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In Pokemon, using Bug-types can be risky business, with Fire, Fighting, and Flying being Super Effective types against them. However, a select few stand out as solid allies on competitive teams. Faster Bug-types are more likely to pose a threat to Grass, Psychic, and Dark-types on the field, and players can get a lot of use from their support movepool.

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Bug-type Pokemon are versatile in battles because they have some compelling moves, and many have high Sp. Atk. stats. Competitive Pokemon players must use Bug-types carefully since Fire-types are popular in the Video Game Championships (VGC). Still, they can be useful with the proper support and strategy. Let's review the best Bug-types for competitive Pokemon.

Updated on August 2nd, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: The Pokemon VGC is one of the most popular competitive playing grounds for Pokemon players around the world to participate in. The competitive front updates its rules to fit the most current Pokemon Generation, so players can enjoy all sides of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Team building has gotten even more complex due to Paradox Pokemon and Tera forms shaking the field, but players are creating new strategies to keep up with these changes.

Bug-types were far from forgotten in Generation Nine's new Pokemon lineup, and there are some interesting additions to the roster to consider. So, players can use this updated guide to find more of the strongest Bug-type Pokemon to use on their competitive teams.

8 Lokix

Lokix

HP: 71

Attack: 102

Defense: 78

Sp. Atk: 52

Sp. Def: 55

Speed: 92

Lokix is a dual Bug/Dark-type Pokemon from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. It does suffer from some of the common Bug weaknesses, such as a low Defense, but its Attack packs a surprising punch. Additionally, Dark-types have several resistances that do counteract its vulnerabilities. Psychic-type moves don't affect it at all, making it a problem for teams that rely on those offensive powers to break down their opponents.

Lokix has good type coverage with Fighting, Dark, and Bug-type moves available to it. Players can rely on moves like Lunge, Throat Chop, and First Impression to get ahead of their opponents with status changes and high priority. Lokix will struggle to take too many hits, but players can lead with it to set the energy of the match off well.

7 Rabsca

Pokemon Scarlet Violet Beginning Rabsca

HP: 75

Attack: 50

Defense: 85

Sp. Atk: 115

Sp. Def: 100

Speed: 45

Rabsca is a Generation Nine dual Bug/Psychic-type Pokemon. Rabsca has a unique evolution method, and players can only get through Tera Raid Battles or by using the Let's Go! feature in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to evolve a Rellor. Rabsca definitely favors its Psychic-typing, and Special stats are its main highlight. Competitive players will also want to make use of its "Swap" moves to surprise their opponents.

Rabsca has three useful moves called Speed Swap, Power Swap, and Guard Swap. These moves align with a specific stat and, when used, will switch the user's stats with the target's. For example, Guard Swap will exchange Rabsca's Defense and Special Defense with the opponents. This can open up an opportunity for an ally to deal more damage than normal.

6 Slither Wing

Slither Wing

HP: 85

Attack: 135

Defense: 79

Sp. Atk: 85

Sp. Def: 105

Speed: 81

Slither Wing is a dual Bug/Fighting-type Pokemon first seen in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Slither Wing is a Paradox Pokemon, which are only seen in Generation Nine and represent a group of Pokemon that have ancient or futuristic origins. For example, Slither Wing looks like Volcarona, although there is no traceable relation. The Pokemon relies on its high Attack and Sp. Def to stand out, but this is common for Paradox 'Mons.

Competitive players can boost it's strong-typing by using an Electric or Rock Tera form for protection against Flying-types. Offensively, Slither Wing's best options are Fighting-type moves such as Superpower and Low Sweep. Similar to most Bug-types, Slither Wing can also be used in a support role due to several status-changing moves, including Poison Powder, Stun Spore, and Wil-O-Wisp.

5 Frosmoth

Frosmoth Pokemon Sword Shield

HP: 70

Attack: 65

Defense: 60

Sp. Atk: 125

Sp. Def: 90

Speed: 65

Frosmoth is a dual Ice/Bug Pokemon from Gen VIII. It's got a diverse movepool that works both offensively and defensively. For example, Quiver Dance raises Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed stats. Its ability Shield Dust protects it from attacks with additional effects such as Confusion, Burn, Freeze, etc. Those effects make it a bulkier Pokemon than expected, so it stands a chance against Fire and Rock-type opponents.

When it goes on the attack, it can even lay out some Grass and Ground types with Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) moves like Bug Buzz and Ice Beam. Players should save Frosmoth for the end of a match to come in and take out opponents before its defense-weak typing rears its head. Its Hidden Ability Ice Scales does offer some protection against Special moves by halving their damage but move quickly to avoid KOs.

4 Heracross

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl Heracross

HP: 80

Attack: 125

Defense: 75

Sp. Atk: 40

Sp. Def: 95

Speed: 85

Heracross was one of the first Bug-type Pokemon to make a name for the type offensively. It was introduced in Generation II as a Bug/Fighting-type with a mean Attack stat. Its STAB moves cause real damage, with Brick Break and Megahorn being available. Being a Fighting type, it gains valuable resistance to Dark-type moves and is Super Effective against them with Bug-type moves.

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If its HP starts to dwindle, its ability Swarm kicks in and increases all damaging Bug-type attack moves, but more useful perhaps is its second ability, Guts. Guts give it an increase in power whenever it is affected by a Status Condition. Fire-types tend to leave burns with their moves, so there is a high chance of this activating in the VGC. Certain entry hazards like Spikes have status-changing abilities, so while Bug-types are vulnerable to them, there is a silver lining with Heracross.

3 Ribombee

Pokemon Ribombee

HP: 60

Attack: 55

Defense: 60

Sp. Atk: 95

Sp. Def: 70

Speed: 124

Ribombee is a dual Bug/Fairy type Pokemon. The bee-like Pokemon was introduced in Generation VI and is the evolved form of Cutiefly. Its main perk is its Speed stat so that it can outrun its competition easily. Its Sp. Atk. isn't too shabby either, so it's got a little power behind its attacks.

Sweet Scent means it's more likely to hit targets with lower accuracy moves and grants a good opportunity for Pollen Puff, Bug Buzz, and Dazzling Gleam. One of its perks is that Dragon-types hit with its Special STAB and Fairy-type moves take decent damage, but it is still at the mercy of its many Bug weaknesses. Players will have to strike first to be successful with Ribombee. One possible strategy is to have it set up some support with moves like Stun Spore and Aromatherapy. Stun Spore is a stalling method, but Aromatherapy makes it a healer Pokemon, which is perfect for Double Battles.

2 Golisopod

HP: 75

Attack: 125

Defense: 140

Sp. Atk: 60

Sp. Def: 90

Speed: 40

Golisopod's dual typing as Bug/Water allows it to eliminate its weakness to Fire. Of course, there is a trade-off as it picks up a weakness to Electric, but Golisopod can learn Drill Run to counteract that. In addition, its Water-type STAB moves, like Liquidation and Scald, make it a powerful force on the field to other types. There is also a chance Scald will leave a burn so it can soak in some passive damage from affected targets.

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Golisopod functions as a setter because of its ability Emergency Exit. Emergency Exit means that it automatically switches out with the following party Pokemon whenever its HP hits half or less. Used correctly, this is a great way to ambush opponents in matches, but the ability can be frustrating if players are not prepared.

1 Volcarona

Gen 5 Pokémon

HP: 85

Attack: 60

Defense: 65

Sp. Atk: 135

Sp. Def: 105

Speed: 100

Volcarona's dual typing is a bit of a paradox. Fire/Bug-type Pokemon are not a popular mix, and Volcarona is only one of four in Pokemon since Gen VIII. However, that is not the only reason it stands out. Its Sp. Atk. is sitting at an excellent 135, so its offensive moves are incredibly effective. It also has access to Quiver Dance, which boosts its already powerful moves.

Defensively it offers players a chance to gain passive burn damage with its ability Flame Body, which is activated whenever it is hit with a contact move. Additionally, players should prepare for Water threats with Grass-type support, another paradox-sounding pair. An ally like Venusaur or Rillaboom will go a long way to protect it and keep it on the field.

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