Ground (type): Difference between revisions

Defensively, Ground-type Pokémon are somewhat risky. Despite having above average {{stat|HP}} and {{stat|Defense}}, their below average {{stat|Special Defense}} and {{stat|Speed}} worsen their weakness to common {{t|Water}}, {{t|Grass}}, and {{t|Ice}} types (all of which have generally [[special move]]sets). Ground only resists {{t|Poison}} (a type rarely used offensively) and {{t|Rock}}, but it is immune to {{type|Electric}} moves, including the crippling {{m|Thunder Wave}}.

Offensively, Ground is one of the most powerful types. It is the only type [[super effective]] against {{t|Electric}}, and is super effective against five types in total, a coverage matched only by {{t|Fighting}}, which is also super effective against the Rock and Steel types. The other types are {{t|Fire}}, {{t|Rock}}, {{t|Poison}}, and {{t|Steel}}. Even though {{t|Grass}}- and {{t|Bug}}-type Pokémon resist Ground attacks, many of them lose this resistance due to secondary typings with a weakness to Ground (such as the common Grass/Poison and Bug/Poison types).

Ground-type [[physical move]]s are commonly known and have many potent options, most notably {{m|Earthquake}}, which has high attack power and widespread compatibility due to its [[TM]] status in every generation. Single-target physical moves such as {{m|Drill Run}} and {{m|High Horsepower}} can be generally considered inferior options to Earthquake; however, unlike Earthquake, their damage is not reduced by the effect of {{m|Grassy Terrain}}, and they are far less risky to use in Double and Triple Battles. Ground-type [[special move]]s pale in comparison, considering the relatively low {{stat|Special Attack}} stats of the majority of Ground-type Pokémon. The special Ground-type move with the best mix of utility and power is unquestionably {{m|Earth Power}}.

Ground's greatest disadvantage is its ineffectiveness against common {{type|Flying}} Pokémon and those with {{a|Levitate}} (unless they are [[grounded]]). However, most Ground-type Pokémon can learn Rock-type (mainly those available via TM such as Rock Slide) moves to take down Flying-types, Bug-types (which resists Ground), and also Ice-types (which Ground is weak against).