ThoughPokemon ScarletandVioletintroduced a significant number of new, never-before-seen type combinations in Gen 9, there are still several more dual types currently unused that players are keen to see appear in future games. With each new game and more so with each new generation released forPokemon, the list of unused type combos does get gradually smaller. So until such a day whenGame Freak introduces a new Pokemon typeto shake up the meta, the current list could be in its final days as only a few combinations are left to go, with most options seemingly stuck as dual Normal types.
Between the current combinations already in-use and the new Pokemon introduced inPokemon ScarletandVioletthat tick several more off the list, there are nine unused type combinations that have yet to feature in aPokemongame. It’s currently any players' guess if these unused combos will eventually become all-new Pokemon themselves or appear as new forms from regional variants to possible new Paradox Pokemon post-Gen 9. But in spite of a shortening list of options, the unique type match-ups still up for grabs demonstrate there’s still promising potential in future generations ofPokemon.
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Bug and Dragon
Though the Bug-type has a bad reputation for being the weakest type out of all eighteen, it’s seen a redemptive arc in recent generations which had some Bug-type moves buffed and stronger Bug-type Pokemon introduced. As a result, fans have been eager to see a potential Bug/Dragon match-up, not just because it’s the only type Dragon hasn’t yet teamed up with, but because it could add some much-needed variety toDragon-type pseudo-Legendary Pokemon. Moreover, there are many real-life insects available for Game Freak to draw inspiration from for a Bug/Dragon type, such as a dragon-headed caterpillar line to a possible new dragonfly-based Pokemon.
Fire/Fairy and Fairy/Ground
Even though it was only introduced inPokemon XandY,the Fairy type has seen plenty of useand combos since whether it was through being retroactively applied to existing Pokemon or included with new generations. However, out of all the other seventeen types, the Fairy type has not yet been combined with two of these: Fire and Ground. Given the rate at which new Fairy-type Pokemon are being introduced, it seems likely that these two unused combos will be quickly filled in future generations. The question for players though is how exactly will these unique type combinations be used due to Fairy’s abstract design tropes.
In terms of potential Fairy/Fire Pokemon, there is ample mythology that uses imagery like embers or sparks to allude to fairy-like creatures. Additionally, withPokemon’sreputation fordark Pokedex entries, a Fairy/Fire Pokemon based on smoldering embers could have an arsonist strike rivaling Charizard’s forest fires fromPokemon RedandBlue. Conversely, there is just as much mythos about fairies in nature to inspire a Fairy/Ground Pokemon, such as a regional evolution for Morelull that builds on its Fairy type to become a fairy ring of mushrooms, making it the first Fairy/Ground combo for the series.
Ice and Poison
Much like Bug/Dragon, Ice/Poison is another elusive type combination that seems odd to have not yet been featured inPokemon. However, much like other antithetic type combinations like Water/Fire orPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Fire/Grass Scovillain, real-life nature complicates things when venomous or toxic animals are few and far between in colder climates. But while inspiration might be limited, there are a few examples such as the European viper that survive in the cold. Since a unique combo would need an equally unique introduction toPokemon, a possible Ice/Poison regional variant of Gen 1’s Ekans line or Gen 3’s Seviper could do the trick.
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Normal/Bug, Normal/Ice, Normal/Rock, and Normal/Steel
Despite its position as a utilitarian type out of all those available inPokemonfor its general versatility, the Normal type currently has the most unused combinations out of any other type at four. What likely hasn’t helped its status within the community is theclassic Pokemon tropethat most early-game Pokemon are Normal types, ultimately entrenching Normal as a “beginner” type that players eventually phase out of their teams. However, with the series' most recent generations like Gen 9’s Smoliv and Shroodle lines, Game Freak has been more casual with Normal type combos, meaning the Normal type’s versatility could be its saving grace.
Outright, one unused combination could be easily rectified if Game Freak upholds this same early-game Pokemon trope, introducing a Bug line that evolves into a Bug/Normal type instead of the traditional Poison or Flying dual types. Due to Normal’s flexible designs, the potential ranges from common house spiders to new cockroach-based Pokemon beyond theGen 7 Ultra Beast Pheromosa. Normal/Ice, on the other hand, could be the ideal opportunity to introduce a regional variant that justifies the sudden type combo. Possible choices for this could be a fluffier Buneary line to insulate from the cold or a St. Bernard-inspired Lillipup variant as a rescue dog in colder climates.
Similarly, Normal/Rock and Normal/Steel combos would require some equally creative thinking to justify their Normal typing. Missed opportunities such as Bonsly and Sudowoodo being Normal/Rock types have been and gone, so Game Freak might need to go further afield for concepts to use. One possibility could be using garden gnomes as inspiration or other similar ornamental statues traditionally seen around the home or in man-made environments. Normal/Steel is one of thebest unused Pokemon type combinations, it might struggle design-wise, but again new regional variants like a Wooloo line based on “iron wool” or new cybernetic evolution branches for Porygon could provide new potential and workable options.
Rock and Ghost
Despite clear potential for haunted objects,Pokemonstill hasn’t used the Rock/Ghost combination to date. That’s not to say that the series hasn’t come close, however, as arguably Runerigus could have been a Rock/Ghost type instead of its current Ground/Ghost match-up, and recent ideas suggest thatPokemon ScarletandViolet’sHoundstone could have been a regional Rock/Ghost evolutionfor Houndour. Whether it’s a haunted statue, a tombstone, or even an actual rock sarcophagus that maybe Cofagrigus should have been, a Rock/Ghost combo seems inevitable forPokemon,and the real question is why it hasn’t come sooner.
Pokemon ScarletandVioletare available now for Nintendo Switch.
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