Is Cobalion Weak to Fairy? Unraveling the Steel/Fighting Type
The short, direct answer is: No, Cobalion is not weak to Fairy-type attacks. While many Fighting-type Pokémon cower before the whimsical power of Fairy types, Cobalion’s unique dual typing as a Steel/Fighting Pokémon grants it a surprising level of resilience. This combination shifts the usual type match-ups, making Cobalion a formidable opponent in many battles. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into Cobalion’s typing, weaknesses, strengths, and discuss how it fares against Fairy-type foes.
Cobalion’s Dual Typing Explained
Understanding why Cobalion isn’t weak to Fairy-type attacks requires a good grasp of its dual typing. As a Steel/Fighting type, Cobalion inherits the strengths and weaknesses of both types. Here’s a breakdown:
- Fighting Type: A standard Fighting type is weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy attacks. It’s strong against Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, and Dark types.
- Steel Type: Steel types are weak to Fighting, Ground, and Fire attacks. However, they are resistant to a whopping 10 types: Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy.
This is where the magic of dual-typing comes in. Cobalion’s Steel type negates the usual weakness to Fairy types that a pure Fighting type would have. This means Fairy-type moves only deal neutral damage to Cobalion, rather than the super-effective damage they’d inflict on a pure Fighting type.
How This Affects Battles
The Steel type’s resistance to Fairy-type moves is a crucial aspect of Cobalion’s strength. This dual-typing makes Cobalion a more versatile and less predictable Pokémon in battles. It’s able to withstand attacks that would easily topple other Fighting types. This unique aspect contributes significantly to Cobalion’s place in various competitive and raid settings.
Cobalion’s True Weaknesses
While Fairy-type attacks aren’t a problem, Cobalion does have its weaknesses. It is vulnerable to:
- Fighting: This double-weakness (inherent to both its Steel and Fighting type) makes it susceptible to powerful Fighting-type attacks.
- Ground: Ground-type moves deal super effective damage to Cobalion due to its Steel typing.
- Fire: Fire-type attacks also deal super effective damage due to its Steel typing.
Knowing these weaknesses is essential when facing Cobalion. Utilizing Pokémon with Fire, Fighting, or Ground moves will give you a distinct advantage in battle.
Cobalion’s Strengths
Cobalion also boasts several notable strengths, primarily due to its typing:
- Strong against: Cobalion’s attacks are super-effective against Pokémon that are weak to Fighting-type attacks like Dialga and Darkrai, which have a vulnerability to fighting. Furthermore, its Steel-type attacks can quickly deal with Ice, Rock, and Fairy types.
- Resilient against: Due to its Steel typing, Cobalion resists a vast range of types, including Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy. This makes it a tanky choice in battle and also allows for a much broader range of offensive possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cobalion
To further clarify some common points of interest about Cobalion, here are fifteen frequently asked questions:
1. What Pokémon is good against Cobalion in raids?
The best counters for Cobalion in raids include Pokémon with Fire, Fighting, and Ground moves. Specifically, powerful options include Reshiram, Mega Charizard, Chandelure, Darmanitan, Lucario, and Conkeldurr.
2. Is Cobalion a legendary or mythical Pokémon?
Cobalion is a Legendary Pokémon. It is also one of the Swords of Justice, a legendary quartet that includes Terrakion, Virizion, and Keldeo.
3. Does Cobalion evolve?
No, Cobalion does not evolve into any other Pokémon.
4. Can Cobalion be defeated by a group of three trainers?
Yes, with properly prepared and leveled Pokémon, three trainers can successfully defeat Cobalion in a raid. Proper planning and the use of counters is essential to ensure success.
5. What happens if you accidentally defeat Cobalion?
Don’t worry! If you accidentally knock out Cobalion (or any of the other Swords of Justice), it will respawn. Leave the area and return to where you found it, where it will reappear.
6. Can Cobalion be paralyzed?
Yes, Cobalion can be affected by paralysis. However, the game also has features that may enhance the abilities of Cobalion when in a paralyzed, poisoned, or burned state.
7. Is Lucario better than Cobalion?
The better Pokémon is dependent on the user’s goals. Cobalion is faster and bulkier, with Swords Dance, while Lucario is a powerful special sweeper. The best option will depend on your team composition.
8. What is Cobalion’s Hidden Ability?
Cobalion’s hidden ability isn’t necessarily a set ability, but rather a way to set up an offensive capability, such as using Hidden Power Grass to break through Water-types, as well as using Fightinium Z.
9. What is the best Pokeball to catch Cobalion with?
A Master Ball will ensure a 100% catch rate. However, other Pokeballs can be used, although they will come with a lesser catch rate. The user may also use berries to increase the likelihood of capturing Cobalion.
10. Is Virizion a mythical Pokemon?
No, Virizion is a Legendary Pokémon, just like Cobalion, Terrakion, and Keldeo.
11. What are Groudon’s weaknesses?
Groudon is a pure Ground-type and is weak to Water, Grass, and Ice attacks.
12. What happens if Cobalion faints in Pokémon Black?
If Cobalion faints in Pokémon Black, you’ll have to defeat the Elite Four again to make it reappear in the game world.
13. Is Cobalion a good Pokémon to use?
Cobalion is not an ideal early-game Pokémon due to its moderate attack. However, it can shine in late-game scenarios, where it can use Stealth Rock to weaken opponents before attempting to sweep through weakened teams.
14. Can you still catch Cobalion if it faints?
Yes, you can. If you defeat Cobalion, or it faints, it will reappear after defeating the Elite Four again.
15. What is the best moveset for Cobalion?
Cobalion’s best moveset is generally considered to be Double Kick and Sacred Sword, offering high damage per second and decent tankiness.
Conclusion
Understanding Cobalion’s dual Steel/Fighting typing is crucial to understanding how it interacts with other Pokémon types. While it might seem counterintuitive for a Fighting type, Cobalion is not weak to Fairy-type moves. Its Steel type gives it a crucial edge in battles by eliminating a weakness that many other fighting types share. By carefully using its typing, abilities, and moveset, Cobalion can be a powerful asset to your team. When facing Cobalion, remember to exploit its weaknesses (Fire, Ground, and Fighting) while being cautious of its strengths. This knowledge will help you strategize effectively and achieve victory in your Pokémon battles.