Over the years, a lot has changed in thePokemonfranchise, from Pokemon being able totransform into giant versionsof themselves (Gigantamax) to wild Pokemon no longer being hidden in tall grass. But, one aspectthat hasn’t changed much is the various types. In fact, the “latest” addition to the Pokemon-type chart is Fairy-type, released in 2013.
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That means very few changes have been made to the Pokemon-type combination chart, even with the release ofPokemon Scarlet & Violet. At the moment, there arenine unused Pokemon-type combinations, all of which could drastically change the franchise at a competitive level if they were to be introduced.
9Rock & Ghost Type Combination
The Rock/Ghost-type combo is quite an interesting match since Rock-type Pokemon tend to have high HP and Defense stats while Ghost-types have high Attack and Special Attack attributes. On top of that, this unused Pokemon-type combo will be highly effective againstteams made up of Fire-type Pokemonsince Rock-types are naturally resistant to those sorts of attacks.
However, the major drawback of this unique type combo (and perhaps why it wasn’t used inPokemon Violet & Scarlet) is that it would be weak to several Pokemon types. For example, Rock-type is already weak against Fighting-, Grass-, Ground-, Steel-, and Water-type moves, and that’s before accounting for Ghost-type weaknesses.
8Bug & Dragon Type Combination
Dragon-type Pokemon are often considered Pseudo-Legendaries since they have some of the best stats in the entire franchise,no matter the generation. So, a Bug/Dragon-type Pokemon combination would work quite well (in theory) since the Dragon-type benefits will overshadow the many weakness Bug-type Pokemon suffer (low HP, Special Attack, etc.).
Furthermore, several Bug-type Pokemon moves cause Status Effects (like Sleep or Poison), so pairing it with a Dragon-type would make a lethal type combo. Without any doubt, a Bug/Dragon Pokemon would make an excellent (and stunning) showdown in the anime,especially against certain Legendary Pokemon.
7Ground & Fairy Type Combination
There are over 77 Ground-types in the franchise, making it a “rare” type considering there are over 1000 Pokemon. As for Fairy-type Pokemon, there are only 69 in the entire Pokedex, including the new ones added with the release ofPokemon Scarlet & Violet. So, having a Ground- and Fairy-type would be an excellent addition to the Pokemon-type chart due to their rarity in the franchise.
In terms of combat, a Ground/Fairy-type would be a force to be reckoned with since it would be immune to Electric- and Dragon-type attacks. On top of the fact thatGround-type movesare super effective against five types (Electric-, Fire-, Poison-, Rock-, and Steel-type).
6Ice & Poison Type Combination
Poison-type Pokemon have always been kind of “glass cannons” in the franchise since their Defense and HP are one of the lowest compared to other types. That said, combining a Poison- and Ice-type Pokemon would drastically increase its defensive capabilities. And that’s because Ice-types (once evolved) come close to having 100 Defense and HP, making them quite tanky.
A powerful move combination that this unreleased Pokemon-type combo could do is Poison Gas (one of the best Poison-type moves) and Avalanche (Ice-type). The former would Poison the opposing Pokemon while Avalanche would deal double damage if the target was damaged on the same turn (which it would due to the Poison Status Effect).
5Fire & Fairy Type Combination
Undoubtedly, Fire-types are the most popular Pokemon in the series, especially since they have the coolest designs (like Charizard and Infernape). At the same time, several Fairy-typePokemon have Humanoid designs, meaning a combo of the two can potentially look like Firestorm or Ghost Rider.
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Aside from possibly being the coolest Pokemon-type combo, a Fire/Fairy-type would completely decimate the competitive Pokemon scene. Mostly because both types have high base Attack stats, not to mention Harsh Sunlight boosts a Fire-type Pokemon attack by 50%. Players could further increase their Pokemon’s attack using Decorate (Fairy-type) since it slightly increases Attack and Special Attack.
4Normal & Steel Type Combination
Normal-type Pokemon are not that popular because they are the most common ones to find in the wild, like Rattata and Sentret. Nonetheless, Normal Pokemon tend to have some of the highest base Speed stats (especially once evolved), making them ideal for striking first in PvP. For example, Obstagoon isone of the best Normal-type PokemoninPokemon GO, thanks to its high-Speed stat.
Since Steel Pokemon are among the tankiest options in the franchise, combining one with a Normal-type would create the perfect tank. Players would be able to strengthen their Normal/Steel-type Pokemon with moves like Iron Defense or King’s Shield before the opponent even has a chance to make a move.
3Normal & Rock Type Combination
Combining Normal and Rock typing is perhaps not the best since the latter has lots of weaknesses, as previously covered. However, this unused type combination could work since Rock Pokemon are notoriously slow while Normal-types are fast, thus balancing the overall Speed stat of the Pokemon.
Keeping that in mind, a Normal/Rock-typePokemon could be used in competitive playsince both types have decent Special Attack stats. Moves like Meteor Beam (Rock-type) could potentially OHKO rival Pokemon with the help of Fillet Away (Normal-type) since it boosts Special Attack.
2Normal & Bug Type Combination
Even though it may seem surprising, there’s no Pokemon with the Normal/Bug-type combo tag. And that’s because most Normal Pokemon can learn Bug-type moves, meaning there’s no reason to create this unused type combination. Nevertheless, a Normal Pokemon’s inability to target Ghost-types can make this combo work since Bug-type moves do affect Ghost Pokemon.
An interesting Battle Item players could use with a Normal/Bug-type Pokemon would beCovert Cloak since it shields the user from receiving additional effects from moves, especially Ghost-type moves. Unfortunately, a Normal/Bug-type Pokemon would fail miserably in a Pokemon Super Contest since moves of both types have no effects in them.
1Normal & Ice Type Combination
The final unused Pokemon type combination is Normal- and Ice-type. It kind of makes sense why this combo hasn’t been added since Ice Pokemon are quite weak in terms of Defense while Normal-types provide little to no Defensive benefits.
However, of course, hardcore players would be able to make the best of this combination, especially considering Ice-type moves are super-effective against Dragon-, Flying-, Grass-, and Ground-type Pokemon. Furthermore, having the Ice dual typing would allow a Normal Pokemon to easily win any Pokemon Super Contest since Ice-type moves become Beautiful moves.
