What is Super Effective Against Aerodactyl? A Comprehensive Guide
Aerodactyl, the fossil Pokémon known for its prehistoric power, can be a formidable opponent in battles across various Pokémon games and Pokémon GO. To effectively counter this ancient beast, understanding its weaknesses is paramount. Simply put, Aerodactyl is super effective against Pokémon that are Ice, Rock, Steel, Water, and Electric-type. This means these types of attacks will inflict double damage. Knowing these weaknesses allows trainers to build effective teams and strategies against Aerodactyl.
Understanding Aerodactyl’s Dual Typing
Aerodactyl’s vulnerability stems from its dual Rock and Flying typing. This combination, while offering some resistances, creates significant weaknesses that can be exploited in battles. To fully understand how to counter it, we must delve into these types individually.
Rock Type Weaknesses
As a Rock-type Pokémon, Aerodactyl is naturally weak against Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel types. However, Aerodactyl’s Flying type offers immunity to Ground-type moves, making this particular weakness irrelevant.
Flying Type Weaknesses
Flying-type Pokémon are traditionally weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock attacks. This is a crucial aspect to remember when devising a strategy against Aerodactyl. Combine the Rock and Flying-type weaknesses, and the list of super-effective types becomes very focused.
Top Super Effective Types Against Aerodactyl
To recap, the types that are most effective against Aerodactyl are Ice, Rock, Steel, Water, and Electric. These types should be the focus when selecting Pokémon for battle.
- Ice-type: Ice-type moves will deal substantial damage, making Ice Pokémon like Articuno or Mamoswine excellent choices.
- Rock-type: While a Rock-type Pokémon might have some shared weaknesses with Aerodactyl, Rock moves are super effective, meaning high-attack Rock-types like Tyranitar or Rhyperior are valuable.
- Steel-type: Steel-type attacks are very effective against Aerodactyl, especially those with a high attack stat like Metagross.
- Water-type: Water-type Pokémon like Kyogre or Swampert can exploit Aerodactyl’s Rock typing for significant damage.
- Electric-type: Electric-type moves are a reliable choice to exploit its Flying typing, with powerful Pokémon like Zapdos being an excellent choice.
Why Are These Types Effective?
The effectiveness of these types is directly tied to the Type Chart within the Pokémon universe. The Type Chart is a fundamental mechanic dictating which Pokémon types are strong or weak against others. In Aerodactyl’s case, the types listed above exploit the core vulnerabilities inherent in its Rock/Flying dual typing.
- Ice: Ice attacks hit Flying-types super effectively, dealing double damage to this aspect of Aerodactyl’s dual-typing.
- Rock: Rock attacks hit Flying types super effectively, once again hitting half of Aerodactyl’s dual-typing advantageously.
- Steel: Steel attacks are effective against Rock types.
- Water: Water attacks are effective against Rock types.
- Electric: Electric attacks hit Flying-types super effectively, giving it the same advantages as Ice and Rock.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Aerodactyl Weak to Fire?
No, Aerodactyl is actually resistant to Fire-type attacks. It takes reduced damage from Fire moves, as this type is ineffective against Rock-types, and resisted by Flying-types.
2. Is Aerodactyl Immune to Ground-type Attacks?
Yes, Aerodactyl is immune to Ground-type attacks. Due to its Flying type, it takes no damage from Ground moves. However, remember that as a Rock type, it will take standard damage from non-flying ground-type Pokémon.
3. What Are the Best Counters for Shadow Aerodactyl?
Shadow Aerodactyl retains the same weaknesses but will hit harder. Focus on Rock, Steel, and Electric-type Pokémon with high attack stats. Consider using Shadow Metagross, Shadow Rhyperior, or a strong Electric-type like Zapdos.
4. Can I use Ground attacks against Aerodactyl?
No, you cannot. Due to Aerodactyl’s dual-typing as a Rock and Flying-type Pokémon, its immunity to ground-type attacks remains. Use other types instead.
5. Is Aerodactyl a good Pokémon?
Aerodactyl is a reasonably powerful Pokemon, having high speed and attack stats. However, it is a glass cannon, having weak defenses. Its typing gives it many weaknesses, so be careful in match-ups. Mega Aerodactyl, however, is considered to be a top-tier threat.
6. How Many Trainers are Needed to Beat Aerodactyl in Raids?
Typically, Aerodactyl can be defeated by 2 trainers in a raid. However, for a more comfortable experience, having 3 or more trainers is advised. It’s important to be able to deal a large amount of damage quickly, given its glass-cannon status.
7. Is Shiny Aerodactyl Available?
Yes, Shiny Aerodactyl is available through raids and other events in Pokémon GO.
8. What Counters Aerodactyl in Fire Red?
In Fire Red, focus on Electric and Ice-type moves to defeat Aerodactyl. Zapdos and Articuno are excellent choices given their high base stats.
9. Can Aerodactyl be Paralyzed?
Yes, Aerodactyl can be paralyzed, and paralysis can greatly reduce its speed and overall effectiveness.
10. How Can I Get an Aerodactyl?
Aerodactyl is an ancient Pokémon that requires finding a fossil, typically Old Amber, and reviving it. It can also be found in raids and some special events.
11. Is Aerodactyl Strong Against Slowbro?
Aerodactyl is not particularly strong against Slowbro. Slowbro, being a Water and Psychic-type, is vulnerable to Bug, Ghost, Dark, Electric and Grass-type attacks, none of which Aerodactyl are able to take advantage of. Aerodactyl’s dual Rock/Flying typing means it’s not super effective against Slowbro’s unique type combination.
12. What is Mega Aerodactyl?
Mega Aerodactyl is Aerodactyl’s Mega Evolved form, which is significantly stronger and faster. It can overwhelm many Pokémon, but retains the same weaknesses as the base form, albeit with slightly more bulk.
13. How Many Trainers to Beat Mega Aerodactyl?
It’s recommended to take on Mega Aerodactyl with at least 3 to 5 trainers. Its increased stats make it a considerably more challenging raid than its base form. Ensure you have effective counters for an easier win.
14. Why is Ground Not Effective Against Aerodactyl?
As a dual Rock and Flying-type Pokémon, Aerodactyl is immune to ground-type moves. Ground type attacks are totally ineffective. This is because flying types are immune to ground attacks.
15. Is Aerodactyl weak to Grass?
No, Grass type moves are not super-effective against Aerodactyl. Grass types moves are effective against Rock types but are ineffective against Flying-types, which Aerodactyl is, rendering it useless.
Conclusion
Understanding Aerodactyl’s dual Rock/Flying typing and resulting vulnerabilities is essential to building successful teams in Pokémon battles. Remembering the Ice, Rock, Steel, Water, and Electric types that deal double damage will ensure you are well-equipped to face this ancient and powerful foe, whether in Pokémon GO or other games in the franchise. With the knowledge of Aerodactyl’s weaknesses and strengths, you can become a more proficient and successful trainer.