Choosing the right Pokémon for battles and raids in Pokémon Go can be a complex task, with each of the game's 18 types offering unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide breaks down the most effective Ghost and Grass-type Pokémon, differentiating between Legendary and non-Legendary options to help players make informed decisions about their resources like Candy and Stardust.
Top Ghost-Type Pokémon
Ghost-type Pokémon are particularly valuable for their effectiveness against powerful Psychic-type opponents. Among the Legendary options, Dawn Wings Necrozma stands out as an exceptional Psychic/Ghost dual-type, boasting high stats and a potent signature move, Moongeist Beam. It is a top contender in Master League and effective in raids. Lunala, another Psychic/Ghost-type, also performs strongly in Master League and raids, offering consistent performance with its versatile moveset. Gholdengo, a Steel/Ghost-type, proves its worth in Master League once its full move potential is unlocked, despite its challenging acquisition. Giratina, available in both Origin and Altered forms, is a strong all-around attacker, with Origin being preferable for raids and Master League, while Altered excels in Great and Ultra Leagues. Blacephalon, a Fire/Ghost-type Ultra Beast, delivers immense damage in raids but is fragile, making it a glass cannon that requires careful management.
When considering non-Legendary Ghost-types, Dragapult, a Dragon/Ghost pseudo-Legendary, offers significant damage output but has lower bulk. Chandelure, a Ghost/Fire-type, is a highly recommended budget attacker, viable for both raids and even as a Fire-type attacker. Gengar, a Ghost/Poison-type, is notable for its Mega Evolution, which becomes the strongest Ghost-type Mega in the game. Mimikyu, a Ghost/Fairy-type, is a standout performer in PvP, particularly in Great and Ultra Leagues, due to its unique ability that mitigates damage from the first charged move.
Understanding Ghost-Type Matchups
Ghost-type Pokémon are weak to Dark and Ghost-type attacks. They are very resistant to Fighting and Normal-type moves, and resistant to Bug and Poison-type attacks. In foggy weather conditions, Ghost-type attacks receive a boost. It is important to note that unlike in the main series games, Pokémon Go does not feature immunities, so Ghost-types are not immune to Normal or Fighting-type attacks, merely very resistant.
Top Grass-Type Pokémon
Grass-type Pokémon are essential for tackling Water, Ground, and Rock-type opponents. Among the Legendary Grass-types, Kartana, a Grass/Steel-type, stands out with exceptional stats and numerous resistances, making it a top raid attacker despite its low bulk. Zarude, a Dark/Grass Mythical Pokémon, serves as a potent Grass-type raid attacker and a capable Dark-type attacker, though its numerous weaknesses limit its PvP viability. Shaymin (Sky Forme), a Grass/Flying-type Mythical Pokémon, is a powerful raid attacker with a stat distribution heavily favoring offense, rendering it ineffective in PvP. Tapu Bulu, a Grass/Fairy-type, is strong in both its typings, particularly excelling as a Fairy-type attacker with its legacy move Nature's Madness, and remains a solid Grass-type option.
Virizion, a Grass-type Pokémon, while not ideal as a Grass-type raid attacker, is a formidable force in PvP, especially in the Ultra League, due to its stats and access to Sacred Sword. For non-Legendary Grass-types, Rillaboom, a pure Grass-type starter, boasts the highest attack stat among fully evolved Grass starters and performs well in raids with its strong moveset. Chesnaught, a Grass/Fighting-type starter, offers decent performance as a budget raid attacker and gym defender, with some utility in PvP. Roserade, a Grass/Poison-type, is a long-standing budget recommendation, proving effective as both a Grass and Poison-type attacker. Decidueye, a Grass/Ghost-type starter, is a cost-effective raid attacker with useful resistances due to its dual typing, making it suitable for gym defense. Lastly, Gourgeist, a Ghost/Grass-type, comes in various sizes that cater to different PvP leagues, offering a unique offensive presence and resistances, especially when paired with Incinerate for Steel-type matchups.
Understanding Grass-Type Matchups
Grass-type Pokémon are weak to Bug, Fire, Flying, Ice, and Poison attacks. They resist Electric, Grass, Ground, and Water-type moves. Grass-type attacks are not very effective against Fire, Grass, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, and Steel-types. Their effectiveness is boosted by sunny weather conditions.
