10 Most Powerful 5th-Gen Dual-Type Pokémon, Ranked

Generation V Pokémon have a bad reputation, quite unfairly, actually. It not only did wonders for the somewhat low-tier Bug-Type but also introduced the most original Pokémon since the Kanto 150. In fact, during Black & White‘s main storyline, Pokémon from previous generations can’t be caught, giving Unova a distinctively unique feeling.

156 new Pokémon species appear in Generation V, including a single-type Pokémon of every type. Dual-type creatures continue to provide variety and dynamism to the game and the entire Pokémon ecosystem, making battles more exciting and adding diversity to Pokémon teams. Without even counting the obviously overpowered Legendary Pokémon, Unova has numerous dual-type creatures that rank among the most powerful in the games, thanks to their strong stats, abilities, and type combinations.

10 Escavalier

A dual-type Bug/Steel creature, Escavalier is one of the best Bug-types in the entire franchise. Thanks to its convenient type combination, Escavalier has a four-times weakness to Fire. However, that’s its only weakness and it more than makes up for it with an immunity to Poison and a staggering eight resistances.

With a base stat total of  495, Escalaier is a lethal offensive weapon thanks to its massive 135 Physical Attack. Excellent Defenses, both Physical and Special, contribute to its status among Unova’s strongest. The one thing that brings it down considerably is its pitiful Speed of just 20.

9 Carracosta

Fossil Pokémon can be incredibly valuable assets in any playthrough and Carracosta is one of Unova’s secret and underrated weapons. An exceptional 495 base stat total includes considerably high Physical Attack and Defense, but below average everything else, including absurdly low Speed.

Its dual Water/Rock typing makes it four-times weak to the common Grass-type, plus leaving it with another three vulnerabilities, to Electric, Fighting, and Ground. Five resistances even these weaknesses out, though, making Carracosta a powerful ally to have.

8 Seismitoad

Another convenient Water-type to have around for any Unova journey, Seismitoad started with a base stat total of 499 before receiving a boost in Generation VI that took it all the way to 509. Seismitoad has surprisingly balanced stats, all firmly set in the average range. Its HP is the clear star, though, making it quite bulky.

Seismitoad’s dual Water/Ground typing makes it four-times weak to Grass but also invulnerable to Electricity and resistant to four more types, including the all-powerful Steel. Evolving from Palpitoad at the very sensible level of 36, Seismitoad is a high-quality mon that every player should try at least once.

7 Excadrill

One of the absolute best Ground-types is any main series game, Excadrill not only has a great design that successfully combines elements of moles and drills but it also possesses an incredible 508 base stat total. Enhanced by high HP, Physical Attack, and Speed, Excadrill hits very hard and fast and is quite hard to take down.

Combining the Steel and Ground-types brings interesting results. Excadrill has four weaknesses but also two immunities. It also resists eight different types, although only seven in the original Generation V games, when Fairy was still just a glimmer in Game Freak’s eye.

6 Krookodile

Outranking Excadrill by just one point, Krookodile is another exceptional Ground-type Pokémon in Unova. Like Excadrill before it, Krookodile also got a ten-point boost in Generation VI, taking its base stat total from 509 to 519. High HP, Physical Attack, and Speed make this fearsome creature a true asset in any team.

Its dual Ground/Dark combo isn’t without its setbacks, though. When originally introduced, Krookodile boasted five weaknesses, which became six with the introduction of those cute and pesky Fairy-types in Gen VI. It has two immunities, Electric and Psychic, and four resistances. Overall, Krookodile is the perfect example of “high risk, high reward.”

5 Braviary & Mandibuzz

Braviary and Mandibuzz can be seen as counterparts, therefore they share the base stat total, with only a few differences between the two. Both have high HP and Speed, but Braviary is a Physical Attacker while Mandibuzz’s strengths lie in its Physical Defense. Both have a nice 510 total and are severely lacking in the Special Atacck department.

A Normal/Flying-type, Braviary has three weaknesses, two immunities, and two resistances. For its part, Mandibuzz can be seen as an extreme version of Braviary. Its Dark/Flying-type means it has four weaknesses, two immunities, and three resistances.

4 Chandelure

A chandelier brought to life, Chandelure is the final form of the unbelievably cute Litwick and one of Generation V’s most inspired and fitting designs. Its also one of the most disturbing Pokémon, as it is said that its flames do not burn the flesh of its victims, but actually their spirit. With an insanely high 145 Special Attack, Chandelure’s stat total is an admirable 520.

Thanks to its Ghost/Fire combination, Chandelure impressively resists seven types, including two of the most powerful in the games, Steel and Fairy. It also has two immunities, Normal and Fighting. Not everything is perfect, though, and Chandelure has five weaknesses, including Rock and Water.

3 Volcarona

So majestic it is often confused for a Pseudo-Legendary or even Legendary Pokémon, Volcarona might just be the most impressive Bug-type in existence. Known as the Sun Pokémon, Volcarona’s Bug/Fire typing makes it four-times weak to Rock, aside from having normal vulnerabilities to Water and Flying. It makes up for that by having six resistances, although it doesn’t possess any immunities.

With a rather high 550 base stat total, Volcarona reaches top-tier heights thanks to impressive Special Attack, Speed, and Special Defense. Its Physical stats are below-average, though, and its HP is only decent. Still, Volcarona is fast enough to hit first, and if it does, its opponents most likely won’t stand the fury of its flaming attacks.

2 Archeops

Archeops might be the single most interesting and divisive Pokémon in all of Unova. It is another fossil and a dual-type Rock/Flying creature that possesses an insanely high 567 base stat total. Unbelievably fast and very powerful offensively, Archeops will hit very fast and very hard, making it an ideal offensive line for any Unovan team.

Thanks to its immunity to Ground and five resistances, Archeops can successfully balance out its five weaknesses. Its signature ability, however, is where things get very complicated. Defeatist will half Archeops’ 145 Attack and 112 Special Attack when its HP is equal to or less than half of its maximum. A good strategy is necessary when using Archeops, and while the risk is high, the rewards can be even higher.

1 Hydreigon

Excluding Legendary Pokémon, the Pseudo-Legendary will most likely always be the region’s strongest Pokémon. Hydreigon, Unova’s fierce and terrifying Dark/Dragon Pseudo, isn’t the exception. Like all other Pseudo-Legendaries, Hydreigon has a base stat total of 600 with a particular focus on Attack and Special Attack. All its other stats are above-average, making it a dangerous and intimidating offensive threat in battle.

Generation VI hit Hydreigon particularly hard. Its weaknesses went from four to five, including a quad vulnerability to the newly-introduced Fairy-type. Hydreigon does have two immunities and six resistances, though, so this fearsome beast continues to wreak havoc in any Pokémon battle.

About The Author

David Caballero
(798 Articles Published)

David is a twenty-eight-year-old Mexican writer and reader. Having studied Marketing in school, he spent three years working a nine-to-five desk job before deciding to pursue a writing career. He now works as a Senior Writer in ScreenRant and does some more freelancing job, talking about the entertainment business he so loves. Currently, he’s also writing his second novel while actively working to get his first one published.

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