Pokemon Card Types Guide
New to Pokémon? Maybe you're just looking for a detailed list explaining the rundown of all 11 Pokémon card types, or the simple difference between a Trainer card and a Energy card. Don't worry we have got you covered with a detailed guide going into depth on each of the Pokémon card types along with what each Pokémon's types individuals strengths and weaknesses are.
Since you happened to stumble upon this page, if you are a beginning player you may benefit from checking out our how to play Pokémon cards guide. However, if you are a seasoned veteran or daily player and just want a fast check on all the Pokémon card types you are still in the right place. For players looking for information on status conditions check out our Pokémon status conditions article for information on how those are applied as they will not be covered in this guide.
One last important note is that there is a distinction between the Pokémon trading card game and the Pokémon TCG Online Game regarding types. The Pokémon trading card game has a condensed version of the wider array of types and specific matchups found in the video games. For information on Pokémon's online game check out our how to play Pokémon TCG online guide.
Let's dive in.
The Three Overall Types of Pokémon TCG Cards
There are three different types of Pokémon cards used within the Pokémon trading card game. The three main types are as follow:
- Pokémon cards
- Trainer cards
- Energy cards
Pokémon cards are the crowd favorite they are the little monsters that come in all shapes and sizes that help you win the game. The different type of Pokémon all use specific Energy cards that they use to power up their moves so they are able to go in for the knockout and claim those juicy prize cards!
Trainer cards, however, tend to be a bit more complicated as they are often used in all sorts of ways because of their supportive nature, making them used differently depending on the type of deck you are building. You can learn more about this in our "How to Build a Pokémon Deck" guide.
Pokémon Card Types
Now, for what you have been waiting for! The 11 different Pokémon card types, each sharing traits that indicate the type of energy cards needed to unleash their powerful attacks, and specifying which Pokémon they will be weak or strong against.
As we near the end of 2023, there are currently 18 overall types. However, for the Pokémon TCG card game, there are only 11 types, excluding the Fairy type, which is no longer printed. Nonetheless, these are
The 11 Pokémon card types of 2024:
- Grass type
- Fire type
- Fighting type
- Dragon type
- Fairy type
- Darkness type
- Colorless type
- Psychic type
- Electric type
- Water type
Grass Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Grass type Pokémon cards are known for their connection to nature and the environment. Pokémon of this type often possess abilities related to plant life and can harness the power of the natural world in battles.
Strengths
- Grass type Pokémon cards excel in defensive strategies, often boasting healing and status-inflicting moves. They can also be effective against Water and Ground type Pokémon.
Weaknesses
- Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug type Pokémon are particularly effective against Grass type Pokémon.
Fire Type Pokémon Card
Description
- Fire type Pokémon cards bring the heat to battles, embodying the fierce power of flames. These cards often excel in aggressive playstyles, delivering powerful attacks and overwhelming opponents with their fiery prowess.
Strengths
- Fire type Pokémon cards are potent in dealing damage and can be particularly effective against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel type Pokémon.
Weaknesses
- Water, Rock, and Ground type Pokémon pose significant threats to Fire type Pokémon.
Fighting Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Fighting type Pokémon cards focus on physical strength and combat prowess. These cards are well-suited for trainers who prefer direct and forceful strategies in battles.
Strengths
- Fighting type Pokémon cards excel in close combat, often boasting powerful punches and kicks. They are effective against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, and Steel type Pokémon.
Weaknesses
- Psychic and Flying type Pokémon can pose challenges for Fighting type Pokémon.
Dragon Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Dragon type Pokémon cards are legendary and majestic, representing mythical creatures of great power. These cards often boast formidable stats and unique abilities, making them a prized asset for collectors and competitive players alike.
Strengths
- Dragon type Pokémon cards are powerful and versatile, often with high attack and defense stats. They are effective against Dragon and can cause significant damage to many types.
Weaknesses
- Ice and Fairy type moves are particularly effective against Dragon type Pokémon.
Fairy Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Fairy type Pokémon cards enchant battles with their magical and whimsical qualities. These cards often feature abilities that disrupt opponents' strategies and provide support for the trainer's team.
Strengths
- Fairy type Pokémon cards are effective against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting type Pokémon. They often have moves that disrupt opponents' strategies.
Weaknesses
- Poison and Steel type Pokémon can be challenging for Fairy type Pokémon.
Darkness Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Darkness type Pokémon cards embrace the shadows, featuring mysterious and stealthy creatures. These cards excel in disrupting the opponent's plans and controlling the pace of the game.
Strengths
- Darkness type Pokémon cards are often agile and strategic, with moves that can disrupt opponents. They are effective against Psychic and Ghost type Pokémon.
Weaknesses
- Fighting and Bug type Pokémon can pose challenges for Darkness type Pokémon.
Normal Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Normal type Pokémon cards defy elemental classification, offering versatility and adaptability. These cards can be included in a variety of decks, making them a valuable addition for trainers seeking flexibility in their strategies.
Strengths
- Normal type Pokémon cards are versatile and can adapt to various situations. They don't have specific weaknesses against types, providing a strategic advantage.
Weaknesses
- Normal type Pokémon may lack the specific advantages that other types have against each other.
Psychic Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Psychic type Pokémon cards tap into the mysteries of the mind, featuring creatures with psychic abilities. These cards often excel in manipulating energy and disrupting the opponent's plans through mental prowess.
Strengths
- Psychic type Pokémon cards are effective against Fighting and Poison type Pokémon. They often have powerful psychic moves and can disrupt opponents' strategies.
Weaknesses
- Dark and Bug type Pokémon can be challenging for Psychic type Pokémon.
Electric Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Electric type Pokémon cards harness the power of electricity, delivering swift and shocking attacks. These cards are known for their speed and agility, making them a popular choice for trainers who favor aggressive and fast-paced gameplay.
Strengths
- Electric type Pokémon cards are effective against Water and Flying type Pokémon. They often have fast and powerful moves.
Weaknesses
- Ground type Pokémon are immune to Electric moves and can pose a significant threat.
Water Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Water type Pokémon cards are associated with the fluid and adaptable nature of water. These cards often excel in defensive strategies and provide support for the trainer's team.
Strengths
- Water type Pokémon cards are effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock type Pokémon. They often have moves that provide healing and support.
Weaknesses
- Grass and Electric type Pokémon can be challenging for Water type Pokémon.
Steel Type Pokémon Cards
Description
- Steel type Pokémon cards embody the durability and strength of metallic elements. These cards often feature robust defenses and powerful attacks, making them a formidable choice for trainers who prefer a more defensive and strategic approach.
Strengths
- Steel type Pokémon cards are effective against Fairy, Ice, and Rock type Pokémon. They often have high defense stats.
Weaknesses
- Fire and Fighting type Pokémon can pose significant threats to Metal type Pokémon.
Additional Card Types
In addition to Pokémon cards, the Pokémon TCG includes various support cards that play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of battles. These support cards can be further classified into three categories: Trainer cards, Stadium cards, and Item cards.
Trainer Cards
Trainer cards encompass a wide range of effects, from drawing additional cards to healing Pokémon in play. These cards are an essential part of deck-building, providing strategic options for players. There are three subcategories of Trainer cards.
Item Cards
Item cards are versatile and can be played in multiples during a turn. They often provide immediate benefits such as drawing cards, healing Pokémon, or searching for specific cards in your deck.
Supporter Cards
Supporter cards offer more potent effects but are limited to one played per turn. These cards can have game-changing impacts, such as drawing a significant number of cards or executing powerful attacks.
Stadium Cards
Stadium cards represent the battlefield and can influence the game for an extended period. These cards often provide ongoing effects that benefit the player who played them, such as boosting certain types of Pokémon or altering the game's mechanics.
About the author: Kamryn Kirwan
Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast
Kamryn Kirwan is a passionate writer for TCG Review who loves gaming and collecting cards. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with the gaming community, and if you're looking to read something that's more than just generic tips, he's got your back.
More articles written by Kamryn Kirwan
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