Each generation of Pokémon games adds new critters with ever more bizarre type combos. But these type combos have never existed, some for good reason.

The Pokémongames have been growing steadily more complex as each new generation emerges, but there are still a number of Pokémon type combinations that haven't yet been used. Pokémon types are categorizations that affect the abilities, strengths, and weaknesses of Pokémon in battle, ranging from basic elements to mythical creature categorizations. Pokémon Red and Blue launched in 1996 with only 15 types, but several more have been added through subsequent generations. There are now 171 unique Pokémon type combinations possible, and yet there are only nine unused type combos.

While many Pokémon's typings reflect those creatures' origins, environment, or way of battling, other typings might be assigned to address game balance needs. Several early-generation Pokémon, for example, received the Fairy type, added to counteract Dragon. In some cases, like Togepi's, Fairy took the place of the old type, while other Pokémon like Mr. Mime received Fairy in addition to their original type. Despite the roughly 1,000 total Pokémon that wander the regions of Paldea, Galar, and the rest, there are still several Pokémon type combinations that remain unused. Some combinations would make a Pokémon extremely weak, and other type combinations just wouldn't make sense within the games' established universe.

Every Pokémon Type Combination That's Never Been Used

Below is the full list of unused Pokémon type combinations, according to Pokémon Database:

• Normal/Ice
• Normal/Bug
• Normal/Rock
• Normal/Steel
• Fire/Fairy
• Ice/Poison
• Ground/Fairy
• Bug/Dragon
• Rock/Ghost

Pokémon games have narrowed this list quickly in recent years, with the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cutting the number down yet again thanks to a selection of new inclusions. Not every combination of types that is in use can be found among most Pokémon, however, with a number only appearing as alternate forms of Pokémon or in Legendary Pokémon. Two Pokémon type combos also remain exclusive to Mega Evolutions.

Which Unused Pokémon Type Combinations Could Still Appear

Almost half of the currently unused Pokémon type combinations pair Normal with another type. Several of these would make for fairly weak combinations, with Normal either failing to balance the shortcomings of the secondary type or doubling down on weaknesses. If any Pokémonwas granted the Normal/Ice-type combination, for example, it would be incredibly disadvantaged in battle. Pokémon's Ice type is notoriously weak, and Normal would barely make up for any of its deficiencies. Normal only has resistance against Ghost, and Ice is only resistant against itself. A Normal/Ice-type Pokémon would therefore do only middling damage and have very little chance to resist incoming attacks.

Some yet unused Pokémon type combinations, however, seem certain to eventually appear in the games. Bug/Dragon-type, for example, would make for a natural inclusion in an upcoming title. Generation 9 Bug/Flying-type Pokémon Yanmega feels as though it should have been Bug/Dragon-type, and the pairing would be reasonably balanced. Fire/Fairy-type is another combination that could prove effective in combat and could easily be incorporated into a design that would make sense. Psychic/Fire-type Victini offers a reasonable example of what a Fire/Fairy-type Pokémon might resemble, with shining eyes and a cute design that still manages to invoke flames.

With an ever-expanding roster of Pokémonaccompanying new game releases, more and more of these unused type combos will likely be seen out in the wild. Whatever the next Pokémon game to come is, fans can reasonably expect it to follow Scarlet and Violet in slimming the crowd of remaining unused Pokémon type combinations. If the next game learns from Pokémon Scarlet And Violet's strengths and weaknesses while bringing new Pokémon type combinations to the table, fans could have a lot to look forward to.

Source: Pokémon Database