Paras
Burrows to suck tree roots. The mushrooms on its back grow by draw ing nutrients from the bug host.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Bug Buzz serves as Paras's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Paras's Attack of 70, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Solar Beam is Paras's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Grass-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a physical move, it synergizes with Paras's Attack stat of 70, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
Signal Beam rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Paras's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Paras's primary attacks.
Pin Missile serves as Paras's main Bug-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Paras's Attack of 70, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Bug.
Strengths
- ▸Paras's Bug/Grass typing gives its STAB moves like Bug Buzz and Solar Beam a 50% damage bonus, hitting notably hard against matching weaknesses
- ▸Resisting Electric, Fighting, Grass gives Paras natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸Paras's moveset provides good coverage, letting it handle various matchup scenarios
Weaknesses
- ▸Opponents carrying Fire moves can OHKO Paras due to its 4x weakness, making prediction essential
- ▸With only 25 speed, Paras struggles to act first
- ▸The 25 Speed stat leaves Paras outsped by most offensive threats, limiting its offensive potential
- ▸With only 285 total stats, Paras is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Build Paras as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Consider Expert Belt if Paras runs diverse coverage moves for super-effective hits. Predict Bug moves and double-switch to preserve Paras for later. Pair Paras with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Paras's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. With a 285 base stat total led by its attack of 70, Paras relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Bug/Grass typing creates vulnerabilities to Bug, Fire, Flying types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Electric, Fighting, Grass provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Paras is a niche choice that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 285 BST, Paras sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Bug Buzz, Solar Beam) with coverage moves (Signal Beam), giving Paras answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Bug, Fire, Flying mean Paras must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Electric, Fighting, Grass provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Paras is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. For optimal performance, build Paras with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Paras is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Paras in against Bug types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Bug. If forced to fight, use Bug Buzz and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Electric-type opponents: Paras has the advantage here. Its Bug typing reduces incoming Electric damage, allowing Paras to tank hits and retaliate with Bug Buzz. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Paras's 25 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Fire-type opponents: Paras has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Bug moves deal super-effective damage to Fire types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Paras when you expect Fire types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Paras excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Paras to apply pressure with Bug Buzz and Solar Beam, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Bug types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Paras's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Paras for crucial late-game moments.
During the mid-game, Paras's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Paras out when facing its weakness to Bug, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Paras can handle.
Use Signal Beam as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Paras is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Paras can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Paras to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Electric, Fighting to tank a hit, then strike with Bug Buzz before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Paras with a Fire-type partner to absorb Bug attacks that Paras is weak to
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Paras's Bug/Grass typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
- ▸Pair Paras with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Bug-type Pokemon with STAB Bug moves to exploit Paras's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 35 will outspeed and KO Paras before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Paras's low Defense (55) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Paras's weak Special Defense (55) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Paras with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Paras's primary weakness while Paras handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Paras alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Paras's defensive typing. Switch Paras in to absorb hits with its Electric, Fighting resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Weather Team: If building a weather team, Paras's Bug/Grass typing provides neutral coverage regardless of weather. Add a weather setter and Pokemon that benefit from the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Paras good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Paras is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 285 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Paras can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Paras?
A:Paras benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Paras has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Paras?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Paras, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Paras to outspeed specific threats. Since Paras's Attack (70) exceeds its Special Attack (45), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Paras?
A:Paras's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Paras before it acts, especially given its 25 Speed. To beat Paras, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.