Battle Mechanics · STAB · Type Coverage
What Does STAB Mean in Pokemon?
STAB means Same-Type Attack Bonus. In standard main-series Pokemon battles, a damaging move gets a 1.5× modifier when its type matches one of the user’s types. A Water-type using a Water attack receives STAB; that same Pokemon using Ice Beam normally does not. It is a basic reason to give most Pokemon at least one reliable attack that matches their own typing.
STAB at a glance
- Matching type + damaging move: normally 1.5× damage.
- Dual-type Pokemon can receive STAB from either of their own types.
- STAB is not type effectiveness: a resisted STAB move can still be a poor choice.
- Abilities, Terastallization, items, weather, and game-specific mechanics can alter real damage.
How Same-Type Attack Bonus works
STAB is one modifier in a larger damage calculation. A move’s power, the user’s Attack or Special Attack, the target’s Defense or Special Defense, type effectiveness, abilities, items, field effects, and random variation still matter. The practical takeaway is not “always click STAB”; it is “start by asking whether the Pokemon has a useful STAB move, then compare the actual matchup.”
| Situation | STAB? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Water-type using Surf | Yes | The move type matches Water. |
| Water/Ground using Earthquake | Yes | Ground is also one of its own types. |
| Fire-type using Solar Beam | No | The move can be useful coverage, but it does not match Fire. |
| Electric-type using Thunderbolt into a Ground type | Yes, but no damage | STAB does not override a type immunity. |
Dual types get two STAB options, not a double bonus
A dual-type Pokemon can receive STAB on either matching type. For example, a Fire/Flying Pokemon may receive the same-type bonus on both a Fire move and a Flying move. It does not receive two separate STAB multipliers on one ordinary move simply because it has two types. That distinction matters when choosing between a strong primary attack and a second STAB that hits a different group of opponents.
STAB versus type coverage
These terms are related but answer different questions. STAB asks whether one move gets a same-type damage bonus. Coverage asks which defending types your available attacks can threaten. A Grass-type may use a non-STAB Fighting move to hit Steel types; the move can fill a coverage gap even though it lacks STAB.
MonTeams’ Offense board shows type-based STAB reach from the Pokemon you choose. It is a useful early check: it reveals what your party’s natural typings can pressure. It does not inspect the move list to confirm that every selected Pokemon has learned the move you intend, and it does not calculate damage. Confirm those details in-game or in a dedicated battle simulator.
See the STAB types across your whole party. Add a few team members and use the Offense board to find defending types the group still cannot pressure naturally.
Check STAB coverage in Team Builder →When a non-STAB move is the right play
A non-STAB move can be better when it is super effective against a target that resists both STAB options, when it has much higher base power, or when its utility matters more than raw damage. The classic beginner mistake is treating type labels as a complete moveset. The better process is to keep reliable STAB, then add only the coverage or utility your team actually needs.
- Identify the Pokemon’s stronger attacking stat and the damaging moves it can really learn.
- Keep one or two consistent STAB attacks where the game and role support them.
- Use the team’s coverage gaps to decide whether a non-STAB move earns a slot.
- Check abilities, items, accuracy, speed, and expected opponents before calling a move “best.”
Older games and special mechanics
STAB is not a substitute for choosing the correct game context. Earlier generations have different type charts, and the physical/special move rules change before Generation IV. Modern special mechanics and certain abilities can also modify a familiar STAB calculation. If you are planning a story team, choose the game first; if you are preparing a competitive set, check the current rules for that format.
STAB FAQ
What does STAB mean in Pokemon?
It means Same-Type Attack Bonus: a normally 1.5× modifier for a damaging move that matches the user’s type.
Do dual-type Pokemon get STAB on both types?
Yes. They can get STAB from damaging moves matching either of their own types.
Is STAB better than super effective damage?
They are different modifiers. A STAB move can be resisted, and a non-STAB move can be super effective. Compare the whole matchup rather than one label.