Bug-type Pokemon are not the most used ones in the game, however, some like Heracross, Buzzwole, or Kleavor 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.
Bug-type Pokemon can be tough to take down as they’re often confused with Grass and Poison-type Pokemon. These ‘mons may look like pushovers, but Bug-type Pokemon can be deadly to an inexperienced trailer and their trusty Pokemon team – and difficult to squash!
However, as with any element in the Pokemon game series, Bug-types can be countered and they have their own set of weaknesses that can be exploited.
Now that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are with us, here’s what you need to know to survive an encounter with a Bug-type Pokemon – and to come out victorious.
Contents
- Bug-type Pokemon weaknesses
- Bug-type Pokemon strengths & resistances
- Best counters for Bug-types
- What is a Bug-type Pokemon?
- All Bug-type moves
Heracross is a tough bug/fighting type Pokemon.
Bug-type Pokemon weaknesses
Bug-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types: Fire, Flying, and Rock types.
Therefore, when looking to take down a Bug-type Pokemon, bring along a team that includes Pokemon that belong 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. For example, your chosen ‘mon may be a Bug and Poison or Flying-type Pokemon. 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 strong against certain Pokemon types. When going up against a Bug-type Pokemon, avoid using Grass, Dark, and Psychic types.
Also remember that Bug-type Pokemon are resistant to Fighting, Ground, and Grass-type moves. So, when you go into battle against a Bug-type Pokemon, be sure to switch these out accordingly.
Some popular Bug types can be found in the wild on the Isle of Armor in Sword & Shield.
Best counters for Bug-type Pokemon
When coming up against Bug-types, Pokemon like Magcargo, Ho-Oh, and Coalossal are reliable options – basically, any Pokemon that combines two Bug-type weaknesses. Each one represents one or more weaknesses that every Bug-type shares.
Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the above three examples are effective against Bug-types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.
What is a Bug-type Pokemon?
Bug-type Pokemon are usually pretty easy to spot because they look like various insects from the animal kingdom in real life. However, some Bug-types have less distinguishable features and they can also easily be confused with Grass or Poison-type Pokemon.
They also tend to overlap with these two other types at times, so when trying to identify a Bug-type, look for features synonymous with insects such as antennae, wings, and other bug-like characteristics.
All Bug-type moves
There are 34 Bug-type moves in the Pokemon franchise, and here they are:
| Attack Order | G-Max Bufuddle | Pin Missile | Signal Beam | String Shot |
| Bug Bite | Heal Order | Pollen Puff | Silk Trap | Struggle Bug |
| Bug Buzz | Infestation | Pounce | Silver Wind | Tail Glow |
| Defend Order | Leech Life | Powder | Skitter Smack | Twineedle |
| Fell Stinger | Lunge | Quiver Dance | Spider Web | U-Turn |
| Fell Impression | Max Flutterby | Rage Powder | Steamroller | X-Scissor |
| Fury Cutter | Megahorn | Savage Spin-Out | Sticky Web |
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