Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Gengar

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

GhostPoison
Gengar Pokémon sprite

Gengar

#0094

Quick answer

Gengar is best pressured by Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Best move types

Ground×2Psychic×2Ghost×2Dark×2

Top weaknesses (4)

Ground×2Psychic×2Ghost×2Dark×2

Type matchup table

Ground type iconGround2x
Psychic type iconPsychic2x
Ghost type iconGhost2x
Dark type iconDark2x
Fire type iconFire1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Poison type iconPoison0.25x
Bug type iconBug0.25x
Grass type iconGrass0.5x
Fairy type iconFairy0.5x
Normal type iconNormal0x
Fighting type iconFighting0x

Recommended practical counters

Ursaluna Pokémon sprite

Ursaluna

#0901

Best overallResists both STABsSlow but bulky
GroundNormal
  • Deals 2x damage with Ground-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ground-type attacks
  • Is immune to the target's Ghost 0x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeGround×2

Safe into Ghost 0x, Poison 0.5x

140 offense · 50 Speed

Tyranitar Pokémon sprite

Tyranitar

#0248

Resists both STABsStrong physical attacker
RockDark
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x

134 offense · 61 Speed

Krookodile Pokémon sprite

Krookodile

#0553

Resists both STABsBudget option
GroundDark
  • Deals 2x damage with Ground-type attacks
  • Has STAB Ground-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeGround×2

Safe into Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x

117 offense · 92 Speed

Overqwil Pokémon sprite

Overqwil

#0904

Resists both STABsBudget option
DarkPoison
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Ghost 0.5x, Poison 0.5x

115 offense · 85 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Ground×2Psychic×2Ghost×2Dark×2

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

Ground type pagePsychic type pageGhost type pageDark type page

Counter notes for Gengar

  • Gengar is a Ghost / Poison Pokémon with 110 base Speed and stronger special attack (130 Sp. Atk). Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Gengar has several 2x weaknesses rather than a single 4x weakness, so the best counters are the ones that can hit it super-effectively while also reducing the risk from Ghost / Poison STAB.
  • Known abilities include Cursed Body. 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 Ghost / Poison unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Gengar has alternate forms in the National Dex, but this page focuses on the standard Ghost / Poison matchup.

What not to use

Normal×0Fighting×0Poison×0.25Bug×0.25Grass×0.5Fairy×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

Gengar weakness chartGengar PokédexGhost / Poison countersGround type pagePsychic type pageGhost type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Gengar?

Gengar is best countered by Pokémon that can use Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Ghost / Poison STAB attacks. Because there is no 4x weakness, Speed, bulk, and offensive stats matter more when choosing the actual Pokémon.

What type is best against Gengar?

Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark are the strongest attacking types against Gengar, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Gengar super-effectively?

Gengar has 4 super-effective attacking options: Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Ghost / Poison 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 Gengar 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 Gengar?

Avoid relying on Normal, Fighting, Poison, Bug, and Grass attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

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