Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduce players to new types of Pokemon known as Paradox Pokemon, which are ancient or future versions of beloved critters that players have known for years. They are among the strongest in Generation 9, which can be explained by looking at their typings. Every single one of them carries two types, and this makes them have more diverse defensive and offensive capabilities. Having two defensive typings can help; for example, with Ice types, most dual-typings would have them gain resistances because Ice types are very frail with four weaknesses and only resists itself. That makes it the least resistant of the 18 types.
In future games, there should be more dual type Pokemon because mono-typings are already explored heavily. There are 535 mono-typed Pokemon in the national dex as opposed to 642 dual-typed (including mega evolutions, regional variants, and alternate forms that aren't purely aesthetic). So while there are more species with two typings, there are many combinations that have yet to be used.
What Dual-Typing Provides Pokemon With
Despite Pokemon Scarlet and Violet adding in a few first time typings, such as Scovillain being Grass and Fire, and Iron Valiant being Fairy and Fighting, there are still many types that remain untouched by GameFreak. There are a lot of combinations that could possess some really great Pokemon concepts, such as Fairy and Dragon or Fairy and Ground. Additionally, there are many typings where only a few Pokemon exist. Many cool concepts and designs could be tapped into with dual-typings that go beyond another fish or bird Pokemon.
Beyond just designs, dual-typings are also usually better in competitive contexts. Having two typings with STAB moves gives many Pokemon far better offensive coverage and versatility. If Iron Valiant dropped one of its typings, then it would be far less threatening and maybe even fall a tier in competitive circuits. What makes it so oppressive is its fantastic move pool and stats, with both of those aspects only improved by it having STAB with two of the best offensive types in the games.
A lot of typings have a saturated field of Pokemon with only that singular type, with far less Pokemon per dual-typing than per mono-typing. There are 79 pure Water types as opposed to 78 dual types that are part Water type, and that is a signifier that even in typings with less pure typings, the majority have more mono-typings than dual-typings.
There is a pattern to Pokemon games, and it is spiced up with more type combinations. Having more pairings can provide new and unique experiences that can only happen through these interesting partnerships. Certain abilities work far better if paired with specific typings, like when players can choose more diverse attacks and still receive STAB bonuses to more of their move pool. Add on terastalizing, and players can get a 50 percent boost to attacks that fall under three types.
For example, take Gholdengo, a new Pokemon that is a Steel and Ghost type with great special attack. A common set that is being run in competitive formats right now is a Choice Specs set, an item that boosts the user's special attack by 50 percent but locks them into one move. For coverage sometimes people will add Fighting as the terastalization type, so that when other trainers bring in a Dark type to counter Gholdengo, it can flip the table and deal super effective damage.
Defensive dual-typings can also provide more resistances or immunities than mono-types, such as a Water and Steel combination that would resist ten types and be immune to one. That's not the only great combination, and many can provide great defensive Pokemon for trainers looking to play with a more defensive play style.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available right now on the Nintendo Switch.
