Pokémon Type Matchups Explained
Every Pokémon has one or two types, and every move has a type. Understanding how these interact — which attacks deal double damage, which are resisted, and which have zero effect — is the single most important skill in Pokémon battling. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Type Effectiveness Basics
Attacks can be super effective (×2), not very effective (×0.5), or have no effect (×0) depending on the matchup. For example, Water moves deal double damage to Fire types but half damage to Grass types. Electric moves have zero effect on Ground types.
STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)
When a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, the move gets a 1.5× damage boost. A Water-type using Surf gets 1.5× bonus power. If Surf hits a Fire-type, the total multiplier is 1.5 × 2 = 3×. STAB is essential in competitive teambuilding.
Dual-Type Interactions
Pokémon with two types multiply the effectiveness against each type together. An Ice move vs Dragonite (Dragon/Flying) is 2× against Dragon and 2× against Flying, so total 4× damage. But a Fighting move vs Sableye (Dark/Ghost) is 2× vs Dark and 0× vs Ghost, resulting in total immunity.
Type Immunities
Three type immunities exist: Normal and Fighting moves don't affect Ghost; Ground moves don't affect Flying; Psychic moves don't affect Dark. Abilities like Levitate or Flash Fire can grant additional immunities. Immunities override all other multipliers.
Best Offensive Types
Ground, Ice, and Fighting hit the most types super effectively. Ground is immune to Electric and hits Fire, Rock, Steel, Poison, and Electric. Ice covers Dragon, Flying, Grass, and Ground — four popular types in competitive play. Fighting smashes Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, and Steel.
Best Defensive Types
Steel resists 10 types and is immune to Poison, making it the top defensive type. Fairy resists Fighting, Bug, and Dark while being immune to Dragon. Water/Steel combos like Empoleon only have two weaknesses. Defensive typing often matters more than raw bulk stats.
Each Type's Offensive Matchups
Quick reference for what each attacking type hits for 2×, 0.5×, or 0× damage. Click a type to open its type page.
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