Why There Will Never Be A 'Light Type'

[GhastlyGastly]

I was once a Light-type desirer too, like many Pokémon fans out there. Having looked into the origins of the Psychic-, Fighting-, and Dark-types however, I have come to believe that there will never be a 'Light-type'; and that there really shouldn't be one.

First off, we must begin with the addition of the Dark-type in Generation II. It is effectively known that it was done specifically as a foil to the Psychic- and Ghost-types, which had been virtually invincible in Generation I.

However, many have since complained that Dark-types need a Light-type to balance the situation, along with Psychic (which, in most logic, would be effective against 'Light'). I once shared this view. Indeed, the Psychic-Dark relationship can appear rather one-sided and polarized; if one doesn't think of the third type which completes the triad. Fighting-type.

In its original Japanese, the type which is given as 'Fighting' in English (and most translations) is 格闘 (かくとう) (kakutō): which can be translated as approximately 'to fight', 'to grapple', 'to battle'. Thus, 'Fighting' is a fair translation; but how does that make it appropriate as the third member of the Psychic-Dark type trio I hear you ask? I'm getting to it.

In Japan, there is a very long, ancient history of samurai, the warrior class of feudal Japan. The martial arts of Japan, as well as war, battle, and fighting in general are typically associated with samurai; as are honor, nobility, chivalry, and righteous. Understanding where I'm going yet? If not, don't worry, I'll explain further.

In some sense, the Fighting-type can be considered a sort of 'Hero-type'.

The Dark-type, in Japan, is called 悪 (あく) (aku): meaning literally 'evil' or 'wicked'. The Dark-type, therefore, could be dubbed a sort of 'Villain-type'. Get it yet?

The Psychic-type is a sort of mind-over-matter, magical, almost wizard-like type; the Fighting-type is a straight battling, martial-arts-wielding, hero-like type; the Dark-type is a brutal, unforgiving, shadowy, malicious, villain-like type. Psychic trumps Fighting because it's brain-over-brawn; Fighting trumps Dark because it's good beating evil; Dark trumps Psychic because it's underhanded tactics and chaos doing a number on restricted, calculated logic and reason. Dark beats Psychic almost the way that the Joker can outwit Batman in most cases, to use a non-Pokémon analogy: the Joker is ruthless, reckless, and completely insane, and thus, calm, calculating, intellectual Batman is unable to predict his moves. But Batman is also a bit of a powerhouse fighter, and so even though he can seldom predict the Joker's underhanded and vicious attacks, good wins against evil, and virtue triumphs over wickedness, etc., etc...

So, in short, there will never be a Light-type. Because there already is one. We just happen to call it the Fighting-type.

[pokemanmdj]

Oh my goodness.

This...

This is pure genius, good sir.
Though I still think Physic not even affecting Dark is still conversational in the Physic-Dark-Fighting complex, it looks as if you did your research, and it all adds up.

...I have nothing else I can really say; great job on figuring this out!

[Whistler]

If there were light types, I think they'd be strong against dark, bug, and flying types, but maybe weak against ground, rock, and grass types.

[Cassino]

I can be thankful that I seem no longer to be the only person who realises this.
This will be good to link to when the topic is inevitably brought up again... maybe it should be added to a trivia sticky somewhere?

[Sweets Witch]

This is the best explanation for it that I've ever read. I applaud you for this.

[SNOR(es)LAX]

This guy... is absoulutely right. You deserve a 'like' and a sticky. I never liked the idea of Light types after all.

[KingHm01]

Wow, never thought of it like that! Glad I read this! :D

[Wandering~Leaf]

Hmm...that's interesting. I've never thought of it that way at all. Nice job, this deserves a like.

[Keyaki]

And what about Bug types? They beat both Psychic and Dark.

[CloysterOyster]

If there was a Light-type, what kind of Pokémon would that type represent...angels or fairies or what? I could see it being a nice secondary type to Cleffa's evolutionary line or other benevolent ones. Light would probably be the only type to be super effective and weak against Dark. Not only Dark, but Light could also beat Psychic and Ghosts types too. These are all typical strengths and weaknesses in real life.

[Elgyem]

Wow. You, sir, deserve a medal.

There is no point in a Light type, and there never will be.

[Plusleminun]

AAARRGGGGHH (╯'□')╯︵ ┻━┻

Sorry, I was carried away, very interesting. Never thought of it before.

[FlameChocobo]

What annoyed me the most is that the title Black and White just screams "Light type." But Game Freak didn't announce it. Black and White is a misleading title IMO.

I still consider it a theory even though I do agree that there won't be Light type. If there is gonna be one, I can imagine it being super effective against Ghost and Dark types which completely eliminates "no weakness," but doesn't deal as much damage as Fire, and Dragon type. It can resist Psychic, Fighting, and Bug types, and become immune to Ghost types, but is weak to Dark type moves.

Other than that, Game Freak shouldn't have bothered naming 5th Generation main stream games "Black and White" in a first place. That's my main gripe about the decision making in 5th Generation.

[AmericanWonderland]

You sir are a genius. You clearly did your research and this makes absolute sense.

[LilJz1234]

You sir deserve a round of applause. I never really liked the idea of a light type anyways. I think the typing right now is just good as it is. Balanced all the way.

Except for Dark/ghost type.

[Altomare]

Wow! You clearly did your research. I'm impressed.

[BeanBag]

This blew my mind when I first read this. I had to read it again to see if I was reading the right thing. It all makes sense now, and I was one of the people that used to argue that there should be a light type lol.

[Synthet]

*Slow clap*

Bravo sir. You've completely sold me on this concept, and also managed to make fighting types even more awesome. Bravo.

[SolarAbusoru]

Thank you for giving this explanation, it makes a lot of sense. And also just makes all 3 types all the more awesome.

[Thougar]

I'm honestly just rooting for a light type because it sounds like something I could add to my Sun team

Although Solar beam and flash cannon would be annoying.

[FlameChocobo]

Originally Posted by LilJz1234

Except for Dark/ghost type.

This! Except if you use moves like Foresight and Odor Sleuth on that Pokemon. Miracle Eye is dead useless thanks to Wonder Guard. I'd be angry if they announce that type....

[★Hoenn★]

Wow. Whatta great discovery. I read this up, and now I can't believe it. I thank you for making this discovery. I also wanted the 'Light Type' since long, and right now I've found the truth. More reasons why Fighting is the 'Hero':

★It has only two weaknesses
★It has FIVE advantages (WTF)

★'Aura Sphere' is a Light concerned move, and would certainly be the 'Light' type

[Ash493]

All I'll say is this: "FINALLY SOMEONE ACTUALLY READ THE JAPANESE "DARK" TYPE".
That is the most important aspect why there will never be a light type.
We have seen too many misstranslations but this one is probably my most hated as this always makes people wonder "why is there no light type?!?!?" when there was never "Yami" (dark) type to begin with.
And what's light without darkness...?

[Yazzo]

The Light type COULD exist as an equal to dark type-ish type, if it was effective/non-effective to the same types as light except that pokemon that are for example psychic and light got different moves than pokemon with psyichic and dark, so it would open up possibilities for more cool pokemon. I would think that was pretty cool ,since very many ghost, poison & psychic pokemon are dark, evil creatures :p

What about some light, good-hearted creatures that's still ghosts?

[Totodile42]

I'm thankful that, after reading this, people will see the light (ahem) and stop asking for a Light-type.
This late in the series, a new type would throw old concepts out of the window so to speak, and I don't think that's something Game Freak are willing to do.