Advanced Type Matchups
Master complex type interactions for competitive advantage
Understanding STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus)
STAB is a 1.5x damage multiplier when a Pokémon uses a move that matches one of its types. This fundamental mechanic shapes competitive strategy and team building decisions.
⚡ STAB Calculation
Final Damage = Base Damage × Type Effectiveness × STAB × Other Modifiers
🎯 Strategic Implications
- • STAB moves are 50% stronger, making type-matched attacks preferred
- • Dual-type Pokémon get STAB on two different move types
- • Coverage moves (non-STAB) need super effective damage to compete
- • Some Pokémon sacrifice STAB for essential coverage moves
Dual-Type Complexity
Dual-type Pokémon create complex matchup scenarios where effectiveness multipliers stack, creating 4x weaknesses and resistances that define competitive viability.
🔥💧 Effectiveness Stacking
4x Weakness Example
Grass/Ice Pokémon vs Fire move: 2x (vs Grass) × 2x (vs Ice) = 4x damage
4x Resistance Example
Fire/Steel vs Grass move: 0.5x (vs Fire) × 0.5x (vs Steel) = 0.25x damage
⚖️ Common Dual-Type Patterns
🌪️ Flying Secondary Types
Many dual-types include Flying, creating universal Electric and Ice weaknesses while providing Ground immunity.
🏗️ Steel Defensive Cores
Steel typing provides numerous resistances, making dual Steel types excellent defensive pivots despite potential Fire/Fighting/Ground weaknesses.
Advanced Coverage Strategies
🎯 Perfect Coverage Combinations
Fighting + Flying
Hits all types for at least neutral damage. Fighting covers Normal, Steel, Ice, Dark, Rock. Flying covers Fighting, Grass, Bug.
Ground + Ice
Classic competitive coverage. Ground hits Electric, Steel, Fire, Rock, Poison. Ice covers Flying, Grass, Dragon, Ground.
🛡️ Defensive Type Synergy
Successful defensive cores pair types that cover each other's weaknesses:
Hidden Power and Type Coverage
Hidden Power was a special move that could be any type depending on a Pokémon's IVs, providing crucial coverage options for Pokémon with limited movepools.
🔧 Strategic Applications
- • Electric types using Hidden Power Ice for Dragon coverage
- • Psychic types using Hidden Power Fighting for Steel coverage
- • Fire types using Hidden Power Rock for opposing Fire types
Competitive Matchup Analysis
🏆 Meta Game Considerations
Offensive Threats
Identify common offensive types in the meta and ensure your team has answers:
Defensive Walls
Common defensive types and how to break through them with appropriate coverage moves.
⚡ Speed Tier Considerations
Type matchups interact with speed tiers to create complex priority systems:
- • Fast attackers can revenge kill with super effective moves
- • Slow tanks rely on resistances to survive and retaliate
- • Priority moves can override type disadvantages
- • Choice items lock you into one move, making type coverage crucial
Next Steps
Master these advanced concepts to elevate your competitive game: