As with every new generationPokemonintroduces,Pokemon ScarletandVioletbrought plenty of never-before-seen type combinations which players are breaking down between those likely to feature in future games to all-new forms that could be generational exclusives. Since the advent of Gen 6 and the introduction of Fairy-types, there have been eighteen different types available for Game Freak to toy with and hundreds of different ways to combine these through the games' dual-type format. Among that three hundred and twenty-four are severalPokemontype combinations yet to be seen in-game.
However,Pokemon ScarletandViolethave reduced the number of unused dual-types by a decent amount, ultimately ticking seven more previously unseen combinations off that list. Split between all-new Gen 9 Pokemon and their evolutionary lines as well asScarletandViolet’s unique Paradox Pokemon, these new combinations range from those fans have been longing for to those players had never expected to see quite so soon. Between the creativity behind their designs to their competitive potential, these new combinations have become fan favorites to some and missed the mark for others.
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Bug/Dark
As the first featured in the Paldean Pokedex with a new type combination. Lokix had actually been leaked early on ahead ofPokemon ScarletandViolet’srelease - or rather,Lokix’s “Kamen Rider” concept and types leaked. Following its official reveal alongside the games' launch, it was clear how close to the truth these leaks were, but arguably Lokix’s grasshopper design and unique type combination still made it a worthwhile addition to any players' team in spite of this. Moreover, Lokix is easy to obtain since its first evolution stage Nymble is readily found in early areas of the game.
Electric/Fighting
Following in the Pokedex isPokemon ScarletandViolet’sversion of a Pikachu clone that has become a staple to the series. Despite players' mixed reactions to its underwhelming or difficult-to-obtain evolutions,comparing Pawmi to previous Pikachu clonesbrings up a range of unique differences that makes it not just stand up but stand out. Receiving not one but two evolution stages with Pawmo and Pawmot, it also introduced an Electric/Fighting type combination as a series first. Though its evolution might be one drawback, its early appearance in-game and unique typing, just like Lokix, is a significant advantage.
But this wasn’t the only Electric/Fighting Pokemon introduced in Gen 9. Exclusive toPokemon Violetamong its Paradox Pokemon, Gen 3’s Hariyama saw itself receiving a Future form dubbed “Iron Hands.” DespitePokemon Violet’suniformity for its Paradox Pokemonimplying that Iron Hands ought to have been a Steel dual-type, it is the third Pokemon brought to Gen 9 that appears to compensate for a lack of Electric/Fighting combinations before now. Iron Hands might be exclusive to Gen 9 as Gigantamax forms might be to Gen 8, but at least players will still have Electric/Fighting dual-types with the Pawmi line.
Poison/Normal
The Shroodle line introduces the series' first-ever Poison/Normal type Pokemon. While initial reveals ofShroodle’s evolution Grafaiaiseemed to connect it to Smeargle as another painting Pokemon, it seems the two were conceptualized as a creative idea rather than carrying on the Gen 2 homage like Paldean Wooper, Clodsire, and Farigiraf. Seemingly taking a blend of inspiration from graffiti, aye-ayes, and the work of Spanish artist Agustín Ibarrola, Shroodle and Grafaiai had plenty of ideas behind it and its unique Poison/Normal typing likely reflects that.
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Grass/Fire
Perhaps the most contentious of the new type combinations introduced toPokemon ScarletandViolet, the seemingly incompatible match-up of Grass and Fire has been among the dual-types fans were unsure if they’d ever see. But unlike the previous prestige given to “impossible” type combinations like Volcanion’s Water/Fire typing,Scovillain was an underwhelming Gen 9 newcomer. Though its concept based on an “evil” chili pepper was well-liked, since it was a rational way of introducing the series' first Grass/Fire type, its overall execution such as its abilities and moves or lack of “distinction” gave it a bad rap among players.
Steel/Poison
Another of the new unique type combinations that were leaked early intoPokemon ScarletandViolet’srelease, fans were excited to hear about another “impossible” match-up of Steel and Poison. Hampered still by early marketing giving fans huge clues withTeam Star’s Starmobile ultimately being special RevavroomPokemon, the Varoom line still made a lasting impression on players. Likely helped by its unique typing, such as its Steel type making it immune to its own Poison type, the car engine design was a novel “man-made” concept that gave it an edge over other questionable Pokemon like Trubbish.
Ground/Fighting
WhilePokemon Violethad its own exclusive Paradox Pokemon with its Future forms, so too didPokemon Scarletwith its Ancient forms. Among these was the series' first-ever Ground/Fighting type with “Great Tusk.” Aprehistoric reimagining of Donphan from Gen 2 with Mamoswine vibes, Great Tusk was the Ancient counterpart to Iron Treads fromPokemon Violet. But unlike Iron Treads whose Ground/Steel typing had been seen many times before, from Steelix to Alolan Dugtrio, Great Tusk stood out not least because it was featured inPokemon Scarlet’s"Path of Legends" storyline but because it had a never-before-seen type combination.
Fairy/Fighting
WhilePokemon Scarlethad only one exclusive unique type combination,Pokemon Violetactually had two. Unlike Iron Hands' Electric/Fighting type being shared with other Gen 9 Pokemon, “Iron Valiant” is the sole Pokemon in the series so far to have the Fairy/Fighting combination. Based on not just one but both of Ralts' final forms Gardevoir and Gallade, Iron Valiant was praised for its smart hybridization of the two in both design and typing. Between Gardevoir’s Fairy and Gallade’s Fighting, Iron Valiant and all other Paradox Pokemon makea good case for more type combinations in Pokemon.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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