The Rock Type‘s Fatal Flaw: Why Rock Based Combos Have The Most Weaknesses
After poring over every possible type combination, one insecure type stands out for accruing an abundance of weaknesses – Rock. When paired with virtually any other type, Rock-based duos claim the unfortunate prize of most vulnerable pairing.
Specifically, the shaky combos of Rock/Ground and Rock/Steel tie for first place with a whopping 5 weaknesses each.
Rock/Ground‘s Losing Formula – 5 Weaknesses
Ground is a fantastic offensive type, walloping 5 other types with super effective STAB attacks. Unfortunately, it lacks the defenses to tank incoming hits. This table says it all:
| Type | Ground Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Grass | 2x |
| Ice | 2x |
| Water | 2x |
Then mix Ground‘s trio of foibles with Rock‘s quintet of weaknesses:
| Type | Rock Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Fighting | 2x |
| Ground | 2x |
| Steel | 2x |
| Water | 2x |
| Grass | 2x |
The result? A gaping 5 weaknesses for the Rock/Ground combo:
- 2x to Grass
- 2x to Ice
- 2x to Fighting
- 4x to Water
- 4x to Grass
Yikes. The shared Grass liability becomes an egregious 4x, while the rest remain just as damaging 2x hits.
In the words of Galar gym leader Nessa – "That‘s gotta sting!" Rock/Ground Pokémon get crushed by nearly half the Pokédex without proper backup.
Rock/Steel‘s Fissures – Also 5 Weaknesses
If 5 weaknesses weren‘t bad enough, the Rock/Steel combination equals Rock/Ground‘s losing tally:
- 2x to Fighting
- 2x to Ground
- 4x to Fighting
- 4x to Ground
Once again, doubling up on a weakness introduces a killer 4x hole. Rock/Steel tanks can take neutral or resisted damage with ease. But if something strikes one of those rampant weaknesses? Kaboom! Hello Poké Center!
So why does poor Rock underperform so badly? Check the numbers:
Rock has 5 standalone weaknesses – tied for the most of any type! Ground, Steel, Fighting, Grass, and Water all clobber Rock Pokémon for amplified damage.
When paired with any type then, Rock imports its bunch of weaknesses to spoil the mix. Without resistances to counterbalance, Rock-based duos drown under the total sum of vulnerabilities.
Why So Flimsy? Unpacking Rock‘s Failing Defenses
For a beefy type packing sheer power, Rock shows pathetic damage resistance:
| Type | Rock Resistances |
|---|---|
| Normal | 1/2x |
| Flying | 1/2x |
| Fire | 1/2x |
| Poison | 1/2x |
That‘s it! A measly four scrawny resistances – none of which particularly common attacking types anyway.
Let me crunch some numbers on that below average defensive profile:
Out of 17 types, Rock resists just 23.5% of potential damage types. That‘s an abysmal bottom-4 showing!
In contrast, fellow brute force type Fighting resists 42% incoming attacks (7 types), while Fairy discounts nearly 50% of all damage as resisted (8 types).
Simply put, Rock lacks enough resistances to offset its barrage of weaknesses. Hence subpar defensive type combos that keel over when prodded.
Hard Truths For Fragile Rocky Duos
Alas, Rock‘s failings infect most everything it touches! Of the 17 possible type combos with Rock:
- 5 combos share the maximum 5 weaknesses
- 10 combos have 4 weaknesses
- Only 2 combos – Rock/Ghost and Rock/Psychic – have just 3 weaknesses
Talk about consistently underperforming protections! Here‘s my hot take as a battle hardened Poké veteran:
Unless patching holes with the Abilities Solid Rock or Filter, Rock types need backup support or heavy stat investment to survive.
Chalk it up as yet another episode of Rock‘s defensive woes. This mighty offensive juggernaut of a type stumbles on durability.
So remember Trainers – think twice before relying solely on shaky Rock-based combinations! Their crippling weaknesses often outweigh brute strength absent backup plans. Play to their power while masking fragile defenses.
Let me know your own thoughts and experiences using tough-yet-vulnerable Rock types! I‘m always seeking wisdom from fellow Poké Masters.
