Type matchups are an essential piece of strategy in Pokemon battles. However, many trainers, especially newcomers, make common mistakes when considering types that can seriously hamper their chances of victory. From over-reliance on a few strong types to neglecting the impacts of weather, abilities, and terrains, trainers often overlook important factors that change the tide of battle.
In this blog post, we will cover 8 common mistakes trainers make when considering Pokemon types. Understanding where mistakes are typically made is the first step to avoiding them.
Also, read our latest guide on “10 SHOCKING POKEMON TYPE BLUNDERS THAT ARE COSTING YOU BATTLES.”
8 Common Mistakes Trainers Make When Considering Pokemon Types
Understanding type matchups is crucial for success in the Pokemon world. However, many trainers fall into common pitfalls when building their teams. Here are eight of the most frequent mistakes:
1. Overreliance on Strong Types
One common mistake trainers make is overrelying on strong types and not considering type matchups. For example, many novice trainers believe fire is the best type since it is strong against grass, ice, bugs, and steel. While Fire Pokemon are certainly powerful, they are also weak to Water, Ground, and Rock—three very common types.
Trainers need to have a balanced team that can handle a variety of types, not just what is super effective. A well-rounded team is much more effective in both the short and long run.
2. Ignoring Type Coverage
Another mistake trainers tend to make is ignoring their type coverage. They’ll assemble a team filled with similar types without considering the types that will be effective against them. No team is served well with three water types, for instance.
Coverage is key—you’ll want attacks that hit different vulnerabilities. A team with variety covering individual weaknesses allows you to switch between Pokemon depending on the situation. With diverse moves and types accounting for weaknesses, you’ll be prepared to face any challenge!
3. Underestimating Type Resistances
It’s easy to underestimate how important resistances are in winning battles. Trainers frequently pick attacks based solely on what is super effective, without thinking about what the opponent resists. But every time a move is resisted, it does less damage.
A Pokemon that resists attacks can take hits all day without fainting. Trainers need to study type matchups fully to understand resistances. Having backup strategies for when attacks are resisted can make or break a battle. With resistances in mind, you’ll be much harder to take down.
4. Neglecting Type Immunities
Neglecting type immunties is another pitfall for trainers. While super-effective attacks seem appealing, a missed opportunity to deal damage can swing a battle. For example, using ground moves against a flying type is a waste, and electric moves will never touch grass.
Trainers need to have alternatives for when opponents have immunity. Scouting the other trainer’s team beforehand and considering their immunities can help devise a more effective strategy from the outset. Awareness of immunities prevents frustration and boosts your chances of winning.
5. Forgetting About Abilities
Abilities are another important aspect of Pokemon types that some trainers overlook. However, certain abilities can completely counteract strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Lightning Rod redirects Electric moves to a Pokemon like Raichu. Water Absorb heals a Pokemon when hit by Water. Intimidate lowers the attack of physical opponents.
Not accounting for abilities means missing out on key information. Trainers need to research the abilities of popular Pokemon types to know how type matchups or moves may be altered. With abilities in mind, no type is guaranteed a clear advantage.
6. Ignoring Type Synergies
When building a team, trainers sometimes make the mistake of looking at each Pokemon individually without considering their synergies. However, certain types support each other well. For example, Steel resists many types, while Fairy eliminates Steel’s weaknesses. Fire Blast can weaken water foes for a grass finisher.
Terrain moves like grass, empowering allies. Effective synergies emerge from complementary resistances and offense. Trainers should strategize how their picks complement each other so that the whole team is greater than the sum of its parts. With smart synergies, even types of disadvantages can be overcome.
7. Overlooking Weather Conditions
The weather can significantly alter type matchups, yet beginning trainers often don’t consider how this impacts their strategies. Harsh sunlight powers up fire moves while strengthening grass, but hosing down the opponent under rain. Hail damages fire and ice chips away at grass. Fog confuses opponents. Failure to prepare for weather leaves a trainer vulnerable when these conditions arise.
Scoping out the opponent’s team for weather inducers and having counters for each condition gives a major advantage. Adapting to weather is key to coming out on top.
8. Ignoring Terrain Effects
Besides weather, the terrain on the battlefield also influences battles through its boosting effects. However, many trainers don’t strategize around the impacts of electric, grassy, misty, and psychic terrain. Electric Terrain paralyzes opponents who make contact, while grassy heals allies and powers up grass moves. Misty soaks up special hits, and Psychic messes with status.
Failing to recognize how the terrain favors some types over others puts a trainer at a clear disadvantage. Scouting for Pokemon that can set terrain and having appropriate counters ready is crucial for maintaining control of tricky conditions.
Final Words:
Understanding common mistakes around type matchups is an important first step for trainers to improve their strategies.
By avoiding overreliance on a few types, ensuring coverage, accounting for resistances and immunities, considering abilities, weather, terrain and team synergies, trainers can develop a more well-rounded approach. With a comprehensive view of all factors, they will be better equipped for dynamic battles in the Pokemon world.