Psychic-type Pokémon: Powers, Strengths, Weaknesses, Moves & More
The world of Pokémon has been a growing phenomenon since 1996, when the first pair of video games came out in stores. Pokémon started off as a video game series and although new creatures are primarily introduced in the video games, the anime series has become as popular as the video games. As of December 2021, there are almost 900 individual Pokémon identified by the PokéDex divided into one or two of the eighteen Pokémon types. In this article, we are going to analyze one of those types – the Psychic-type
Psychic-type Pokémon are among the eighteen Pokémon types, as introduced in the core game series. As of Generation VIII, there are 98 Psychic-type Pokémon, including pure and dual types. Traditionally, Psychic-type Pokémon are super effective against Fighting- and Poison-type Pokémon, and are weak against Bug-, Dark-, and Ghost-type Pokémon.
In this article, we are going to tell you all the information you’ll need if you want to focus on Psychic-type Pokémon in any of the games. You’ll find out about the type, its powers, its strengths and weaknesses, the Pokémon of that type, and their moves. We’re going to focus on both the core games, as well as other popular video games based on the Pokémon franchise.
List of Psychic-type Pokémon
As we have said, there is a total of 98 Psychic-type Pokémon in the franchise. Some of them are pure Psychic-type Pokémon, while others are dual-type Pokémo; dual-type Pokémon can have Psychic- as their primary or secondary type. Here is a full list of all Psychic-type Pokémon based on these three categories:
Pure Psychic-type
| # | Name |
| 063 | Abra |
| 064 | Kadabra |
| 065 | Alakazam / Mega Alakazam |
| 077 | Ponyta (Galarian Form) |
| 079 | Slowpoke (Galarian Form) |
| 096 | Drowzee |
| 097 | Hypno |
| 150 | Mewtwo / Mega Mewtwo Y |
| 151 | Mew |
| 196 | Espeon |
| 201 | Unown |
| 202 | Wobbuffet |
| 325 | Spoink |
| 326 | Grumpig |
| 358 | Chimecho |
| 360 | Wynaut |
| 386 | Deoxys (Normal Forme / Attack Forme / Defense Forme / Speed Forme) |
| 433 | Chingling |
| 480 | Uxie |
| 481 | Mesprit |
| 482 | Azelf |
| 488 | Cresselia |
| 517 | Munna |
| 518 | Musharna |
| 574 | Gothita |
| 575 | Gothorita |
| 576 | Gothitelle |
| 577 | Solosis |
| 578 | Duosion |
| 579 | Reuniclus |
| 605 | Elgyem |
| 606 | Beheeyem |
| 677 | Espurr |
| 678 | Meowstic |
| 789 | Cosmog |
| 790 | Cosmoem |
| 800 | Necrozma |
| 856 | Hatenna |
| 857 | Hattrem |
Dual-type (Primary Psychic-type)
| # | Name | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| 078 | Rapidash (Galarian Form) | Psychic | Fairy |
| 122 | Mr. Mime* | Psychic | Fairy |
| 144 | Articuno (Galarian Form) | Psychic | Flying |
| 150 | Mega Mewtwo X | Psychic | Fighting |
| 177 | Natu | Psychic | Flying |
| 178 | Xatu | Psychic | Flying |
| 249 | Lugia | Psychic | Flying |
| 251 | Celebi | Psychic | Grass |
| 280 | Ralts* | Psychic | Fairy |
| 281 | Kirlia* | Psychic | Fairy |
| 282 | Gardevoir / Mega Gardevoir | Psychic | Fairy |
| 439 | Mime Jr.* | Psychic | Fairy |
| 475 | Gallade / Mega Gallade | Psychic | Fighting |
| 494 | Victini | Psychic | Fire |
| 527 | Woobat | Psychic | Flying |
| 528 | Swoobat | Psychic | Flying |
| 561 | Sigilyph | Psychic | Flying |
| 628 | Braviary (Hisuian Form) | Psychic | Flying |
| 720 | Hoopa Confined | Psychic | Ghost |
| 720 | Hoopa Unbound | Psychic | Dark |
| 741 | Oricorio (Pa’u Style) | Psychic | Flying |
| 786 | Tapu Lele | Psychic | Fairy |
| 791 | Solgaleo | Psychic | Steel |
| 792 | Lunala | Psychic | Ghost |
| 800 | Dusk Mane Necrozma | Psychic | Steel |
| 800 | Dawn Wings Necrozma | Psychic | Ghost |
| 800 | Ultra Necrozma | Psychic | Dragon |
| 858 | Hatterene / Gigantamax Hatterene | Psychic | Fairy |
| 876 | Indeedee | Psychic | Normal |
| 898 | Standard Calyrex | Psychic | Grass |
| 898 | Ice Rider Calyrex | Psychic | Ice |
| 898 | Shadow Rider Calyrex | Psychic | Ghost |
Dual-type (Secondary Psychic-type)
| # | Name | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| 026 | Raichu Alolan Form | Electric | Psychic |
| 079 | Slowpoke | Water | Psychic |
| 080 | Slowbro / Mega Slowbro | Water | Psychic |
| 080 | Slowbro (Galarian Form) | Poison | Psychic |
| 102 | Exeggcute | Grass | Psychic |
| 103 | Exeggutor | Grass | Psychic |
| 121 | Starmie | Water | Psychic |
| 122 | Mr. Mime (Galarian Form) | Ice | Psychic |
| 124 | Jynx | Ice | Psychic |
| 199 | Slowking | Water | Psychic |
| 199 | Slowking (Galarian Form) | Poison | Psychic |
| 203 | Girafarig | Normal | Psychic |
| 238 | Smoochum | Ice | Psychic |
| 307 | Meditite | Fighting | Psychic |
| 308 | Medicham / Mega Medicham | Fighting | Psychic |
| 337 | Lunatone | Rock | Psychic |
| 338 | Solrock | Rock | Psychic |
| 343 | Baltoy | Ground | Psychic |
| 344 | Claydol | Ground | Psychic |
| 374 | Beldum | Steel | Psychic |
| 375 | Metang | Steel | Psychic |
| 376 | Metagross / Mega Metagross | Steel | Psychic |
| 380 | Latias / Mega Latias | Dragon | Psychic |
| 381 | Latios / Mega Latios | Dragon | Psychic |
| 385 | Jirachi | Steel | Psychic |
| 436 | Bronzor | Steel | Psychic |
| 437 | Bronzong | Steel | Psychic |
| 555 | Darmanitan Zen Mode | Fire | Psychic |
| 648 | Meloetta Aria Forme | Normal | Psychic |
| 655 | Delphox | Fire | Psychic |
| 686 | Inkay | Dark | Psychic |
| 687 | Malamar | Dark | Psychic |
| 765 | Oranguru | Normal | Psychic |
| 779 | Bruxish | Water | Psychic |
| 825 | Dottler | Bug | Psychic |
| 826 | Orbeetle / Gigantamax Orbeetle | Bug | Psychic |
| 866 | Mr. Rime | Ice | Psychic |
| ??? | Wyrdeer | Normal | Psychic |
Powers and Abilities
In this section, we are going to give you the basic statistical averages for all Psychic-type Pokémon in general:
| Stats | Overall | Fully evolved |
| HP | 71.13 | 82.38 |
| Attack | 73.39 | 90.78 |
| Defense | 74.45 | 86.14 |
| Special Attack | 93.07 | 110.28 |
| Special Defense | 86.34 | 99.51 |
| Speed | 74.62 | 89.01 |
| Total | 473 | 558.1 |
Before Generation VI, Steel/Psychic-types were exempt from Psychich’s three weaknesses, but since Steel is no longer resistant to Darkness and Ghost, this is no longer the case. One disadvantage of Psychic-type moves is that they do not affect Dark-type Pokémon, although this immunity can be removed with Miracle Eye. The immunity, as well as the resistances to Psychic-type, can also be bypassed with coverage moves such as Ground- or Fighting-type attacks.
When Psychic Terrain is in effect, the power of Psychic-type moves is increased by 30% (50% before generation VIII) when the user is on the ground. When used in contests, Psychic-type moves are typically Clever moves, but can also be one of the other four contest types, with the exception of Tough.
In the Generation I games, Psychic-type Pokémon were the focus of a balance problem. Therefore, this issue was fixed in Generation II by adding Steel and Dark types, an additional weakness to Ghost-type moves (as opposed to the previous immunity to them), and some moves that are strong against Psychic types.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Psychic-type Pokémon are super effective (dealing double damage) against Fighting-type and Poison-type Pokémon. On the other hand, Dark-type Pokémon are completely immune to Psychic-type attacks. They are resistant to Psychic- and Steel-type moves. Their weaknesses are Bug-, Dark-, and Ghost-type moves.
Moves
As of Generation VIII, these are the known Psychic-type moves:
| Gen | Move | Category | Contest | Power | Accuracy | PP | Description |
| I | Agility | Status | Cool | — | —% | 30 (max 48) | The user relaxes and lightens its body to move faster. This sharply raises the Speed stat. |
| V | Ally Switch | Status | Clever | — | —% | 15 (max 24) | The user teleports using a strange power and switches places with one of its allies. |
| I | Amnesia | Status | Cute | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | The user temporarily empties its mind to forget its concerns. This sharply raises the user’s Sp. Def stat. |
| I | Barrier | Status | Cool | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | The user throws up a sturdy wall that sharply raises its Defense stat. |
| III | Calm Mind | Status | Clever | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | The user quietly focuses its mind and calms its spirit to raise its Sp. Atk and Sp. Def stats. |
| I | Confusion | Special | Clever | 50 | 100% | 25 (max 40) | The target is hit by a weak telekinetic force. This may also confuse the target. |
| III | Cosmic Power | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | The user absorbs a mystical power from space to raise its Defense and Sp. Def stats. |
| I | Dream Eater | Special | Clever | 100 | 100% | 15 (max 24) | The user eats the dreams of a sleeping target. It absorbs half the damage caused to heal its own HP. |
| VIII | Eerie Spell | Special | 80 | 100% | 5 (max 8) | The user attacks with its tremendous psychic power. This also removes 3 PP from the target’s last move. | |
| VIII | Expanding Force | Special | 80 | 100% | 20 (max 32) | The user attacks the target with its psychic power. This move’s power goes up and damages all opposing Pokémon on Psychic Terrain. | |
| III | Extrasensory | Special | Cool | 80 | 100% | 20 (max 32) | The user attacks with an odd, unseeable power. This may also make the target flinch. |
| VIII | Freezing Glare | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user shoots its psychic power from its eyes to attack. This may also leave the target frozen. | |
| II | Future Sight | Special | Clever | 120 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | Two turns after this move is used, a hunk of psychic energy attacks the target. |
| VII | Genesis Supernova | Special | 185 | —% | 1 (max 1) | After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Mew, attacks the target with full force. The terrain will be charged with psychic energy. | |
| VII | Glitzy Glow | Special | 80 | 95% | 15 (max 24) | The user bombards the target with telekinetic force. A wondrous wall of light is put up to weaken the power of the opposing Pokémon’s special moves. | |
| VIII | G-Max Gravitas | Physical | — | —% | 3 (max 4) | A Psychic-type attack that Gigantamax Orbeetle use. This move changes gravity for five turns. | |
| VIII | G-Max Gravitas | Special | — | —% | 3 (max 4) | A Psychic-type attack that Gigantamax Orbeetle use. This move changes gravity for five turns. | |
| IV | Gravity | Status | Clever | — | —% | 5 (max 8) | This move enables Flying-type Pokémon or Pokémon with the Levitate Ability to be hit by Ground-type moves. Moves that involve flying can’t be used. |
| V | Guard Split | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to average its Defense and Sp. Def stats with those of the target. |
| IV | Guard Swap | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to switch changes to its Defense and Sp. Def stats with the target. |
| IV | Heal Block | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) | For five turns, the user prevents the opposing team from using any moves, Abilities, or held items that recover HP. |
| V | Heal Pulse | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user emits a healing pulse that restores the target’s HP by up to half of its max HP. |
| IV | Healing Wish | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user faints. In return, the Pokémon taking its place will have its HP restored and status conditions cured. |
| V | Heart Stamp | Physical | Cute | 60 | 100% | 25 (max 40) | The user unleashes a vicious blow after its cute act makes the target less wary. This may also make the target flinch. |
| IV | Heart Swap | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to switch stat changes with the target. |
| VI | Hyperspace Hole | Special | Clever | 80 | —% | 5 (max 8) | Using a hyperspace hole, the user appears right next to the target and strikes. This also hits a target using a move such as Protect or Detect. |
| I | Hypnosis | Status | Clever | — | 60% | 20 (max 32) | The user employs hypnotic suggestion to make the target fall into a deep sleep. |
| III | Imprison | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | If opposing Pokémon know any move also known by the user, they are prevented from using it. |
| VII | Instruct | Status | — | —% | 15 (max 24) | The user instructs the target to use the target’s last move again. | |
| I | Kinesis | Status | Clever | — | 80% | 15 (max 24) | The user distracts the target by bending a spoon. This lowers the target’s accuracy. |
| I | Light Screen | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 30 (max 48) | A wondrous wall of light is put up to reduce damage from special attacks for five turns. |
| VII | Light That Burns the Sky | Special | 200 | —% | 1 (max 1) | This attack inflicts Attack or Sp. Atk damage—whichever stat is higher for the user, Necrozma. This move ignores the target’s Ability. | |
| IV | Lunar Dance | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user faints. In return, the Pokémon taking its place will have its status and HP fully restored. |
| III | Luster Purge | Special | Clever | 70 | 100% | 5 (max 8) | The user lets loose a damaging burst of light. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat. |
| III | Magic Coat | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 15 (max 24) | A barrier reflects back to the target moves like Leech Seed and moves that damage status. |
| VIII | Magic Powder | Status | — | 100% | 20 (max 32) | The user scatters a cloud of magic powder that changes the target to Psychic type. | |
| V | Magic Room | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user creates a bizarre area in which Pokémon’s held items lose their effects for five turns. |
| VIII | Max Mindstorm | Physical | — | —% | 3 (max 4) | This is a Psychic-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. The user turns the ground into Psychic Terrain for five turns. | |
| VIII | Max Mindstorm | Special | — | —% | 3 (max 4) | This is a Psychic-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. The user turns the ground into Psychic Terrain for five turns. | |
| I | Meditate | Status | Beautiful | — | —% | 40 (max 64) | The user meditates to awaken the power deep within its body and raise its Attack stat. |
| IV | Miracle Eye | Status | Clever | — | —% | 40 (max 64) | Enables a Dark-type target to be hit by Psychic-type attacks. This also enables an evasive target to be hit. |
| II | Mirror Coat | Special | Beautiful | — | 100% | 20 (max 32) | A retaliation move that counters any special attack, inflicting double the damage taken. |
| III | Mist Ball | Special | Clever | 70 | 100% | 5 (max 8) | A mist-like flurry of down envelops and damages the target. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Atk stat. |
| VII | Photon Geyser | Special | 100 | 100% | 5 (max 8) | The user attacks a target with a pillar of light. This move inflicts Attack or Sp. Atk damage—whichever stat is higher for the user. | |
| V | Power Split | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to average its Attack and Sp. Atk stats with those of the target. |
| IV | Power Swap | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to switch changes to its Attack and Sp. Atk stats with the target. |
| IV | Power Trick | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to switch its Attack stat with its Defense stat. |
| VII | Prismatic Laser | Special | 160 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user shoots powerful lasers using the power of a prism. The user can’t move on the next turn. | |
| I | Psybeam | Special | Beautiful | 65 | 100% | 20 (max 32) | The target is attacked with a peculiar ray. This may also leave the target confused. |
| I | Psychic | Special | Clever | 90 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The target is hit by a strong telekinetic force. This may also lower the target’s Sp. Def stat. |
| VII | Psychic Fangs | Physical | 85 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user bites the target with its psychic capabilities. This can also destroy Light Screen and Reflect. | |
| VII | Psychic Terrain | Status | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | This protects Pokémon on the ground from priority moves and powers up Psychic-type moves for five turns. | |
| III | Psycho Boost | Special | Clever | 140 | 90% | 5 (max 8) | The user attacks the target at full power. The attack’s recoil harshly lowers the user’s Sp. Atk stat. |
| IV | Psycho Cut | Physical | Cool | 70 | 100% | 20 (max 32) | The user tears at the target with blades formed by psychic power. Critical hits land more easily. |
| IV | Psycho Shift | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) | Using its psychic power of suggestion, the user transfers its status conditions to the target. |
| V | Psyshock | Special | Beautiful | 80 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user materializes an odd psychic wave to attack the target. This attack does physical damage. |
| V | Psystrike | Special | Cool | 100 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user materializes an odd psychic wave to attack the target. This attack does physical damage. |
| I | Psywave | Special | Clever | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) | The target is attacked with an odd psychic wave. The attack varies in intensity. |
| I | Reflect | Status | Clever | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | A wondrous wall of light is put up to reduce damage from physical attacks for five turns. |
| I | Rest | Status | Cute | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user goes to sleep for two turns. This fully restores the user’s HP and heals any status conditions. |
| III | Role Play | Status | Cute | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user mimics the target completely, copying the target’s natural Ability. |
| VII | Shattered Psyche | Physical | — | —% | 1 (max 1) | The user controls the target with its Z-Power and hurts the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move. | |
| VII | Shattered Psyche | Special | — | —% | 1 (max 1) | The user controls the target with its Z-Power and hurts the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move. | |
| III | Skill Swap | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user employs its psychic power to exchange Abilities with the target. |
| VII | Speed Swap | Status | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user exchanges Speed stats with the target. | |
| V | Stored Power | Special | Clever | 20 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user attacks the target with stored power. The more the user’s stats are raised, the greater the move’s power. |
| V | Synchronoise | Special | Clever | 120 | 100% | 10 (max 16) | Using an odd shock wave, the user inflicts damage on any Pokémon of the same type in the area around it. |
| V | Telekinesis | Status | Clever | — | —% | 15 (max 24) | The user makes the target float with its psychic power. The target is easier to hit for three turns. |
| I | Teleport | Status | Cool | — | —% | 20 (max 32) | Use it to flee from any wild Pokémon. |
| III | Trick | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) | The user catches the target off guard and swaps its held item with its own. |
| IV | Trick Room | Status | Clever | — | —% | 5 (max 8) | The user creates a bizarre area in which slower Pokémon get to move first for five turns. |
| V | Wonder Room | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) | The user creates a bizarre area in which Pokémon’s Defense and Sp. Def stats are swapped for five turns. |
| IV | Zen Headbutt | Physical | Clever | 80 | 90% | 15 (max 24) | The user focuses its willpower to its head and attacks the target. This may also make the target flinch. |
