Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Garchomp

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Garchomp.

DragonGround
Garchomp Pokémon sprite

Garchomp

#0445

Quick answer

Ice is the strongest answer because both Dragon and Ground are weak to Ice, creating a 4x weakness. Dragon and Fairy are strong secondary attacking types.

Best move types

Ice×4Dragon×2Fairy×2

Biggest weakness

Ice×4

Type matchup table

Ice type iconIce4x
Dragon type iconDragon2x
Fairy type iconFairy2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Water type iconWater1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Fighting type iconFighting1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Psychic type iconPsychic1x
Bug type iconBug1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Dark type iconDark1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Fire type iconFire0.5x
Poison type iconPoison0.5x
Rock type iconRock0.5x
Electric type iconElectric0x

Recommended practical counters

Avalugg Pokémon sprite

Avalugg

#0713

Slow but bulkyBudget option
Ice
  • Deals 4x damage with Ice-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ice-type attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeIce×4

Mostly neutral switch-in

117 offense · 28 Speed

Cetitan Pokémon sprite

Cetitan

#0975

Budget option
Ice
  • Deals 4x damage with Ice-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ice-type attacks
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeIce×4

Mostly neutral switch-in

113 offense · 73 Speed

Vanilluxe Pokémon sprite

Vanilluxe

#0584

Budget option
Ice
  • Deals 4x damage with Ice-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ice-type attacks
Best typeIce×4

Mostly neutral switch-in

110 offense · 79 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Ice×4Dragon×2Fairy×2

Move availability depends on game version and learnset data, so this page recommends move types rather than guaranteed moves.

Ice type pageDragon type pageFairy type page

Counter notes for Garchomp

  • Garchomp's Dragon / Ground typing makes Ice the cleanest answer because it reaches 4x damage. Its 102 base Speed means very slow counters still need enough bulk to take a hit first.
  • Dragon and Fairy attackers are useful secondary options when the top weakness is unavailable, but they should be chosen for safety, Speed, or team fit rather than raw multiplier alone.
  • Known abilities include Sand Veil and Rough Skin. This page does not assume ability-specific battle effects, so verify the format before relying on a single counter.
  • Avoid counters that are weak to Dragon / Ground unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Garchomp has alternate forms that can change this matchup, including Mega Garchomp Z. Check the specific form before relying on this defensive profile.

What not to use

Electric×0Fire×0.5Poison×0.5Rock×0.5

These attacking types are resisted or blocked by the defender's typing, so they are usually lower-priority choices unless they provide a special battle role.

Battle caveats

  • This ranking uses modern Gen 6+ type matchups, STAB value, defensive switch-in safety, and base stats.
  • Abilities, held items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and format rules can change real battle outcomes.
  • Coverage moves can punish obvious counters, so treat this as type-based guidance rather than a full matchup simulator.
  • Move availability depends on game version and learnset data; this page recommends attacking types rather than guaranteed moves.

Related pages

Garchomp weakness chartGarchomp PokédexDragon / Ground countersIce type pageDragon type pageFairy type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Garchomp?

Garchomp is best countered by Pokémon that can use Ice (4x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Dragon / Ground STAB attacks. Because this is a 4x weakness, even moderate attackers can create pressure if they can enter safely.

What type is best against Garchomp?

Ice is the strongest attacking type against Garchomp, dealing 4x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Garchomp super-effectively?

Garchomp has 3 super-effective attacking options: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Dragon / Ground STAB attacks.

Are abilities included in this counter ranking?

No. The ranking uses base typing and base stats. Abilities, items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and special move rules can change the real matchup.

Does Terastallization change Garchomp counters?

Yes. Terastallization can replace the defensive typing used here, so the recommended counter types may change completely in formats where Tera is active.

What should I avoid using against Garchomp?

Avoid relying on Electric, Fire, Poison, and Rock attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

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