Every single Pokemon is made up of one or two Types, usually of an element; At the same time, each move a Pokemon can learn causes one kind of elemental damage from the same pool of eighteen types. Types play a role in both a Pokemon’s offense and defense. While battling, you’ll eventually receive three different messages for type match-ups.
The following chart contains the strengths, weaknesses, and immunities of all eighteen different types. The left side of the chart is offense. The top of the chart is defense.
It’s Super Effective
Some types are strong against others and cause twice (2x) the damage compared to neutral types. For example: an Electric-type move on a Normal-type Pokemon causes neutral damage (1x), but an Electric-type move on a Water-type Pokemon causes twice (2x) the damage. The game will tell you when one type is stronger than another by saying “It’s Super Effective” after the move is used.
It’s Not Very Effective
Some types are weak against others and cause half (0.5x) damage compared to neutral types. For example: a Fighting-type move attacking a Bug-type Pokemon will cause only half the damage it normally does. The game will tell you when one type is weaker than another by saying “It’s Not Very Effective” after the move is used.
No Effect
Lastly, there are some types that won’t even touch another type. These Pokemon types are immune to these attacks and elements. The game will give you the message “It Doesn’t Affect” if you come across an immune type. Some types are even immune to certain moves or status conditions.
- Normal- and Fighting-type attacks cannot touch Ghost-type Pokemon
- Ghost-type attacks cannot touch Normal-type Pokemon
- Poison-type attacks cannot touch Steel-type Pokemon
- Ground-type attacks cannot touch Flying-type Pokemon
- Electric-type attacks cannot touch Ground-type Pokemon
- Psychic-type attacks cannot touch Dark-type Pokemon
- Dragon-type attacks cannot touch Fairy-type Pokemon
Mixing and Matching
When it comes to Pokemon with two types, you may cause 4x damage, 0.25x damage, or just break even. Examples:
- Electric-type attacks on a water/flying-type Pokemon mix for 4x damage. This is because Electric-type attacks are strong against both Water- and Flying-type Pokemon.
- Fighting-type attacks on a Flying/Poison-type Pokemon mix for 0.25x damage. This is because Fighting-type attacks aren’t strong against either Flying- or Poison-type Pokemon.
- Poison-type attacks on a Grass/Poison-type Pokemon mix for neutral damage. This is because Poison-type attacks are strong against Grass-type Pokemon and weak against Poison-type Pokemon.
- Ghost-type attacks on a Normal/Psychic-type Pokemon will cause zero damage. Even though a Ghost-type attack is strong against a Psychic-type Pokemon, Normal-type Pokemon are immune to Ghost-type attacks.
Status Attacks
Make note, Types may not play a role when using status attacks. Sand-Attack (a Ground-type move) can hit a Flying-type Pokemon, but Thunder Wave (an Electric-type move) cannot hit a Ground-type Pokemon. It can be confusing at times.