Type Chart

Understanding the Type Chart is paramount to success in Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee. Every Pokémon and every move has a type, and these types interact in a rock-paper-scissors fashion, determining how effective an attack will be. Mastering these interactions will give you a significant advantage in trainer battles, Gym Leader challenges, and even when catching wild Pokémon.

The Basics of Type Effectiveness

When a Pokémon uses a move, its effectiveness against the target Pokémon depends on the move's type and the target's type(s). There are three main categories of effectiveness:

Super Effective (2x Damage): The move deals double its usual damage. This occurs when the attacking type is strong against the defending type. For example, a Water-type move used against a Fire-type Pokémon.
Not Very Effective (0.5x Damage): The move deals half its usual damage. This happens when the attacking type is weak against the defending type. For instance, a Fire-type move used against a Water-type Pokémon.
No Effect (0x Damage): The move deals no damage at all. This is a rare but crucial interaction where the attacking type has absolutely no impact on the defending type. An example is a Ghost-type move used against a Normal-type Pokémon.
Normal Effectiveness (1x Damage): The move deals its standard damage. This is the default when there are no specific strengths or weaknesses between the types.

Many Pokémon have two types, which can lead to even more complex interactions. If a move is Super Effective against both of a Pokémon's types, it will deal 4x damage! Conversely, if a move is Not Very Effective against both types, it will deal only 0.25x damage. If a move has No Effect on one type, it will deal no damage regardless of the other type.

Strategies for Utilizing the Type Chart

Here are some actionable strategies to help you leverage the Type Chart:

Build a Balanced Team: Aim for a team with diverse types to cover as many weaknesses as possible and exploit various opponent vulnerabilities. Don't rely too heavily on a single type, as a strong counter can sweep your team.
Scout Opponents: Before engaging in a tough battle, observe the types of Pokémon your opponent uses. This will allow you to switch in the most advantageous Pokémon from your party.
Teach Diverse Moves: Even if a Pokémon is a certain type, it can often learn moves of other types. For example, your Pikachu (Electric-type) can learn the Flying-type move "Fly" via the Secret Technique. This gives your Pokémon more coverage against types they might normally struggle against. Consider using TMs (Technical Machines) found throughout Kanto to teach your Pokémon new moves. Key TMs include:
- TM01 Headbutt: Found in Viridian Forest. Great for early-game Normal-type coverage.
- TM08 Bulk Up: Purchased at Celadon Department Store. Boosts Attack and Defense.
- TM27 Toxic: Found in the Fuchsia City Gym after defeating Koga. A powerful status move.
Pay Attention to Trainer Dialogue: Often, Gym Leaders or important trainers will hint at their preferred Pokémon types. For example, Brock in the Pewter City Gym is known for his Rock-type Pokémon, making Water and Grass types incredibly effective.
Use Partner Pokémon Moves: Your Partner Pikachu or Eevee has exclusive moves that can be incredibly useful due to their unique typing and effects. For example, Partner Pikachu's Pika Papow is a powerful Electric-type move, and Partner Eevee's Veevee Volley is a strong Normal-type move. They also learn special moves like Zippy Zap (Electric, always goes first) or Sizzly Slide (Fire, can burn).

Quick Reference: Key Type Interactions

While a full chart is extensive, here are some crucial interactions to remember:

Fire: Strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel. Weak against Water, Ground, Rock.
Water: Strong against Fire, Ground, Rock. Weak against Electric, Grass.
Grass: Strong against Water, Ground, Rock. Weak against Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug.
Electric: Strong against Water, Flying. Weak against Ground.
Ice: Strong against Grass, Ground, Flying, Dragon. Weak against Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel.
Fighting: Strong against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, Steel. Weak against Flying, Psychic, Fairy.
Poison: Strong against Grass, Fairy. Weak against Ground, Psychic.
Ground: Strong against Fire, Electric, Poison, Rock, Steel. Weak against Water, Grass, Ice.
Flying: Strong against Fighting, Bug, Grass. Weak against Electric, Ice, Rock.
Psychic: Strong against Fighting, Poison. Weak against Bug, Ghost, Dark.
Bug: Strong against Grass, Psychic, Dark. Weak against Fire, Flying, Rock.
Rock: Strong against Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug. Weak against Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, Steel.
Ghost: Strong against Psychic, Ghost. Weak against Ghost, Dark. No effect on Normal.
Dragon: Strong against Dragon. Weak against Ice, Dragon, Fairy.
Steel: Strong against Ice, Rock, Fairy. Weak against Fire, Fighting, Ground.
Fairy: Strong against Fighting, Dragon, Dark. Weak against Poison, Steel.
Normal: No strengths. Weak against Fighting. No effect on Ghost.
Dark: Strong against Psychic, Ghost. Weak against Fighting, Bug, Fairy.

Keep this guide handy as you journey through Kanto. A strong understanding of the Type Chart is the cornerstone of any successful Pokémon Trainer!