Best Dual Type Pokemon

Highlights

• Dual-typed Pokemon add complexity to battles by balancing advantages and weaknesses strategically.
• Some dual-typed Pokemon like Dragapult and Rotom offer unique abilities and resistances for better battles.
• Types like Dragon/Ghost and Electric/Steel provide diverse move options and resistances for enhanced gameplay.

There are currently 1,025 monsters in the Pokemon Pokedex, each with a specific type that gives it certain advantages and disadvantages in battle. The way they work is pretty straightforward: Fire is strong against Grass, Water is weak against Grass, and so forth. But things become more complicated when Pokemon with Dual-types get matched up against one another.

As it stands, eighteen different types can be combined in Pokemon, which makes Pokemon battles significantly more complicated and technical than meets the eye. There are a few dual-type Pokemon that stand above the rest, not only in terms of their unique typing, but also in terms of Super Effective attacks, same-type attack bonuses, and overall stats.

Updated August 21, 2024 by Ben Painter: When it comes to making teams in Pokemon it is always best to pick ‘mons that have a dual-type. Having two types allows for more diversity, increasing the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) potential, and having the tight combos will cancel out some weaknesses.

Pokemon having two types, have been prominent right from the very start in Pokemon Red & Blue back in 1999. There are some very popular Pokemon in the franchise that benefit from having a dual type. This updated list adds five more of the best dual-type Pokemon in the franchise.

30

Dragapult

Dragon/Ghost

• Generation 8
• Pokemon Sword & Shield

The pseudo-legendary in each generation is always one of the hot prospects to add to any Pokemon trainer’s team. Dragapult is no exception in Pokemon Sword & Shield. The Dragon/Ghost-type may be weak to four different types, but he has five resistances to make up for it.

Dragon types are elite and adding the bonus of a Ghost typing there makes for an awesome Pokemon. It’s also worth mentioning its fantastic design. Its pre-evolution, Dreepy, being used as a missile is perfect, which is enhanced with its signature move, Dragon Darts. A really strong Pokemon to use in the game. Its best stats are its Attack and Speed, and will hit opponents hard before they even get a chance to strike themselves.

Dragapult’s Base Stats:

29

Rotom (All Forms)

Electric/Ghost (Rotom), Electric/Fire (Heat Rotom), Electric/Water (Wash Rotom), Electric/Ice (Frost Rotom), Electric/Flying (Fan Rotom), Electric/Grass (Mow Rotom)

• Generation 4
• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl (Rotom), Pokemon Platinum (all other forms)

Rotom is a very unique Pokemon in that it can change its form, which also changes its type. Normal Rotom isn’t too much to write home about, although it is an Electric/Ghost Pokemon, which is pretty cool.

Depending on what electrical appliance it possesses, it can become five different types. Upon changing, it learns a move that is the same type as its new form. The alternate forms also have a boost in their stats, taking the base total from 440 up to 520 with an increase in all stats but HP. The variety of Rotom easily makes it one of the best dual-types in Pokemon.

Rotom’s Base Stats:

28

Flygon

Ground/Dragon

• Generation 3
• Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

A fan-favorite Pokemon, especially among those who prefer Generation 3. Fans were left unhappy when it did not receive a Mega Evolution in the remakes of Ruby & Sapphire, Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire.

Flygon is a Ground/Dragon-type. Unlike its name suggests, it is not a Flying-type, although it does boast the Levitate ability, which gives Pokemon some benefits from the type. It is also not a Bug-type, which its bug-like appearance would suggest. Flygon could be a few different types, but the Ground/Dragon still does make sense. Stats-wise, Flygon is great with all-around stats, excelling in attack and speed – it just needs a Mega. Perhaps its time will come in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, as Megas are returning.

Flygon’s Base Stats:

27

Gyarados

Water/Flying, Water/Dark (Mega)

• Generation 1
• Pokemon Red & Blue

Gyarados is the original example of a Pokemon having the wrong type. There is nothing about this ‘mon which suggests it is a Flying-type and should be a Water/Dragon-type. However, it is still a dual-type Pokemon and there is no doubt about it that it is one of the best in the franchise.

It made its bow over two decades ago and, to this date, remains one of the go-to Water types among budding trainers. Its varied moveset, high attack stat, and overall fearsome design make it a stand-out. It was even given a Mega Evolution, with a type change to Water/Dark, which makes use of one of its iconic level-up moves, Crunch, giving it a STAB.

26

Greninja

Water/Dark

• Generation 6
• Pokemon X & Y

No question about it, Greninja is one of the best final forms of Starter Pokemon in the series. Famed for its starring role in the Kalos anime series, where it gained a special form in Ash-Greninja, which gamers can actually use in certain games.

The Water/Dark-type combination is perfect as it is based on a ninja, with its signature move, Water Shuriken amplifying even more the ninja aesthetic. The Dark typing may add three weaknesses, but it offers an immunity to Psychic and balances it out with some more resistances. Greninja is one of the best dual-type Pokemon for vibes alone.

Greninja’s Base Stats:

25

Alolan Muk

Poison/Dark

• Generation 7
• Pokemon Sun & Moon

Although its first-generation predecessor, the Poison-type Muk, is a pretty average Pokemon, its Alolan form is almost an entirely new Pokemon with great advantages in battle owing to its dual typing. Even though the Pokemon’s stats all remain the same as the first generation Muk, Alolan Muk fares much better in battle.

Being a Poison/Dark type Pokemon means that Alolan Muk has four resistances. Poison protects the Pokemon against Dark’s weaknesses to Fairy and Fighting-type moves, while Dark grants it immunity to Psychic types.

Alolan Muk’s Base Stats:

24

Mega Ampharos

Electric/Dragon

• Generation 2 (Normal), Generation 6 (Mega)
• Pokemon Gold & Silver (Normal), Pokemon X & Y (Mega)

Ampharos is a fan-favorite Pokemon introduced in Pokemon Gold & Silver and has been a regularly used ‘mon in the games ever since. With its high special attack, it can strike hard with strong Thunderbolt and Electro Ball attacks.

Its popularity only increased with the introduction of its Mega Evolution in Pokemon X&Y, which meant it gained the Dragon typing along with its Electric type. Originally, this Pokemon was meant to be a Dragon-type in its first appearance, but this was scrapped. Finally, it was given this type along with its fluffy, luscious mane, which it has become synonymous with.

Mega Ampharos’ Base Stats:

23

Mega Charizard X

Fire/Dragon

• Generation 1 (Normal), Generation 6 (Mega)
• Pokemon Red & Blue (Normal), Pokemon X & Y (Mega)

Mega Pokemon were long forgotten by the Pokemon franchise, which is a crying shame, as there are some ‘mons that change typing, adding to better strategy in battle. Thankfully, this is soon to be changed in the next entry in the series, Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Mega Charizard X is a fan-favorite Pokemon. Its black and blue design is simply perfect, and in battle, it can hit for super effective STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage against Dragon, Ice, Grass, Steel, and Bug. It also resists five types and is only weak to three, one of which is countered directly with its Dragon typing since Dragon is super effective against itself. Complete with its Tough Claws ability, which powers up moves upon contract, Mega Charizard X is one of the best Dual-type Pokemon.

Mega Charizard X’s Base Stats:

22

Primal Groudon

Fire/Ground

• Generation 2 (Normal), Generation 6 (Primal)
• Pokemon Ruby (Normal), Pokemon Omega Ruby (Primal)

The top dual-type Pokemon with total stats of a huge 770 is the Fire/Ground-type, Primal Groudon. Being a Fire/Ground-type Pokemon means that it has only one big weakness, which is Water-type attacks. While this double-weakness to Water-type attacks might be an issue for other Fire/Ground-type Pokemon, Groudon’s Desolate Land ability neutralizes all Water-type attacks.

With this weakness out of the way and the ability to hit almost half of all Pokemon with Super Effective attacks and same-type attack bonuses, Groudon is a force to be reckoned with.

Primal Groudon’s Base Stats:

21

Gengar

Ghost/Poison

• Generation 1
• Pokemon Red & Blue

Without a doubt, one of the most popular Pokemon of all time, Gengar is loved by all, and it is matched in the games due to its expert battle properties. Some may not realize that Gengar is a dual-type Pokemon as its Poison typing is not really focused on much, just the Ghost-type.

Like all the other popular Pokemon, Gengar has a Mega Evolution and also a Gigantamax Form. Game Freak certainly has capitalized on the love the spooky ‘mon receives. It has a high Special Attack and Speed stat. Not many can outspeed it and before enemies know it, they are struck hard with a STAB Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb attack.

Gengar Base Stats:

20

Garchomp

Dragon/Ground

• Generation 4
• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

The Dragon/Ground-type Pokemon, Garchomp, might not be Supper Effective against many Pokemon (only 32 of all Pokemon to be exact), but it does very well in other aspects. The first thing that makes Garchomp formidable, is that it can hit almost every type of Pokemon, except for Steel/Flying-types, with neutral damage.

In addition, Garchomp, and especially Mega Garchomp, have very high overall stats, with high attack and speed stats. These, combined with its ability to use Swords Dance and its near immunity to Electric-type attacks, make it a tough opponent to beat.

Garchomp’s Base Stats:

19

Zapdos

Electric/Flying

• Generation 1
• Pokemon Red & Blue

Zapdos, one of the original 150 Pokemon, is great at both offense and defense. The combination of its Electric/Flying typing means that it can hit 42% of all Pokemon with super-effective damage. Since Flying neutralizes Electric’s only weakness – Ground – it also means that Zapdos has five resistances and only two weaknesses.

Above these advantages, with moves like Hurricane, Thunderbolt, and Heat Wave, Zapdos can paralyze opponents while also having a wide range of powerful attacks to choose from. This Legendary Pokemon is certainly one of the strongest Pokemon with two types.

Zapdos’ Base Stats:

18

Mamoswine

Ice/Ground

Mamoswine is the only fully evolved Ice/Ground-type Pokemon, and with an added attack stat of 130, it is by far one of the most lethal Pokemon in battle. Mamoswine’s unique dual-typing is the most powerful to date, as it can hit more than half of all Pokemon with Super Effective same-type attack bonuses.

Ice/Ground-type Pokemon also do not have any double weaknesses, so there isn’t much that can take this Pokemon out. With its powerful typing and good stats, Mamoswine is the Pokemon players will want to have with them in any battle.

Mamoswine’s Base Stats:

17

Landorus

Flying/Ground

• Generation 5
• Pokemon Black & White

The Pokemon, Landorus, has two forms. The Incarnate form is slightly faster, while the Therian form has a slightly higher attack stat. Stats aside, it is this Pokemon’s type, which is Flying/Ground-type, that makes it a rather tricky opponent to face.

Since Flying and Ground-types are literal opposites, they cover each other’s weaknesses, meaning that Landorus is only really weak to Ice-type attacks. Ice-type Pokemon are the rarest of all, and so there are few Pokemon that pose a danger to Landorus in either of its forms.

Landorus’ Base Stats:

16

Swampert

Water/Ground

• Generation 3
• Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire

Swampert, the Water/Ground-type Pokemon, has both high attack and defense stats, and it can Mega evolve into Mega Swampert, which boasts even higher stats. Although the Water/Ground-type combination has a double weakness to Grass-type attacks, it no longer has the Electric-type weakness caused by Water since it is a Water and Ground-type.

There are rather few Grass-type attacks in Pokemon, so Swampert’s double weakness to Grass-types is not so bad. With the addition of a few Ice-type moves that Swampert can learn, it can hold its own against most opponents.

Swampert’s Base Stats:

15

Archaludon

Steel/Dragon

• Generation 9
• Pokemon Scarlet & Violet (Indigo Disc DLC)

The Dragon-type’s three biggest weaknesses (Fairy, Ice, and Dragon) are all neutralized by Archaludon’s Steel dual typing. That leaves only Ground and Fighting that it is weak. It resists nine types and is immune to one: Poison. Archaludon is certainly a powerful dual-type Pokemon.

It is the evolved form of Duraludon and was introduced in the Indigo Disk DLC of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Gamers will need to find a Metal Alloy to obtain one in their copy of either game. Defensively, this Pokemon is hard as steel, with 130 defense, but it can also hit for special attack damage with a stat of 125. Combining that with its signature Electro Shot move, players will have a beast on their side with Archaludon.

Archaludon’s Base Stats:

14

Heatran

Fire/Steel

• Generation 4
• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

Although it is tough to get one’s hands on a Heatran, being a Fire/Steel-type Pokemon, it has numerous advantages in battle. Heatran will take only one-quarter damage from five different types of Pokemon or attacks, and it resists four other types of attacks.

Moreover, since Heatran has the Flash Fire ability, which powers up its Fire-type attacks, it is completely immune to two other types of attacks. To top it off, it has a decent special attack stat. Suffice it to say, there is not much that can cause significant damage to a Heatran.

Heatran’s Base Stats:

13

Scizor

Bug/Steel

• Generation 2 (Normal), Generation 6 (Mega)
• Pokemon Gold & Silver (Normal), Pokemon X & Y (Mega)

Bug/Steel-type Pokemon, like Scizor, have a rather long list of advantages and a short list of weaknesses. Apart from being able to Mega evolve into Mega Scizor, which has even higher stats, this Pokemon already has high attack and descent defense stats.

Being a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon, it also has more time in battle to set up Swords Dance, which allows Scizor to extend its combos with additional moves. When used together, Swords Dance, which boosts Bullet Punch, can do tremendous damage to powerful foes like Mega Aerodactyl and Togekiss.

Scizor’s Base Stats:

12

Magnezone

Electric/Steel

• Generation 4
• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

Although Electric/Steel-type Pokemon have a glaring weakness to Ground-type attacks, this pairing makes for an almost unbreakable wall of defense. Electric/Steel-type Pokemon like Magnezone have a whopping eleven resistances, which is more than any other Pokemon typing out there.

Magnezone’s high defense stats mean that it takes full advantage of all eleven resistances, making it almost impossible to take this Pokemon down in battle. On top of that, Magnezone also has a high Special Attack stat, so it does not only hold well as a defensive Pokemon but can also dish out a few powerful attacks.

Magnezone’s Base Stats:

11

Lucario

Fighting/Steel

• Generation 4
• Pokemon Diamond & Pearl

This Pokemon takes the best defensive typing (Steel) and one of the best offensive typings (Fighting) and combines them into a powerful package. With this typing, Lucario can hit 33% of all Pokemon with super effective damage while being able to resist eight types of moves.

In addition to the benefits afforded by Lucario’s dual typing, it also has some powerful moves, including Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch. This makes him a trusty and versatile battle companion who can confidently take on almost any other Pokemon.

Lucario’s Base Stats: