Garganacl weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Garganacl is one of the new Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Known as the Rock Salt Pokémon, Garganacl is a bulky Rock type that can tank even the strongest of physical attackers. Working around its incredible bulk and powerful ability can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s our guide on Garganacl’s weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides and features hub.

Garganacl weaknesses and best counters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Garganacl is a strong Pokémon that excels at walling physical attackers. It is a defensive setup Pokémon that can become practically unstoppable if you aren’t prepared. It’s no exaggeration to say that allowing a Garganacl to set up and not having an appropriate counter can be the sole reason you lose.

As a pure Rock-type, Garganacl is weak to:

• Grass
• Ground
• Fighting
• Steel
• Water

However, most players using Garganacl will take advantage of Terastallization to convert it into either Ghost or Steel. Garganacl with a Ghost Tera Type is particularly scary, as its ability, Purifying Salt, halves the damage of opposing Ghost-type moves. This means that its only weakness as a Ghost Type is Dark, plus it gains immunity to Normal and Fighting-type moves.

A typical defensive setup moveset for Gargancl. Screenshot by PC Invasion

The good news is that Garganacl has a couple of weaknesses that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players can take advantage of. For one, its base 35 Speed is terrible. Almost any Pokémon you use will attack first against Garganacl, making it easy enough to prevent it from setting up as long as you have an appropriate counter.

Keeping this in mind your best bet to shutting down a Garganacl is Taunt. Taunt is a Dark-type move that forces an opposing Pokémon to attack. Without access to Iron Defense and Recover Garganacl’s survivability is greatly reduced. Alternatively, strong special attackers that deal neutral or super effective damage can usually dispose of Garganacl before it sets up.

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet can be purchased on the Nintendo Store.