Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive trainer, knowing Hatterene’s weaknesses will help you devise plans to counter it.
Hatterene’s Type Combination: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Psychic/Fairy dual typing of Hatterene gives it some advantages like resistance to Fighting, Psychic, and Dragon-type moves. But this combination also gives it some key weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown:
Hatterene’s Weaknesses:
- Ghost-Type Moves (2x Weakness) – As a Psychic-type Pokémon, Hatterene takes super-effective damage from Ghost-type attacks. Moves like Shadow Ball and Poltergeist can deal massive damage.
- Steel-Type Moves (2x Weakness) – Fairy-types struggle against Steel-type attacks. Moves like Iron Head, Flash Cannon, and Steel Beam can quickly take Hatterene down.
- Poison-Type Moves (2x Weakness) – Fairy-types are naturally weak to Poison moves, making Sludge Bomb and Gunk Shot effective counters.
Hatterene’s Resistances:
- Fighting (½ Damage Taken)
- Psychic (½ Damage Taken)
- Dragon (¼ Damage Taken)
Such resistances make Hatterene especially effective against Dragon-type Pokemon and reduce damage from Fighting and Psychic attacks.
How to Counter Hatterene in Battle
1. Use Fast and Hard-Hitting Pokemon
Hatterene is notoriously slow (with a base Speed of 29), making it vulnerable to faster Pokémon that can strike before it moves. Consider using Pokémon with strong Ghost, Steel, or Poison moves, such as:
- Gengar (Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb)
- Aegislash (Shadow Sneak, Iron Head)
- Excadrill (Iron Head, Earthquake)
- Dragapult (Phantom Force, Shadow Ball)
2. Exploit its Fragile Physical Defence
While Hatterene has high Special Attack and Special Defense, its Defense is low (base 95 compared to its base 135 Special Attack). This makes it vulnerable to physical attackers like:
- Bisharp (Iron Head, Knock Off)
- Scissor (Bullet Punch, X-Scissor)
- Weavile (Poison Jab, Throat Chop)
3. Apply status Conditions
Since Hatterene is slow, it is susceptible to status effects like paralysis and poison. Moves like Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Will-O-Wisp might also degrade its effectiveness in battle.
4. Avoid Creating Entry Hazards
One of Hatterene’s most notable abilities is Magic Bounce, which reflects status moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Thunder Wave back at the opponent. Instead of hazards, think of direct damage strategies.
Best Moves against Hatterene
For the best moves that will deal the most damage, try these:
- Ghost Moves: Poltergeist, Shadow Ball, Phantom Force.
- Steel Moves: Iron Head, Bullet Punch, Flash Cannon.
- Poison Moves: Sludge Bomb, Gunk Shot, Poison Jab
Conclusion: Outsmarting Hatterene
Though dangerous as an opponent, Hatterene clearly shows weaknesses that can be easily exploited with the right strategy. Using faster Pokemon, strong Ghost, Steel, or Poison moves, and status effects, you can defeat this mystical powerhouse.
The next time you face a Hatterene, don’t be intimidated by its eerie presence—be prepared with a well-thought-out battle plan!
