Types

In the world of Pokémon, types categorize both Pokémon and their moves based on several distinct characteristics. For example, Pokémon sort on physical appearance, habitat, way of life, or battle styles. At the same time, moves classify through what element they utilize to manifest the respective action. These elements usually follow the classical portrayal of elemental forces in pop culture found around the world, rather than being based on our periodic table.

As of Generation 8, 18 different types are making up an elaborate type chart, all having their intrinsic strengths and weaknesses that, for the most part, are logically sound and balance out one another. In older generations of Pokémon, this was not always the case, and three additional types got implemented. These types have been the Steel-, Dark- and Fairy-type. The first two got introduced in the second generation, while the latter got implemented in Gen 6.

Each Pokémon belongs to either one or two of these 18 types, making them either single- or dual-typed creatures with sometimes exciting pairings. For example, Volcanion, known as the Steam Pokémon, is a dual-typed Pokémon belonging to both the Fire- and Water-type at the same time – two elements that act as opposites. Even more interesting are the pairings of Meditite and Medicham, as both belong to the Psychic- and Fighting-type. This type-pairing is often a contradicting trope in popular media as many physical fighters are rarely depicted to be capable of higher intelligence associated with psychic abilities.

On the other hand, moves belong to only a single type, indicating against which type they are effective against and against which they are not. For example, a Cyndaquil using the Fire-typed move Ember against the Water-typed Totodile will deal halved damage to it as Water is resistant to Fire.

In that regard, the game usually notifies the player if a move is effective, ineffective, or effectless against the opponent. These notifications consist of either an “It’s super effective!” “It’s not very effective…” or “It has no effect at all.” displayed right after the damage calculation took place. However, the messages do not indicate how high or low the damage multiplicator has been. Let me explain:

If the attack were effective against the opponent, the damage would double, if it were not, the inflicted damage would half, and if the attack were effectless, it would multiply by 0 dealing no damage at all. Additionally, the damage multiplicator can stack up based on the defender’s type. Meaning, when a Pokémon is of the Grass- and Bug-type, it will receive an x4 damage multiplicator when attacked with a Fire-typed move. This multiplicator can be increased to an x6 damage multiplicator if the assailant is of the Fire-type. Pokémon utilizing attacks of their same type receive a ‘STAB’ (Same-type attack bonus), meaning a Fire-type Pokémon would receive a ‘STAB’ from using a Fire-type attack. This ‘STAB’ adds another x1.5 damage multiplicator to the equation.

This type of chart displays the current strength and weaknesses of each Pokémon type. The horizontal row located at the top mark the defender's type, while the left-handed, vertically aligned column marks the assailant's (or attacker's) type.

This type chart applies to:

• Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire
• Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go, Pikachu!, and Let's Go, Eevee!
• Pokémon Sword and Shield

Over the years, most of the type chart has remained the same, with a few noteworthy changes. Generation 2 introduced both the Dark- and Steel-type to balance out previous oversights, while Generation 6 saw the introduction of the Fairy-type to balance out the other types further.

Down below are two additional type charts for both the first and the second to the fifth generation, including noteworthy information on affected type combinations.