In the thrilling world of Pokémon battles, understanding type matchups is essential for achieving victory. Choosing Pokémon with minimal weaknesses is a key strategy to dominate the battlefield. While many Pokémon in the vast Pokémon universe have multiple type weaknesses, a rare group of exceptional creatures stands out for having remarkably few vulnerabilities.
Their unique typings and special traits give these Pokémon a significant edge, making them powerful choices for any battle. By exploring the qualities that make these Pokémon so effective, trainers can discover new strategies and enhance their chances of success.
Updated January 10, 2025
When building a team for your Pokémon journey, it’s crucial to consider the weaknesses of each Pokémon. A select few Pokémon have only one type that deals super-effective damage to them, making them ideal choices for a balanced six-member roster. Their versatility is invaluable, especially in tougher battles like those against the Elite Four and beyond. Some types are naturally more advantageous than others; for instance, Steel-type Pokémon boast numerous resistances but also come with their own weaknesses. To help trainers, this list has been updated to include five more Pokémon with the fewest weaknesses.
20. Forretress
| HP: | 79 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 90 |
| Defense: | 140 |
| Sp. Atk: | 60 |
| Sp. Def: | 60 |
| Speed: | 40 |
| Total: | 465 |
This Bug/Steel Pokémon gained fame through Brock in the anime and Koga’s Elite Four team in Pokémon Gold & Silver and its remakes. Forretress is a fantastic choice in battles, primarily because it has only one weakness—though it’s a significant 4x weakness to Fire-type moves.
With an impressive 140 Defense stat, Forretress can potentially withstand even Physical Fire-type attacks. A clever strategy against tough Fire-type opponents is to counter its vulnerability with the powerful move Explosion. While this sacrifices Forretress, it can effectively take down the opposing Pokémon in the process.
19. Whiscash
| HP: | 110 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 78 |
| Defense: | 73 |
| Sp. Atk: | 76 |
| Sp. Def: | 71 |
| Speed: | 60 |
| Total: | 468 |
Water and Ground types individually have very few weaknesses, but when combined, they leave a Pokémon with just one vulnerability: Grass. However, since both types share the same Grass weakness, it becomes a 4x disadvantage. Even so, having only one type to worry about is a significant advantage in battles.
One example of a Water/Ground-type Pokémon is Whiscash, first introduced in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire. This versatile Pokémon boasts decent all-around stats, but its standout feature is its impressive HP stat. This makes Whiscash an excellent defensive option, especially when paired with the move Rest, allowing it to serve as a reliable wall in battles.
18. Swampert
Swampert | Mega Swampert | |
| HP: | 100 | 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Attack: | 110 | 150 |
| Defense: | 90 | 110 |
| Sp. Atk: | 85 | 95 |
| Sp. Def: | 90 | 110 |
| Speed: | 60 | 70 |
| Total: | 535 | 635 |
Another Pokémon with only one weakness to Grass is Swampert, the final evolution of Mudkip, the Water-type Starter Pokémon from the Hoenn region. Swampert excels in nearly every stat except Speed, making it an excellent choice for a Hoenn playthrough, especially since the first gym specializes in Rock types.
While some Mega Pokémon gain different typings upon evolving, Mega Swampert retains its original Water/Ground typing. This means it has the same single weakness but benefits from boosted stats across the board. Among all Starter Pokémon, Swampert stands out as the best, being the only one with just one type-based weakness.
17. Trash Cloak Wormadam
| HP: | 60 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 69 |
| Defense: | 95 |
| Sp. Atk: | 69 |
| Sp. Def: | 95 |
| Speed: | 36 |
| Total: | 424 |
Surprisingly, Wormadam earns a spot on this list, even though it’s not considered a particularly strong Pokémon. Among its three forms, only the Bug/Steel-type Trash Cloak has a single weakness—to Fire.
This form of Wormadam shines in terms of Defense, but its other stats leave much to be desired, which is why it’s rarely used in playthroughs. There are certainly stronger Bug/Steel Pokémon available. However, the Bagworm Pokémon’s unique trait of having just one weakness makes it noteworthy. For those deciding how to evolve Burmy, the Trash Cloak form is likely the best choice if they plan to use it.
16. Quagsire
| HP: | 95 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 85 |
| Defense: | 85 |
| Sp. Atk: | 65 |
| Sp. Def: | 65 |
| Speed: | 35 |
| Total: | 430 |
Don’t let appearances fool you—Quagsire may look unassuming, but it’s a fantastic battler with just one weakness: Grass. While this is a 4x weakness, meaning a strong Grass-type move can easily knock it out, Quagsire compensates with its versatility.
This Water/Ground-type can learn Ice-type moves like Ice Beam, Blizzard, and Ice Punch, providing a way to counter its sole vulnerability. Other Water/Ground Pokémon, such as Swampert, Seismitoad, and Whiscash, share this single weakness. However, Quagsire stands out as a fan favorite, earning its place as one of the most beloved in its category.
15. Scizor
Scizor | Mega Scizor | |
| HP: | 70 | 70 |
|---|---|---|
| Attack: | 130 | 150 |
| Defense: | 100 | 140 |
| Sp. Atk: | 55 | 65 |
| Sp. Def: | 80 | 100 |
| Speed: | 65 | 75 |
| Total: | 500 | 600 |
When Scyther debuted in Generation 1, it quickly became a fan favorite, despite having numerous weaknesses, including a 4x vulnerability to Rock-type moves. This changed in Pokémon Gold & Silver with the introduction of its evolution, Scizor. As a Bug/Steel type, Scizor eliminates many of Scyther’s weaknesses, leaving it with just one—a 4x weakness to Fire.
While Scizor lacks many direct counters to Fire-types, it can learn Rain Dance, which reduces the power of Fire moves for five turns. Another effective strategy is to use U-Turn to deal some damage while switching to a Pokémon better equipped to handle Fire-type opponents.
14. Genesect
| HP: | 71 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 120 |
| Defense: | 95 |
| Sp. Atk: | 120 |
| Sp. Def: | 95 |
| Speed: | 99 |
| Total: | 600 |
Genesect, another Bug/Steel-type Pokémon, shares the same single weakness to Fire-type moves. What sets this Mythical Pokémon apart is its ability to change forms based on the drive it holds. For example, equipping a Douse Drive transforms its signature move, Techno Blast, into a Water-type attack—an excellent option for countering Fire-types.
Beyond Techno Blast, Genesect has limited ways to address its Fire-type weakness. However, it does have immunity to Poison-type moves, which can be strategically advantageous, especially in online battles against Poison-type opponents.
13. Drapion
| HP: | 70 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 90 |
| Defense: | 110 |
| Sp. Atk: | 60 |
| Sp. Def: | 75 |
| Speed: | 95 |
| Total: | 500 |
Drapion stands out with its impressive defensive capabilities and well-rounded stats, aside from its lower Special Attack. It’s a fantastic choice for a Sinnoh playthrough, especially because it has only one weakness—Ground—and even that is just a 2x disadvantage.
While Poison-types typically struggle against Psychic moves, Drapion’s Dark typing provides complete immunity, neutralizing this threat. However, training Drapion can be a challenge, as it evolves from Skorupi at level 40. This means players will need to invest time carrying a weaker Pokémon through a significant portion of the main story before unlocking Drapion’s full potential.
12. Skuntank
| HP: | 103 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 93 |
| Defense: | 67 |
| Sp. Atk: | 71 |
| Sp. Def: | 61 |
| Speed: | 84 |
| Total: | 479 |
With its impressive HP, Skuntank is a surprisingly reliable tank Pokémon that also boasts decent speed, with a base stat of 84. As a Poison/Dark-type, its dual typing cancels out key weaknesses: Poison neutralizes Dark’s vulnerabilities to Fighting and Bug, while Dark negates Poison’s Psychic weakness.
This combination leaves Skuntank with just one weakness—a 4x vulnerability to Ground. However, this can be mitigated by teaching it the Grass-type move Trailblaze via TM in later generations. Skuntank is an excellent choice for a Pokémon team, particularly in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
11. Overqwil
| HP: | 85 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 115 |
| Defense: | 95 |
| Sp. Atk: | 65 |
| Sp. Def: | 65 |
| Speed: | 85 |
| Total: | 510 |
Overqwil, the evolution of Hisuian Qwilfish, is a Dark/Poison-type Pokémon, a change from its Water/Poison predecessor. First introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this Pin Cluster Pokémon has only one weakness. However, due to its Water-type origins, Overqwil can counter this vulnerability effectively with a range of Water-type moves like Brine, Waterfall, and Water Pulse.
This makes Overqwil nearly invulnerable, as it can handle its only weakness with powerful, super-effective attacks. Combined with its immunity to Psychic-type moves and resistance to Poison, Ghost, Grass, and Dark attacks, Overqwil is an exceptional choice in battles.
10. All Pure Electric-Type Pokemon
There are only two Pokémon types with just one weakness, and Electric-type is one of them. Ash’s Pikachu, for example, is an Electric-type that often overcomes this weakness in the early anime, as it is only vulnerable to Ground-type moves, which deal 2x damage.
Electric-types with secondary typings usually have additional weaknesses due to their varied combinations. As a result, only pure Electric-type Pokémon maintain a single weakness. Powerful Pokémon like Jolteon, Raichu, Ampharos, and Electivire are excellent additions to any team, thanks to their strong defensive capabilities.
9. All Pure Normal-Type Pokemon
Similar to Electric-types, Normal-type Pokémon also have just one weakness, which is Fighting-type moves. As the most basic type in Pokémon, Normal-types have few variations in their offensive and defensive matchups.
Having a Normal-type on your team can be incredibly useful, as they generally provide a solid answer to a variety of opponent strategies. However, players should be cautious of Fighting-types, as they can deal significant damage to Normal-type Pokémon.
8. Alolan Muk
| HP: | 105 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 105 |
| Defense: | 75 |
| Sp. Atk: | 65 |
| Sp. Def: | 100 |
| Speed: | 50 |
| Total: | 500 |
In Generation 8, the Alolan form of Muk, originally from the first 151 Pokémon, received an upgrade by gaining the Dark typing alongside its Poison type. This combination nullifies the Poison-type weakness to Psychic thanks to the Dark type’s immunity.
Muk’s only remaining weakness is Ground, but this can be countered through TMs. It can learn moves like Giga Drain and Ice Punch, which are super-effective against Ground-types. The Alolan Muk in Pokémon Sun & Moon boasts impressive HP and Attack stats, allowing it to take hits and deal powerful physical damage using STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves like Gunk Shot and Crunch.
7. Rotom Wash
| HP: | 50 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 65 |
| Defense: | 107 |
| Sp. Atk: | 105 |
| Sp. Def: | 107 |
| Speed: | 86 |
| Total: | 520 |
Rotom has a unique ability to change its form based on the item it holds. In this case, it transforms from an Electric/Ghost-type into an Electric/Water-type.
As a Water-type, Rotom becomes vulnerable to Grass and Electric-type moves. However, its Electric typing neutralizes this Electric weakness. All Rotom forms have the Levitate ability, which makes Ground-type moves ineffective, eliminating Electric’s primary weakness. Wash Rotom is left with only one vulnerability: Grass-type moves, which deal 2x damage to it.
6. Sableye
Sableye | Mega Sableye | |
| HP: | 50 | 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Attack: | 75 | 85 |
| Defense: | 75 | 125 |
| Sp. Atk: | 65 | 85 |
| Sp. Def: | 65 | 115 |
| Speed: | 50 | 20 |
| Total: | 380 | 480 |
Before Generation 6, the Dark/Ghost-type, introduced in Generation 3, had no weaknesses. However, with the addition of the Fairy-type in Generation 6, it now takes 2x damage from Fairy moves.
The Fairy-type was introduced to balance typing, adding another weakness for Dragon-types and giving Steel-types a more offensive role. Unfortunately for Sableye, this also introduced a new weakness for Dark-types. While Ghost typing resists Bug moves, leaving only neutral damage, Fairy-type moves now deal significant damage to this eerie Pokémon.
5. Spiritomb
| HP: | 50 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 92 |
| Defense: | 108 |
| Sp. Atk: | 92 |
| Sp. Def: | 108 |
| Speed: | 35 |
| Total: | 485 |
Spiritomb, a Dark/Ghost-type Pokémon, is a mysterious entity with an eerie presence. Known for its unique ability, Infiltrator, it can bypass defensive barriers and disrupt opponents’ strategies. Spiritomb also has an interesting resistance to Normal and Psychic moves, offering a valuable advantage in battles. While it is weak to Fairy-type moves, its impressive movepool and solid defensive stats help it overcome this vulnerability.
With powerful moves like Shadow Ball and Dark Pulse, Spiritomb can deal heavy damage to foes. Its ghostly nature and strategic abilities make it a formidable opponent, capable of confusing enemies with its diverse moveset. Trainers should be ready for the haunting power of Spiritomb as it unleashes its cryptic abilities on the battlefield.
4. Hisuian Zoroark
| HP: | 55 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 100 |
| Defense: | 60 |
| Sp. Atk: | 125 |
| Sp. Def: | 60 |
| Speed: | 110 |
| Total: | 510 |
Hisuian Zoroark, along with its pre-evolved form Zorua, is unique as the only Normal/Ghost-type Pokémon in the game. Ghost-types typically have two weaknesses: Dark and Ghost. However, Zoroark’s Normal typing grants it complete immunity to Ghost-type moves, leaving only a 2x vulnerability to Dark—ironically, the same typing as regular Zoroark.
Its ability, Illusion, allows Zoroark to deceive opponents by taking the form of the last non-Egg Pokémon in the party when it enters battle, making it more difficult for opponents to predict its moves. With a versatile movepool and excellent stats, Hisuian Zoroark is a strong choice for competitive play.
3. Eelektross
| HP: | 85 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 115 |
| Defense: | 80 |
| Sp. Atk: | 105 |
| Sp. Def: | 80 |
| Speed: | 50 |
| Total: | 515 |
Eelektross, a powerful Electric-type Pokémon, stands out for its remarkable ability, Levitate. This ability grants immunity to Ground-type attacks, eliminating one of its primary weaknesses. With no inherent weaknesses, Eelektross becomes a formidable presence on the battlefield.
Its strong movepool and high HP make it a resilient contender, able to deal devastating Electric-type damage without fear of Ground-type counters. Eelektross’s unique advantage and versatility make it a valuable asset to any team, offering a strategic edge in battles against opponents that rely on Ground-type moves.
2. Terastallized Orthworm
| HP: | 70 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 85 |
| Defense: | 145 |
| Sp. Atk: | 60 |
| Sp. Def: | 55 |
| Speed: | 65 |
| Total: | 480 |
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the new Terastal mechanic allows Pokémon to change their typings during battle by adopting a Tera-type, offering trainers a strategic advantage in combat.
Orthworm, with its Earth Eater ability, renders Ground-type attacks useless and even restores some of its HP when hit by a Ground move. If players use an Electric/Tera-type Orthworm, it can easily absorb Electric’s only weakness—Ground. With a remarkable Defense stat of 145, Orthworm becomes even more resilient in battle. Combined with its lack of weaknesses, this Pokémon is tough to defeat, making it a powerful asset in any team.
1. Terastallized Mismagius
| HP: | 60 |
|---|---|
| Attack: | 60 |
| Defense: | 60 |
| Sp. Atk: | 105 |
| Sp. Def: | 105 |
| Speed: | 105 |
| Total: | 495 |
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Iono, the Gym Leader of Levincia, specializes in Electric-type Pokémon, meaning only Ground-types are effective against her team. A trend in Paldea is that Gym Leaders don’t typically use a Pokémon of their signature typing as their ace; instead, they rely on a Pokémon of a different type that Terastalizes into their signature typing.
In Iono’s case, she uses a Mismagius, which has the Levitate ability, making it immune to Ground-type moves. As a result, its only weakness is nullified. Players can replicate this strategy by using their own Mismagius or any Pokémon with the Levitate ability, simply pairing it with an Electric/Tera-type.
Also read: Pokemon GO Machop Battle