Pokémon GO trainers are always looking for strong Pokémon to help them win battles in Gyms, raids, and player-versus-player matches. Bug-type Pokémon often get overlooked and aren’t seen as very powerful. However, if you take a closer look, you'll find they have surprising strengths and smart strategies that can be really effective. Some Bug-types are great at attacking and able to deal huge damage quickly. Others are tough and can take hits well, making them hard to beat in battles.
The combination of their type and unique skills means some Bug Pokémon can really surprise experienced trainers. It’s important to focus on their raw strength, strong move sets, and overall effectiveness in the game. This is mostly if you are ready to try something new but keep in mind that great Fire-type Pokémon can take bugs out, and bugs are generally ranked as the weakest type.
10
Galvantula
More Than Just A Spider
Galvantula may not be one of the best bugs in Pokémon GO, but it still has some great qualities that make it a useful part of any team. Its Bug-/Electric-type combination gives it strong offensive options, allowing it to take advantage of many common opponents' weaknesses. Since many Pokémon are weak to either Bug or Electric attacks, Galvantula can deal with various threats.
Here are all of the frequent spawns Pokémon GO players will be able to find in the wild during Beloved Buddies, along with the event’s release date.
Although its maximum CP isn’t as high as more powerful Pokémon like Buzzwole or Volcarona, it has access to strong Electric-type moves and a decent 132 max HP, meaning it can still inflict good damage before going down. This makes Galvantula a smart choice if you want a well-rounded Bug-type that offers good versatility rather than just sheer power. Additionally, its lower CP requirements might make it easier if you have fewer resources to level up, making it more accessible.
9
Lokix
It's Better Than It Seems
Lokix, known as the Gloom Moth Pokémon, is a great choice for Bug-type teams in Pokémon GO, even though its maximum CP is not among the highest. Its combination of Bug- and Dark-types gives it some unique advantages, making it resistant to Psychic and Ghost attacks, which are common among popular Pokémon. This dual typing helps it perform well against certain opponents that a standard Bug-type might struggle against. Additionally, it doesn't require too much candy to power up, making it easier to use compared to legendary Pokémon.
Category
Stats
Max CP (Lvl 50)
2619
ATK
199
DEF
144
STA
174
While Lokix’s max CP is 2516, which isn’t very high, it can do well in PvP battles, especially in leagues where defense and smart typing are more crucial than just raw attack power. Its Dark-type allows it to deal extra damage to Psychic- and Ghost-types, which you can use. Although stronger Bug-types are available, especially those that are Shadow variants, Lokix’s unique type combination makes it a solid choice for a varied team, helping cover weaknesses that regular Bug-types might have.
8
Forretress
Bug In A Shell With Good Defense
Forretress might not have the highest combat power among Bug-types in Pokémon GO, but it is a very valuable addition to any team because it has strong defensive skills and useful tactics. Its Bug-/Steel-type gives it great resistance to many common attack types, like Normal, Grass, Ice, Rock, Bug, Steel, and Fairy. This makes it a tough opponent against many popular attackers. With a high Max HP of 140, Forretress can take a lot of hits before needing to switch out.
Category
Stats
Max CP (Lvl 50)
2580
ATK
161
DEF
205
STA
181
Although its attack isn't the best, a CP of 2620 is still good for a defensive Pokémon, meaning it can deal decent damage, especially against enemies that are weak to its moves. Its strong defense and resistance make Forretress a great choice for guarding gyms, as it can endure repeated attacks and help your team win. Plus, it's relatively easy to find and train, making it easily accessible even if you're new.
7
Leavanny
Its HP Is Incredibly High
Custom image by Jorge Aguilar
Leavanny may not be the strongest Bug-type Pokémon like Buzzwole or Volcarona in Pokémon GO, but it can be quite effective in certain situations. Its Bug-/Grass-type gives it good coverage against common opponents like Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types. Unlike some other Bug Pokémon, Leavanny has decent durability with a Max HP of 140, which lets it take a few hits before needing to retreat. This is especially helpful in longer fights like raids and gym battles. A CP of 2729 may not be the highest, but it still has enough power for its role.
Category
Stats
Max CP (Lvl 50)
2917
ATK
205
DEF
165
STA
181
One of its advantages is that it’s relatively easy to get. You only need to evolve a Sewaddle and some Sewaddle candies. So, while it might not be the top choice, Leavanny’s balanced stats, useful type combination, and easy availability make it a solid and valuable addition to any Pokémon GO team looking for a versatile Bug-type.
6
Rabsca
A Strong Bug Type
Rabsca brings unique advantages to a Pokémon GO team that focuses on Bug-type attacks. Its combination of Bug- and Psychic-types gives it resistance against Fighting and Ghost-type moves, which are common in battles. Although its max CP is 2830 and not the highest, it's still competitive. It’s a bug that tends to get overlooked, but it shouldn’t be.
Rabsca has powerful moves from both Bug- and Psychic-types in Pokémon GO, letting it handle opponents that are usually resistant to Bug attacks. This also means it can take advantage of opponents who are weak in psychic moves. So, Rabsca’s value goes beyond just its strength; it adds a unique and effective element to a team, especially when you need good type coverage and solid defense. Plus, it doesn't require much candy to power up, making it easier to enhance its battle performance.
5
Crustle
Avoids Common Bug Weaknesses
Crustle is excellent because of its balanced stats and unique combination of types in Pokémon GO. Being both a Bug- and a Rock-type gives it useful defenses against Normal-, Flying-, Poison-, Ice-, and various Rock-type moves, making it tough in different battles. Most players won’t know what to do against Crustle, thanks to its defenses.
Both the Ultra League and Love Cup: Great League are tough competitions, but you can win more matches by selecting the best teams in Pokémon GO.
Its high HP helps it take less damage, which keeps it in the fight longer, and its maximum CP of 2819 makes it competitive in many battles. Crustle has strong Rock-type moves that work well with its Bug-type attacks, giving it good options for offense. Although its attack power isn’t its best feature, its solid defense and decent moves make it a reliable choice for teams looking for a sturdy Bug-type Pokémon. It’s a great pick if you want a Pokémon that can take hits and perform well in raids and gym battles.
4
Scyther
A Beloved Bug Type
Scyther may not have the highest CP compared to Pokémon like Buzzwole or Volcarona, but it is still a strong Bug-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its Bug-/Flying-type gives it good coverage against Fighting and Grass-type Pokémon, which are common in battles. Although its maximum CP isn't the best, it has high base stats.
This is one of my favorite Pokémon, and I try to get one in every Pokémon game because it looks so cool.
This makes Scyther a valuable choice, especially if you are new and haven't yet accessed higher CP Bug-type Pokémon. Scyther is also very common to find, so capturing Scythers in the wild to get enough candy to power it up isn't too difficult compared to rare legendary Pokémon. Scyther has been a favorite for a while, especially with older Pokémon fans.
3
Accelgor
Solid HP & Avoids Bug Weaknesses
Accelgor may not have the highest combat power among Bug-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, but it’s a great addition to any team because of its unique strengths. Being a pure Bug-type means it focuses its offensive abilities without the disadvantages that come with dual-type Bug Pokémon. This means it doesn’t have the regular weaknesses to Fire, Flying, Rock, and Ice attacks, making it surprisingly challenging against common opponents.
While its maximum combat power is lower than other strong Bug-types, Accelgor makes up for this with a solid maximum HP of 149, which helps it last longer in battles.
This higher HP, along with strong attacking moves, lets Accelgor take hits and keep dealing with consistent damage. It might not knock out foes the fastest, but its ability to endure hits while applying pressure makes it a valuable asset in fights, especially against enemies weak to Bug-type attacks.
2
Heracross
High CP For A Bug Type
Heracross is a strong Bug-type in Pokémon GO, known for its high CP and great stats. With its Bug-/Fighting-type, it has a clear advantage against many common enemies, especially those that are weak to Fighting moves. Its maximum CP is 3402, which is pretty high for a Bug-type, so it is reliable in different battle situations, making it a dependable choice.
Sierra is one of the toughest battles in Pokémon GO, but you can cover her team with three Pokémon this month by selecting the best counters.
Unlike some other top Bug-types, Heracross is easy to find. It also combines strong attacks with decent defense, making it a great addition to any team. Its effectiveness as both an attacker and defender, plus the option to Mega Evolve, makes Heracross a practical and powerful choice. The classic Bug-/Fighting-type combo is often underestimated, but Heracross shows it can be very strong and durable in gameplay.
1
Buzzwole
Highest CP On The List
Buzzwole is an outstanding Bug-type in Pokémon GO because it has a high Max CP and good overall durability. With a Max CP of 4962, it performs better than many other Bug-types, making it a strong choice for raids and gym battles in my lineup. Its combination of Bug- and Fighting-types gives it great offensive abilities, letting it take on a variety of opponents effectively. Although its Defense stat is lower, its high HP helps it take hits and survive longer in battles.
In PvP, its high HP means it's less likely to be knocked out quickly. Unlike some powerful Bug-type Pokémon that depend on specific moves, Buzzwole is flexible and can fit into many strategies. Buzzwole’s mix of strength, survivability, and type advantages makes it a key player on any competitive Bug-type team, which you should consider making in Pokémon GO.
Custom image by Jorge Aguilar
Custom image by Jorge Aguilar
English (US) ·