Skip to main content

Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Mega Gyarados

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

Mega Gyarados Pokémon sprite

Mega Gyarados

#0130

Quick answer

Mega Gyarados is best pressured by Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Type matchup table

Recommended practical counters

Kommo-o Pokémon sprite

Kommo-o

#0784

Resists both STABs
DragonFighting
  • Deals 2x damage with Fighting-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fighting-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Water 0.5x, Dark 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFighting×2

Safe into Water 0.5x, Dark 0.5x

110 offense · 85 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

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

Counter notes for Mega Gyarados

  • Mega Gyarados is a Water / Dark Pokémon with 81 base Speed and stronger physical attack (155 Attack). Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Mega Gyarados has 5 weaknesses that deal 2× damage and no 4× weakness, so the best counters are the ones that can hit it super-effectively while also reducing the risk from Water / Dark STAB.
  • Known abilities include Mold Breaker. 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 Water / Dark unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Mega Gyarados has alternate forms that can change this matchup, including Gyarados. Check the specific form before relying on this defensive profile.

What not to use

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

FAQ

What is the best counter for Mega Gyarados?

Mega Gyarados is best countered by Pokémon that can use Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Water / 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 Mega Gyarados?

Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy are the strongest attacking types against Mega Gyarados, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Mega Gyarados super-effectively?

Mega Gyarados has 5 super-effective attacking options: Electric, Grass, Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Water / Dark 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 Mega Gyarados 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 Mega Gyarados?

Avoid relying on Psychic, Fire, Water, Ice, and Ghost 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.

Search NationalDex

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