Rethinking Type Matchups: Which Pokémon Deserve a Typing Overhaul?

The world of Pokémon is built upon a foundation of strategic type matchups, a complex web of strengths, weaknesses, immunities, and resistances. But sometimes, a Pokémon’s assigned type just doesn’t feel right. Maybe it contradicts their design, their lore, or their movepool. Today, we’re diving deep into the Pokémon that deserve a serious re-evaluation of their typings.

Pokémon That Need a Type Change

Several Pokémon have been the subject of much debate among fans regarding their typings. Here are some of the most egregious offenders:

• Charizard (Fire/Flying to Fire/Dragon): This is the poster child for mistyped Pokémon. Charizard’s design is undeniably draconic, and its Japanese name, Lizardon, reinforces this connection. Giving it the Dragon typing would not only satisfy long-standing fan demand but also make sense based on its appearance and abilities.

• Blastoise (Water to Water/Steel): Blastoise’s defining feature are its massive cannons, which are clearly made of metal. A Water/Steel typing would make Blastoise a powerhouse, granting it key resistances and offensive opportunities. It would also mirror the design of its Mega Evolution more accurately.

• Grapploct (Fighting to Fighting/Water): As its name suggests, Grapploct lives in the water. This Pokemon would benefit from a Water-type secondary typing.

• Passimian (Fighting to Fighting/Grass): This Pokémon lives in groups of 20 to 30 individuals and are always carrying around a green fruit. Giving it the Grass typing would not only satisfy long-standing fan demand but also make sense based on its appearance and abilities.

• Cursola (Ghost to Water/Ghost): Cursola is the Ghost-type evolution of Corsola, a Water/Rock-type Pokémon. Cursola is also the Ghost-type evolution of Corsola, a Water/Rock-type Pokémon.

• Fletchling (Normal/Flying to Fire/Flying): With its Fire-type evolutions, it’s fair to expect this Pokémon to be a Fire-type.

• Zebstrika (Electric to Electric/Fire): Zebstrika is primarily black in color. Its black body with white stripes give it a Fire-type.

• Butterfree (Bug/Flying to Bug/Psychic): Based on Butterfree’s movepool and design, Bug/Psychic makes much more sense. Many of its moves are Psychic-type moves.

Pokémon That Would Benefit From a Third Type

The introduction of a third type could open up entirely new strategic possibilities. Here are some candidates:

• Grapploct (Fighting to Fighting/Water/Rock): As its name suggests, Grapploct lives in the water. To further exemplify it, giving it the Rock typing would not only satisfy long-standing fan demand but also make sense based on its appearance and abilities.

• Decidueye (Grass/Ghost to Grass/Ghost/Flying): Decidueye is clearly inspired by archery and owls. As its name suggests, Decidueye glides through the air and is one of the most common moves for the Pokémon.

• Goodra (Dragon to Dragon/Water/Fairy): Goodra is known to be extremely slippery and its moves are mostly Water-type.

• Meloetta (Normal/Psychic to Normal/Psychic/Fairy): Meloetta is the Melody Pokémon. This Pokémon is seen as a Fairy-type.

• Lucario (Fighting/Steel to Fighting/Steel/Psychic): Lucario has the ability to sense the aura of everything around it. This Pokémon has strong psychic abilities.

• Flygon (Ground/Dragon to Ground/Dragon/Bug): As its name suggests, Flygon is related to a dragonfly. This Pokémon would benefit from a Bug-type secondary typing.

• Tyranitar (Rock/Dark to Rock/Dark/Steel): Tyranitar is known for its tough armor. A Steel-type would be a great fit for this Pokémon.

• Ninetales (Fire to Fire/Fairy/Ghost): Ninetales is the evolution of Vulpix. This Pokémon is seen as a haunting creature that has a Fairy-type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Pokémon typings and how they could be improved:

H3 Why is type balancing so important in Pokémon?

Type balancing is crucial because it dictates the strategic depth of the game. A well-balanced type chart ensures that no single type is overwhelmingly dominant, encouraging players to build diverse teams and employ thoughtful strategies.

H3 What are the rarest type combinations currently in the game?

The rarest type combinations are often those that involve types with fewer Pokémon overall. Examples include Normal/Ice, Normal/Bug, and Normal/Rock. The scarcity of these combinations makes them unique and potentially valuable in competitive play.

H3 How do a Pokémon’s abilities influence its ideal typing?

A Pokémon’s abilities can significantly impact its ideal typing. For example, a Pokémon with the ability Levitate might not need a Flying-type secondary typing, as it already achieves immunity to Ground-type moves. Conversely, an ability that boosts the power of a specific type of move might make a Pokémon more effective with that type.

H3 Are there any types that are inherently stronger than others?

While no type is inherently unbeatable, some types possess superior defensive or offensive characteristics. Steel is often considered one of the strongest defensive types due to its numerous resistances and immunity to Poison. Offensively, Ice, Fighting, Ground, and Ghost/Dark boast excellent coverage against a wide range of Pokémon.

H3 What is the significance of dual-typing?

Dual-typing adds a layer of complexity to the battle system. It allows Pokémon to cover more type weaknesses and exploit a wider range of opposing Pokémon. However, it can also introduce new vulnerabilities, as dual-typed Pokémon are susceptible to moves that are super effective against both of their types.

H3 How does a Pokémon’s lore and design inform its typing?

A Pokémon’s lore and design should ideally align with its typing. When there is a disconnect between a Pokémon’s appearance, background, and type, it can lead to fan dissatisfaction and a sense of imbalance.

H3 What is the process for determining a Pokémon’s type?

The exact process used by Game Freak for determining a Pokémon’s type is not publicly disclosed. However, it likely involves a combination of factors, including the Pokémon’s appearance, behavior, habitat, movepool, and intended role in the game’s narrative and competitive landscape.

H3 Can type matchups ever be completely balanced?

Achieving perfect type balance is likely an impossible goal. As new Pokémon and abilities are introduced, the type meta constantly evolves. However, developers can strive for greater balance by carefully considering the strengths and weaknesses of each type and making adjustments as needed.

H3 How would adding a third type impact the game?

Adding a third type could dramatically alter the competitive landscape. It would introduce new strategic possibilities and force players to rethink their team compositions and battle strategies. However, it could also make the type chart even more complex and potentially lead to unforeseen imbalances.

H3 What is the most overpowered Pokémon in the game?

Arceus is generally considered the most overpowered Pokémon. As the creator of the universe in Pokémon lore, its stats and movepool are exceptionally strong.

H3 Which 6 Pokémon types cover all types?

Ground, Flying, Fighting, Ice, and Ghost/Dark cover all types. By having these types, you are guaranteed to have strong movesets.

H3 Which Pokémon has no weaknesses?

The Eelektross line has no weaknesses. With the Levitate ability, it becomes extremely difficult to defeat.

H3 What is the rarest Pokémon type combination?

Dark/Steel is the rarest Pokémon type combination. Pokémon with this type are the least common.

H3 What is the weakest Pokémon type?

The Bug type is generally seen as the weakest due to its numerous weaknesses and limited offensive capabilities.

H3 How can I learn more about Pokémon strategy and type matchups?

There are numerous resources available to help you learn more about Pokémon strategy and type matchups. Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia offer comprehensive information on all aspects of the Pokémon world. You can also find helpful guides and tutorials on YouTube and other online platforms. Consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society to understand how games, including Pokémon, can be used in educational contexts. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

The Future of Pokémon Typings

As the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, it’s essential that the developers remain open to re-evaluating existing typings. Addressing inconsistencies and exploring new possibilities, such as the introduction of a third type, could revitalize the battle system and keep the game fresh and engaging for years to come. By thoughtfully considering the design, lore, and competitive implications of each type assignment, Game Freak can ensure that the world of Pokémon remains a vibrant and strategically rewarding experience for players of all ages.