Type counters guide

Best Counters for Ghost-type Pokémon

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

Ghost
Ghost type icon

Ghost

Quick answer

Ghost is best pressured by 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

Ghost×2Dark×2

Top weaknesses (2)

Ghost×2Dark×2

Type matchup table

Ghost type iconGhost2x
Dark type iconDark2x
Fire type iconFire1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Psychic type iconPsychic1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Fairy type iconFairy1x
Poison type iconPoison0.5x
Bug type iconBug0.5x
Normal type iconNormal0x
Fighting type iconFighting0x

Recommended practical counters

Weavile Pokémon sprite

Weavile

#0461

Best overallBulky switch-inFast pressure
DarkIce
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Good Speed helps apply pressure first
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Ghost 0.5x

120 offense · 125 Speed

Tyranitar Pokémon sprite

Tyranitar

#0248

Bulky switch-inStrong physical attacker
RockDark
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 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

134 offense · 61 Speed

Krookodile Pokémon sprite

Krookodile

#0553

Bulky switch-inBudget option
GroundDark
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ghost 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Ghost 0.5x

117 offense · 92 Speed

Overqwil Pokémon sprite

Overqwil

#0904

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

Safe into Ghost 0.5x

115 offense · 85 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Ghost×2Dark×2

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

Ghost type pageDark type page

What not to use

Normal×0Fighting×0Poison×0.5Bug×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.

Pokémon with Ghost typing

Gastly Pokémon sprite

Gastly

GhostPoison
Haunter Pokémon sprite

Haunter

GhostPoison
Gengar Pokémon sprite

Gengar

GhostPoison
Gengar-Mega Pokémon sprite

Gengar-Mega

GhostPoison
Gengar-Gmax Pokémon sprite

Gengar-Gmax

GhostPoison
Marowak-Alola Pokémon sprite

Marowak-Alola

FireGhost
Typhlosion-Hisui Pokémon sprite

Typhlosion-Hisui

FireGhost
Misdreavus Pokémon sprite

Misdreavus

Ghost
Corsola-Galar Pokémon sprite

Corsola-Galar

Ghost

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

Ghost weakness chartGhost PokémonGhost type pageDark type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Ghost?

Ghost is best countered by Pokémon that can use Ghost and Dark (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Ghost 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 Ghost?

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

How many useful attacking types hit Ghost super-effectively?

Ghost has 2 super-effective attacking options: Ghost and Dark. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Ghost 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 Ghost 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 Ghost?

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

© 2026 NationalDex. All rights reserved.
Pokémon and Pokémon character names are trademarks of Nintendo / GAME FREAK / Creatures Inc. This is a fan-made website for learning and community use only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the trademark holders.
Terms·Privacy·About

Search NationalDex

Search Pokémon, moves, abilities, types, and items.