All Pokémon veterans are already familiar with the Ice-type Pokémons. However, if you’re new to the game, know that these cold-creatures are popular for their ability to thrive in frigid environments. Ice-types are a great choice to dominate battles against Dragon, Flying, Grass, and Ground Pokémon. But given their defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of resistance, they are often high-risk, high-reward choices. Read along to get a better understanding of the Ice-type Pokémons.
Strengths of Ice-Type Pokémon
Ice-type attacks are excellent against four common types – Dragon, Flying, Grass, and Ground Pokémon. This makes a great choice for countering Dragonite or Garchomp, whose dual Dragon/Flying or Dragon/Ground typings leave them vulnerable to Ice moves. For such scenarios, the Ice Beam and the Avalanche can give the player an edge over his/her opponent by delivering critical blows.
In terms of offensive play, the Ice-Type Pokémon pairs well with Water or Ground types. Mamoswine, an Ice/Ground hybrid, is a solid, potent revenge killer as it leverages this combo and hits 53% of all Pokémon for super-effective damage.
Weaknesses of Ice-Type Pokémon
Even with their high damage abilities, Ice-types really struggle when it comes to defense. Essentially, they are weak against all other types except their own kind, making it not a very preferred Pokémon in casual battles. They’re weak to Fighting, Fire, Rock, and Steel moves, with many of them having low Defense or Stamina stats. Both Pure Ice-types, as well as dual-types, go through a hard time taking great damage from fighting, rock, and fire moves. Unlike water-types, which display decent resistance to fire and ice moves, pure ice Pokémon lack defensive utility, forcing trainers to rely on speed or raw power.
Ice-Type Pokémon Resistances
Ice’s sole resistance is to their own kind, meaning Ice moves deal just half damage to other Ice Pokémons. This could be beneficial in some strategies for a certain dual-type to mitigate weaknesses. Such combinations highlight how dual-typing can enhance survivability, for example :
- Ice/Ghost Pokémon like Froslass become immune to Fighting and Normal moves.
- Ice/Water hybrids like Lapras resist Water and Ice attacks, though they remain vulnerable to Rock and Grass.
- Cloyster, an Ice/Water type, uses Skill Link and Rock Blast to counter its weaknesses while maintaining high Defense.
Best Ice-Type Pokémon in Battle
When it comes to ice-types, many Pokémon trainers would prefer to use dual-types to balance out power and gain versatility. A few good recommendations are:
- Mamoswine: Using its Ice/Ground typing and 130 Attack, it destroys Dragon and Flying types.
- Weavile: This Dark/Ice hybrid has the highest Speed among Ice-types, and can surpass threats like Gengar.
- Kyurem: Its Glaciate move lowers opponents’ Speed, enabling sweeps in competitive play.
- Galarian Darmanitan: Zen Mode transforms it into an Ice/Fire powerhouse with 160 Attacks.
When used in hit-and-run strategies, these Pokémon can leverage moves like Icicle Crash (85 power, 30% flinch chance) and disrupt opponents for victory.
How to Counter Ice-Type Pokémon
You already know how Ice-types struggle with defense. Primarily, Fire and Steel-types dominate these Pokémons. Reshiram’s Fusion Flare or Lucario’s Flash Cannon can especially exploit Ice’s weaknesses and resist their attacks. For an unconventional approach, Cloyster’s Rock Blast and Skill Link pierce through Ice’s defenses.
Rock and Fighting-types like Terrakion also excel. Terrakion’s Close Combat deals massive damage, though its low Defense requires careful timing. Meanwhile, Water-types like Swampert resist Ice moves and retaliate with super-effective Ground attacks.
Ice-type Pokémon shine offensively but demand careful play due to their defensive flaws. Trainers who master dual-types like Mamoswine or Weavile can exploit Ice’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses.
FAQs
What are the best Ice-type moves?
Ice Beam (95 power, 10% freeze chance) and Avalanche (120 power if hit first) are top choices. For physical attackers, Icicle Crash (85 power, flinch chance) stands out.
Are there dual-type Ice Pokémon with better resistances?
Yes, Ice/Steel types resist 10 types but suffer 4x weakness to Fire and Fighting. Ice/Ghost avoids Fighting and Normal moves entirely.
Why do Ice-types have so many weaknesses?
Game balance. Their offensive power against Dragon and Ground types necessitates defensive trade-offs. As one competitive player quipped, “Using Ice-types feels like walking a tightrope—thrilling but perilous.”
