Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Ninetales-Alola

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Ninetales-Alola.

IceFairy
Ninetales-Alola Pokémon sprite

Ninetales-Alola

#0038

Quick answer

Steel is the strongest answer because both Ice and Fairy are weak to Steel, creating a 4x weakness. Fire, Poison, and Rock are strong secondary attacking types.

Best move types

Steel×4Fire×2Poison×2Rock×2

Biggest weakness

Steel×4

Type matchup table

Steel type iconSteel4x
Fire type iconFire2x
Poison type iconPoison2x
Rock type iconRock2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Fighting type iconFighting1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Psychic type iconPsychic1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Fairy type iconFairy1x
Ice type iconIce0.5x
Bug type iconBug0.5x
Dark type iconDark0.5x
Dragon type iconDragon0x

Recommended practical counters

Metagross Pokémon sprite

Metagross

#0376

Resists both STABsStrong physical attacker
SteelPsychic
  • Deals 4x damage with Steel-type attacks
  • Has STAB Steel-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ice 0.5x, Fairy 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeSteel×4

Safe into Ice 0.5x, Fairy 0.5x

135 offense · 70 Speed

Revavroom Pokémon sprite

Revavroom

#0966

Resists both STABsBudget option
SteelPoison
  • Deals 4x damage with Steel-type attacks
  • Has STAB Steel-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Ice 0.5x, Fairy 0.25x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeSteel×4

Safe into Ice 0.5x, Fairy 0.25x

119 offense · 90 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Steel×4Fire×2Poison×2Rock×2

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

Steel type pageFire type pagePoison type pageRock type page

Counter notes for Ninetales-Alola

  • Ninetales-Alola's Ice / Fairy typing makes Steel the cleanest answer because it reaches 4x damage. Its 109 base Speed means very slow counters still need enough bulk to take a hit first.
  • Fire, Poison, and Rock attackers are useful secondary options when the top weakness is unavailable, but they should be chosen for safety, Speed, or team fit rather than raw multiplier alone.
  • Known abilities include Snow Cloak and Snow Warning. 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 Ice / Fairy unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Ninetales-Alola has alternate forms that can change this matchup, including Ninetales. Check the specific form before relying on this defensive profile.

What not to use

Dragon×0Ice×0.5Bug×0.5Dark×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

Ninetales-Alola weakness chartNinetales-Alola PokédexIce / Fairy countersSteel type pageFire type pagePoison type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Ninetales-Alola?

Ninetales-Alola is best countered by Pokémon that can use Steel (4x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Ice / Fairy STAB attacks. Because this is a 4x weakness, even moderate attackers can create pressure if they can enter safely.

What type is best against Ninetales-Alola?

Steel is the strongest attacking type against Ninetales-Alola, dealing 4x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Ninetales-Alola super-effectively?

Ninetales-Alola has 4 super-effective attacking options: Steel, Fire, Poison, and Rock. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Ice / Fairy 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 Ninetales-Alola 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 Ninetales-Alola?

Avoid relying on Dragon, Ice, Bug, and Dark 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.