Malamar — Abilities, Weaknesses & Best Builds
"Malamar is a physical attacker built around physical attacks (92 Attack). It can take hits and hit back, and it's commonly used because its dark/psychic typing only has 2 weaknesses, which makes it forgiving to switch in."
✅ Strong against
Resisted or immune to these attack types
⚠️ Watch out for
These attack types deal extra damage
How to actually play it
- 1
Open Malamar into a favorable type matchup using its dark/psychic STAB.
- 2
Pick the move that does the most damage to the most likely switch-in, not just the current Pokémon.
- 3
Pivot out once the opponent brings in a counter — don't get walled and lose a turn.
What new players get wrong
- ✕
Forgetting which attacks Malamar actually resists and burning a switch on a neutral hit.
- ✕
Trying to outspeed faster threats. Pair it with a slow pivot or speed control instead.
- ✕
Expecting it to OHKO things — its job is usually role compression, not raw damage.
Why we rate Malamar the way we do
- Dual typing — more weaknesses to track
- Multiple abilities to choose between
Base Stats
Total: 482Use EVs to amplify the highest two — that's usually where this Pokémon's job lives.
Mega Evolutions
Malamar transforms mid-battle when holding the right Mega Stone. Each form has its own stats, typing and ability.
Loading moves…
| Move | Type | Cat | Pwr | Acc | PP | How |
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Where Malamar shows up
#131
Usage ~1.64% · Win rate ~51.73%
#64
Usage ~3.24% · Win rate ~53.4%
Malamar FAQ
- What are Malamar's abilities in Pokémon Champions?
- Malamar can run contrary, suction-cups, infiltrator. The competitive default is usually contrary — see the abilities section above for the trade-offs.
- What is Malamar weak to in Pokémon Champions?
- Malamar takes extra damage from bug, fairy. The full weakness breakdown is in the Weaknesses section, including any 4× type matchups.
- What is the best moveset for Malamar?
- The best moveset for Malamar depends on whether you're running it in Singles or Doubles. The Best Moveset section above lists the standard competitive set used at the top of the Pokémon Champions ladder.
- What counters Malamar in Pokémon Champions?
- The most reliable counters to Malamar are Pokémon with strong bug, fairy attacks that outspeed it. See the Best Counters section for specific picks.
- Is Malamar good in the current Pokémon Champions meta?
- Malamar's usage and win rate in M-B Singles and Doubles are shown in the Format Snapshot section. Cross-reference with the Champions Lab tier list for full context.