Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Primeape

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

Fighting
Primeape Pokémon sprite

Primeape

#0057

Quick answer

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

Best move types

Flying×2Psychic×2Fairy×2

Top weaknesses (3)

Flying×2Psychic×2Fairy×2

Type matchup table

Flying type iconFlying2x
Psychic type iconPsychic2x
Fairy type iconFairy2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Fire type iconFire1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Fighting type iconFighting1x
Poison type iconPoison1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Bug type iconBug0.5x
Rock type iconRock0.5x
Dark type iconDark0.5x

Recommended practical counters

Salamence Pokémon sprite

Salamence

#0373

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

Safe into Fighting 0.5x

135 offense · 100 Speed

Dragonite Pokémon sprite

Dragonite

#0149

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

Safe into Fighting 0.5x

134 offense · 80 Speed

Togekiss Pokémon sprite

Togekiss

#0468

Bulky switch-inStrong special attacker
FairyFlying
  • Deals 2x damage with Flying-type attacks
  • Has STAB Flying-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Fighting 0.25x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFlying×2

Safe into Fighting 0.25x

120 offense · 80 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Flying×2Psychic×2Fairy×2

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

Flying type pagePsychic type pageFairy type page

Counter notes for Primeape

  • Primeape is a Fighting Pokémon with 95 base Speed and stronger physical attack (105 Attack). Flying, Psychic, and Fairy attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Primeape 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 Fighting STAB.
  • Known abilities include Vital Spirit, Anger Point, and Defiant. 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 Fighting unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Primeape does not need a separate alternate-form note for the standard National Dex matchup shown here.

What not to use

Bug×0.5Rock×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

Primeape weakness chartPrimeape PokédexFighting countersFlying type pagePsychic type pageFairy type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Primeape?

Primeape is best countered by Pokémon that can use Flying, Psychic, and Fairy (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into 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 Primeape?

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

How many useful attacking types hit Primeape super-effectively?

Primeape has 3 super-effective attacking options: Flying, Psychic, and Fairy. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to 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 Primeape 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 Primeape?

Avoid relying on Bug, Rock, and Dark attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

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