Best Pokemon Type Combos

Pokemon fans who want to go competitive will want to maximize the combat potential of their Pokemon roster. Those who want to become the next Champion in Nintendo's hit franchise have got to give their A-Game - synergy and strategy play a huge role in any hopeful Champion's arsenal. However, most Pokemon experts rely on Type synergies to maximize the presence of their Pokemon in a match.

With 18 Pokemon Types, it's not easy to find the best Pokemon Type Combos out there. With Pokemon having distinct move sets, strengths, and weaknesses associated with each Type, it seems just having the right Type Combination can secure a match.

Updated October 29, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With Pokemon GO teasing Halloween 2024 festivities with Gigantamax Raids and a huge leak revealing exciting games to come, Pokemon fans should anticipate an exciting 2024 in their midst. However, fans who want to master their Pokemon experience should consider taking their battles to the next level by learning about more Type Combinations they can use in their fights.

Among must-try Type Combinations include the ferocity of Dragon/Steel, as well as the electrifying radiance of Electric/Fairy - both interesting combinations for their take on defensive resistances and opportunities for heavy-hitting offense.

17 Dragon/Steel

Formidable Defense Across Different Types

Fans of Pokemon gameplay who want the equivalent of the “best of both worlds” may appreciate the complementary Dual Typing of Dragon/Steel. When looked at separately, Dragon-type is often touted as an aggressive powerhouse for heavy-hitting gameplay, whereas Steel-type is praised as a naturally-defensive Pokemon type. When combined, Dragon/Steel boasts the offensive advantages of Dragon-types with Steel’s supportive Fairy Resistance, circumventing Dragon’s notable weakness to the Typing.

Taking them as a combination means Dragon/Steel has a natural Immunity to Poison-types and major weaknesses against Ground and Fighting-types - both of which can be circumvented with the right switch-up strategies. In competitive play, Steel’s natural defenses provides the Pokemon with the opportunity to count on Dragon’s traditionally-sweeping attacks.

Notable Dragon/Steel Pokemon

• Dialga: Considered as the OG Dragon/Steel Pokemon, this Ruler of Time boasts decent stats across the board - specifically Defense and Special Attack. When fitted with the right Moves, Dialga can become a versatile fill for most setups.
• Duraludon: Being a Dragon/Steel-type, Duraludon boasts decent Defense and Special Attack, this time with a Gigantamax form that becomes its primary source of offensive prowess. Its Speed may be lacking compared to other competitive Pokemon, but its heavy-hitting Moves should be able to compensate.

Notable Moves for Dragon/Steel Pokemon

• Draco Meteor: This Dragon-type Move boasts an overwhelming 130 Base Power that can punish Pokemon who dare give its user the opening to unleash the Move. While it does come at the cost of lowering Special Attack, players can circumvent the disadvantage through switches. This allows the likes of Dialga to unleash this Move, switch out, and then switch back to tank hits.
• Roar of Time: Considered as Dialga’s signature Move, this comes with a massive 150 Base Power with a downside of requiring an entire turn to charge. This makes switching out a viable Dialga strategy, unleashing this Move before switching to a Pokemon who can inflict debuffs before Dialga returns for the finisher.
• Flash Cannon: This Steel-type Move has a decent 80 Base Power that can be taken advantage of in fights where Dragon-types have to pummel through those weak against Steel-types, making this a decent Move of choice against Rock-types and Fairy-types.

The Ideal Teammates

Despite the decent overall firepower of the Dragon/Steel-type, they can make all the difference in the battlefield when used alongside the right teammates - especially if they can cover the Dual-type’s weaknesses against Fighting and Ground-types. Ideal Pokemon to use in this scenario include:

• Gyarados (Water/Flying): As a Flying-type, Gyarados enjoys Immunity to Ground-type Moves. Not only that, it can easily make quick work of opponents with its strong slate of Water and Flying-type attacks, the latter of which is especially helpful to defend the likes of Dialga from Fighting-types that are weak against Flying.
• Togekiss (Fairy/Flying): As a Flying-type, Togekiss can take care of Ground-type threats due to its natural Immunity against them. Not only that, Fighting-types are now easier to deal with thanks to Togekiss’s Fairy-type nature. Moves-wise, Serene Grace and Air Slash can proc Flinching on opponents, making this combo a decent utility to have.
• Excadrill (Ground/Steel): Players who want offensive support can count on Excadrill’s Mold Breaker to gain advantage against Fire-types while maintaining Immunity to Electric-types. Its Earthquake can handle other Steel-type threats that might get in the player’s way.

16 Electric/Fairy

Rare But Packs A Decent Punch

Although rare in terms of the number of Pokemon that possess them across the Pokemon franchise, the Electric/Fairy Typing can be quite the effective offensive Type for teams that need a heavy-hitter with decent resistances. When taken separately, Fairy-types have natural Resistances to otherwise powerful Dragon and Dark-types, while Electric-type boasts offensive prowess against Flying and Water-types.

Combined, the combination not only takes advantage of their Resistances and Advantages but also the fact that very few Typings resist both Electric-type and Fairy-type Moves. Not only that, but the Dual Typing can technically adapt to different opponents and constantly pressure them. When constructed with the right team, an Electric/Fairy Pokemon can become a Competitive powerhouse.

Notable Electric/Fairy Pokemon

• Tapu Koko: Arguably the most famous among Electric/Fairy-types, Tapu Koko is a flexible offensive Pokemon thanks to its decent Attack and Special Attack Stats. Thanks to Electric Surge, Tapu Koko can enjoy a boost in its Electric Moves, which makes it an immediate threat as soon as it enters the battlefield. If enemies fail to respond quickly, Tapu Koko can zoom in for the kill.
• Dedenne: Aside from its charm, Dedenne of Generation 6 boasts incredible versatility. Dedenne enjoys many Paralyze procs through Moves such as Nuzzle, Discharge, and even Thunder Wave. Meanwhile, Play Rough can constantly lower the Attack stat of opponents while Charge Beam boosts Dedenne’s Special Attack. It even enjoys constant heals through Parabolic Charge. Dedenne has a Move for almost any occasion.

Notable Moves for Electric/Fairy Pokemon

• Wild Charge: This Physical Electric Move is the perfect complement to Tapu Koko’s high Attack. Despite its recoil damage, Tapu Koko can circumvent it easily with the right switch-outs. When used with Tapu Koko’s Electric Terrain, Wild Charge becomes a threat to all Pokemon except for Ground-types - which at this point can be dealt with by another teammate.
• Dazzling Gleam: Despite its 80 Base Power, Dazzling Gleam is a reliable Fairy-type Move that Tapu Koko can use to check fighters like Garchomp, Hydreigon, and Salamence. It can remove Dragon/Flying-type threats when used properly.
• Volt Switch: Dealing damage and then switching out to a more effective ally without wasting a turn can be a lifesaver in most competitive situations. This allows players to counter an enemy’s answer with one of their own alongside additional pressure.
• Moonblast: This Fairy-type Move can lower the opponent’s Special Attack, which makes it not only a decent damaging Move but even debilitates the enemy’s combat performance.
• Nature’s Madness: Considered as Tapu Koko’s signature move, the nifty advantage of cutting an enemy’s HP in half lets this Pokemon take care of tanks such as Mega Metagross and Toxapex for quick eliminations.

The Ideal Teammates

Despite the impressive potential of Electric/Fairy Pokemon, they still need coverage against Ground-types as they’re immune to their Electric-type Moves. Thankfully, some teammates that could help them secure the victory include:

• Landorus-T (Ground/Flying) Earthquake alone should allow Landorus-T to take care of Ground-type threats. Thanks to Intimidate, they can lower the overall performance of enemy Pokemon in the field. Moreover, Stealth Rock can pressure entry hazards, giving the team that extra defensive edge.

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• Rotom-Wash (Electric/Water): This variant of Rotom has a Water-typing that covers Electric/Fairy’s weakness to Ground-types. Moreover, its Water-type Moves can take care of Ground-type opponents. With Volt Switch, Rotom can theoretically synergize with Tapu Koko to build momentum.
• Clefable (Fairy): Status-generating moves like Wish and Thunder Wave can support the likes of Tapu Koko to play more defensively and get sustainable healing. Its bulkier nature gives the team a more defensive edge, securing better survivability against Dragon-type foes.

15 Grass/Dark

Manageable Weaknesses Through Speed, Healing

Due to how mundane-sounding the Grass-Type seems, it’s pretty surprising to see them paired with Dark-Types due to how unconventional the Type is at first glance. However, this rather odd mix may very well lead to some powerful Pokemon, especially when built correctly. As with other Dual Types, this Typing builds upon the best of what Grass and Dark-Types could offer.

In terms of strength, the Grass/Dark Typing immediately boasts powerful attacks against more common Ground, Rock, and Water-Types, while at the same time packing a punch against rarer Ghost and Psychic Types. However, players need to pay attention to weaknesses as well, as the Typing shares vulnerabilities against common Bug and Fire-Types and is weak against unconventional Fairy-Types.

Notable Pokemon

• Meowscarada: Adorable Sprigatito gets to become the mysterious-looking Meowscarada as a final evolution, and its expanded facial features definitely match its masquerade theme and its elegant Pokemon Typing. Stats-wise, Meowscarada suits the mobile attacker, boasting rather above-average Speed matched with decent Attack, making it more suited for prolonged incursions instead of other Pokemon that bank heavily on Sp. Attack stats.
• Shiftry: Innocent-looking Seedot becomes the rather deadly Shiftry; provided second evolution Nuzleaf gets a Leaf Stone. And when it comes to getting a Pokemon with very average stats, Shiftry definitely fits the bar with almost equal levels of Attack and Sp. Atk, followed closely by HP and Speed. When built properly, Shiftry can become a decent midgame partner.
• Cacturne: Cutesy-spikey Cacnea becomes the imposing Cacturne as soon as it hits Level 32, and it paves the way for a scarecrow aesthetic that may justify its unconventional Grass/Dark Typing. As a higher-tier evolution, Cacturne boasts equal Attack and Sp. Attack followed by decent HP, making it an ideal attacker for mid-level play.

Notable Moves For Grass/Dark Pokemon

• Leaf Storm: Perhaps the bread and butter of a powerhouse like Shiftry, this Grass-type Move can punch through tankier Pokemon with ease
• Darkest Lariat: This heavy-hitting Dark-type Move can ignore stat stage changes, allowing the likes of Zarude to pierce through opponents that rely on buffs
• Taunt: This Dark-type move prevents the target from using status moves within the next three turns, allowing Meowscarada to stop debuff-reliant foes from gaining an advantage

The Ideal Teammates

Given how the Grass/Dark Typing can benefit via immunity towards Psychic-Type attacks and abilities like Prankster that aim to slow them down, the best way to maximize teams of this type is to secure Pokemon that can cover the Grass Type’s inherent weaknesses. Suggested Pokemon to pair with these Pokemon include:

• Nihilego: While this generally works for Pokemon of the same Dual Typing, Nihilego (Poison/Rock) is an ideal choice for Special Attack sweeps. Its Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rocks can make switching deadlier for foes due to them being entry hazards, while Pain Split and Protect can secure fast-paced plays. Pairing Nihilego with a Physical-focused Grass/Dark like Zarude can accommodate a lot of Type setups.
• Zarude, Swampert, Hippowdon, Slowking, Moltres: Building upon a Nihilego setup is this Mythical Pokemon’s Jungle Healing, allowing it to play offense while securing the safety of heals with the right switch-ins with recommended pivots. In turn, teammates such as Moltres (Fire/Flying), Slowking (Water/Psychic), Hippowdon (Ground), and Swampert (Water/Ground) should secure Zarude’s defensive blockages with their respective strengths.

14 Fire/Ghost

Unconventional Types Can Become Easier To Deal With, Defend Against

When one hears of a Fire-Type, common partner Types immediately include Dragon and Ground Types, mainly due to themes. In turn, seeing Fire being paired with Ghost for the Fire/Ghost Typing seems like a rather odd choice, especially regarding statistics. The Fire/Ghost Type immediately brings strength to the table, particularly against rather unconventional Types such as Psychic and Steel.

However, players may also want to note odd elements regarding this Typing. Thanks to the Ghost Type another half, these Pokemon are immediately immune to Normal and Fighting Types. Interestingly enough, players need to be wary that the Ghost Typing means these Fire/Ghost Pokemon are weak against and strong against fellow Ghost-Types.

Notable Pokemon

• Skeledirge: Befitting Skeledirge’s aesthetic is its Fire/Ghost Typing, especially since its markings seem to resemble those used in the Mexican Day of the Dead holiday. Stats-wise, this Fire/Ghost Pokemon seems rather a decent all-rounder, boasting higher Sp. Attack edged closely by average HP and Defense stats.
• Marowak (Alolan): Players in the Alola region can get an alternative form of Marowak if they evolve it at night, attaining a more spectral motif but boasting the same stats. Despite its Fire/Ghost Typing, Alolan Marowak boasts much higher Defense and equal but lower Attack and Sp. Defense stats make the Marowak ideal for tanking.
• Typhlosion (Hisuian): Cindaquil’s final form has an edgier Hisuian variant, boasting a more intimidating set of purple flames compared to the conventional spiky set of its Kantonian counterpart. Stats-wise, Kantonian Typhlosion loses out to its Hisuian variant with regards to Sp. Attack but makes up for it with slightly higher HP and Speed. Players may want to opt for the Hisuian Typhlosion for a more offensive-leaning Pokemon juggernaut for most combat situations.

Notable Moves For Fire/Ghost Pokemon

• Shadow Ball: This Ghost-type Move has a 20% chance to inflict -1 Sp. Def to the target, allowing Chandelure to use Special Attacks with more power or set up other Pokemon to inflict more damage with their Specials
• Bitter Blade: A Fire-type Move that heals the user for 50% of the damage they deal, Bitter Blade gives excellent sustains to users like Ceruledge
• Torch Song: This Fire-type Move guarantees a +1 to Sp. Atk, allowing users like Skeledirge to boost the damage of Specials such as burning WIll-O-Wisp and double-powering Hex

The Ideal Teammates

The Fire/Ghost Dual Typing’s inherent weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, Ground, Rock, and Water means a team with these Pokemon need to work their way around different Type Attacks. Instead of accommodating each of these Types, however, players may simply want to be able to get out of sticky situations whenever necessary. Here are some setups to consider:

• Ceruledge, Flutter Mane, Misdreavus, Hisuian Zoroark: When built correctly, Ceruledge (Fire/Ghost) with Shadow Sneak gets priority in the party, securing more damage while boasting some durability. Should enemy Pokemon pose significant speed threats, Misdreavus (Ghost) can switch Speed priority via Trick Room and further improve Ceruledge’s Fire Moves and Hisuian Zoroark (Normal, Ghost)’s Flamethrower via Sunny Day. Lastly, Flutter Mane (Ghost/Fairy) and its Dark Type neutrality can add more defenses to the team.
• Chandelure, Ice Rider Calyrex, Indeedee, Kyogre: This Fire/Ghost team focuses on securing Trick Room to manipulate the flow of turns in a match, with the Move courtesy of Chandelure (Fire/Ghost) and Indeedee (Psychic/Normal). With Ice Rider Calyrex (Psychic/Ice), players get the flexibility to secure a more powerful Ice Beam for sweeps, while they can set up Kyogre (Water) however they wish.

13 Water/Fighting

Buffs Can Enhance Strengths, Adjust To Weaknesses

It’s not often that a Pokemon can ever tout both a Water and a Fighting Typing, mainly due to how unconventional their themes could get. However, the image of a martial artist being rather slippery to avoid enemy blows is precisely what the Water/Fighting Type would boast.

At its core, the Water/Fighting would bring in some of the best Attacks against rather powerful Pokemon Typings, prevalent ones such as Fire and Ground, while simultaneously being able to dish out damage against unconventional foes such as Dark and Steel Types. Unfortunately, players need to note that this Typing is a double-edged sword, as this Dual Type is weak against common Grass Types and Psychic Types.

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Notable Pokemon

• Quaquaval: Generation 9 newcomer Quaquaval seems like an adequate example of an effective Water/Fighting Type. Built around the theme of the Rio Carnival, Quaquaval definitely has a more festive feel, with its allure being represented by its more combative stats set. It has much higher base Attack, followed closely by near-equal stats across the other attributes. This makes Quaquaval a more offensive-leaning Pokemon, working quite well with its potential Moveset.
• Poliwrath: The Water/Fighting Typing isn’t entirely new, considering Poliwrath boasts this combination as early as Generation 1 and then moved on from Pokemon region to region. Befitting this Typing is a rather decent stats set, which has very close Defense, HP, and Sp. Defense numbers despite being slightly below average. Regardless, leveling up a Poliwrath could make it a decent mid-level companion.

Notable Moves For Water/Fighting Pokemon

• Scald: This Water-type Move has a 30% chance to inflict a burn status on the target, thawing them simultaneously if frozen. The Move diversifies the kit of Poliwrath, whose Moves often need it to outpace enemies before they knock them down
• Bulk Up: This traditional Fighting-type Move gives +1 Attack and Defense to the user, allowing Quaquaval to hit much harder with the rest of its kit, especially when buffed

The Ideal Teammates

While the Water/Fighting Dual Typing doesn’t suffer from the crippling 4X Damage from Grass, the number of Weaknesses still pose a threat to a player’s main Pokemon with this setup. In turn, teams may want to include the following:

• Poliwrath, Empoleon, Kingdra, Starmie: Should players aim to cover their ground on Water-Type weaknesses, grabbing teammates of other Dual Typings could help compensate for potential weaknesses. Poliwrath (Water/Fighting), Empoleon (Water/Steel), Kingdra (Water/Dragon), and even Starmie (Water/Psychic) should balance out some of this Dual Type’s glaring weaknesses.
• Quaquaval, Corviknight, Amoonguss, Clodsire, Roaring Moon: This team is centered around Quaquaval (Water/Fight) using Bulk Up and Aqua Step to secure both defenses and speed respectively. Quaquaval can enjoy a much-needed speed upgrade with Corviknight (Steel/Flying) and its Tailwind, while Amoonguss (Grass/Poison) and Clodsire (Poison/Ground) accommodate physical and special attacks, respectively. Lastly, Roaring Moon (Dragon/Dark) is a secondary attacker.

12 Fire/Fighting

Straightforward Offense Can Pulverize Careless Foes

Granted, some might say that the Fire/Fighting Dual Type is too common of a combination. It also doesn't help that it has weaknesses to the more common Ground Types and the more potent Flying and Psychic Types. However, those who can make fast-paced builds can work around these weaknesses and capitalize on Fire/Fighting and its strengths.

Essentially, the Fighting Type aspect finally removes the Fire Type's innate weakness from Fire. Moreover, players can capitalize on ever-helpful Fire Type and Fighting Type maneuvers such as Flamethrower and Close Combat.

Notable Fire/Fighting Pokemon

• Blaziken (Mega Evolution, Combusken): Of Torchic’s evolutionary tree, it’s Combusken that begins to tap into their nature as half-Fighting Pokemon. They meet their true potential in Blaziken, and especially Mega Blaziken. Blaziken boasts decent Attack and Special Attack.
• Infernape (Monferno): Similar to Torchic, Chimchar starts tapping into its Fighting Type half with Monferno, and then eventually Infernape. They have lower base stats compared to Combusken, but Infernape does boast Speed equal to its Attack and Special Attack.
• Emboar (Pignite): Again with Torchic and Chimchar, Tepig meets the same Fire/Fighting tandem courtesy of Pignite, and then Emboar. Stats-wise, Emboar is more of a tank given its decent HP to pair with its Attack and Special Attack.

Notable Moves For Fire/Fighting Pokemon

• Swords Dance: While a Normal-type Move, its capacity to give +2 Attack to users allows the likes of Blaziken to punch their way through threats much faster with the rest of its toolkit
• Fire Blast: This Fire-type Move has a 10% chance of inflicting Burn on the target, allowing a well-kitted Infernape to use this with Sp. Def-debuffing Focus Blast to potentially OHKO even Fire-resistant foes
• Flare Blitz: While this move possesses 33% recoil, this Fire-type Move also allows Emboar to inflict burn on the target at 10%, making this a debilitating DOT-dealer while Emboar punches for the kill

The Ideal Teammates

Despite the infamy of the Fire/Fighting Typing among Starters, fans who want to take advantage of fast-paced plays may want to consider upping their defenses against specialized Flying, Ground, Psychic, and Water Types. In this regard, team setups to consider could be composed of:

• Blaziken, Heatran, Volcanion, Torkoal: On top of Blaziken (Fire/Fighting) boasting decent DPS, disabling Held Items via Knock Off and securing defenses via Protect can make him a decent frontliner for Fire Teams. Meanwhile, Heartran (Fire/Steel) and Volcanion (Fire/Water) should accommodate resistances toward Water and dish out damage against Ground Types. Lastly, Torkoal’s boosted defenses alongside Rapid Spin and Stealth Rock should make fights more difficult for opponents.
• Blaziken, Quaquaval, Great Tusk, Hawlucha, Annihilape: This more experimental take on the Dual Typing focuses on heavy-hitting fighters, with Blaziken taking the lead to accommodate Fire threats. Quaquaval (Water/Fighting) can boost its Speed with Rapid Spin and get an Attack boost after a knockout with Moxie, transforming into the team’s ace. Great Tusk (Ground/Fighting) accommodates heavy defensive roles, whereas Hawlucha (Fighting/Flying) and Annihilape (Fighting/Ghost) provide extra flexibility.

11 Water/Fairy

Common Type Weaknesses Are A Reasonable Trade For Powerful Defense

The Water/Fairy Dual Type evidently rises to the occasion when it comes to decently balancing a Pokemon's inherent weakness/resistance statistics. Granted, this Type Combination does have weaknesses in the form of Electric, Grass, and Poison Pokemon. However, its inherent defensive resistance and offensive advantages trump more powerful Pokemon teams.

For instance, Fairy contributes an innate immunity to the Dragon Type - great for canceling out the popularity of Dragon Type in the meta. Its resistances also form a great defense against powerful attacks such as Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Flamethrower, and good ol' melee combat. Lastly, this type is a nightmare of naturally potent Types, perfect to counter otherwise strong setups.

Notable Water/Fairy Pokemon

• Azumarill (Marill): The Azurill evolutionary tree enjoys the Water/Fairy typing, courtesy of Azumarill, which is the evolved form of Marill, which then comes from getting enough friendship with Azurill. Azumarill boasts decent HP, Defense, and Sp. Def, making it a good tanking Pokemon .
• Primarina: Popplio’s final form, in the form of Primarina, will have to get through the Brionne middle evolution before enjoying this Water/Fairy Typing.
• Tapu Fini: This guardian deity of Poni Island has separate typing compared to fellow guardians Bulu, Lele, and Koko. Given its nature, Tapu Fini has above-average base stats, with higher levels of Special Defense and Defense.

Notable Moves For Water/Fairy Pokemon

• Aqua Jet: This Water-type Move lets Pokemon like Azumarill go first, allowing it to dish out damage and give it time to buff its attacks before stronger Pokemon retaliate
• Hydro Pump: Being one of the most iconic Water-type Moves in the series, Pokemon like Primarina can use this ability to dish out direct heavy damage. It’s advisable to boost Primarina’s accuracy, as Hydro Pump can be inaccurate
• Draining Kiss: Quite the efficient recovery skill, Draining Kiss allows Tapu Fini not just to deal damage but also get healed for 75% of the damage dealt

The Ideal Teammates

With the Water/Fairy Typing still runs the risk of getting double damage from Electric, Grass, and Poison Types, players may also want to consider capitalizing on dishing out more pain to Types it’s resistant towards. In these instances, ideal teammates are:

• Slowbro, Iron Valiant, Ribombee, Clefable: Players who get a Slowbro (Water/Psychic) can easily dish out more damage against Fighting Types with Calm Mind (raises Sp. Atk, Sp. Def) and Scald (may Burn the target). Clefable (Fairy) can solidify overall defenses, whereas Ribombee (Bug/Fairy) with Sticky Web can slow opponents down. Iron Valiant (Fairy/Fighting) is the team’s main DPS, freely switching to physical or special damage as needed.
• Azumarill, Indeedee, Amoongus: When equipped with a Choice Band, Azumarill (Water/Fairy) easily becomes an offensive powerhouse that can eliminate multiple threats at once courtesy of Ice Punch and Knock Off. A decent teammate for Azumarill could be Indeedee (Psychic/Normal) with Follow Me, Amoonguss (Grass/Poison) with Spore, and Maushold (Normal) for attack redirection and mitigation.

10 Electric/Steel

Adapting To Ground Weaknesses Can Elevate Fast-Paced Plays

Players who want an awesome defensive Dual Type Combination will love the potential of Electric/Steel. In fact, this type alone has the most number of resistances in the series. Aside from its immunity to Poison, an Electric/Steel type can wreck matches with powerhouse moves such as Body Press, Flash Cannon, Thunderbolt, and Magnet Pull.

Granted, this Dual Type Combination has a maddening 4x weakness against Ground and equally frustrating weaknesses against Fire and Fighting. However, players who can work around these caveats can fully capitalize its 11 Resistances to victory.

Notable Electric/Steel Pokemon

• Magnezone (Magneton, Magnemite): When exposed to a Thunder Stone, the otherwise ordinary Magneton can become Magnezone. Now the final form of Magnemite, Magnezone enjoys decent Special Attack coupled with decent base Defense.
• Togedemaru: This adorable roly-poly Pokemon isn’t a pushover, as while it does have average stats, it still fares well against other Pokemon of its caliber. Its high-enough Attack and Speed can make it excel in hit-and-run strategies.

Notable Moves For Electric/Steel Pokemon

• Thunderbolt: Easily one of the best Electric-type Moves in the game, Magneton can use this ability’s 10% chance to paralyze foes to debilitate the enemy’s overall combat strategy
• Flash Cannon: This Steel-type Move has a 10% chance of inflicting -1 Sp. Def. To the target, allowing Magnezone and its allies to unleash more powerful attacks
• Zing Zap: An adorable Togedemaru can use Electric-type Zing Zap to potentially cause foes to flinch, making them miss their turn on top receiving damage

The Ideal Teammates

Players looking for more variety for their Electric/Steel Typing should be very wary of defending not just from Fire and Fighting Types but also devastating Ground Moves. In this regard, securing protections or delaying enemy attacks should be a priority for this combination’s teams. Sample setups include:

• Magnezone, Scizor, Heatran, Corviknight, Klefki, Bronzong: Buffing up Magnezone (Electric/Steel) and Scizor (Bug/Steel) in terms of HP and getting Ground neutrality with Heatran (Fire/Ground) secures heavy-duty defense while the rest of the team focus on controlling the flow of combat. In this regard, Corviknight (Flying/Steel) doubling Speed via Tailwind, Klefki (Steel/Fairy) paralyzing targets more efficiently via Thunder Wave and Prankster, and Bronzong reversing turns via Trick Room can ensure players can juggle Moves to accommodate threats.
• Magnezone, Tapu Koko, Raichu, Zapdos, Rotom-W: This alternate setup poses Magnezone as more of a bait for Steel Types and Fairy Types that the rest of the team can eliminate. Tapu Koko (Electric/Fairy) becomes a crucial buffer here, as its Electric Surge boosts Electric Moves by 50%. When paired with Alolan Raichu (Electric), the Pikachu evolution can outmaneuver almost other Pokemon. Lastly, Rotom-W (Electric/Water) and its Hydro Pump can eliminate Ground Pokemon quickly, and Zapdos (Electric/Flying) won’t have to worry about debilitating Ground Move damage.

9 Water/Flying

Can Wreck Traditional Meta Members

Players who want a more straightforward Dual Type Combination will appreciate Water/Flying. Essentially, it does great when it comes to naturally negating each others' weak points. For instance, this Dual Type no longer has their individual aspects' natural weaknesses against Grass Types (for Water), and Ice Types (for Flying).

Likewise, this Dual Type Combination can get deadly against the more common Fighting, Fire, and Ground Types in the meta. Of course, players have to work around this type's natural weakness to Rock Types and its rather deadly 4x weakness against Electric Types.

Notable Water/Flying Pokemon

• Gyarados: Magikarp’s popular evolution Gyarados is one of the most iconic Water/Flying Pokemon out there, boasting high-enough Attack and Special Defense to pepper through most foes and their special movies.
• Mantine (Mantyke): Obtaining this manta ray Pokemon is only achievable by having a Mantyke and a Remoraid in the same party. This seems worth the while, though, given Mantine has ridiculously high Special Defense - making it a fitting tank against Pokemon who love special moves.
• Pelipper (Wingull): This seagull Pokemon evolves from Wingull. And while Pelipper has quite the mundane appearance, they do boast average stats. With a decent Defense and Special Attack, Pelipper can brace through most ordinary Pokemon with ease.
• Swanna (Ducklett): This elegant swan Pokemon evolves from Ducklett, giving it quite a majestic final evolution. It boasts average stats across the board, with almost matching Speed, Special Attack, and Attack that make it quite the surprisingly aggressive Pokemon in a party.

Notable Moves For Water/Flying Pokemon

• Bounce: This Flying-type Move hits on the second turn after it’s released, with a 30% chance to paralyze capable of transforming Gyarados into a fast and aggressive attacker in most combat situations
• Hurricane: This Move has a 30% chance of confusing the target, with the likes of Pelipper being able to use this to distract opponents while it and its allies swoop in for the kill
• Defog: In more challenging fights like in Pokemon Showdown, Swanna’s Defog is an ideal Flying-type Move that can clear entry hazards on top of inflicting -1 Evasion on the target. Sweepers like Swanna who need to get out of battle quickly can enter with Defog to dish out damage with fewer risks

The Ideal Teammates

The glaring Rock and Electric-Type weaknesses of Water/Flying Dual Types mean its teammates have to cover these setbacks to be more effective in battle. When dealt with, however, Water/Flying could pose huge threats on the battlefield. In this case, ideal party members could be:

• Gyarados, Starmie, Swampert: The lethality of Electric Types against this Dual Typing makes Swampert (Water/Ground) a helpful neutralizer. Meanwhile, Starmie (Water/Psychic) being able to cover more ground and Gyarados (Water/Flying) spamming Dragon Dance should be able to help players deal with most threats.
• Pelipper, Azumarill, Bruxish, Floatzel: The potentiality of a Water-heavy setup means Pelipper (Water/Flying) is tasked to double the team’s Speed via Tailwind and reinforce Water Moves via Rain Dance. Both Azumarill (Water/Fairy) and Bruxish (Water/Psychic) extend the team’s defensive capabilities, whereas Floatzel (Water) and its recoiling Wave Crash can be a debilitating Move against foes that are worthy of the self-inflicted damage.

8 Steel/Flying

Decent Defenses Provide Room For Various Attack Strategies

In the right hands, the Steel/Flying Type can spell disaster for opponents. This typing fully maximizes the benefits of both the Steel Type and the Flying Type. Essentially, the Flying Type aspect negates the otherwise deadly potential of the Ground Type. Meanwhile, the Steel Type aspect helps counteract the Flying Type's natural weakness against the Rock Type.

With these synergies in mind, the Steel/Flying combination will remain useful to natural powerhouses amongst competitive Pokemon regardless of rarity status such as Fairy, Fighting, Ice, and Rock Types. Likewise, it has natural resistances against powerful Dragon and Psyching Types. Players just need to stay wary of the natural weakness of Fire and Electric Types.

Notable Steel/Flying Pokemon

• Skarmory: This armor bird Pokemon seems simple-looking enough, but it packs quite a decent punch. Skarmory has surprisingly high-enough Defense that makes its defenses hard to tear down even when facing Pokemon above its caliber.
• Corviknight (Gigantamax: This raven Pokemon comes from two former evolutions, Corvisquire and Rookidee. And while its former forms seem mediocre-looking, Corviknight’s edgy look is well-deserved. In its base form, Corviknight boasts decent HP, Attack, Defense, and Special Defense. However, these stats do get a much-needed increase during Gigantamax formats.

Notable Moves For Steel/Flying Pokemon

• Roost: This Flying-type Move removes the Flying-type status of a Pokemon that uses it alongside a 50% HP heal, making this perfect for glass cannon DPS units such as Skarmory to have a reliable sustain as it checks opponents
• Heavy Slam: A defensive Pokemon like Celesteela can have Steel-type Heavy Slam as its primary damage dealer since it deals more damage to opponents lighter than the user. Even without taking weight into account, enemies who don’t resist Steel-type Moves can take heavy damage from this attack

The Ideal Teammates

The inherent weaknesses of Steel/Flying Dual Typings against Fire and Electric means players need a team with members that can counteract these threats. Due to the number of extra Weaknesses this Dual Typing has, it may help to focus instead on general defense and pumping as many attacks as possible. In this regard, suggested teams include:

• Corviknight, Heatran, Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Excadrill, Kartana: In this sample team, Corviknight (Flying/Steel), Ferrothorn (Grass/Steel), and Fire-neutrality via Heatran (Fire/Steel) should help cover most of the Dual Typing’s defensive weaknesses. Meanwhile, variety via Bisharp (Dark/Steel), Excadrill (Ground/Steel), and Kartana (Grass/Steel) should pave the way for heavy-hitting attacks.
• Corviknight, Heatran, Magnezone, Scizor, Klefki, Bronzong: This setup prioritizes battlefield control, wherein Corviknight’s Tailwind can double the Speed of everyone in the party, Klefki (Steel/Fairy) can paralyze enemies with Thunderwave, and Bronzong (Steel/Psychic) can reverse the order of combat when necessary. Players who buff Magnezone (Electric/Steel) and Scizor (Bug/Steel) in terms of HP can set them up as efficient tanks.