Mono-types in Monotype
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Art by BlueberryBlanket.
Introduction
The core of Monotype is a rule inherent to the metagame, that every Pokémon per team must share a type. Therefore, all Pokémon on a team will share some common weaknesses and coverage options. This constrains teambuilding, as it becomes extremely important to cover these shared weaknesses and gaps in offensive coverage. Therefore, when teambuilding for Monotype, it is crucial to determine how to best utilize a Pokémon's other typing to its advantage to provide ample resistances to take on opposing teams and effective coverage to be able to handle a wide range of opposing Pokémon. This is one of the reasons why we often seen Pokémon that are traditionally found in lower tiers, such as Mandibuzz, Alolan Raichu, and Crobat, being on the forefront of Dark, Electric, and Poison teams, respectively. That being said, there are a handful of Pokémon that do not sport a secondary typing, those being mono-types, that still do see play in Monotype. The reasoning for their use is typically due to their role compression, but a few others provide very specific niches for their respective type. Throughout this article, we'll explore the mono-type Pokémon commonly utilized in Monotype.
- HP95
- ATK70
- DEF73
- SPA95
- SPD90
- SPE60
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While this first Pokémon is purely Fairy, Clefable is often seen on Fairy Monotype teams due to its role compression. Fairy is a fortunate typing, boasting only two weaknesses, three resistances, and one immunity. In the context of Monotype, this typing is pretty favorable, as Poison and Steel coverage aren't entirely common outside of teams built of those types. This allows Clefable to work as a decently effective defensive Pokémon for Fairy Monotype teams. It should be noted, however, that Clefable isn't extremely bulky, so it does still need to be wary of powerful physical attackers. On top of being a defensive Pokémon, Clefable has the important ability to set Stealth Rock, which is otherwise limited for Fairy Monotype teams to Mega Diancie, which appreciates using a fourth coverage move over Stealth Rock. Also, one of the most important reasons Clefable is used is to act as a Scizor check, as it otherwise simply runs through Fairy teams with Bullet Punch. Clefable often makes up for its weakness to Steel with a Babiri Berry, allowing it to survive a Bullet Punch and OHKO in return with Fire Blast. Furthermore, it can also absorb harmful status freely, if needed, thanks to its ability Magic Guard. Some other sets that Clefable can be occasionally seen using include the Unaware Calm Mind setup sweeper and one with Focus Sash and Counter to guarantee the removal of a physical attacker. Even further, Clefable can take advantage of a combination of these niches to best fit what the goal of the team is; that is, it can utilize Calm Mind and Babiri Berry with Fire Blast to set up and still act as a Mega Scizor check. While the majority of these roles could be distributed to other teammates, the fact that Clefable is able to do them all at once is greatly appreciated by Fairy Monotype teams and overcomes its purely Fairy typing.
- HP88
- ATK112
- DEF75
- SPA102
- SPD80
- SPE143
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The newest addition to our Pokémon roster, Zeraora has already made waves for Electric Monotype teams. While it is true that Zeraora doesn't offer anything beneficial in terms of a secondary typing, something that most Electric-types lack as is, it makes up for it with its wide physical movepool and blazing Speed. The majority of Electric Monotype teams are severely lacking in the physical department, with the only common physical attackers otherwise being Alolan Golem and Thundurus. This makes dealing with specially defensive walls, most notably, Chansey, particularly difficult for Electric. The addition of Zeraora has helped fill in this gap. While its Attack stat isn't spectacular, it definitely is usable, especially along with a Choice Band. Its range of physical moves it what truly makes it effective, however. Plasma Fists hits extremely hard against any Pokémon that cannot resist it when Electric Terrain is up. Most importantly, Close Combat influences Electric's ability to handle the Normal matchup, as Zeraora along with its teammates puts immense pressure on the opponent to keep their defensive core healthy, which can prove difficult. Its last two moveslots can be flexible, depending on what matchups it wants to help out with. Knock Off is great for Psychic, Iron Tail is very effective against Tapu Bulu, and Outrage can be used to help out with Dragon (most notably against Mega Latias). While Zeraora does still compete for the last slot on Electric Monotype teams with other Pokémon like Magnezone, it's a very effective addition to many teams, even as a mono-type.
- HP70
- ATK85
- DEF140
- SPA85
- SPD70
- SPE20
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Torkoal's use on Fire ultimately boils down to its immense role compression for its team. It is able to provide four unique functions that would otherwise have to be spread out among its teammates; by running Torkoal, its teammates can take full advantage of their move slots to best perform each of their own roles. The first is acting as both a hazard setter and remover, as no other Fire-type can perform both roles simultaneously. Its ability to perform these roles is strengthened by Torkoal's high Defense stat, which allows it to somewhat reliably support its teammates against a fair number of physical attackers. On top of this, it also can utilize Yawn, which is a general deterrent to setup sweepers, as they can't freely boost in fear of being put to sleep. When played effectively, Yawn also forces switches, which can capitalize on entry hazard damage against the opponent. The final benefit is Torkoal's ability to set harsh sunlight on the field with its ability Drought, which lasts even longer thanks to Heat Rock. Fire is extremely reliant on its STAB Fire-type attacks to power through opponents, which necessitates harsh sunlight to further boost the damage done. This allows teammates such as Choice Band Victini or Infernape to blast past foes and further boosts Choice Scarf Blacephalon's Fire Blasts. Furthermore, harsh sunlight negates Fire's weakness to Water. All in all, even though Torkoal doesn't have a secondary typing to capitalize on, its overwhelming role compression solidifies its necessity on Fire Monotype teams.
- HP35
- ATK100
- DEF50
- SPA50
- SPD70
- SPE120
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Given that Dugtrio had its ability banned in standard tiering metagames, it shouldn't come as a surprise that it has use on Ground Monotype teams, where Arena Trap is not banned. However, the use of Dugtrio in Monotype is completely different than in OU back in the day. Ground Monotype teams already have access to fast and powerful Ground-types, so there isn't a need to trap traditional Dugtrio targets. However, its niche is in its ability to trap a few very specific targets which are otherwise troubling for Ground. First off, and most importantly, is Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu, which easily runs through Ground teams, as nothing is able to switch into a Grassy Terrain-boosted Wood Hammer. This is where Dugtrio comes in, as it's able to trap Tapu Bulu locked into Wood Hammer and KO it back with Sludge Wave after the foe takes its recoil damage. Although Tapu Bulu might be the most important target for Dugtrio, Dugtrio is also able to trap and deal with other troublesome Pokémon such as Celesteela with Earthquake when Gravity is set and Chansey with Reversal. Even though it does have specific targets, Dugtrio isn't completely useless against other Pokémon, either. Focus Sash allows it to act as a decent blanket check to opposing attackers, as it is guaranteed to survive a hit as long as it hasn't taken any prior damage. Determining whether or not to use Dugtrio depends entirely on what the player expects their opponent to be using. If they can safely assume the opponent isn't using a type that Dugtrio is immensely useful against, they can certainly opt for more generally useful Ground-types such as Mamoswine.
- HP108
- ATK112
- DEF118
- SPA68
- SPD72
- SPE47
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Hippowdon is the definition of a staple Pokémon, especially in the context of Ground Monotype teams. Nearly every single Ground team centers around utilizing sand to its best ability, which wouldn't be possible without Hippowdon to set it. However, aside from setting sand, Hippowdon effectively performs a handful of other roles for its team, even given its single typing. Its high physical bulk makes it a great defensive pivot, absorbing attacks and recovering HP with Slack Off. It also importantly sets Stealth Rock for the team, which eases the need to run hazards on another teammate. Finally, Whirlwind allows it to phaze opposing setup Pokémon, preventing its passivity from being taken advantage of by the opponent. This being said, a pure Ground typing isn't all that bad for a physically defensive Pokémon. Its three weaknesses are most commonly only run on special attackers, which its mediocre Special Defense would deter it from wanting to take anyways. Meanwhile, the majority of common physically offensive types are neutral to Hippowdon, so it can readily take them on. Hippowdon would likely do even better with a secondary typing to help it deal with shared weaknesses for Ground Monotype teams, but it still is an extremely important and effective Pokémon for Ground, leaving nearly impossible shoes to fill without it.
- HP95
- ATK117
- DEF184
- SPA44
- SPD46
- SPE28
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Avalugg is one of the few truly defensive Pokémon available to Ice Monotype teams. Its immense physical bulk allows it to switch into physical attacks with ease (even those from Pokémon like Terrakion) and heal off the damage taken. Although, the main reason for using Avalugg on Ice Monotype teams at all is actually its access to Rapid Spin. It is one of the only Pokémon available to Ice with access to both hazard removal and reliable recovery, allowing it to continuously remove the ever-troublesome Stealth Rock throughout the battle. On top of this combination of moves, however, it also has access to Roar, which, when combined with Sturdy, lets it phaze setup sweepers from the battlefield, acting as a last-ditch effort to prevent the foe from completely sweeping your team. Utilizing Avalugg also comes with the benefit of being able to forgo using hazard removal on other Pokémon such as Alolan Sandslash, which then can utilize Swords Dance instead of Rapid Spin to better function as a weather sweeper. However, Avalugg isn't without issues. Its pure Ice typing leaves much to be desired, as Ice is one of the worst defensive typings in the entirety of Pokémon. An additional favorable defensive typing would be extremely beneficial to Avalugg, as it's begging to be a better defensive wall. Thankfully for Avalugg, it still has enough benefit even without another typing to have use on Ice Monotype teams, mainly due to a lack of a better Pokémon that can solely do all of the things Avalugg can do.
- HP250
- ATK5
- DEF5
- SPA35
- SPD105
- SPE50
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If you've played competitive Pokémon, you've probably at some point come into contact with the wall that is Chansey. Its enormous HP and immense Special Defense make it an extremely formidable specially defensive wall that can take on almost every single special attacker, even after a few boosts. Beyond its ability to function as a specially defensive wall, it fills in the hole of an entry hazard setter for Normal Monotype teams, which otherwise lack an effective Stealth Rock user. It is also able to consistently wear down opposing Pokémon with Seismic Toss and Toxic while keeping its HP high with Soft-Boiled. On top of all of this, it can even absorb status freely thanks to Natural Cure. Even though Chansey doesn't have a secondary typing, this is completely unnecessary for it to work as a specially defensive wall for Normal Monotype teams. It is only weak to one type, Fighting, and can even still take on Pokémon utilizing special Fighting-type moves with ease. There is no need for Chansey to have a secondary typing in this case, as its overwhelming bulk overcomes its lack of resistances, allowing it to freely absorb special hits without much risk, even though most do neutral damage to it. Chansey is a staple on Normal Monotype teams thanks to these benefits, as building without it can prove a challenging feat.
- HP85
- ATK80
- DEF90
- SPA105
- SPD95
- SPE60
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Porygon2 makes the second half of the amazing defensive core that Normal Monotype teams run. While Chansey takes on special attackers, Porygon2 can take on most physical attackers with ease. It boasts massive physical bulk with reliable recovery and a broad movepool. There are two variations of Porygon2, one of which utilizes Toxic to wear down other defensive Pokémon, taking advantage of forced switches against opposing Pokémon that cannot break Porygon2, and the other, which is a more offensive variant that utilizes Discharge and Download in order to make waves in the Flying matchup thanks to the potent BoltBeam coverage. Foul Play allows Porygon2 to take down opposing physical attackers with ease, even those that may threaten to immediately 2HKO it or try to boost on it with Swords Dance, such as Mega Scizor, while Hidden Power Fire immediately takes on Scizor variants as well as Ferrothorn. While Porygon2 does not provide any additional resistances to Normal Monotype teams, this isn't necessary for it to function as a great defensive wall. A pure Normal typing in and of itself only has one weakness, Fighting, which is scarce in the Monotype metagame due to the presence of Fairy-types. Its immense bulk is enough in of itself to wall a huge portion of the metagame, even without additional resistances from a secondary typing. Porygon2 finds itself seated on nearly every single competitive Normal Monotype team, as hardly any other Pokemon available to Normal can provide the same defensive benefit as it can.
- HP85
- ATK80
- DEF70
- SPA135
- SPD75
- SPE90
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Porygon-Z fits in nicely on Normal Monotype teams due to Normal's general lack of effective special attackers. However, its high Special Attack and decent Speed aren't the only reason Porygon-Z is a great Pokémon. Porygon-Z can uniquely take advantage of Z-Conversion, which provides +1 in every stat and changes its typing to match that of its first move. This means that the provided moveset changes Porygon-Z into Ghost, completely changing the game. Once changed into Ghost, Porygon-Z suddenly goes from being weak to Fighting to being immune to it; while it does also bring weaknesses to Ghost and Dark, coverage moves of those typings are very scarce in the Monotype metagame. Blasting off STAB +1 Shadow Balls along with Adaptability can be devastating to opposing teams that don't have a Pokémon that resists Ghost. However, even if the opponent has Pokémon that can deal with Shadow Ball, Porygon-Z has access to the envied BoltBeam combination, which functions extremely well in covering a huge array of Pokémon, allowing it to take on matchups like Flying and Water with ease. However, Porygon-Z also has the option to use Recover, giving it longevity, which can make Porygon-Z difficult to break after it performs a Z-Conversion, as its defenses also gain a +1 boost. While it fits on most Normal Monotype teams well, it competes with Diggersby for a team slot, which is a wonderful physical wallbreaker, so careful consideration of what matchups you're preparing for will dictate whether or not to use Porygon-Z.
- HP55
- ATK50
- DEF45
- SPA135
- SPD95
- SPE120
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Alakazam is one of the best blanket checks to physical attackers available to Psychic Monotype teams, while still providing a decent offensive presence for the team. The sole reason Alakazam is so effective is its combination of Magic Guard and Counter, which nearly guarantees removing at least one physical foe when played correctly. Magic Guard prevents Alakazam from taking damage from entry hazards, which not only preserves its Focus Sash, but also allows Alakazam to absorb both burn and poison status. This allows Alakazam to deal with foes that Psychic typically has trouble with such as Alolan Muk and Mega Sharpedo and works effectively in the majority of matchups. Its high Special Attack and Speed also mean that Alakazam isn't completely useless aside from its ability to take down physical attackers with Counter. This pairs well with its customizable movepool, which allows the user to pick and choose what coverage options or utility moves they think is best for their team or for what they predict their opponent to bring. While the provided set provides ample coverage in the majority of matchups, Alakazam can also commonly be seen running other moves such as Dazzling Gleam to help out in matchups against types such as Dark and Dragon. Alakazam is typically seen on more offensive Psychic Monotype teams, especially those that have a hard time dealing with Dark-type physical attackers. However, it is hardly limited to the offensive archetype, as its moveset depends entirely on the team's composition and can therefore be used on a variety of team archetypes.
- HP100
- ATK100
- DEF100
- SPA100
- SPD100
- SPE100
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While its typing doesn't necessarily offer any specific benefits to Psychic teams, Mew is one of the most versatile Pokémon in existence. Its vast movepool and solid stats are the sole reason that it's so effective on Monotype teams, allowing it to work as either a strong setup sweeper or a defensive utility Pokémon, filling in holes for its team. The first set presented has been popular all throughout USM Monotype, acting as an amazing setup sweeper that can help conquer a plethora of matchups. Its solid 100 base stats across the board give it ample room to utilize a Double Dance set, boosting both its Special Attack and Speed. Its unique Z-Move, Genesis Supernova, is what empowers this set, however, as once used, it sets Psychic Terrain, which prevents Mew from being revenge killed by priority users, as well as boosting its subsequent uses of Psychic. Its last moveslot is traditionally Focus Blast to deal with Dark-types that Psychic cannot hit; however, Thunderbolt has use as well, most notably against the Water and Flying matchups. The second set, which is more of a stallbreaker and utility set, takes advantage of Mew's extremely wide movepool, being customizable depending on what its teammates are lacking. Although Mew doesn't add any unique defensive benefit due to its mono-typing, it's also not burdened by additional weaknesses that an additional typing might bring. It can take on most defensive Pokémon on its own due to its access to Taunt, preventing the opponent from recovering health, along with Knock Off, which removes items such as Leftovers, Eviolite, and Choice Scarf. Its access to Will-O-Wisp also lets it take on physical attackers with ease, threatening them greatly with burns, which would neuter their ability to function. However, on top of this specific stallbreaking moveset, Mew has access to an even wider array of moves that it could take advantage of if none of its teammates are fulfilling other vital functions. Other moves that Mew can consider include utility moves such as Stealth Rock and Defog; however, those are typically run on other teammates, as defensive Mew truly functions best with a stallbreaker moveset.
- HP100
- ATK75
- DEF115
- SPA90
- SPD115
- SPE85
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Suicune works very effectively on Water Monotype teams thanks to a mixture of its high bulk, its ability, and its defensive moveset, allowing it to stall out foes and act as a setup sweeper. The set presented, also known as "Vincune", takes advantage of its access to Pressure in order to stall out the foe's PP when used correctly with the combination of Substitute, Protect, and Leftovers. This can be an effective strategy against Pokémon that Water has difficulty against such as Choice Band Tapu Bulu, Kyurem-B, and Mega Venusaur. In the case it won't stall out PP, it can act as a setup sweeper with Calm Mind to boost its Special Defense to prevent opposing special attackers from breaking its Substitute and to boost its Special Attack to break down specially defensive foes with Scald. Suicine's best partner, the reason why this set works, is Toxapex. Toxapex pairs amazingly well with Suicune due to its access to Toxic Spikes, which enables Suicune's entire strategy of stalling out the opponent's team to work even more effectively. Additionally, thanks to Toxapex's incredible bulk, great defensive typing, and access to both Recover and Regenerator, it can take on foes that threaten Suicune such as fast physical attackers including Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and Mega Lopunny. Other Pokémon that pair well with Suicune include Azumarill, as it can trap and eliminate threatening foes with Whirlpool and Perish Song, as well as Mantine, which is a great specially defensive wall with access to Defog and Haze.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, having a beneficial secondary typing isn't the only thing that matters in determining if a Pokémon is good in Monotype. Whether it be due to compressing roles, providing a specific niche, or simply a lack of a better options for the role they provide, all of these Pokémon are extremely common in the Monotype metagame. Don't shy away from Pokémon just because it only has one type, as they may be the solution to a major problem for your team!