Since the early 2000s, Pokemon has made a significant impact on the gaming and entertainment industry. With the manga series, anime series, trading cards and more, the Pokemon characters evolved in the best direction possible over time.
Now with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you can maximize your fighting strategy to its fullest extent with 3 different training paths to make your Pokemon menacingly good.
Bug types are one of the 18 types of Pokemon that you do not want to overlook. These beasties are awesome for many reasons such as their resistance to ground, fighting, bug, grass and dark types. These adorable little guys also have a really beautiful coloring scheme, such as Slither Wing or Vivillion’s design.
These critters might not always seem like a great fit for battle, but you’d be surprised at the versatility of strength they have intaking on the Elite Four or completing a Tera raid!
Bug types are great against Dark, Psychic and Grass types, and are decent against Fighting, Fire, Flying, Ghost, Poison, Steel and Fairy types. While, they are partially resistant to Fighting, Grass and Ground types.
1. Spidops
Although this Pokemon may not have the highest stats of all the Pokemon on this list: it would be wise not to underestimate this critter. With a great variety of moves, strengths and learnsets, Spidops is a great choice to have as an ally.
Spidops Base Stats:
- 60 HP
- 79 Attack
- 92 Defense
- 52 Sp. Atk
- 86 Sp. Def
- 35 Speed
- 404 total
Spidops's Strengths:
- Strategizing the right moves for battle will help aid in your adventures! Check out Spidop’s amazing variety of moves!
By leveling up:
- Struggle Bug- learned at level 5
- Bug Bite- learned at level 14
- Skitter Smack- learned at level 49
By TM:
- Pounce- learned through TM021
- U-Turn- learned through TM060
- Leech Life- learned through TM095
- X-Scissor- learned through TM105
- Bug Buzz- learned through TM162
- Lunge- learned through TM185
By breeding:
- First Impression is learned through breeding with a Lokix
- Lunge is learned through breeding with an Araquanid, Lokix or Rabsca
- Memento is learned through breeding with a Pokemon holding a Mirror Herb
- Sucker Punch is learned through breeding with a Ariados, Galvantula or Lokix
Tip: Use Health Feathers to increase their HP. while holding Lucky Egg, attack Chansey to get maximum HP. Use swift feathers. While holding Power Bracer, attack Flamingo or Tauros to get attack experience value (EV).
2. Vivillon
Vivillion’s shiny form is a great catch!!!
Vivillon is a flying/bug type that captures the hearts of players with their 20 gorgeous varieties of colorful wing patterns– making it a great Pokemon for collectors and completionists.
While its stat rate might not be the highest among other bug types, it is a Sweeper in battle! Its darling appearance and ability to put your opponent to sleep in battle– is crucial.
Vivillon's Base Stats:
- 80 HP
- 52 Attack
- 50 Defense
- 90 Sp. Atk
- 50 Sp. Def
- 89 Speed
- 411 total
Level it up and watch as its strengths increase in an uproar.
Vivillion's Strengths:
- By making them hold an item such as Choice Scarf, their speed will multiply by 1.5 making their Speed an amazing 133.5.
- By having Vivillon use Sleep Powder, you can easily put any Pokemon under your spell, paving the way for setup attacks.
- Vivillon is also immune to ground type Pokemon and partially resistant to fighting, bug and grass types.
- Its Ability, Shield Dust blocks the added effects of attacks taken.
- Its Hidden Ability, Friend Guard reduces the damage done to allies. It offers great support for your team!
With the right skillset and battle strategy Vivillion will surely not disappoint. They also provide excellent options when choosing to level up with egg moves learned by breeding.
By leveling up:
- Struggle Bug
- Gust
- Bug Buzz
- Hurricane
Using a TM:
- Acrobatics
- Pounce
- Air Cutter
- U-turn
- Air Slash
- Pollen Puff
- Bug Bite
- Skitter Smack
By breeding with a Venonat, Venomoth or another Vivillon; your Vivillon learns the move Poison Powder.
An investment in Vivillon’s Speed and Sp Atk make them one of the deadliest setup sweepers in the game!
3. Venomoth
Venomoth is a beautiful Bug/Poison type moth with toxic wings spewing venomous scales upon entering battle. These fearsome critters hunt at night for its favorite prey making its encounter easily timed.
Venomoth's Base Stats:
- 70 HP
- 65 Attack
- 60 Defense
- 90 Sp. Atk
- 75 Sp. Def
- 90 Speed
- 450 total
- Its Ability, Shield Dust protects the user from secondary effects of an attack.
- Its Ability, Tinted Lens allows Venomoth’s non effective moves to deal double the damage.
- Its Hidden Ability, Wonder Skin halves the accuracy of all status moves targeted at Venomoth.
- Moves like Giga Impact and Hyper Beam are crucial for battle.
- Tera Bug is an amazing choice for your raids! It boosts Bug Buzz to immense powers.
By leveling up:
- Bug Buzz
- Leech Life
- Poison Fang
By TM:
- Acid Spray
- Struggle Bug
- Pounce
- Venoshock
- U-turn
- Sludge Bomb
- Lunge
- Sludge Wave
- Skitter Smack
Through Breeding:
- Agility
- Baton Pass
- Bug Bite
- Morning Sun
- Rage Powder
- Screech
- Toxic Spikes
- Venoshock
Tip: Use Sleep Powder to put them asleep and attack with moves like Air Slash or Venoshock but be careful of same type Pokemon or Pokemon that has no effect. Use a move like Psybeam to critically damage a fighting type.
4. Forretress
How cool is its design?!?
Pineco evolves into Forretress starting at level 31 and is a strong Defense Pokemon to level up. Take advantage of its Bug/Steel typing as it has plenty of resistances to Normal, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon and Fairy types.
You definitely want to keep an eye out for this Pokemon. They are the tank of the team and are great at withstanding even the greatest damage.
Forrestress's Base Stats:
- 75 HP
- 90 Attack
- 140 Defense
- 60 Sp. Atk
- 60 Sp. Def
- 40 Speed
- 465 total
Learning and strategizing the right moves for Forretress are extremely important and you want to always aim to get the most out of this sturdy guy!
Forretress's Strengths:- Its Ability, Sturdy allows it to survive with 1 HP if attacked at full HP with an attack that would otherwise knock it out. This move also prevents one-hit KO moves like Fissure or Guillotine.
- Its Hidden Ability, Overcoat makes Forretress immune to residiual damage from weather conditions.
- Moves like Explosion and Self-Destruct are amazing last resort options in battle!
- Forretress is immune to Poison type moves.
By leveling up:
- Bug Bite- learned at level 1
- Heavy Slam- learned through evolution
- Gyro Ball- learned at level 46
By TM:
- Struggle Bug- learned by TM015
- Pounce- learned by TM021
- Smart Strike- learned by TM053
By Breeding:
- Counter is learned by breeding Heracross or Spidops
- Flail is learned by breeding Swadloon
- Pin Missile is learned by breeding Heracross or Araidos
- Power Trick is learned by breeding with a Pokemon holding Mirror Herb
In any battle, Forretress presents a mighty counter. This Pokemon’s strong build and already great base stats make choosing it a no brainer.
5. Rabsca
Evolving Rellor into Rabsca is so worth it!
Rabsca is one of the most useful and powerful pokemon in the world of Paldea . This pokemon is first introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as Rellor, being its unevolved form. However, unlike the normal path of evolution (where Pokemon level up through battling), Rellor evolves into Rabsca through a special evolution. By taking this Pokemon out of its Pokeball and walking around with it (using the ZR button) for about 2 minutes and then leveling up it either by opponent or Rare Candy, they will evolve into Rabsca.
Rabsca's Base Stats:
- 75 HP
- 50 Attack
- 85 Defense
- 115 Sp. Atk
- 100 Sp. Def
- 45 Speed
- 470 total
Rabsca's Strengths:
- Rabsca’s HP, attack and speed may not be as great as some of their other counterparts, but this pokemon should not be overlooked.
- Through the use of holding power items like Power Weight (to increase HP value), Power Bracer (to increase Effort Value), Power Armlet (to increase Speed Value), Rabsca can defeat almost any worthy opponent.
- The great thing about Rabsca is that they can level up through 3 means: by leveling up, by TM and by breeding. With the variety of learning new moves, they are a great addition to any team.
Let’s check out why Rabsca should be one of your top choices.
By Leveling Up:
- Confusion
- Psybeam
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic
Through using a TM:
- Future Sight
- Expanding Force
- X-Scissor
- Leech Life
- Zen Headbutt
By breeding Rabsca with a Ditto or Mirror Herb, Rabsca can learn:
- Cosmic Power
- Memento
- Recover
- Weatherball
By leveling up Rabsca, it will have the ability to learn one of the greatest moves of all time: Revival Blessing. This astonishingly beautiful move will make Rabsca a great ally to your team. This move allows a fainted Pokemon on your team to return to battle at 50%. This move alone is well worth the effort of catching and leveling up Rabsca.
6. Vespiquen
Since the beginning of time, Vespiquen has been a tank in battle!!!
If you’re in need of a great defensive Pokemon, then Vespiquen is your gal! She is amazing as a last resort Pokemon when you’re in need of someone to take the hits while draining your opponent’s PP. She adds a mighty boost to any battlefield.
- 70 HP
- 80 Attack
- 102 Defense
- 80 Sp. Atk
- 102 Sp. Def.
- 40 Speed
- 474 total
With her above stats combined with her hidden ability Unnerve, she can be sure to rattle the nerves of any opponents coming her way. Although her powerfully useful move, Heal Order, has been replaced with Roost in Scarlet and Violet, it is still an unbelievably useful move.
By leveling up:
- Struggle Bug
- Bug Bite
- Gust
- Fury Cutter
- Fell Stinger
- Air Slash
- Attack Order
Through TM:
- Acrobatics
- Pounce
- Aerial Ace
- U-Turn
- Air Slash
- X-Scissor
- Pollen Puff
- Hurricane
- Bug Buzz
- Lunge
- Dual Wingbeat
- Skitter Smack
Although she doesn’t level up by breeding or through evolution, Vespiquen is unique in that you can only get her by evolving a female Combee. Male Combee aren’t known to evolve into or from any other Pokemon.
Here are a few more reasons this queen bee will rule any school:
- Her defensive stats are a great foundation to build on. Increasing her defense stats to the max, can make her a sturdy ally to have.
- Her Ability: Pressure makes the opponent use 2 PP instead of 1.
- Her other Ability, Unnerve (makes the foe too nervous to eat berries in battle)
- Vespiquen is partially resistant to fighting, bug and grass type. She is also immune to ground type.
- Terastallize her and she can do even more damage against same-type Pokemon!
As bug types go, Vespiquen is definitely one to attract players through its cute design and tanky defense. Although she may not have the greatest attack or speed, Vespiquen’s base Defense is something to keep an eye out for. Through the use of vitamins, held items, learnsets and choice bands– powering Vespiquen to her fullest potential is never a wrong choice.
Tip: Have her hold the muscle band and when all else fails in battle, send her out, use moves like Power Gem or Hurricane and you’ll be sure to knock ‘em out. When she is beginning to appear low in health, use Roost to regain up to half her HP. If you wait long enough in battle, your opponent will run out of PP for their wall busting moves and you can be sure to overcome them in battle.
7. Frosmoth
It'll ice enemies out!!!
This dual-type Ice/Bug Pokemon only evolves from Snom when leveled up with high friendship at night, making the timing of evolving this Pokemon extremely crucial.
If you’re a collector, then Frosmoth is definitely one that you want to look into with its rare wild spawn rate and an even rarer chance of Mass Outbreak.
Her frosty appearance and amazing Sp. Atk makes her an excellent choice for battle. Let’s look at her breakdown:
- 70 HP
- 65 Attack
- 60 Defense
- 125 Sp. Atk
- 90 Sp. Def
- 65 Speed
- 475 total
Frosmoth’s Strengths:
- Its Ability, Shield Dust blocks the added effects of attacks in battle.
- Its Hidden Ability, Ice Scales halves the damage from special moves.
- Partially resistant to Ice, Ground and Grass types.
- Blizzard and Giga Impact are two powerful moves for it to learn.
Its moves and abilities make it quite the intimidating foe. You do not want to overlook its 3 learnsets to get the most out of this buggy creature.
By leveling up:
- Powder Snow
- Struggle Bug
- Icy Wind
- Infestation
- Aurora Beam
- Bug Buzz
- Blizzard
By TM:
- Pounce
- Avalanche
- U-Turn
- Leech Life
- Ice Spinner
- Ice Beam
- Bug Bite
- Icicle Spear
- Triple Axel
- Skitter Smack
By breeding:
- Bug Bite is learned through breeding with various Pokemon like Forretress and Kricketot.
- Fairy Wind is learned through breeding with Cutiefly or its evolved form Ribombee.
- Mirror Coat is learned through breeding with Dewpider or its evolved form Araquanid.
This Pokemon is undoubtedly a game changer. Having it on your team will make sure to blast you on your way to the top!
8. Heracross
Heracross is a force to be reckoned with!!!
This Bug/Fighting type is menacing in battle with its sturdiness and effectiveness. Heracross is definitely a Pokemon to keep on your radar as it has a variety of unique resistances (Grass,Bug and Dark), good Speed and great Attack stats.
Heracross's Base Stats:
- 80 HP
- 125 Attack
- 75 Defense
- 40 Sp. Atk
- 95 Sp. Def
- 85 Speed
- 500 total
Heracross is a high ranking dual type for his herculean strength and impressive strengths.
Heracross's Strengths:
- When its HP is below ⅓ its maximum, the power of Bug type moves are increased by 50%: courtesy of its Ability, Swarm.
- Its Ability Guts, allows its Attack to increase by 50% when induced with a status effect.
- With its Hidden Ability, Moxie, Attack is increased by one stage when the Pokemon knocks out another Pokemon.
- Give Heracross the Choice Scarf, and watch as its already great Speed will be boosted by 1.5.
- Heracross has an amazing learnset and base stats. It serves as a worthy choice for a Support or Offensive team.
9. Scizor
Scizor makes opponents quiver in fear with its daunting stare…
Unlike regular Evolutions, Scyther evolves into Scizor when traded while holding a Metal Coat. It is a top tier Pokemon ready for battle and one to add to your roster.
Scizor's Base Stats:
- 70 HP
- 130 Attack
- 100 Defense
- 55 Sp. Atk
- 80 Sp. Def
- 65 Speed
- 500 total
Scizor's Strengths:
- Scizor’s Ability Swarm increases the power of Bug types moves by 50% when its HP falls below a third of its maximum.
- Its Hidden Ability, Light Metal, halves the Pokemon’s weight in battle, decreasing weight effects of Grass Knot, Heat Crash, Heavy Slam, Low Kick. This makes it a speedy little guy!!!
- Scizor is a great tanky Pokemon, weighing in at 260.1 pds or 118 kg. Unlike many other Pokemon that are great in either attack of defense– Scizor is great in both! With the already great base stats, these moves will kick butt in battle.
By leveling up:
- Fury Cutter
- Bullet Punch
- Metal Claw
- Iron Head
- X-Scissor
By TM:
- Struggle Bug
- Pounce
- U-turn
- Flash Cannon
- Steel Beam
- Bug Bite
- Lunge
- Skitter Smack
- Hard Press
By breeding:
- Counter is learned by breeding with Heracross or Spidops
- Defog is learned by breeding with Frosmoth
- Feint is learned by breeding with Lokix and Spidops
Scizor can be a great addition to your team if you need a quick Pokemon that can pack a punch. His ability, Technician mixed with Bullet Punch can do some serious damage. It’s a Pokemon that you do not want to miss on your stop to defeating the Legendaries! It will surely take on any opponent on your way to victory!
10. Slither Wing
Slither Wing is fearsome in battle!
While this pokemon may be exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet, you can easily get it by trading with a friend or family member. Although, it may seem somewhat inconvenient to go through the trouble of having to link up with someone who has Pokemon Scarlet, it is well worth your time. Check out their stats!
Slither Wing's Base Stats:
- 85 HP
- 135 Attack
- 79 Defense
- 85 Sp. Atk
- 105 Sp. Def
- 81 Speed
- 570 total
Slither Wing’s Strengths:
- Its Ability and Hidden Ability are Protosynthesis. It boosts Slither Wing’s most proficient stat in sunlight or if the Pokemon is holding a Booster Energy.
- Close Combat and Superpower are top tier moves for it to learn!
- Bug Tera type is an excellent choice for Slither Wing.
- Combined with Slither Wing’s powers and ability– it makes them a top tier character.
- They tend to get the most damage on the battlefield from Fairy, Psychic, Fire and Flying foes, but their resistance to Grass, Fighting, Ground, Bug and Dark make them an extremely worthy opponent!
Leveling Up:
- Bug Bite, learned at lv. 1- Bug/Physical, 60 damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Low Sweep, learned at lv. 28- Fighting/Physical, 65 damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Lunge, learned at lv. 42- Bug/Physical, 80 damage, 100% accuracy, 15 PP
- Superpower, learned at lv. 49- Fighting/Physical, 120 damage, 100% accuracy, 5 PP
- First Impression, learned at lv. 70- Bug/Physical, 90 damage, 100% accuracy, 10 PP
- Leech Life, learned at lv. 84- Bug/Physical, 80 damage, 100% accuracy, 10 PP
Through the use of TMs:
- Low Kick- Fighting/Physical, unknown damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Low Sweep- Fighting/Physical, 65 damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Brick Break- Fighting/Physical, 75 damage, 100% accuracy, 15 PP
- U-Turn- Bug/Physical, 70 damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Body Press- Fighting/Physical, 80 damage, 100% accuracy, 10 PP
- Leech Life- Bug/Physical, 80 damage, 100% accuracy, 10 PP
- Reversal- Fighting/Physical, unknown damage, 100% accuracy, 15 PP
- Bug Buzz- Bug/Special, 90 damage, 100% accuracy, 10 PP
- Close Combat- Fighting/Physical, 120 damage, 100% accuracy, 5 PP
- Bug Bite- Bug/Physical, 60 damage, 100% accuracy, 20 PP
- Lunge- Bug/Physical, 80 damage, 100% accuracy, 15 PP
- Skitter Smack- Bug/Physical, 70 damage, 90% accuracy, 10 PP
Slither Wing has the ability called Protosynthesis that when they are in harsh sunlight or holding Booster Energy, their highest stat is increased by 30% (with any stat other than speed) or 50% (if speed is the highest stat). This ability among their other strengths make Slither Wing pretty steep competition. You should definitely look at having Slither Wing on your core team in Pokemon for the following reasons:
- Their stats are ridiculous. With high base stats and moves like Close Combat, First Impression, Leech Life, etc.-- it makes them a very powerful foe.
- Slither Wing’s strength also lies in the fact that they have the ability to break past the offensive strategies of players with a move like U-Turn. This is incredibly useful when facing a high level opponent and you need to take shelter after the first strike.
- Using Protosynthesis combined with a Choice Band, Slither Wing can make any foe quiver in their boots. By using a choice band, it increases your attack by 50% but only allows the use of one move each time it comes on the battlefield.
In the right conditions, Slither Wing makes a great addition to any team. The uniqueness of their ability combined with the right move set can easily break down an opponent’s wall.
In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you have many opportunities to catch shiny Pokemon, upgrade your appearance or the appearance of your Pokemon, roam the land with your chosen one, but most importantly: you gotta catch ‘em all!
What is your favorite Bug type? Do you think they are a worthy ally to have. Let us know what you think in the comments!
