B

Bug-type

The early-game weak type that becomes fearsome with the right tools.

BUG
OffenseSuper: Grass Psychic Dark
Resisted: Fire Fighting Poison Flying Ghost Steel Fairy
No effect: None
DefenseWeak to: Fire Flying Rock
Resists: Fighting Ground Grass
Immune to: None
Offensive Matchups

Super Effective (2x damage)

Grass Psychic Dark

Not Very Effective (0.5x damage)

Fire Fighting Poison Flying Ghost Steel Fairy

No Effect (0x damage)

None

Defensive Matchups

Weak To (takes 2x damage)

Fire Flying Rock

Resists (takes 0.5x damage)

Fighting Ground Grass

Immune (takes 0x damage)

None

About the Bug Type

Bug is one of the 18 Pokemon types introduced in Generation 1. Bug-type Pokemon are associated with insects, spiders, and arthropods. Bug moves are super effective against Grass, Psychic, and Dark types. Bug is resisted by 7 types, making it one of the most resisted types in the game. However, Bug-types have access to U-turn (the best pivoting move), Sticky Web (speed control hazard), and Quiver Dance (one of the best setup moves).

Type Matchup Table

Category Types
Deals 2x to Grass Psychic Dark
Deals 0.5x to Fire Fighting Poison Flying Ghost Steel Fairy
Deals 0x to None
Takes 2x from Fire Flying Rock
Takes 0.5x from Fighting Ground Grass
Takes 0x from None

Notable Bug-type Pokemon

Scizor

The Pincer Pokemon with Technician and base 130 Attack. Bullet Punch gains Technician boost to 90 base power with priority. Its Steel typing gives 8 resistances including Dragon and Fairy.

Volcarona

The Sun Pokemon with Quiver Dance boosting Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Base 135 Special Attack makes it a devastating sweeper. Fire typing covers Bug's Steel weakness.

Golisopod

The Armor Pokemon with Emergency Exit and base 140 Attack. First Impression is a 90 base power priority Bug move. Its Water typing gives key resistances to Fire and Ice.

Heracross

The Single Horn Pokemon with Guts. Mega Heracross has Skill Link making multi-hit moves always hit 5 times. Arm Thrust, Bullet Seed, and Rock Blast reach 125-150 base power.

Ribombee

The Bee Pokemon with base 124 Speed. Ribombee sets Sticky Web to lower opposing Speed and learns Quiver Dance to become an offensive threat.

Galvantula

The Electric/Bug spider with Compound Eyes making Thunder 91% accurate. It sets Sticky Web and attacks with Thunder and Bug Buzz.

Battle Strategy Tips

  • Bug is resisted by 7 types but hits Psychic and Dark super effectively, which is crucial for stopping Psychic Terrain and Dark-type sweepers.
  • U-turn is the best pivoting move. Scizor and Buzzwole use U-turn to maintain momentum, dealing damage while switching to the right counter.
  • Sticky Web, set by Galvantula and Ribombee, lowers the Speed of grounded opponents. This cripples fast offensive teams and gives slower sweepers a chance to move first.
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Pro Tip: Bug-type Pokemon resist Fighting, Ground, and Grass moves while hitting Psychic and Dark types for super effective damage. Use U-turn for safe pivoting.

Bug-type Competitive Utility

Bug-type Pokemon excel at utility roles despite being one of the weakest defensive types. U-turn is the signature Bug-type move for competitive play, allowing safe pivoting while dealing damage and scouting the opponent's team. Sticky Web, set by Pokemon like Galvantula and Ribombee, lowers the opponent's Speed on switch-in and is a powerful hazard. Bug-types also have access to useful support moves like Rage Powder for redirecting attacks in doubles. The Bulbapedia Bug-type page covers all Bug-type moves and abilities. The overall type chart mechanics are explained on Wikipedia's Pokemon types article.

For comprehensive type information, visit the Pokemon Fandom types wiki.

All Pokemon Types

About the Author

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Myers Media Editorial Team