Top 15 Bug-Type Pokemon That DESTROY Garchomp in Scarlet & Violet!

Garchomp, the Mach Pokémon, is a formidable opponent in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet. But even the mighty fall! Several Bug-type Pokemon are surprisingly effective counters against this Dragon/Ground powerhouse. This list explores the top 15 Bug-types that can exploit Garchomp's weaknesses and give you the upper hand in battle.

## Why Bug-Types Against Garchomp?

While Bug-types might not be the first choice that comes to mind when facing Garchomp, their super-effective damage against Dark-types in the expanded Terastal meta combined with coverage moves gives them a suprising advantage. Garchomp's 4x weakness to Ice is also important, so the Pokemon listed here that also have ice coverage attacks are important.

## Top 15 Bug-Type Pokemon to Counter Garchomp

Here's a rundown of the best Bug-types to bring to the battle, considering their stats, abilities, movepools, and overall effectiveness against Garchomp:

1. **Volcarona:** With its high Special Attack and access to Quiver Dance and Fiery Dance, Volcarona can set up and sweep. Giga Drain provides sustain. It also has access to Roost for added survivability.


2. **Scizor:** Technician-boosted Bullet Punch provides priority and reliable damage. Swords Dance boosts its Attack stat, while U-Turn allows for momentum shifting.


3. **Heracross:** A powerful physical attacker with Guts and access to Close Combat. Swords Dance makes it even more dangerous. Pinsir is a good alternative choice.


4. **Lokix:** First Impression provides a strong priority move, while its Attack stat and access to Swords Dance make it a threat. Be mindful of its low defenses.

5. **Skeledirge (Tera Bug):** Not traditionally a bug type, but with Terastallization, Skeledirge becomes a potent Bug-type with access to powerful Fire and Ghost moves for coverage.

6. **Frosmoth:** With its special attack focus, Frosmoth can deliver Ice Beam to exploit the Dragon/Ground weaknesses of Garchomp, especially after setup with Quiver Dance.


7. **Slither Wing:** This Paradox Pokemon boasts high Attack and Special Defense. It can utilize moves like Lunge and U-turn for consistent damage and switching.

8. **Vivillon:** A decent choice that can utilize Sleep Powder to disable and setup. Access to Quiver Dance for further stat boosts makes it a reasonable choice.

9. **Beedrill:** With Adaptability, Beedrill's attack stat gets massive bonuses, making it a dangerous choice with max IVs and EVs

10. **Accelgor:** A niche pick. High Special Attack and Speed, but frail. Can use Bug Buzz and Focus Blast for coverage, but reliant on hitting the right target.

11. **Golisopod:** First Impression, strong attack and solid ability can come in handy here

12. **Araquanid:** Water Bubble doubles Araquanid's Water-type damage and halves Fire-type damage. Liquidation is its main STAB move.

13. **Masquerain:** Masquerain is a pretty good choice given its decent Speed and access to both bug and Water moves

14. **Butterfree:** Compound Eyes-boosted Sleep Powder can cripple opponents, while Quiver Dance raises its stats. Bug Buzz is a reliable STAB move.

15. **Ribombee:** High Speed and access to Quiver Dance. Bug Buzz and Moonblast are good STAB options. Stun Spore can cripple faster threats.


## General Tips for Bug-Type Battles

* **Type Coverage:** Bug is not the best offensive type, but has uses within the Terastal meta. Consider what the opponent can Terastallize into and consider additional attack types.

* **Status Effects:** Sleep, paralysis, and burn can cripple Garchomp, giving your Bug-type an advantage.

* **Setup Moves:** Moves like Quiver Dance and Swords Dance can significantly boost your Bug-type's stats, turning them into powerful sweepers.

* **Terastalize Wisely:** When possible, Terastallize into the Bug typing to further enhance STAB damage.

Which Bug-type Pokemon do you think is the most underrated counter to Garchomp in Scarlet & Violet?

This reminds me of when I first started playing. Good times!

My journey started similarly. Pokemon really brings back memories.

This is exactly what I was thinking! Glad someone put it into words.

This brings up a good point. What do others think about this?