Tinkaton is one of the most talked-about Pokémon introduced in the ninth generation, and for good reason. Its combination of the Fairy and Steel dual typing creates one of the most defensively resilient type profiles in the entire game, with a remarkable eleven resistances and two immunities packed into a single Pokémon. If you are trying to figure out what Tinkaton is actually weak to, how to hit it for super-effective damage, or how to counter it in either casual play or competitive formats, this guide gives you the complete picture.
The short answer is that Tinkaton is weak to exactly two types: Ground and Fire. That limited weakness profile is precisely why it creates such problems for opposing teams and why understanding those two exploitable weaknesses — along with how to get a Pokémon carrying them into a position to attack — is the foundation of dealing with Tinkaton effectively.
Tinkaton’s Type: Fairy and Steel
Tinkaton is a dual Fairy and Steel type Pokémon. This combination is widely considered one of the strongest defensive typings available, and the numbers back that up. The Fairy typing alone provides immunity to Dragon type moves and resistance to Fighting, Bug, and Dark. The Steel typing adds resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Steel, and Poison, along with immunity to Poison type moves entirely.
When you layer these two typings together, the result is a Pokémon that resists or is immune to an extraordinary range of attack types. Many commonly used attacking types simply deal reduced damage to Tinkaton, and the two types that do deal super-effective damage — Ground and Fire — require deliberate team building to take advantage of.
Tinkaton’s Weaknesses — The Full Breakdown
Ground Type — 2x Super Effective
Ground is one of Tinkaton’s two weaknesses and is broadly considered the more exploitable of the two in standard play. Ground type moves deal double damage to Steel types, and Tinkaton’s Steel typing makes it vulnerable. Earthquake is the most commonly used Ground type move in competitive Pokémon and is available to a wide range of physical attackers, making Ground coverage relatively easy to incorporate into a team specifically to handle Tinkaton.
Fire Type — 2x Super Effective
Fire is Tinkaton’s second weakness. Fire type moves also deal double damage against Steel types. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Flare Blitz are the most commonly used Fire type attacking moves and all of them hit Tinkaton for super-effective damage. Special Fire type attackers are particularly effective because Tinkaton’s special bulk is generally lower than its physical bulk.
Tinkaton’s Full Resistance Chart
Tinkaton resists or is immune to the following types: Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Steel, Fighting, Dark, Poison (immune), and Dragon (immune). Practically speaking, a large portion of the standard offensive move pool deals reduced damage to Tinkaton, which is why planning ahead with Ground or Fire coverage is essential.
Best Pokémon to Counter Tinkaton
Ground Type Attackers
Landorus-Therian is one of the most effective Ground type answers to Tinkaton in competitive play, combining a high base Attack stat with Earthquake and the U-turn pivot move to maintain momentum. Garchomp provides similar Ground type pressure with high Attack and Speed. Excadrill is another excellent option, particularly in sand teams where Sand Rush doubles its speed.
Fire Type Attackers
Volcarona stands out as a particularly strong answer to Tinkaton, combining powerful Fire type special attacks with the option to set up Quiver Dance. Heatran resists many of Tinkaton’s offensive options and carries reliable Fire type STAB. Cinderace provides a fast physical Fire type option through Pyro Ball.
How Tinkaton Attacks — What to Watch For
Tinkaton’s signature move is Gigaton Hammer, a Steel type physical attack with exceptional base power that cannot be used on consecutive turns. Beyond Gigaton Hammer, Tinkaton commonly runs Play Rough for Fairy type STAB, Thunder Clap for priority, and Knock Off for utility. The gap between Gigaton Hammer uses is the primary opportunity to bring in a Fire or Ground type counter.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tinkaton
What is Tinkaton weak to?
Tinkaton is weak to Ground and Fire type moves only. Both deal double damage due to its Steel typing.
Is Tinkaton good competitively?
Yes. Tinkaton is considered a strong competitive Pokémon due to its exceptional defensive typing, powerful Gigaton Hammer, and useful utility moves including Knock Off and Thunder Clap.
What is Tinkaton’s signature move?
Gigaton Hammer — a Steel type physical attack with very high base power that cannot be used on consecutive turns.
What types does Tinkaton resist?
Tinkaton resists Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, Fairy, Steel, Fighting, and Dark. It is immune to Poison and Dragon.
How do I safely bring in a counter against Tinkaton?
Pivot in after Tinkaton uses Gigaton Hammer — it cannot use it again the next turn. Use U-turn or Volt Switch from another teammate to bring your Fire or Ground attacker in safely.
Internal links: ‘Steel typing’ → type chart. ‘Smogon’ → Sneasler article. ‘competitive Pokémon’ → competitive guides section.
