If you played the original Red or Blue versions back in the day, you remember the absolute terror of facing a Mewtwo or an Alakazam. They were basically untouchable. Fast-forward to 2026, and while the meta has shifted a hundred times, the question of what is strong against psychic types still trips people up. It’s not just about memorizing a chart; it’s about understanding why these matchups exist and how to exploit them when a Gardevoir ex is staring you down.
Honestly, the "why" is the coolest part.
Psychic types represent the peak of mental discipline. They are the "brains" of the Pokémon world. So, logically, their weaknesses are things that mess with the mind—primal fears. We’re talking bugs, ghosts, and the dark.
The Three Pillar Weaknesses
You've probably heard it a thousand times: Bug, Ghost, and Dark. But there’s a nuance here that most casual players miss. Not all "super effective" hits are created equal.
Dark Types: The Ultimate Hard Counter
If you want to shut down a Psychic type completely, Dark is your best friend. In the standard video games, Dark-type Pokémon aren’t just strong against Psychics; they are completely immune to Psychic-type attacks. It’s a total blackout.
Think about it like this: you can’t use telekinesis on something you can’t see or comprehend. Dark types (or "Evil" types in the original Japanese translation) represent a malice or a "chaos" that the disciplined Psychic mind just can't latch onto.
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- Tyranitar is a classic example. With its Sand Stream ability boosting its Special Defense, it can soak up almost anything and hit back with a devastating Crunch.
- Bisharp or the newer Kingambit are even nastier because their Steel typing helps them resist other common coverage moves.
Ghost Types: A Double-Edged Sword
This is where people get sloppy. Yes, Ghost moves deal double damage to Psychics. But remember: most Ghost types are glass cannons. Gengar, the most iconic Ghost, is also a Poison type. That means if you don't land the first hit with Shadow Ball, that Alakazam is going to erase you with a single Psychic because Poison is weak to Psychic.
It’s a high-stakes duel. In the 2026 competitive circuit, players are leaning more toward Chandelure or Dragapult for this exact reason. You need the speed to ensure you strike first, or you're toast.
Bug Types: The "Hero" Factor
Why bugs? Some say it's because insects have simple, hive-mind brains that are hard to manipulate. Others point to the common phobia of creepy-crawlies breaking a psychic's concentration.
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In Japanese culture, Bug types often represent the "hero" (think Kamen Rider), while Dark types are the "villain." The Bug beats the Psychic because the hero's simple, pure determination overcomes the complex mental gymnastics of the psychic.
- Scizor remains a top-tier choice here. Bullet Punch might not be Bug-type, but its U-turn or X-Scissor will shred a Psychic type’s low physical defense in seconds.
Beyond the Type Chart: Stats and Strategy
If you're looking at what is strong against psychic types purely through the lens of colors and symbols, you’re going to lose. You have to look at the "hidden" weaknesses.
Most Psychic types have a very specific "stat spread." They usually have sky-high Special Attack and Special Defense, but their physical Defense is—to put it mildly—trash. They are "frail."
You don’t always need a super-effective move. A high-damage physical move like Earthquake or Close Combat (if they don't outspeed you) can often one-shot a Psychic type simply because they have the physical durability of a wet paper towel.
The TCG Factor (2026 Meta)
If you’re a card player, things look a bit different right now. With the 2026 rotation, we’re seeing a massive shift. Gardevoir ex has been a dominant force, but its rotation is opening the door for everything else.
- Roaring Moon ex continues to be a menace, utilizing that Dark-type advantage to hit for weakness.
- Iron Valiant builds are tricky because they mix types, making them harder to counter with a single "Dark-type" deck.
Common Misconceptions
Wait, isn't Steel strong against Psychic? Sorta.
Steel resists Psychic moves, but it doesn't deal super-effective damage back unless you're using a move from the "big three" (Bug, Ghost, Dark). A lot of people send out a Steel type thinking they’ll get that 2x damage bonus, only to realize they’re just in for a long, slow grind.
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Also, don't forget about Fairy types. They don't have a direct offensive advantage, but many Psychic types also carry Fighting or Dragon secondary types. If you're up against something like a Scream Tail or a Gallade, your "Dark" plan might backfire spectacularly when they hit you with a Play Rough or Close Combat.
Actionable Strategy for Your Next Battle
Stop trying to "out-magic" a Psychic type. You won't win a Special Attack war with them. Instead:
- Check the Physical Defense: If you see an Alakazam, Espeon, or Hatterene, use your fastest physical attacker. Even a neutral Extreme Speed from a Dragonite can be enough to end the fight.
- Utility Moves are King: Use Taunt. Psychic types love to set up with Calm Mind or Trick Room. If you shut down their ability to set the stage, they become much easier to handle.
- Pocket a Dark-type: Even if it's just for a switch-in. Forcing your opponent to waste a turn because they predicted a Psychic-weak target is the easiest way to gain momentum.
The best way to stay ahead is to keep a diverse team. Don't load up on Fighting or Poison types without having a dedicated "Psychic Buster" in your back pocket. Whether it's a stealthy Sableye or a heavy-hitting Volcarona, having that answer ready is the difference between a sweep and a loss.