Effective Pokemon Choices Against Ground Types For Your Team

Ground-type Pokémon are among the most dominant forces in competitive Pokémon battles. With high base power moves like Earthquake, access to immunity via abilities such as Arena Trap, and resistances to common attacking types like Electric, they present a significant challenge. However, every strength has a counter. Building an effective response to Ground types isn’t just about type matchups—it’s about synergy, speed, utility, and foresight. Knowing which Pokémon to bring can shift the momentum of a battle and protect your more vulnerable teammates from being swept.

The key lies in understanding not only what types are super effective against Ground (Water, Grass, Ice, and especially Ice), but also how to deploy them under pressure. Some Pokémon shine offensively, others defensively. Some pivot through entry hazards, while others set up terrain or status conditions to control the pace. This guide explores proven strategies, top-performing Pokémon, and tactical considerations when countering one of the game’s most resilient types.

Leveraging Type Advantages Against Ground Types

Ground-type Pokémon are weak to four types: Water, Grass, Ice, and—uniquely—Ice has particularly strong offensive coverage due to its high base power STAB moves and effectiveness against common Ground-type partners like Dragon or Flying types. However, simply choosing a Pokémon with a super-effective move isn’t enough. You must consider defensive stability, move pool versatility, and role within your team composition.

For example, while both Kyogre and Ludicolo are Water types that resist Ground attacks, their roles differ drastically. Kyogre dominates as a special sweeper with immense Special Attack and access to powerful surf variants, whereas Ludicolo offers bulk, support options like Rain Dance, and the ability Swift Swim for speed control.

Tip: Always carry at least one Ice-type move on teams facing physical Ground-types like Excadrill or Landorus-T.

Top Offensive Counters to Ground-Type Threats

When you need to eliminate a Ground-type threat quickly, offense is often the best defense. The following Pokémon consistently perform well in this role due to their typing, stats, and move availability.

• Weavile: Fast and deadly, Weavile packs high Attack and Speed, along with priority moves like Ice Shard. Its Dark/Ice typing gives it neutral or favorable matchups against many Ground-type allies, and it can revenge kill weakened Earthquake users before they strike.
• Mamoswine: A double-edged sword—weak to Water and Grass—but Mamoswine hits hard with STAB Ice Shard and Earthquake. It functions as a check by threatening Ground types with Ice moves while forcing switches through sheer offensive presence.
• Rotom-Frost: Offers surprising durability and excellent typing. With Volt Switch and Blizzard, it can scout and immediately punish grounded foes. Its ability to switch out safely makes it ideal for reactive play.
• Glastrier: Pure Ice-type with massive Attack and access to High Horsepower (in certain games) or Triple Axel. Though slow, its raw power overwhelms even defensive Ground types if not walled by Grass or Fighting resists.

“Speed and precision define the difference between checking and getting crushed by a Ground-type sweep.” — Arjun Patel, Top 8 Master Ball Cup Competitor

Bulky Defenders That Absorb Ground Pressure

Not every answer needs to be offensive. In fact, preserving momentum often depends on having a durable Pokémon that can switch into Ground-type attacks without flinching. These Pokémon serve as anchors, absorbing damage and enabling recovery or setup for the rest of your team.

Pokémon	Type	Key Ability	Role vs Ground
Slowbro	Water/Psychic	Regenerator	Tanks Earthquake, retaliates with Scald or Psychic
Toxapex	Poison/Water	Regenerator	Immune to Electric, absorbs Ground moves, sets Toxic Spikes
Quaquaval	Water/Fighting	Libero	Can pivot around Ground threats with U-turn or Close Combat
Amoonguss	Grass/Poison	Regenerator	Resists Ground, disrupts with Spore and Rage Powder

Toxapex stands out here—not only does it resist Ground-type moves, but it completely nullifies Electric-type attacks, which are commonly paired with Earthquake to trap Water-types. This dual resistance makes it a cornerstone in many balance-oriented builds.

Step-by-Step Guide: Building Your Anti-Ground Core

Creating a reliable defense against Ground types requires planning beyond individual Pokémon selection. Follow these steps to integrate effective counters seamlessly into your team structure.

1. Assess Common Ground Threats in Your Format: Identify prevalent Ground types in your metagame (e.g., Excadrill in Sword/Shield OU, Garchomp in RBY). Tailor your answers accordingly.
2. Select at Least One Primary Check: Choose either an offensive revenge killer (like Weavile) or a defensive wall (like Toxapex).
3. Add Redundancy: Include a secondary option that covers weaknesses of your primary pick. If using Weavile, pair it with a slower tank like Slowking to prevent total collapse if Weavile is eliminated early.
4. Support with Terrain or Weather: Grass Terrain blocks Earthquake entirely. Pairing with Rillaboom or Eldegoss ensures long-term protection during extended matches.
5. Ensure Team Synergy: Make sure your anti-Ground Pokémon don’t create new vulnerabilities. For instance, too many Ice types may leave you exposed to common Fire attacks.

Real Example: Turning the Tide in Battle

In a recent VGC regional qualifier, player Lena Tran faced an aggressive sun team anchored by Chlorophyll Excadrill. Her opponent opened with Sunny Day, setting up for fast, boosted Solar Beam and Earthquake combos. Lena anticipated this and led with her Torkoal, knowing it would draw in the Excadrill. She then pivoted to her specially bulky Rotom-Frost, which switched in safely on any Ground move. Using Blizzard in the harsh sunlight (which normally hinders accuracy), she capitalized on her opponent’s misprediction and eliminated both Excadrill and Venusaur in succession. The match turned on that single pivot—a textbook use of type advantage combined with battle IQ.

Checklist: Essential Qualities in a Ground-Type Counter

• ✔ Resists or is immune to Ground-type moves
• ✔ Carries at least one super-effective STAB or coverage move
• ✔ Can survive at least one hit from common Ground attackers
• ✔ Provides additional utility (healing, status, hazard control)
• ✔ Fits cohesively within team typing and strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Electric-type Pokémon poor counters to Ground types?

Because Ground-type moves deal super-effective damage to Electric types, and more critically, all Ground types are completely immune to Electric attacks. This makes Electric Pokémon largely ineffective unless they carry non-STAB coverage moves like HP Ice or Focus Blast.

Can Flying-types reliably counter Ground Pokémon?

Flying-types are immune to Ground moves, making them excellent switch-ins. However, many Flying types are weak to Ice and Rock moves—common coverage options on Ground types. Use them cautiously and ideally with healing or support.

Is there a way to completely stop Earthquake without switching?

Yes. Grass Terrain, introduced in later generations, prevents all Pokémon from being hit by Ground-type moves unless they are airborne or have immunity. Setting it up with a Pokémon like Rillaboom or Eldegoss provides blanket protection for your entire team.

Conclusion: Build Smart, Play Smarter

Countering Ground types effectively isn't just about bringing a Water or Ice Pokémon—it's about integration, prediction, and preparation. Whether you're building a hyper-offensive team or a stall-heavy defense, having a calculated response to Earthquake-wielding threats is non-negotiable. Use this knowledge to refine your rosters, anticipate metagame shifts, and stay ahead of the competition.

🚀 Ready to optimize your next team? Revisit your current roster, identify potential Ground-type blindspots, and test one of the counters discussed here in your next battle. Share your results and favorite strategies in the comments!