Pokemon

This is an R Markdown analysis of everyone’s favorite critters: Pokemon. There are now 801 Pokemon, with presumably more on the way. These 801 friends come in all shapes and sizes, and represent a 15 Billion Dollar brand. With an extrordinarily diverse array of ways to engage with Pokemon such as cards, competitive battling, video games, and much more, it’s important to understand Pokemon. Below are some interesting facts uncovered after a few looks into this ever-expanding world.

Where It All Started

Pokemon’s success kicked off thanks to the 151 Pokemon I will refer to as the “Classics.” These Pokemon are the first 151 to meet the consumers, and many have become household names. Below is a breakdown of the diversity of the Classical Pokemon’s defining type.

As you can see, there was a decently healthy mix of Pokemon types to debut the brand. This is good, as pyromaniacs, surfing-lovers, and people who enjoy a good rock could all find a favorite among the initial Pokemon cast. There is however a very large number of Water types. This makes sense, as the Pokemon world has oceans too. Populating these with anything other than a water type wouldn’t make too much sense…

Water the chances…

…that due to their sheer volume, Water-Types will be a force to be recokoned with in the Pokemon world? I mean, I’m likely to encounter a water type…Are they strong enough that I should keep a Pikachu in my back pocket, or are they mostly weak little fish that can be written off? Lets see.

Accoriding to the above charts, we can see that the number of Water-Types decreased to a more manageable level after generation one. Regardless, it looks like water types tend to be relatively weak accross all generations. Many water types have low overall defensive capabilities, and furthermore cannot hit that hard due to a relatively low attack stat. There are a few exceptions (mainly in generation 1), but it looks like water types are a relatively weak breed of Pokemon as a whole.

The Pokemon Combatants

While many Pokemon can be recognized based on their cute and cuddly features, the main interaction that drives the Pokemon series are battles! Pokemon fight to the death (well…until they “faint”) so that their benevolent owners can reap rewards like money, gym badges, and perhaps a Pokemon Mastery certification. With so many Pokemon to choose from, its vital to know how your Pokemon stacks up in the Pokemon Universe. Below is a big chart of all Pokemon and their total attack/total defense ability.

This chart tells me that most Pokemon fall within the 200 range for both attack and defense. So if you’re Pokemon is in that ballpark, you definitely have a contender. We can see a few outliers, among them a powerhouse Pokemon with over 300 attack and nearly 300 defense and a peculiar Pokemon with no offensive abilities whatsover and yet almost 500 defense. Clearly there is a wide array of attack and defense power in the Pokemon world, so make sure yours can play with the big kids before sending it off to battle.

The Myths…

One of the most defining features of the Pokemon species are the appearances of “Legendary” Pokemon. These Pokemon are ungodly strong, and typical bear a resemblance to mythological creatures known for power and beauty. These Pokemon are extremely rare, and yet are some of the most remembered and appreciated faces in the Pokemon world. Due to their importance in adding excitement to the brand and generating sales of Pokemon products, it makes sense to analyze them based on size and weight so that any lifelike models or plush toys are created in a way that makes sense. The results are below:

We can see that Legendary Pokemon were not towering giants early on. Generation 1 had the theme of beautiful, graceful, legendary birds. Gen 2 kept the theme cute, and magical elemental dogs were introduced as the legendaries. I’m not sure what happened, but after generation 2 the legendary Pokemon got serious: Ancient Metallic Titans, Dinosaurs that control that land, sea, and sky, and, recently, a literal God of Time was introduced. We can see that by Generation 7, more and more giants were being introduced, showing a shift towards making more big, powerful creatures as opposed to sticking with a softer theme like in generation 1.

…And The Legends

Though the size and weights of these Legendary Pokemon can be interesting, most people arn’t too concerned with these aesthetics. Instead, people seek legendary Pokemon for their overpowered combat abilities. Legendary Pokemon know unique moves, possess special bonuses and abilities, and naturally pack a bigger punch when it comes to attack and defense. Naturally, these bad boys make great battle-buddies. As such, I’ve compiled a table detailing every legendary Pokemon’s combat modifier against each type. If you’ve finally caught one of these coveted companions, take a look at the table and get to know the strengths and weaknesses of your new mythological friend. A high number means weakness against a certain type, and a lower number means strength.

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name generation type1 against_bug against_dark against_dragon against_electric against_fairy against_fight against_fire against_flying against_ghost against_grass against_ground against_ice against_normal against_poison against_psychic against_rock against_steel against_water
Articuno 1 ice 0.50 1 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.0 1 0.50 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 4.0 2.0 1.0
Zapdos 1 electric 0.50 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 0.5 1 0.50 0.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 0.5 1.0
Moltres 1 fire 0.25 1 1.0 2.0 0.5 0.50 0.5 1.0 1 0.25 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 4.0 0.5 2.0
Mewtwo 1 psychic 2.00 2 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 2 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.0
Mew 1 psychic 2.00 2 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 2 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.0
Raikou 2 electric 1.00 1 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.5 1 1.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.5 1.0
Entei 2 fire 0.50 1 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.0 1 0.50 2.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 0.5 2.0
Suicune 2 water 1.00 1 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 1 2.00 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.5 0.5
Lugia 2 psychic 1.00 2 1.0 2.0 1.0 0.25 1.0 1.0 2 0.50 0.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 2.0 1.0 1.0
Ho-Oh 2 fire 0.25 1 1.0 2.0 0.5 0.50 0.5 1.0 1 0.25 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 4.0 0.5 2.0
Celebi 2 psychic 4.00 2 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.50 2.0 2.0 2 0.50 0.5 2.0 1.0 2.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 0.5
Regirock 3 rock 1.00 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.00 0.5 0.5 1 2.00 2.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 2.0
Regice 3 ice 1.00 1 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.0 1 1.00 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 2.0 1.0
Registeel 3 steel 0.50 1 0.5 1.0 0.5 2.00 2.0 0.5 1 0.50 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.50 0.5 0.5 1.0
Latias 3 dragon 2.00 2 2.0 0.5 2.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 2 0.50 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 0.5
Latios 3 dragon 2.00 2 2.0 0.5 2.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 2 0.50 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 0.5
Kyogre 3 water 1.00 1 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 1 2.00 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.5 0.5
Groudon 3 ground 1.00 1 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1 2.00 1.0 2.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.0 2.0
Rayquaza 3 dragon 0.50 1 2.0 1.0 2.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 1 0.25 0.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.0 0.5
Jirachi 3 steel 1.00 2 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.00 2.0 0.5 2 0.50 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.25 0.5 0.5 1.0

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name generation type1 against_bug against_dark against_dragon against_electric against_fairy against_fight against_fire against_flying against_ghost against_grass against_ground against_ice against_normal against_poison against_psychic against_rock against_steel against_water
Deoxys 3 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
Uxie 4 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
Mesprit 4 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
Azelf 4 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
Dialga 4 steel 0.50 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 2.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 0.25 2.0 1.00 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.50 0.50 0.50
Palkia 4 water 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.0 2.00 1.0 0.25 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.50 0.25
Heatran 4 fire 0.25 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.25 2.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 0.25 4.0 0.25 0.5 0.0 0.5 1.00 0.25 2.00
Regigigas 4 normal 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.00 1.0 0.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.00 1.00
Giratina 4 ghost 0.50 2.0 2.0 0.5 2.00 0.0 0.50 1.0 2.0 0.50 1.0 2.00 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.00 1.00 0.50
Cresselia 4 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.00 1.00
Manaphy 4 water 1.00 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 2.00 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.50 0.50
Darkrai 4 dark 2.00 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.00 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.00 1.00 1.00
Shaymin 4 grass 2.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 2.00 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 1.00 0.50
Arceus 4 normal 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.00 1.0 0.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.00 1.00
Victini 5 psychic 1.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 0.50 1.0 2.0 0.50 2.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 0.5 2.00 0.50 2.00
Cobalion 5 steel 0.25 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.00 2.0 2.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 2.0 0.50 0.5 0.0 1.0 0.25 0.50 1.00
Terrakion 5 rock 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.00 2.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.00 0.5 0.5 2.0 0.50 2.00 2.00
Virizion 5 grass 1.00 0.5 1.0 0.5 2.00 1.0 2.00 4.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 2.00 1.0 2.0 2.0 0.50 1.00 0.50
Tornadus 5 flying 0.50 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 0.0 2.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.00 1.00 1.00
Thundurus 5 electric 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.0 0.50 0.0 2.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.00 0.50 1.00

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name generation type1 against_bug against_dark against_dragon against_electric against_fairy against_fight against_fire against_flying against_ghost against_grass against_ground against_ice against_normal against_poison against_psychic against_rock against_steel against_water
Reshiram 5 dragon 0.5 1.0 2.0 0.50 1.0 1.00 0.25 1.0 1.0 0.25 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 0.50 1.0
Zekrom 5 dragon 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.25 2.0 1.00 0.50 0.5 1.0 0.50 2.0 2.00 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.50 0.5
Landorus 5 ground 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.00 1.0 0.50 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.0 4.00 1.0 0.5 1.00 1.0 1.00 2.0
Kyurem 5 dragon 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.50 2.0 2.00 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 2.00 0.5
Keldeo 5 water 0.5 0.5 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.00 0.50 2.0 1.0 2.00 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.0 2.00 0.5 0.50 0.5
Meloetta 5 normal 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.00 1.0 0.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.00 1.0
Genesect 5 bug 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.00 4.00 1.0 1.0 0.25 1.0 0.50 0.5 0.0 0.50 1.0 0.50 1.0
Xerneas 6 fairy 0.5 0.5 0.0 1.00 1.0 0.50 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 2.00 1.0
Yveltal 6 dark 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.00 1.00 1.0 0.5 0.50 0.0 2.00 1.0 1.0 0.00 2.0 1.00 1.0
Zygarde 6 dragon 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.00 2.0 1.00 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 4.00 1.0 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.00 1.0
Diancie 6 rock 0.5 0.5 0.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 0.50 0.5 1.0 2.00 2.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 1.00 1.0 4.00 2.0
Hoopa 6 psychic 1.0 4.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.00 1.00 1.0 4.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 0.0 0.5 0.50 1.0 1.00 1.0
Volcanion 6 fire 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.00 0.5 1.00 0.25 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 0.25 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 0.25 1.0
Tapu Koko 7 electric 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.50 1.0 0.50 1.00 0.5 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0
Tapu Lele 7 psychic 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.00 1.0 0.25 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 2.0 0.50 1.0 2.00 1.0
Tapu Bulu 7 grass 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.50 1.0 0.50 2.00 2.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 2.00 1.0 4.0 1.00 1.0 2.00 0.5
Tapu Fini 7 water 0.5 0.5 0.0 2.00 1.0 0.50 0.50 1.0 1.0 2.00 1.0 0.50 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 0.5
Cosmog 7 psychic 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.50 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.00 1.0
Cosmoem 7 psychic 2.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 0.50 1.00 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.50 1.0 1.00 1.0
Solgaleo 7 psychic 1.0 2.0 0.5 1.00 0.5 1.00 2.00 0.5 2.0 0.50 2.0 0.50 0.5 0.0 0.25 0.5 0.50 1.0

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name generation type1 against_bug against_dark against_dragon against_electric against_fairy against_fight against_fire against_flying against_ghost against_grass against_ground against_ice against_normal against_poison against_psychic against_rock against_steel against_water
Lunala 7 psychic 1.00 4.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 1.0 1.0 4.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
Nihilego 7 rock 0.50 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.00 4.0 1.0 0.5 0.25 2.0 1.0 2.0 2.0
Buzzwole 7 bug 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.5 2.0 4.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Pheromosa 7 bug 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 0.5 2.0 4.0 1.0 0.50 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
Xurkitree 7 electric 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0
Celesteela 7 steel 0.25 1.0 0.5 2.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 0.25 0.0 1.0 0.5 0.00 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0
Kartana 7 grass 1.00 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 2.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 0.25 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.00 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Guzzlord 7 dark 2.00 0.5 2.0 0.5 4.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.50 1.0 2.0 1.0 1.00 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.5
Necrozma 7 psychic 2.00 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 2.0 1.00 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.00 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.0
Magearna 7 steel 0.25 0.5 0.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 0.5 1.0 0.50 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.00 0.5 0.5 1.0 1.0

Though the size and weights of these Legendary Pokemon can be interesting, most people arn’t too concerned with these aesthetics. Instead, people seek legendary Pokemon for their overpowered combat abilities. Legendary Pokemon know unique moves, possess special bonuses and abilities, and naturally pack a bigger punch when it comes to attack and defense. Naturally, these bad boys make great battle-buddies. As such, I’ve compiled a table detailing every legendary Pokemon’s combat modifier against each type. If you’ve finally caught one of these coveted companions, take a look at the table and get to know the strengths and weaknesses of your new mythological friend. A high number means weakness against a certain type, and a lower number means strength.