Every Type in Pokémon, Ranked By How Many Pokémon Each Type Has

Throughout its games and anime, the Pokémon franchise has needed to evolve and stay fresh, which has carried it through nine generations. With the release of Scarlet & Violet in late 2022, the roster of Pokémon has finally surpassed 1,000 species, nestling at 1,021 Pokémon and counting. There were 15 different types at the start, but Dark, Steel, and Fairy have since joined, giving 18 types.




These 18 types are represented to varying degrees throughout the 1,000+ roster. Grass, Flying, and Water receive more representation than most, because of the obvious habitats and characteristics that come with land, sea, and air. Various Pokémon have had regional variants and other forms with type adjustments, which can make sorting Pokémon complicated. For simplicity, a Pokémon will be counted for a type if it has that type in one of its forms and variants, which is how Pokémon types are counted on Bulbapedia. For example, Vulpix will be counted in Fire and Ice thanks to its original and Alolan forms. That should help bring clarity to the type spread in the Pokémon series.

Updated on August 12, 2024, by Antonio Samson: There are currently 18 types in Pokémon, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, with over 1,000 Pokémon, some types have more Pokémon than others. This article was updated to meet CBR’s editorial and formatting standards.



18 Ice-Type Was An Early Counter Against Dragons

Generation I Debut and Defensive Challenges

Ash gets frozen by his Glalie in the Pokemon anime.

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Ice-Type Pokémon:

58

Total Number Of Pure Ice-Type Pokémon:

19

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As a typing, Ice is generally seen as one of the worst and least popular in terms of type weaknesses and matchups. This is reflected in it being the rarest Pokémon type, with only 58 Ice types. Ash Ketchum has only used two Ice-type Pokémon over his long and storied journey, Lapras and Glalie, instead choosing to teach Ice-type moves to his other Pokémon.

This typing is infamous for being somewhat defensively frail, but some species compensate through other means. Plus, Ice-Types provided important checks against Dragons, especially before the Fairy-Type. Walrein and Baxcalibur are examples of Ice-Type Pokémon at their best, and there have even been plenty of Ice-Type Legendary Pokémon such as Kyurem and the latest Ice Legendary Chien-Pao.

17 Fairy-Type Offered Another Crucial Check Against Dragon-Types & Dark-Types

Generation VI Introduced A Brand New Type After Years Of Waiting


Generation Debut:

Generation VI (Pokémon X and Y)

Total Number Of Fairy-Type Pokémon:

69

Total Number Of Pure Fairy-Type Pokémon:

30

The Fairy typing was only introduced in Gen VI but has already amassed a roster of 66 species. Its introduction brought a mass change that resulted in existing Pokémon shedding their former types in favor of the Fairy typing, as it suited them better. Clefairy, Snubbull, and Togekiss are examples of this.

Fairy Pokémon were introduced as a much-needed counter for Dark- and Dragon-Types, and this immediately gave Fairy Pokémon competitive viability and appeal. The first new species of this typing introduced was the latest Eevee evolution Sylveon. It’s been the mascot for the Type, and its special Hidden Ability Pixilate makes it even more powerful by turning Normal-Type attacks into Fairy. The Gen VII Tapus and Gen VIII Zacian are Legendary Pokémon that represent the strongest of the Fairy typing, and Paradox Pokémon Flutter Mane, Iron Valiant, and Scream Tail have followed suit in Scarlet & Violet.


16 Ghost-Types Have Benefited From Greater Variety Over The Years

Early Limitations and Modern Expansions

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Ghost-Type Pokémon:

73

Total Number Of Pure Ghost-Type Pokémon:

13

Ghost-Types took some time before acquiring depth in combat capabilities and diversity, but the roster now sits at 73. Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar carried the Ghost type through to Gen III, but there have since been many notable additions. Gholdengo was introduced in Scarlet & Violet as the 1,000th Pokémon, symbolizing an impressive milestone. Like many others, Gholdengo is a Ghost-Type Pokémon with serious value on the competitive scene, on top of Annihilape and Dragapult.


Species like these pair Ghost with other typings to satisfy a variety of battling niches. Just as importantly, the Ghost-Type received a more diverse movepool since the rather lackluster options available in Generation I. Fans of the Pokémon anime were left to wait until Pokémon Journeys for Ash to catch his first Ghost Pokémon in Gengar, but it was worth it.

15 Electric-Type Is Great For Speed And Offense

Shockingly Fast With Few Weaknesses

Pikachu charges up an Electric attack in the Pokémon anime.

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Electric-Type Pokémon:

73

Total Number Of Pure Electric-Type Pokémon:

32


Pikachu is the poster Pokémon for the entire franchise and is naturally the main representative of Electric-Types. Even taking Pikachu aside, however, the explosive type has 73 other species representing it on a stacked roster. Thanks to the addition of Pawmo and Pawmot, Electric has at least one dual-type Pokémon with each of the other 17 types.

Electric-type Pokémon are in a rare position by only having one weakness: Ground-Types. With the introduction of Terastallizing in Scarlet & Violet, Pokémon with the Ability Levitate can become an Electric type but avoid that sole weakness in the process. Combined with an impressive arsenal of Special-focused attacks, species with typically great Speed stats, and few defensive frailties, this typing is a solid choice in competitive settings.


14 Dragon-Type Isn’t As Fearsome As Its Debut, But They’re Still Powerful Creatures

Legendary Strength Since Generation I

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Dragon-Type Pokémon:

75

Total Number Of Pure Dragon-Type Pokémon

13

Like Ghost-Types, the Dragon typing only had one evolution line in Gen I: Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite. However, they, too, found a semblance of depth in Gen III that brought actual Dragons being used by Dragon-Type specialists, rather than lookalikes like Aerodactyl, Gyarados, and Charizard’s base form.


Pokémon‘s Dragon-Type roster now also sits at 75 and mainly comprises Pseudo-Legendaries and actual Legendary Pokémon. Dragons are generally the perfect beast to base a Pokémon of such gravitas. In battle, they tend to have impressive stats defensively and offensively, with some favoring Physical Attack and other Special Attack. Their movepool also complements this, from offensive moves like Dragon Claw, Outrage, and Draco Meteor to stat-buffing moves like Dragon Dance, making them even more daunting. Gen IX’s Koraidon and Miraidon have joined a stacked mini-roster of powerful Dragon Pokémon, headed by Dragonite and Mega Charizard X.

13 Steel-Type Is The Best Defensive Typing In The Games

Defensive Strengths Of The Steel-Type

Generation Debut:

Generation II (Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal)

Total Number Of Steel-Type Pokémon:

77

Total Number Of Pure Steel-Type Pokémon:

9


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Steel-Types were introduced in Gen II of Pokémon and have grown to become one of the most powerful and popular typings. Alone, the Steel typing has only three weaknesses, one immunity, and ten resistances, which can be improved with another strong secondary typing. Steel Pokémon are generally considered tough to break down. Among them, Steelix, Duraludon, and Lucario remain the prime examples.


Since the Gen II games for the Game Boy Color, their attacking movepool has become more varied with a mix of Physical and even some Special-focused attacks. Lucario is, once again, a strong example of this. Pairing Fighting with Steel opens up a slew of defensive and offensive opportunities. It can exploit attacks like Flash Cannon, Bullet Punch, Meteor Mash, and the Fighting-Type Close Combat and Aura Sphere to their full potential. There are 77 Steel types in the Pokémon roster, covering various alternate forms and several standard species.

12 Ground-Type Is A Stronger Alternative To Rock

Defensive and Offensive Capabilities From The Ground

Clay's Excadrill is a formidable Pokémon in battle.

Generation debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Ground-Type Pokémon:

77

Total Number Of Pure Ground-Type Pokémon:

13


Ground-type Pokémon have slowly but surely garnered a lot of popularity over the years for the types they’re strong against. They are the sole foil for Electric types but also the best Rock-, Steel-, Fire- and Poison-Type Pokémon. This helped Earthquake become one of the deadliest moves of the entire franchise.

These formidable battlers have come a long way since the days of the adorable Diglett and Cubone, with there now being 77 Ground-type Pokémon. Groudon is the main representative of the type as a Legendary Pokémon, but many others have risen to prominence because of their aptitude in Sandstorm teams. On top of its more potent offensive capabilities, the Ground typing is better defensively than Rock. Rock mainly suffers from the overwhelming five Type weaknesses it has. Meanwhile, Steel only has three weaknesses, a stunning 10 resistances, and is outright immune to Poison.


11 Rock-Type Shines When Paired With A Second Typing To Compensate

Strong Defenses With Some Key Weaknesses

Ash's Froakie uses Rock Tomb Climb against Grant's Onix in the Pokemon anime.

Generation debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Rock-Type Pokémon:

78

Total Number Of Pure Rock-Type Pokémon:

13

Rock-type Pokémon get an immediate introduction in both the anime and the Gen I games thanks to Brock. Brock’s prized Onix and Geodude lead the way for a Rock-Type roster of 78 total Pokémon.

The Legendary Pokémon Regirock has helped showcase Rock types as a legitimate threat, beyond being bulky and hard to knock down with physical attacks. Ash Ketchum’s Lycanroc even sealed the deal of making Rock-Type Pokémon look especially strong after it secured Ash his huge Pokémon League win at the Manalo Conference in Alola.


10 Dark-Type Helps Check Dangerous Threats

Dark-Types Are The Perfect Counter

Generation Debut:

Generation II (Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal)

Total Number Of Dark-Type Pokémon:

82

Total Number Of Pure Dark-Type Pokémon:

12

Dark Pokémon arrived in Gen II alongside Steel-Types and immediately slotted in as the perfect type for the villainous groups. While the typing is so often attributed to vicious or mischievous Pokémon, that doesn’t mean they can’t be redeemable or pleasant in the first place, as proven by Mabosstiff in Scarlet & Violet.


There are now 82 Dark-Type Pokémon, with the Mythical Pokémon Darkrai, Four Treasures of Ruin, and the legendary Yveltal becoming the strongest representatives. Dark-Type Pokémon have long been valuable counters for the tricky Ghost- and Psychic-Types, but they should always steer clear of Fairy and Fighting Pokémon. Similarly, Dark attacks tend to hit a broad range of opposing Types for at least neutral damage, and the typing doesn’t have too many glaring weaknesses on its own.

9 Fighting-Type Is A Classic Offensive Typing

Offensive Advantages With Physical Strength

Hitmonchan punching a rock in the Pokémon anime.

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Fighting-Type Pokémon:

82

Total Number Of Pure Fighting-Type Pokémon:

26


Fighting-Type Pokémon are the easiest to design and create since they’ll always focus on physical strength and their Attack stat. 82 Fighting Pokémon have been introduced and explored to varying degrees. From Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee to Medicham and Bewear, they hit reliably hard.

Many Legendary and Paradox Pokémon have recently been introduced in Scarlet & Violet, and are strong representatives of the Fighting typing and its offensive prowess. Lucario, Blaziken, and Infernape are three examples of Pokémon that have impacted the overall popularity of Fighting-Types. These species are also excellent showcases of how this typing can gel seamlessly with secondary typings, making a Pokémon even more offensively fearsome by broadening their attacking options.


8 Poison-Type Has Become More Valuable As A Fairy Counter

Poison-Types Chip Away At The Opponent

Garbodor is angry in the Pokémon anime.

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Poison-Type Pokémon:

87

Total Number Of Poison-Type Pokémon:

16

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Poison-Types always risked falling into obscurity as merely being used by Team Rocket and other villainous groups. Recent generations have given them a new sense of worth and value. While introducing Fairy-Type Pokémon in Gen VI was negative for multiple types, it became a new super-effective target for Poison Pokémon. Ekans, Arbok, Koffing, and Weezing became the faces of the Poison typing, which is thanks to the lovable Team Rocket misfits from the anime.


More have followed since, bringing the total to 87. Poison-Type Pokémon aren’t typically known as raw offensive battlers. Rather, they rely more on their cunning through strategy. They certainly have more powerful attacks since Gen I — like Sludge Bomb — but they excel by dealing status afflictions like with Toxic and Toxic Spikes. The Teal Mask introduces a new set of Poison Legendary Pokémon in the Loyal Three of Okidogi, Monkidori, and Fezandipiti.

7 Fire-Type Is A Classic Element From The Games

A Basic Element With Powerful Potential

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Fire-Type Pokémon:

87

Total Number Of Pure Fire-Type Pokémon:

34


Despite being one of the three types for starter Pokémon, Fire-Types are not as common as Water- or Grass-Type Pokémon. Fire-Type Pokémon are generally favored for their overwhelming effectiveness against Grass, Bug, Steel, and Ice types, but are few and far between in terms of wild encounters.

There are 87 Fire-Type Pokémon, with various notable Legendary Pokémon leading the way, from Moltres and Entei to Ho-Oh and Heatran. Charizard is by far the most iconic Fire-Type in the franchise, used by many Trainers in the games and anime, while having two Mega Evolutions and one Gigantamax form. The typing has grown more offensively versatile physically with moves like Fire Punch, Flare Blitz, and more, but Fire Pokémon tend to specialize in Special-focused moves. It’s easy to see why, since classic staples like Flamethrower and Fire Blast are still popular picks for a moveset.


6 Bug-Type Pokémon Are Expectedly Common In The Games

Common Bug-Types Can Be Versatile

Caterpie in a grassy area in the Pokémon anime.

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Bug-Type Pokémon:

92

Total Number Of Bug-Type Pokémon:

21

Bug Pokémon are generally littered around every region to make them feel more complete and realistic. Bug-Type Pokémon rarely become overwhelming threats in battle, but they do have their uses, namely their super-effective advantages over Psychic-, Dark- and Grass-type Pokémon.


There are 92 Bug-type Pokémon in all, from Gen I’s Caterpie and Weedle, all the way to the more obscure designs like Golisopod and Rellor. Volcarona and Genesect are high-profile names to put Bug types on the map, while other species like Scizor, Heracross, and Durant are also strong battlers. They shine when complemented by a secondary typing that can help shore up their weaknesses.

5 Psychic Are Powerful Special Attackers

Psychic-types Have Legendary Power

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Psychic-Type Pokémon:

109

Total Number Of Pure Psychic-Type Pokémon:

68


Psychic-type Pokémon are always interesting and mysterious, but can still be understated and underrated. Psychic is among the most common Pokémon types, boasting over 100 members. Psychic is one of the most popular typings for Legendary Pokémon, counting Mewtwo, Lugia, and Solgaleo among their number.

Alakazam has long been the face of the Psychic typing, because of its appearance alongside Saffron City Gym Leader Sabrina back in the Gen I games. This typing could potentially trivialize any semblance of challenge in the original games, as Alakazam could decimate Gym Leaders and Elite Four teams alone. Still, its defensive frailties didn’t make it invincible. Psychic-Types are still immensely powerful, largely thanks to being such effective Special Attackers, but they have been balanced to have weaknesses in Bug-, Ghost- and Dark-type moves.

4 Flying-Type Species Overwhelmingly Have Secondary Types

Versitle Due To Other Typings

Pidgeot flying in the sky in the Pokémon anime.


Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Flying-Type Pokémon:

112

Total Number Of Pure Flying-Type Pokémon:

3

Since wings and the ability to fly become useful to those occupying the sky or high-up locations, many Pokémon have assumed the secondary typing of Flying. Only three Pokémon are pure Flying-Types — Tornadus, Rookidee, and Corvisquire — with all others taking on a secondary typing. Wings and aerial capability are used in designs and general premise for several Legendary Pokémon, from the Gen I Legendary Birds to Ho-Oh, Rayquaza, and others.


Flying-Type Pokémon were once required for HM Fly, but now they’re chosen for their sleek designs and movepools, rather than being selected out of necessity. These creatures have access to powerful moves like Air Slash, Brave Bird, and Hurricane, plus support and healing moves like Defog and Roost. Their immunity to Ground-Types also helps, although a secondary typing is best to make up for their weaknesses against Electric, Ice, and Rock.

3 Grass-Type Fills Useful Niches In Battle

Grass-Types Focus On Status Moves

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Grass-Type Pokémon:

130

Total Number Of Pure Grass-Type Pokémon:

41


Many view Grass typing as the least popular of the three starter Pokémon types, but there are more Grass than Fire Pokémon. Grass types are commonly found in fields or anywhere with greenery. By itself, the Grass typing often gets snubbed thanks to its five weaknesses, but there are still decent Pokémon among the 130 total Grass-Types.

Their movepool has expanded to include more respectable attacking moves in addition to status-focused moves like Sleep Powder and Spore, and healing moves like Leech Seed. Bulbasaur has the Pokédex number of #1 and remains the most popular Grass-Type Pokémon. Others like Sceptile and Rowlet have also proven to be popular additions. The Grass-Type’s latest Legendary Pokémon, Ogerpon, is the mascot Pokémon for The Teal Mask.

2 Normal-Type Is A Respectable Jack-Of-All-Trades Typing

Normal-Types Are Surprisingly Versatile

Snorlax is waving happily at someone in the Pokémon anime.


Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Normal-Type Pokémon:

133

Total Number Of Pure Normal-Type Pokémon

89

A common misconception within the realms of Pokémon is that Normal types are always plain, boring, or weak. While this can be true in certain cases, Normal-Types have grown over the years to thrive in their simplicity, as the lack of a more extravagant typing leaves it with only one type weakness in Fighting. They even have outright immunity to Ghost-Type attacks.

There are 133 Normal-type Pokémon and plenty of powerful species make up this roster. Snorlax, Slaking, Miltank, and Regigigas are all known and admired for their physical bulk. Other Normal Pokémon, like Eevee and Ditto, have unique gimmicks that keep them relevant and interesting.


1 Water-Type Dominate The Regions Of The Pokémon World

Water-Types Have A Diversity Of Unique Pokémon

Generation Debut:

Generation I (Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow)

Total Number Of Water-Type Pokémon:

159

Total Number Of Pure Water-Type Pokémon:

81

With land and sea being the core elemental components, it’s no surprise that the Water-Type is the most common in the Pokémon franchise. 159 Water-type Pokémon across nine generations is a lot, but they are headed by a starter line in each generation, several Legendary Pokémon, and many encounters commonly found at sea. Kyogre, Gyarados, and Squirtle are among the most iconic and recognizable Water types, but every generation has released many with creative and fun designs.


There can never be “too much Water” Pokémon. The Gen IX games Scarlet & Violet recently introduced exciting new gimmicks with Palafin’s Hero Form, and the bizarre Dondozo-Tatsugiri relationship, adding even more variety to the vast Water-Type roster. With so many unique species, this typing has an expectedly wide range of uses in battle. They’re almost even in terms of Physical and Special Attack/Defense statistically, have more than enough moves to complement various builds, and have respectable Type defenses and resistances.

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