Striking the Ethereal: How to Hit Ghost-Type Pokémon
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of how to effectively combat Ghost-type Pokémon has plagued trainers for generations. Their spectral nature often renders them immune to many conventional attacks, posing a unique challenge. While no single item directly allows you to hit Ghost-types with normally ineffective moves, the solution lies in specific abilities and creative battle strategies. The Scrappy ability is the key to unlocking the ability to hit Ghost-type Pokémon with Normal- and Fighting-type moves. This ability essentially bypasses the Ghost-type immunity to these move types, making Pokémon with Scrappy valuable assets when facing these spooky foes.
Understanding Scrappy and Its Implications
The Power of Scrappy
The Scrappy ability is a game-changer when encountering Ghost-type Pokémon. Normally, Normal- and Fighting-type attacks pass right through Ghost-types, dealing no damage. However, a Pokémon with the Scrappy ability ignores this immunity, allowing it to strike these spectral creatures with devastating force. This makes Pokémon like Pangoro, who can possess Scrappy, ideal for dealing with pesky Ghost-types. Furthermore, from Generation VIII onwards, Scrappy also grants immunity to Intimidate, adding an extra layer of utility to Pokémon equipped with this ability.
Beyond Scrappy: Alternatives and Strategies
While Scrappy is the most direct answer to the question, it’s not the only way to deal with Ghost types. Here’s a look at some other effective strategies:
- Type-Effective Moves: The most straightforward approach is to use moves that are super-effective against Ghost types. Dark-type and Ghost-type moves are the most effective options, dealing significant damage.
- Soak: This is a clever strategy to turn the tables on Ghost-types. Using Soak, a Water-type move, changes a Pokémon’s type to only Water-type. This completely removes their Ghost-type immunity, rendering them vulnerable to Normal- and Fighting-type moves. A Pokémon like Pelipper can be a useful partner to use this tactic.
- False Swipe Combinations: A common strategy is to combine the Scrappy ability with False Swipe. False Swipe leaves a Pokémon with 1 HP, making it easier to catch. Using Pangoro with Scrappy allows you to use False Swipe to reliably weaken Ghost types without knocking them out, facilitating easier capture.
- Super Fang: Instead of bringing a pokemon to 1 HP, Super Fang takes half the Pokemon’s HP away, which is sometimes more effective in certain situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Pokémon have the Scrappy ability?
Several Pokémon can possess the Scrappy ability, including Kangaskhan, Miltank, Pangoro, and Bewear, among others. Pangoro is a particularly popular choice for its access to False Swipe and its solid offensive stats.
2. Can a Pokémon with Scrappy hit a dual-type Pokémon that has Ghost as one of its types?
Yes, a Pokémon with Scrappy can hit a dual-type Pokémon that has Ghost as one of its types with Normal or Fighting-type moves, regardless of the other type.
3. What happens if a Ghost-type Pokémon uses a move on a Normal-type Pokémon?
Normal-type Pokémon are completely immune to Ghost-type attacks. A Ghost-type attack will do absolutely no damage to a Normal-type Pokémon.
4. Is there an item that gives a Pokémon the Scrappy ability?
No, there is no item that directly grants a Pokémon the Scrappy ability. The ability is inherent to the Pokémon itself.
5. Can a Pokémon with Scrappy be affected by Intimidate?
No, from Generation VIII onwards, Scrappy also grants immunity to Intimidate. This is a major advantage in battle since Intimidate lowers an opponent’s Attack stat.
6. What is the best way to catch a Ghost-type Pokémon?
The most efficient way to capture a Ghost-type Pokémon is to use a Pokémon with Scrappy and False Swipe, such as Pangoro. You can also use a Pokémon with Soak to change their typing. This ensures you can weaken them significantly without causing them to faint, making them easier to capture.
7. Are there any pure Ghost-type Pokémon?
Yes, there are several pure Ghost-type Pokémon. One of the most powerful is Spectrier, a legendary Pokémon known for its high stats. Other examples include Duskull, which is one of the weakest ghost types, and Gastly.
8. Do Ghost-type Pokémon spawn more often at night?
Yes, Ghost-type Pokémon have a significantly increased spawn rate at night. Playing the game after dark, especially between 8 pm and 8 am local time, will significantly increase your chances of encountering these Pokémon.
9. What types are super-effective against Ghost-type Pokémon?
Dark-type and Ghost-type moves are super-effective against Ghost-type Pokémon.
10. What types are ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon?
Normal-type and Fighting-type moves are normally ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon (unless the attacker has Scrappy). Bug and Poison types are also not very effective.
11. Why are Ghost-type Pokémon weak to Dark-type moves?
The lore behind this weakness is rooted in the contrast between light and darkness. Ghosts are seen as beings of the shadows, so they are naturally vulnerable to the power of darkness. Also, ghosts are less effective and visible in the dark.
12. Is Gengar immune to Fighting-type moves?
Yes, Gengar is completely immune to Fighting-type moves due to its Ghost typing. Additionally, its Poison type also gives it a resistance to Fighting-type moves which stacks with the immunity to give it a triple resistance.
13. Can a Pokémon faint another Pokémon with False Swipe?
No, False Swipe is designed never to make a Pokémon faint. It will always leave the opponent with at least 1 HP, making it an ideal move for catching Pokémon.
14. Are there specific lures that attract Ghost-type Pokémon?
Unfortunately, there are currently no specific lures that attract Ghost-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO or the mainline games. Increased spawns generally happen at night.
15. Is there a Ghost-type Starter Pokémon?
Yes, Decidueye, which evolves from Dartrix, is the first and only Starter Pokémon to have a Ghost-typing. Decidueye is a Grass/Ghost type after it evolves from its Flying type evolution.
Conclusion
While no single item allows you to strike Ghost-type Pokémon with normally ineffective moves, the Scrappy ability is your primary tool. Combined with strategies like Soak, False Swipe, and type-effective attacks, you can confidently face these spectral foes. By understanding these dynamics, Pokémon trainers can overcome the challenges posed by Ghost-type Pokémon and effectively add them to their collection.