Understanding Psychic-type Pokémon: Strengths and Weaknesses Explained

Psychic-type Pokémon harness the power of their minds to engage in battles, making them among the most formidable in the Pokémon universe.

Since the franchise’s inception over 25 years ago, Psychic-type Pokémon have consistently challenged players. They can be a great asset on your team but pose a significant threat when faced as opponents.

Here’s what you need to know to effectively deal with Psychic-types in any Pokémon game and how to use them successfully in your lineup.

Weaknesses of Psychic-type Pokémon

Psychic-type Pokémon are particularly vulnerable to these types of moves:

Bug
Ghost
Dark

Dark-type Pokémon excel against Psychic-types, as they are immune to Psychic attacks. If you’re facing tough Psychic contenders, utilizing Dark-types is your best strategy.

Additionally, Psychic moves are less effective against Steel-type Pokémon and other Psychic-types.

Keep in mind that a Psychic Pokémon may have a secondary type, such as Grass. This means they will also be susceptible to weaknesses related to that type.

For example, when battling the Mythical Grass/Psychic-type Celebi, Fire-type moves would be effective in addition to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type attacks.

Strengths & Resistances of Psychic-type Pokémon

It’s best to avoid using Fighting or Psychic-type moves against Psychic-type Pokémon, as these attacks generally inflict minimal damage.

Conversely, if a Psychic Pokémon is part of your team, you should deploy them against Fighting or Poison-type opponents since their moves will be extremely effective, while you should steer clear of battling other Psychic or Steel-types.

Top Counters for Psychic-type Pokémon

When facing Psychic-type Pokémon, consider these effective counters:

Darkrai (Dark/Ghost)
Dragapult (Dark/Ghost)
Sableye (Ghost/Dark)
Gengar (Ghost/Poison)
Bisharp (Dark/Steel)

The combination of Steel and Dark types is a strategic choice in battles against Psychic Pokémon, as Steel-types resist Psychic damage, providing additional protection.

Optimal Tera Types for Psychic-type Pokémon

With the introduction of Tera Types in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (Gen 9), players should familiarize themselves with the best combinations for Psychic-types, as this mechanic alters battle dynamics.

Psychic: Provides an additional power boost along with STAB benefits, while minimizing secondary typing weaknesses.
Fire: Enhances Fire-type moves to exploit Bug-type weaknesses.
Fairy: Strengthens Fairy-type moves and eliminates Dark-type vulnerabilities.

Mew from the Pokemon Journeys anime — The Pokemon Company

Top Psychic Moves in Pokémon

There are 78 Psychic-type moves in the Pokémon games; here are some of the most effective special, physical, and status attacks:

MOVE	CATEGORY	POWER	ACCURACY	PP	EFFECT	GEN
Prismatic Laser	Special	160	100%	10	User can’t move the next turn	Gen VII
Psychic	Special	90	100%	10	May lower the opponent’s Sp. Defense	Gen I
Psystrike	Special	100	100%	10	Damage based on opponent’s Defense	Gen V
Dream Eater	Special	100	100%	15	User recovers half the HP of a sleeping opponent	Gen I
Psychic Fangs	Physical	85	100%	10	Can break Light Screen and Reflect effects	Gen VII
Zen Headbutt	Physical	80	90%	15	May cause flinching	Gen IV
Psyblade	Physical	80	100%	15	Power increases on Electric Terrain	Gen IX
Psycho Cut	Physical	70	100%	20	High critical hit ratio	Gen IV
Hypnosis	Status	X	60%	20	Puts opponent to sleep	Gen I
Lunar Blessing	Status	X	X	5	Heals user’s status condition and recovers HP	Gen VIII

All-Time Best Psychic-type Pokémon

The Pokémon franchise features a total of 133 Psychic-type creatures (up to Gen 9), with the following being the top 10:

Mewtwo
Shadow Rider Calyrex
Lugia
Mew
Necrosma (all forms)
Alakazam
Gardevoir
Cresselia
Holy Flying
Metagross

Many Legendary Pokémon are Psychic-types, often derived from the powerful Pokémon God Arceus. If you’re looking for more options, consider our guide on the Top 15 Psychic-type Pokémon.