When Pokemon GO first came out, very few Pokemon benefited from using non-STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) attacks. Since type effectiveness was equal to STAB, no attackers got a benefit from using non-STAB attacks, holding back would-be powerful Pokemon such as Gyarados. Some defenders made use of non-STAB attacks, but only in cases where the damage outweighed their fast attack’s combined damage (for example, STAB Water Gun vs non-STAB Confusion) or if their common counters received doubled up Super Effective (SE) damage, namely in the form of Ice-type attacks to ward off Dragonite, the game's greatest attacker. There were a few cases that broke this trend, but they were few and far between and often less effective than other Pokemon more suited for the role.

With the changes Niantic has made to Type Effectiveness, some new faces have taken the spotlight. Essentially, STAB damage has been nerfed slightly (1.25 to 1.20) while SE damage has been buffed significantly (1.25 to 1.40). In addition to this, resistance has been buffed proportionately (0.80 to 0.714) and we now have a very large, “immunity tier” defensive bonus against attacks that in the main games dealt zero damage (0.80 to 0.51). A Pokemon’s type is now their shield against attacks, and the type effectiveness of their attacks are now their sword. While STAB + SE damage is ideal, it is no longer mandatory to make a good attacker or defender.

This effect is more heavily noticed when fighting Raid Bosses. While you’re in the clear using Exeggutor against a Water Gun + Hydro Pump Blastoise, if that turtle is carrying Bite and Ice Beam you’re going to wish you brought in something else. Your plans to use a Psychic-type Pokemon will change drastically if Muk is holding either Infestation or Dark Pulse. A Water-type vs Arcanine? Wild Charge says “hi.”

Below is a list of Pokemon we feel have gained or lost significantly on either defense or offense due to these changes. In order to make this list less exhaustive, it doesn’t include all Pokemon that gained or lost in some way, just ones that stand out heavily from the crowd.