what is gyarados weak against

Gyarados, the iconic Atrocious Pokémon, is a formidable presence in any battle. Its towering serpentine form, fearsome visage, and immense Attack stat make it a classic powerhouse. However, beneath its intimidating exterior lies a specific and exploitable set of weaknesses. Understanding "what is Gyarados weak against" is fundamental to countering it effectively, whether in the main series games, Pokémon GO, or competitive play. This analysis will dissect Gyarados's defensive vulnerabilities, exploring its type matchups, statistical shortcomings, and strategic counters.

Table of Contents

The Dual Curse of Its Typing: Water/Flying
Statistical Imbalances: The Special Defense Deficiency
The Electric-Type Threat: An Instant Crisis
Rock-Type Attacks: A Double-Edged Vulnerability
Strategic Exploitations: Beyond Simple Type Matchups
Conclusion: Mastering the Counterplay

The Dual Curse of Its Typing: Water/Flying

Gyarados's primary weaknesses stem directly from its unique Water/Flying typing. This combination grants it valuable resistances to Fighting, Bug, Steel, Fire, and Water moves, while making it immune to Ground-type attacks entirely. Yet, this same typing bestows upon it two critical double weaknesses. A double weakness, where a Pokémon takes quadruple damage from a specific move type, is a severe strategic liability. For Gyarados, these fatal flaws are against Electric-type and Rock-type moves. This means any successful hit from these move types, especially if they are super-effective STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) attacks, will deal catastrophic damage, often resulting in a one-hit knockout. This typing is the core answer to the question of what Gyarados is weak against, forming the foundation for all counter-strategies.

Statistical Imbalances: The Special Defense Deficiency

Beyond its type chart, Gyarados's stat distribution further compounds its vulnerabilities. While it boasts a high HP stat and a very respectable Physical Defense, its Special Defense is notoriously mediocre. This creates a significant defensive imbalance. Gyarados can physically tank many hits, but it folds relatively quickly against powerful special attackers. This weakness is especially dangerous because many of the types it is weak to, namely Electric and Rock, feature numerous special attacks. For instance, a Thunderbolt from a special attacker like Jolteon or Raikou will not only exploit the 4x Electric weakness but also target Gyarados's lower Special Defense stat, maximizing damage. This statistical flaw means that even neutral special attacks can wear Gyarados down efficiently, making it vulnerable to a broader range of threats than its typing alone would suggest.

The Electric-Type Threat: An Instant Crisis

The Electric-type represents the most direct and severe counter to Gyarados. The 4x weakness turns any moderately powerful Electric move into a potential battle-ending strike. In competitive formats, the mere presence of a fast Electric-type like Regieleki, Tapu Koko, or Zapdos can force a Gyarados player to exercise extreme caution, often denying it opportunities to set up with moves like Dragon Dance. In Pokémon GO, Electric-types such as Magnezone, Electivire, and Zekrom are the premier choices for defeating Gyarados in raids and gym battles, achieving victory with remarkable speed. The threat is so absolute that it shapes how Gyarados is used; players often pair it with teammates that can absorb or redirect Electric-type attacks, such as Ground-type Pokémon or those with the Lightning Rod ability. Failing to respect the Electric weakness almost guarantees Gyarados's swift defeat.

Rock-Type Attacks: A Double-Edged Vulnerability

While slightly less emphasized than the Electric weakness, Gyarados's 4x weakness to Rock is equally devastating. Rock-type moves like Stone Edge and Rock Slide are common coverage options on many Pokémon, making this a pervasive threat. Physical attackers like Tyranitar and Rhyperior can obliterate Gyarados with their STAB Rock moves. Furthermore, the move Stealth Rock, a staple entry hazard in competitive battles, deals damage based on a Pokémon's weakness to Rock-type moves. As Gyarados is 4x weak to Rock, it loses a staggering 50% of its maximum HP simply by switching into a field layered with Stealth Rock. This severely limits its ability to pivot in and out of battle, cripples its longevity, and makes it exceptionally easy to finish off with any subsequent attack. Managing this Stealth Rock vulnerability is a constant challenge for any trainer utilizing Gyarados.

Strategic Exploitations: Beyond Simple Type Matchups

Countering Gyarados effectively involves more than just selecting a Pokémon with an Electric or Rock move. Savvy opponents exploit its deeper strategic weaknesses. Gyarados is often reliant on setting up with Dragon Dance to boost its Attack and Speed, becoming a sweeping threat. Preventing this setup through status conditions like Paralysis (which also halves Speed) or Taunt to block stat-boosting moves is highly effective. Its moderate Speed stat before a boost means many faster Pokémon can outspeed and threaten it immediately. Additionally, while its ability Intimidate lowers the Attack of opposing physical Pokémon, it does nothing against special attackers, again highlighting its Special Defense flaw. In modern competitive play, moves like Volt Switch allow an opponent to gain momentum even if Gyarados switches out, maintaining pressure. Understanding these tactical layers is key to dismantling Gyarados beyond merely exploiting its type chart.

Conclusion: Mastering the Counterplay

Gyarados remains a powerful and popular Pokémon precisely because its strengths are so potent. However, its weaknesses are equally pronounced and defining. The answer to "what is Gyarados weak against" is a multi-faceted one: it is weak to the devastating 4x blows of Electric and Rock-type moves, it is vulnerable to special attacks due to its mediocre Special Defense, and it is strategically susceptible to entry hazards and speed control. Successfully defeating Gyarados requires recognizing these chinks in its armor. Whether by deploying a swift Electric-type special attacker, layering the battlefield with Stealth Rock, or disrupting its setup strategies, a prepared trainer can turn this Atrocious Pokémon's greatest strengths into avenues for its defeat. Mastering this counterplay is essential for any trainer looking to thrive in a meta where Gyarados lurks.

Trump agrees to EU tariff extension after call with von der Leyen
90 truckloads of UN aid delivered to Gazans, breaking 11-week blockade
Putin depicts Russian navy as pivotal in safeguarding national security, sovereignty
U.S. federal judge blocks Trump's bid to dismantle Department of Education
AU, EU leaders commit to closer cooperation at Luanda summit