Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Slowpoke

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

Slowpoke Pokémon sprite

Slowpoke

#0079

Quick answer

Slowpoke is best pressured by Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark-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

Overqwil Pokémon sprite

Overqwil

#0904

Immune to PsychicBudget option
DarkPoison
  • Deals 2x damage with Dark-type attacks
  • Has STAB Dark-type attacks
  • Is immune to the target's Psychic 0x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeDark×2

Safe into Psychic 0x

115 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 Slowpoke

  • Slowpoke is a Water / Psychic Pokémon with 15 base Speed and stronger physical attack (65 Attack). Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Slowpoke 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 / Psychic STAB.
  • Known abilities include Oblivious, Own Tempo, and Regenerator. 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 / Psychic unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Slowpoke has alternate forms that can change this matchup, including Slowpoke-Galar. 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 Slowpoke?

Slowpoke is best countered by Pokémon that can use Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Water / Psychic 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 Slowpoke?

Electric, Grass, Bug, Ghost, and Dark are the strongest attacking types against Slowpoke, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Slowpoke super-effectively?

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

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