Type counters guide

Best Counters for Ghost / Dark Pokémon

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

GhostDark
Ghost type iconDark type icon

Ghost / Dark

Quick answer

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

Best move types

Fairy×2

Biggest weakness

Fairy×2

Type matchup table

Fairy type iconFairy2x
Fire type iconFire1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Bug type iconBug1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Dark type iconDark1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Poison type iconPoison0.5x
Normal type iconNormal0x
Fighting type iconFighting0x
Psychic type iconPsychic0x

Recommended practical counters

Togekiss Pokémon sprite

Togekiss

#0468

Bulky switch-inStrong special attacker
FairyFlying
  • Deals 2x damage with Fairy-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fairy-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Dark 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFairy×2

Safe into Dark 0.5x

120 offense · 80 Speed

Florges Pokémon sprite

Florges

#0671

Bulky switch-in
Fairy
  • Deals 2x damage with Fairy-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fairy-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Dark 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFairy×2

Safe into Dark 0.5x

112 offense · 75 Speed

Sylveon Pokémon sprite

Sylveon

#0700

Bulky switch-inBudget option
Fairy
  • Deals 2x damage with Fairy-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fairy-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Dark 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFairy×2

Safe into Dark 0.5x

110 offense · 60 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Fairy×2

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

Fairy type page

What not to use

Normal×0Fighting×0Psychic×0Poison×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 / Dark typing

Sableye Pokémon sprite

Sableye

DarkGhost
Sableye-Mega Pokémon sprite

Sableye-Mega

DarkGhost
Spiritomb Pokémon sprite

Spiritomb

GhostDark

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 / Dark weakness chartGhost / Dark PokémonFairy type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Ghost / Dark?

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

Fairy is the strongest attacking type against Ghost / Dark, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

Does Ghost / Dark only have one weakness?

Yes. From typing alone, Ghost / Dark only has one super-effective weakness: Fairy. That makes defensive safety and reliable access to that attacking type especially important.

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 / Dark 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 / Dark?

Avoid relying on Normal, Fighting, Psychic, and Poison 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.