Species guide · Ages 10+ · July 2026
Smeargle
Say it: SMEA-rgl-e
Kids summary (simpler)Tap to expand
Smeargle is the Painter Pokémon — Normal with Sketch. In Pokémon GO it copies the moves of the Pokémon you photograph — every Smeargle has a different moveset. It is a PvP novelty and collector’s trophy, not a serious raid attacker. Fighting hits Normal hard. Catch Smeargle only through GO Snapshot photobombs during special events.
Say it: SMEA-rgl-e
Smeargle (#235) is a Normal Pokémon in Pokémon GO with the unique Sketch mechanic — its moves are copied from whatever Pokémon photobombed your snapshot. Trainers hunt specific move combinations for PvP memes; there is no fixed meta moveset. Against Smeargle, lead with Fighting. Our Game Master snapshot lists no fixed moves — verify your copy’s Sketch moves live.
Type-colored placeholder — not official Pokémon artwork (see IP notice below).
Pokédex notes
Smeargle is a Normal-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. National Dex #0235. Normal types need coverage moves — check our moveset guide before spending TMs.
Where in GO: Wild spawns, eggs, Field Research, and seasonal events
Invest tip: Do not power up random Smeargle — hunt the Sketch combo you want first. Shadow Smeargle is extremely rare and follows Shadow rules. No TMs change Sketch moves.
Type matchups
- Normal moves do not have a common super-effective target in our chart.
When Smeargle is your opponent, Fighting hits hard.
Full type matchup guide →GO base stats
From Game Master snapshot — IVs, buddy, and power-ups change real battle stats.
- Attack
- 40
- Defense
- 83
- Stamina
- 146
Weak to
Resists
Best Pokémon to use against it
When this species is your opponent (Rocket battle, gym, raid, or PvP), these picks exploit its typings. Each list is a pool of options — not a required 12-Pokémon lobby.
Recommended
Strongest practical attackers for this matchup.
- 1. Mega Lucario · beats Fighting
Counter + Aura Sphere
- 2. Mega Mewtwo X · beats Fighting
Counter + Focus Blast — Psychic/Fighting Mega
- 3. Terrakion · beats Fighting
Double Kick + Sacred Sword
- 4. Shadow Machamp · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 5. Lucario · beats Fighting
Counter + Aura Sphere
- 6. Conkeldurr · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 7. Machamp · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 8. Shadow Hariyama · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 9. Keldeo · beats Fighting
Low Kick + Sacred Sword
- 10. Buzzwole · beats Fighting
Counter + Superpower
- 11. Toxicroak · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 12. Breloom · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
Budget
Solid alternatives when you cannot build the Recommended picks.
- 1. Conkeldurr · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 2. Machamp · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 3. Hariyama · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 4. Toxicroak · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 5. Breloom · beats Fighting
Counter + Dynamic Punch
- 6. Poliwrath · beats Fighting
Rock Smash + Dynamic Punch
- 7. Primeape · beats Fighting
Counter + Close Combat
- 8. Heracross · beats Fighting
Counter + Close Combat
- 9. Emboar · beats Fighting
Low Kick + Focus Blast
- 10. Sawk · beats Fighting
Low Kick + Focus Blast
- 11. Throh · beats Fighting
Low Kick + Focus Blast
- 12. Hitmonchan · beats Fighting
Counter + Close Combat
Recommended moves
Smeargle has no fixed Game Master move pool — moves come from Sketch (photobomb). Check your copy’s moves before any investment.
Fast
Charged
In your Collect
Name match only (text). Cards you have saved in Card Nexus Collect — not official art.
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Open Collect →Raid and PvP advice uses our Game Master snapshot (updated July 2026).