What Is the Strongest Dual Type in Pokémon?
PTB TeamLast updated: April 1, 2024
dual typestrongestcompetitiverankings
Quick Answer
Ghost/Steel ranks as the strongest dual type with 12 resistances and only 4 weaknesses. Full rankings inside.
Which dual-type combination gives a Pokémon the best overall package? We scored all 153 combinations using a formula that accounts for resistances, immunities, weaknesses, and quad-weaknesses.
Scoring Formula
Each dual type is scored by:
- +2 points per type resisted (0.5× or 0.25×)
- +3 points per immunity (0×)
- -2 points per weakness (2×)
- -3 points per quad weakness (4×)
Higher score = stronger defensive typing.
Top 10 Strongest Dual Types
| Rank | Type Combination | Resistances | Immunities | Weaknesses | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ghost / Steel | 12 | 3 | 4 | 25 |
| 2 | Steel / Fairy | 11 | 2 | 2 | 24 |
| 3 | Flying / Steel | 10 | 2 | 2 | 22 |
| 4 | Normal / Steel | 12 | 2 | 3 | 21 |
| 5 | Dragon / Steel | 10 | 1 | 2 | 19 |
| 6 | Water / Steel | 11 | 1 | 3 | 19 |
| 7 | Dark / Steel | 11 | 2 | 3 | 19 |
| 8 | Electric / Steel | 12 | 1 | 3 | 18 |
| 9 | Ground / Steel | 10 | 2 | 4 | 18 |
| 10 | Normal / Ghost | 5 | 3 | 1 | 17 |
Why Ghost/Steel Ranks First
This combination achieves:
- 12 types dealing reduced damage
- 3 immunities to Normal, Fighting, Poison
- Only 4 weaknesses to worry about
- Zero 4× weaknesses — no crippling quad-damage matchups
The types patch each other perfectly, creating a defensive combination that’s hard to break through with neutral or resisted hits.
Strongest Types by Category
Best Defensive Dual Types (fewest weaknesses)
- Normal/Ghost — 1 weakness
- Bug/Steel — 1 weakness
- Ghost/Dark — 1 weakness
Most Resistant Dual Types
- Normal/Steel — 12 resistances
- Electric/Steel — 12 resistances
- Ghost/Steel — 12 resistances
Using Strong Types in Team Building
Having a strong dual type doesn’t guarantee a good team. Use the Team Builder to:
- Check if your strong defensive Pokémon covers teammates’ weaknesses
- Ensure you have offensive coverage for types that wall your anchor
- Avoid redundant resistances — spread defensive value across the team
For team building strategy around type strengths, check our team synergy guide and balanced team guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the strongest dual type in Pokémon?
- Ghost/Steel is among the strongest with 12 resistances, 3 immunities, and only 4 weaknesses.
- What dual type has the highest defensive score?
- By our formula (2×resistances + 3×immunities - 2×weaknesses - 3×quad_weaknesses), Ghost/Steel scores highest at 25 points.
- Does offensive STAB matter for strongest type?
- Yes. The strongest types combine defensive bulk with offensive pressure. A type that resists everything but hits nothing super-effectively is less useful than one with balanced coverage.
- What makes a dual type strong?
- Strong dual types have: few weaknesses (1-2), many resistances (8+), at least one immunity, no 4× weaknesses, and good STAB coverage together. The best patch each others weaknesses.
- Are there any dual types with no 4× weakness?
- Most dual types avoid 4× weaknesses. Types with 4× weaknesses include combinations like Ice/Rock (4× weak to Steel and Fighting). The top ranked types all avoid quad weaknesses.
- What dual types should I avoid?
- Avoid combinations with 5+ weaknesses or 4× weaknesses to common types. Ice/Rock, Grass/Ice, and Rock/Dark all have many exploitable weaknesses that make them hard to use defensively.