Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Keldeo

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

Keldeo Pokémon sprite

Keldeo

#0647

Quick answer

Keldeo is best pressured by Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, 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

Dragonite Pokémon sprite

Dragonite

#0149

Resists both STABsStrong physical attacker
DragonFlying
  • Deals 2x damage with Flying-type attacks
  • Has STAB Flying-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Water 0.5x, Fighting 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFlying×2

Safe into Water 0.5x, Fighting 0.5x

134 offense · 80 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 Keldeo

  • Keldeo is a Water / Fighting Pokémon with 108 base Speed and stronger special attack (129 Sp. Atk). Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, and Fairy attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Keldeo 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 Water / Fighting STAB.
  • Known abilities include Justified. 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 / Fighting unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Keldeo has alternate forms in the National Dex, but this page focuses on the standard Water / Fighting matchup.

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 Keldeo?

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

Electric, Grass, Flying, Psychic, and Fairy are the strongest attacking types against Keldeo, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Keldeo super-effectively?

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

Avoid relying on Fire, Water, Ice, Bug, and Rock 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, and items.