In this part and the next, we will delve into some types that have not been partnered with the Ice-type and consider the possibilities of said type combinations. Let’s continue to see what ideas could be done with those types.
Ice/Normal
Normally, if a certain Pokémon doesn’t fit into other types, then Normal is the default type. Even though Normal is a default type, that doesn’t stop Pokémon from having another type, as we have seen through the myriad birds. Usually, Normal-types are rather animalistic, especially mammals. Based on this, an Ice/Normal-type would need to be an animal that thrive well in a cool environment. So, one possible Ice/Normal-type is a polar bear. Yes, we have Cubchoo, but it’s not part-Normal. Naked mole rats are cold-blooded mammals (a rarity), so as odd as it sounds, I could see it working with this type combination.
Since the Normal-type gets a Fighting weakness, it means that this type combination gets an expounded Fighting weakness, which is not good because Fighting has raised its rank among one of the best offensive types. Still, the Ghost immunity helps a bit. The best way for any Ice-type to be used is to be on the offensive side, because Ice is brilliant offensively. The Normal-type means that Return or Frustration could be used as STAB, or if possible, Hyper Voice as well. The type combination didn’t have any coverage within its STABs, but both types have potent moves, so it’s not too much of an issue as long as coverage is available, such as Superpower.
Ice/Fire
The next type combination involves the Fire-type. Usually, both types are considered conflict types, since it won’t end well for both when they are mixed, such as when Kirby used both powers in Kirby 64 (basically, Kirby’s ice encasing will dissolve when used) and how Koume and Kotake got super hurt when one of them hits the other with their spell through rebound. However, time and again, we have Pokémon with seemingly contradictory types working together, such as Ferrothorn, so it’s possible to make something out of nothing.
From what I could gather, one way to pull this combination off is to have a Pokémon with an icy exterior and a fiery core, which might make it a shapeshifter because it could reconfigure the ice to make new forms. Another idea could be a chimera Pokémon, with both heads carrying different elements. If you ask me, a Fire/Ice Pokémon is not very easy to conceptualise.
On the offensive side, this is not too bad. Fire hits through Ice and Steel, two types that normally resist Ice. This leaves Fire and Water, which is not too bad if there is another coverage move. On the defensive side of things, losing both a Fire and Steel weakness is decent, but then, the Rock weakness is compounded, so it’s not all that great.
Ice/Steel
This is another combination that has types that are similar in that they are hard, rigid and solid, so it might seem simple to come up with ideas. One idea that would work is an ice crystal that is very hard, such as a snowflake, so Cryogonal might be ideal with this combination, which would also help it because Ice/Steel is overall better defensively than pure Ice. Another idea is a mechanical robot powered by frost (something like Regice, I guess). An ice skater Pokémon is a neat idea I don’t mind seeing with this type combination.
It’s true that being part-Steel provides several new resistances, as well as losing the Rock and Steel weakness, but the extra Fire and Fighting weakness will not bode well. Still, it is easy to find a way to avoid those types if you know the opponent is likely to attack on those exposed weaknesses, although said types are common enough to pose a threat nonetheless. Offensively, Steel doesn’t grant crucial coverage, besides Ice being attacked super-effectively by Steel.
This is probably one of the most useful type combos defensively, so I would not mind seeing this one. I was initially cautious of types that will result in more than one double weakness, but I feel this one makes up for it by having many resistances. I am also interested to see a fresh take on what an Ice/Steel is like, mainly because my perspective on what one is like might be limited.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I have writing it.
