Who Can Beat Garchomp? The Ultimate Guide to Countering the Mach 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.
Garchomp, the Dragon/Ground-type Mach Pokémon, is a formidable force in the Pokémon world, known for its high attack stat, decent speed, and intimidating presence. Its pseudo-legendary status and impressive battling prowess make it a popular pick for trainers. However, even the most powerful Pokémon have weaknesses, and Garchomp is no exception. This article will delve deep into understanding how to counter Garchomp, exploring its vulnerabilities, and offering strategies to defeat it effectively.
The Ultimate Answer: Who Can Beat Garchomp?
To put it simply, Garchomp is most vulnerable to Ice-type moves, which inflict a devastating quadruple damage due to its Dragon/Ground typing. This vulnerability to Ice means that the primary focus for countering Garchomp will revolve around Ice-type Pokemon and moves. Fairy and Dragon-type attacks also inflict super effective damage to Garchomp, making these two types viable options. However, Ice is without a doubt the most important weakness to exploit. Here are the Pokemon most commonly referenced as successful counters to Garchomp in various formats, including Pokemon Go:
- Shadow Mamoswine: The king of Ice-type damage, Shadow Mamoswine is a consistent top counter. The Shadow boost significantly increases its attack power, making its Ice-type moves incredibly potent.
- Shadow Weavile: Known for its high speed and double STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) with its Ice and Dark-type moves, Shadow Weavile can hit hard and fast. It’s a great option for those seeking to outspeed Garchomp and apply consistent pressure.
- Baxcalibur: This pseudo-legendary from Gen IX is a powerful Dragon/Ice type, boasting high attack and great ice type moves.
- Galarian Darmanitan: In its standard form or Zen Mode, Galarian Darmanitan packs a punch with its powerful Ice-type attacks.
- Mega Rayquaza: While not an Ice-type, Mega Rayquaza’s sheer power and Dragon-type moves can overwhelm Garchomp.
- Mega Gardevoir: With its Fairy-type attacks, Mega Gardevoir is a viable counter when paired with its high Special Attack stat.
- Mega Abomasnow: Another high attack stat Pokemon utilizing the ice type.
- Shadow Mewtwo: While Mewtwo isn’t an Ice, Dragon, or Fairy type, its high special attack and diverse move pool make it a threat to nearly everything.
- Other Strong Ice-types Other Pokemon such as Glaceon, Articuno, and Regice can be used as ice-type counters.
These are not the only options, but they represent the most common and reliable choices. Understanding how these Pokemon leverage Garchomp’s weaknesses is key to winning battles.
Deep Dive into Garchomp’s Weaknesses
The Ice-Type Vulnerability
Garchomp’s dual Dragon/Ground-typing makes it extremely vulnerable to Ice-type attacks. Ice moves will inflict x4 super-effective damage to this Pokemon due to it being both Dragon and Ground type. This is why most successful counters to Garchomp are Ice type.
Fairy and Dragon-Type Offenses
While not as potent as Ice-type moves, Fairy and Dragon-type attacks also hit Garchomp for super-effective damage. These attacks deal double the usual damage. Although other types may be super effective against Garchomp, it is important to realize that Ice type does four times the damage, so most strategies revolve around that type.
Speed and Strategy
Speed is another contributing factor when deciding which Pokemon to use. A faster Pokemon is more likely to get a hit in before Garchomp. That is one reason why Shadow Weavile is a popular choice, even though its attack power is slightly lower than Shadow Mamoswine. Some Pokemon such as Weavile can potentially use moves like Ice Shard to prioritize attacking first, potentially finishing off a weakened Garchomp. It is essential to use Pokemon with high speed or priority moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Countering Garchomp
1. Who is faster than Garchomp?
Several Pokemon can outspeed Garchomp, but one of the most notable examples is Weavile. Weavile has a high speed stat and the ability to use priority moves such as Ice Shard.
2. Can Swampert beat Garchomp?
Swampert, with its Water/Ground typing, has a type advantage over Garchomp with its water attacks but does not deal double damage. Its slower speed and lower attack do not make it an effective counter. Garchomp’s Dragon attacks will also do regular damage, so Swampert is not a top option.
3. What is Shadow Garchomp’s weakness?
Shadow Garchomp has the same type weaknesses as regular Garchomp: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. However, the Shadow boost increases its attack power, which means it will be an even tougher opponent. In this case, using Pokemon that can deal four times damage with ice type moves is essential.
4. Is Garchomp the best pseudo-legendary?
Many argue that Garchomp is among the best pseudo-legendary Pokémon due to its excellent attack stat, decent speed, and unique Dragon/Ground typing. However, some may argue for Salamence, Dragonite, or Metagross, as well.
5. Is Garchomp better than Gliscor?
Garchomp is generally considered better than Gliscor due to its superior offensive stats and more useful typing. Gliscor is still a solid Pokemon, but Garchomp’s power makes it a clear winner in most cases.
6. Can Pikachu beat Garchomp?
No. Pikachu would struggle significantly against Garchomp. Garchomp is much stronger and would likely defeat Pikachu in one or two hits.
7. Can Garchomp beat Charizard?
Garchomp is generally superior to Charizard in most scenarios. Garchomp has better attack and better type matchups against Charizard’s fire and flying type.
8. Who wins, Garchomp or Salamence?
The winner between Garchomp and Salamence depends on the specific scenario. Salamence has a higher attack and speed, while Garchomp has more bulk. In most battles, Garchomp would win.
9. Is Garchomp good against Dialga?
While Garchomp can hit Dialga hard with its ground-type moves, Dialga can retaliate with its Dragon attacks. Garchomp does have the advantage over Dialga because of its weakness to ground type moves.
10. Is Garchomp faster than Latios?
Latios is faster than Garchomp base form for base form. If mega evolved, then Mega Garchomp is faster.
11. Is Dialga strong against Garchomp?
Dialga is not particularly strong against Garchomp. Dialga’s Dragon-type moves are not very effective, and Garchomp can hit back with strong ground type attacks.
12. Is there an Alpha Garchomp?
Yes, an Alpha Garchomp can be found in the Alabaster Icelands in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
13. Is Dragapult better than Garchomp?
Dragapult is faster than Garchomp and has a higher special attack. But Garchomp has a higher overall base stat and is the stronger Pokemon overall. It depends on your playstyle which Pokemon is better.
14. Who beats Shadow Dragonite?
Similar to Garchomp, Shadow Dragonite’s greatest counters are Ice-type like Shadow Mamoswine, Galarian Darmanitan, and Baxcalibur. Shadow Weavile, Mega Gardevoir, and Shadow Mewtwo are also good options.
15. What is Fairy weak against?
Fairy-type Pokémon are weak against Poison, Steel, and Fire-type moves.
Conclusion
Garchomp is undoubtedly a powerful and versatile Pokémon, but understanding its weaknesses is key to defeating it. Exploiting its quadruple weakness to Ice, combined with the use of fast and hard-hitting Ice-type Pokémon, is the most reliable strategy. While other types like Dragon and Fairy can work, they do not deal as much damage as ice type moves. By carefully selecting your counters and understanding the mechanics of type matchups, you can effectively overcome Garchomp and come out on top in any battle.