Ground-type Pokémon can be dominant in a playthrough. While they are ineffective against Flying-types, Ground attacks deal super-effective damage against five others, and Pocket Monsters of this mono-typing are only vulnerable to three Pokémon types. As a result, Ground can be extremely helpful in battle.
Despite this strength, there are not many pure Ground-types in the series. The ones that exist range in power, but most of them are viable for large portions of the main series games. If trainers can find a strong Ground-type, they can benefit greatly in a playthrough, as it gives them the power to take on some of the more intimidating NPCs.
Dugtrio
Dugtrio has its place on an early-game team for a couple of reasons. One is its Attack stat, which is quite high compared to that of many other creatures. Another reason is its high Speed stat, which allows it to use its Physical strikes before opponents have the chance to attack. Most of Dugtrio's other stats, however, are unimpressive.
Its better defensive stat is on its Special side, and while this is not terrible, it is not high enough to help Dugtrio withstand extensive damage, especially because it is paired with its low HP stat. It becomes outclassed as players progress through the games, leaving Dugtrio behind in favor of better Ground-type choices.
Marowak
In recent times, Marowak has gained more attention for having one of the best-designed regional forms in Pokémon. While its Kantonian form is not incredible, it is far from useless. Though Marowak does not usually out-speed opponents, it has high enough defensive stats to stay in the battle for a decent amount of time.
With its turn, it can use its capable Attack stat to strike opponents, though this stat is not exceptional. Marowak is underwhelming in later portions of the games, but it is a reliable choice for early-game battles.
Sandslash
Sandslash is more than capable in the Physical stat department, having a fairly high Defense stat and an above-average Attack stat. Sandslash runs into issues against Special attackers, though. Sandslash's Special Defense is mediocre, and its Speed, while not abysmal, is not great either. This can leave Sandslash vulnerable.
If it has Sand Rush, a Hidden Ability that doubles its Speed in a sandstorm, Sandslash can be much more viable. However, it only situationally benefits from this Hidden Ability, making it not consistently reliable.
Sandaconda
With excellent Defense and a reasonable HP stat, Sandaconda is great against Physical attackers. It also has a more than decent Attack stat, so it can deal a solid amount of damage to enemies that do not heavily resist Physical damage. Sandaconda is worse against Special attackers, but even this defensive stat is not terrible compared to many other Pokémon.
Even with its Gigantamax form, Sandaconda is not very appreciated by a large portion of the fan base, making it one of the most underrated Pokémon from the Galar Region. However, it can be viable, even if it has a certain amount of difficulty with Special attackers.
Donphan
Donphan is one of the coolest Ground-type Pokémon in the franchise, and it is also more than capable in battle. Its Attack stat is exceptional, allowing it to make great use of the Physical attacks it has access to. Additionally, Donphan's Defense stat is also fantastic, which, paired with its HP, lets it withstand Physical damage with ease.
The main concern comes from Donphan's underwhelming Special Defense. Since the Pokémon is not very fast, it often needs to take damage before it can attack, which can cause problems if that damage is Special. However, if Donphan has Sturdy as its Ability, enemies cannot knock it out with one strike, allowing it to use its immense strength in retaliation.
Hippowdon
Like many other Ground-type Pokémon, Hippowdon is much better at defending against Physical attacks than Special attacks. Its Defense stat is great, and its Special Defense is much lower. However, Hippowdon is not useless against Special attackers, partly because of its high HP stat.
Offensively, Hippowdon can do a solid chunk of damage with its high Attack, but, also like many other Ground-types, its Special Attack is unimpressive. If it has Sand Force, a Hidden Ability that buffs Rock, Ground, and Steel moves in a sandstorm, it gains an extra offensive boost, but this is not always applicable.
Mudsdale
Compared to many other Ground-type Pokémon, Mudsdale is fairly competent against Special attackers. Its Special Defense is not exceptional, but it is good enough. Mudsdale's HP also helps to provide some extra bulk against both categories of damage. Furthermore, if Mudsdale has Stamina as its Ability, its Defense rises when a Pokémon hits it with an attack.
While this only affects its Physical side, it is still a huge benefit. When it comes to attacking, Mudsdale can be devastating with its high Attack stat. Access to some great Physical attacks also helps it to defeat enemy teams.
Groudon
One of the strongest Hoenn Legendary Pokémon, Groudon is an incredible Ground-type. Though Groudon's Primal Reversion is more powerful, it is Ground/Fire, and as such, does not qualify as a pure Ground-type. Even in its base state, Groudon is a dangerous force. Its Speed is not extraordinary, but it is high enough to move before many opponents. Its Attack stat is fantastic, and its Special Attack is also capable.
Great bulk allows it to take damage well, too, especially on the Physical side. Drought, Groudon's Ability, activates harsh sunlight when it enters the battle, which reduces damage from Water attacks, one of Groudon's weaknesses. Also, though Groudon is not a Fire-type, it has some powerful Fire attacks, which the sunlight boosts.
