battle another Ghost-type Pokemon, you’ll also be weak against your opponent.

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Ghost-type Pokemon strengths & resistances

As well as having weaknesses, Ghosts can be resistant to certain types such as Poison and Bug opponents, while also being immune to Normal and Fighting-type creatures. So it’s better to avoid all of them when fighting against a Ghost.

If you decide to add a Ghost Pokemon to your team, you should always rely on it to go against Psychic or Ghost-type enemies, as the attacks will be super effective. On the other hand, never put them against a Normal type because their moves will have no effect at all.

Best counters for Ghost-type Pokemon

To succeed against Ghost-type Pokemon you should choose between these counters:

• Darkrai (Dark)
• Umbreon (Dark)
• Absol (Dark)
• Mabosstiff (Dark)
• Tyranitar (Rock/Dark)

Pure Dark-type Pokemon are the best way to go when battling a Ghost-type, but using a powerful mixed Pokemon is still great, so long as it features some sort of Dark-type in its design.

Best Tera Types for Ghost-type Pokemon

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

• Ghost: They get an extra boost of power on top of the STAB. Plus, some weaknesses get removed.
• Fighting: Boosts Fighting-type moves and removes their Dark-type weakness.
• Dark: Boosts Dark-type moves and helps them resist all Ghost-type weaknesses.

Best Ghost moves in Pokemon

There are 34 Ghost-type moves in the franchise and we’ve picked the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks you can use in battle:

MOVE	CATEGORY	POWER	ACCURACY	PP	EFFECT	GEN
Astral Barrage	Special	120	100%	5	–	Gen VIII
Moongeist Beam	Special	100	100%	5	User ignores the target’s ability	Gen VII
Shadow Ball	Special	80	100%	15	May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense	Gen II
Hex	Special	65	100%	10	Inflicts more damage if the target has a status condition	Gen V
Shadow Force	Physical	120	100%	5	Strikes on second turn. Can strike through Protect/Detect	Gen IV
Poltergeist	Physical	110	90%	5	Fails if the target doesn’t have an item	Gen VIII
Shadow Claw	Physical	70	100%	15	High critical ratio	Gen IV
Phantom Force	Physical	90	100%	10	Strikes on second turn. Can strike through Protect/Detect	Gen VI
Confuse Ray	Status	X	100%	10	Confuses the opponent	Gen I
Curse	Status	X	X	10	Ghosts lose 50% HP to curse the opponent. Non-Ghosts raise Attack, Defense, and lowers Speed	Gen II

Best Ghost-type Pokemon of all time

The Pokemon franchise has a total of 88 Ghost-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:

• Giratina
• Gengar
• Shadow Rider Calyrex
• Lunala
• Dragapult
• Hoopa
• Mimikyu
• Marshadow
• Flutter Mane
• Blacephalon

If none of the creatures listed above suits you, you can go to our guide with the Top 15 Ghost-type Pokemon.

So, that’s everything you need to know about Ghost-type Pokemon. You can also check out our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Psychic and Fairy.