Exploring Dual Types

In many Pokémon games, many Pokémon are regarded as having two types. It means that the Pokémon concerned have qualities that allow them to have the capabilities of both types. This is a unique characteristic, and yet, it's something that isn't fully fleshed out in some respects, especially considering the entire breadth of all Pokémon species to date. It's a characteristic that is worthy of some exploration and consideration.

Currently, there are 18 types of Pokémon. Since a Pokémon cannot have more than one of the same type, there are thus 153 possible dual-type combinations. It seems that this number might be covered by all the 800+ current species, but the reality is that this isn't the case. Many Pokémon are of a single type, and quite a few are of a common dual type combination. It might take a fairly long time to explore all of these possibilities, but at the same time, the sensibilities of the combinations might hinder this.

Many dual-type combinations seem reasonable, which might also explain their popularity. Grass/Poison is a common one, being possessed by Bulbasaur and its kin, Bellsprout and its kin, and Roselia to name a few; some plants in real life may be toxic, and so this combination makes sense. Flying/Water is another reasonable one as many things that (can seem to) fly have relations with water, though in the case of Wingull it might be more of the former, Gyarados might be of the latter, and Ducklett is neutral. Rock/Ground combinations are also well-known through the Geodude and Rhyhorn families, making sense due to the close association of both.

Then there are combinations that are odd and make less sense, seemingly explaining their paucity. Water/Fire is an odd combination due to their opposing qualities, yet Volcanion represents this combination; it wouldn't have been the first had some Pokémon in the GS beta version survived to the final version. It's hard to imagine Grass/Steel being a combination due to the former being organic and the latter being inorganic, but this is exactly what Ferroseed and Ferrothorn has. There's a certain physical contrast between the Fighting and Ghost types, and yet they are one in Marshadow.

Dual-type Pokémon are still useful, at least for their way of adding variety to the breadth of Pokémon species. Some of the dual-type combinations might also excel in battle one way or another, no matter how sensible or odd. It may be safe to say that this is still something to be explored, perhaps until every combination has been encountered. At that point, it can be said that this characteristic is truly unique, as if it isn't already so with existing possibilities.

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