There are eighteen types in the Pokemon world, and they all related to one another differently. As a result, it can be difficult to remember all of the matchups and combinations. Throw in the fact that many Pokemon are dual-types, and it gets even more complicated.
Never fear, though, as this article has you covered. This post will look at every type and its weaknesses, resistances, immunities, and more. In alphabetical order, here’s every Pokemon type and how it relates to the others.
Bug
Bug’s relation to other types has changed as new ones have been added over the years, though that’s true for most types. Unfortunately, it is resisted by many types, but, luckily, only has a few weaknesses. As of Generation VI, here’s what you need to know about the Bug-type, defensively.
Offensively, Bug isn’t great, but it does do well against some common types, making it useful in some situations. For the early years, it was one of the only threats to the dominant Psychic-type, and it retains that effectiveness today.
Dark
The Dark-type was added in Generation II and has also seen some changes in type matchup since then. Until Generation VI, Dark was resisted by Steel, but this is no longer the case.
Offensively, Dark is pretty useful, being created to balance out the powerful Psychic Pokemon that were dominating at the time.
Dragon
The Dragon-type is really interesting when it comes to type matchups. The Fairy-type was added in Generation VI and posed a serious threat to Dragon Pokemon, changing the latter’s role in the meta forever.
Offensively, Dragon is even more interesting, being only good against itself. Additionally, only one type resists Dragon-type moves and only one is immune to them. Because of this, Dragon has to rely on sheer power, unless it’s going up against other Dragon-types, who are the only ones weak to it.
Electric
Electric is one of only two types that can boast having a single weakness. The other one with this characteristic is the Normal-type. If a pure Electric-type can become airborne through the use of the ability Levitate or other methods, it actually has no weaknesses. It’s also worth noting that Electric-type Pokemon are immune to paralysis.
Offensively, Electric can be very useful. It’s good against some common types, but Ground-types are immune to it, so one must be careful.
Fairy
Fairy is the most recent type added to the series, debuting in Generation VI and shaking up the meta. Fairy is now considered by many to be one of the best types, and may perhaps see its own rebalancing. But, as of now, some popular powerful types can remain scared of these cute pink Pokemon.
Offensively is where Fairy shines. It’s great against some popular types and is only resisted by a few.
Fighting
Fighting has an interesting property that it shares with Bug, as they’re the only types that resist each other. In terms of weaknesses, Fighting has a few that are pretty common and powerful. Sadly, Fighting is one of the types that does not resist itself.
Offensively, Fighting stands out. It’s good against a decent number of types but sadly resisted by a bunch as well. It’s worth noting that Fighting is one of the few things not resisted by Steel, and it is actually good against it. It’s also worth noting that Fighting is the only weakness of the ever-present Normal-type.
Fire
Many people know that Steel has the most resistances, but it’s not as widely known that Fire has the second-most. However, it also has some pretty common weaknesses, so it sort of balances out in a way. It’s worth noting, too, that Fire-types cannot be burned.
Offensively, Fire is pretty decent. It’s good against a nice four types but also resisted by a few common ones, too.
Flying
Flying has an interesting set of weaknesses and resistances but is most notable for its complete immunity to Ground-type moves, grounded effects like entry hazards, and terrains. However, they don’t benefit from effects due to being airborne as well, like terrain bonuses.
Offensively, Flying is pretty popular in the meta. These Pokemon have the same number of types that they are good against and not so good against.
Ghost
Ghost-type Pokemon are very interesting in terms of type matchups. Defensively, they’re the only type with two immunities, which is very nice. They also cannot be trapped by moves like Mean Look, and they’re able to flee from any wild encounter regardless of speed.
Offensively, Ghost is interesting again. It joins Dragon as the only type good against itself. However, Ghost is good against Psychic, too, which is one type better than Dragon, which is only good against itself. While Ghost-types are immune to Normal-types, the same also holds true in reverse. Until the change in Generation VI, Steel also resists Ghost, but it no longer does.
Grass
Both offensively and defensively, Grass has a lot of matchups. It’s good against a decent number of types, but also weak to a lot too; in fact, Grass ties with Rock for having the most weaknesses. Sadly, it is resisted by a ton of types, too. However, don’t let that sour you, as Grass resists some types that are very common. Grass-types are immune to Leech Seed, as well.
Offensively, Grass is OK. It’s good against some types that you see quite a bit, but it’s resisted by a lot.
Ground
Ground is a pretty nice type, with some interesting matchups. It has its own immunity in Electric, but Flying is, in turn, immune to Ground. Ground-types also have immunity to both Thunder Wave and damage from sandstorm conditions.
Offensively, Ground is pretty good, being super-effective against five types, which is nothing to sneer at. It also boasts being the only weakness for Electric-types.
Ice
Ice is, sadly, often considered the worst type. It’s weak to three very common types and only resists itself. However, Ice-types are immune to being frozen, Sheer Cold, and damage from hail conditions.
Offensively, Ice isn’t fantastic. However, it is notable as one of Dragon’s only weaknesses, especially before Fairy was introduced in Gen VI.
Normal
Normal is fascinating in terms of type matchups. It doesn’t resist any types, but it also only has one weakness, a quality it shares only with the Electric-type. However, it’s immune to Ghost-type moves, which is definitely something worth remembering.
Offensively, Normal is not great. However, there are many Normal-type moves that are great, giving it some role offensively.
Poison
Poison-types are pretty useful, especially given their long list of resistances. Additionally, Poison-types cannot be poisoned and will remove Toxic Spikes from their side of the battlefield when they switch in.
Offensively, Poison-types are decent. Their proficiency against Fairy-types is definitely worth noting. However, Steel-types are immune to Poison-type moves.
Psychic
Psychic once reigned as the dominant, overpowered type, a title solidified by its lack of great weaknesses. It’s no longer as broken as it once was, but it is still pretty good.
Offensively, Psychic-types are still pretty great. However, Dark’s immunity to Psychic moves poses problems at times.
Rock
Rock-type Pokemon, alongside Grass-types, have the most weaknesses. However, Rock-types also have a good number of resistances. Defensively, they also benefit from having a special defense boost during sandstorm effects while also being immune to its damaging effects.
Offensively, Rock is pretty solid. It’s good against a decent four types but is also resisted by three.
Steel
Steel Pokemon are arguably one of the best types defensively, with a whopping ten resistances and an immunity. However, they also have three weaknesses. It should be noted that Steel-types are immune to being poisoned and the damage from sandstorm effects. Additionally, prior to Gen VI, Steel-types could also resist Dark and Ghost. They no longer do this.
Offensively, Steel is pretty good. It joins Poison as the only threats to the Fairy-type, and it’s also pretty good at taking down Ice-types and Rock-types.
Water
The final type in alphabetical order is Water, which is one of the first many people will use given its status as one of the three Starter Pokemon options in most games. Defensively, Water is respectable, but its real use is often offensive.
Offensively, Water excels. It’s great against a few common types and has access to some great moves.
NEXT: Pokemon That Can Learn Moves Based On Their Type Weaknesses
