In the Pokemon world, the sneaky Dark-type is known for easily outmaneuvering opponents, so here’s all about their weaknesses and resistances, so you can take the best counters into battle.
Dark-type Pokemon can be troublesome in battle due to their mystique and sneaky movesets, as it is essentially another element in Pokemon games, and therefore, can be quite damaging to those who are weak against it.
As most of them have two typings, here’s what you need to know to survive an encounter with a Dark type in any game from the Pokemon franchise.
What is Dark-type weak to?
Dark-type Pokemon have three primary weaknesses when it comes to moves and opposing Pokemon types:
Don’t forget that a Pokemon can have multiple types. For example, your chosen ‘mon may be a Dark and Dragon-type Pokemon, so be sure to take advantage of any other weaknesses they may have by being aware of their secondary type.
Dark-type strengths
Dark-type Pokemon are resistant to both Ghost and other Dark-type creatures and moves, and they have immunity toward the Psychic type as well.
Any Dark creature can be a great addition to any team when battling Psychic and Ghost, as their attacks are super effective. So, go ahead and exploit their advantages.
Dark-type weaknesses
Besides being weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type Pokemon and moves, Dark-type Pokemon don’t put it up against Fighting, Dark, or Fairy opponents, as their STAB moves don’t deal much damage.
Super effective types against Dark Pokemon
When coming up against Dark types, pure Fighting, Bug, or Fairy Pokemon will do great, but it’s better to find those who have two of those types.
These are some of the best Pokemon you can use to counter a Dark-type:
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- Heracross (Bug/Fighting)
- Buzzwole (Bug/Fighting)
- Pheromosa (Bug/Fighting)
- Slither Wing (Bug/Fighting)
- Iron Valiant (Fairy/Fighting)
Always bear in mind a Pokemon’s secondary type when selecting your counter Pokemon and moves. While the above examples are effective against Dark types, the opposing Pokemon may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.
Super effective moves to use against Dark Pokemon
There are plenty of Bug, Fairy, and Fighting super-effective moves that players can use against Dark-type Pokemon. Here are the ones we recommend due to their power and effects:
- Megahorn (Bug)
- Attack Order (Bug)
- Lunge (Bug)
- Silver Wind (Bug)
- Moonblast (Fairy)
- Play Rough (Fairy)
- Dazzling Gleam (Fairy)
- Focus Blast (Fighting)
- Close Combat (Fighting)
- Secret Sword (Fighting)
Bug Pokemon or moves tend to be put aside from the meta, as they’re not that strong. However, they can be key additions when fighting some types such as Dark. While Megahorn and Attack Order have great power and a high critical hit ratio, respectively, Lunge lowers the opponent’s Attack stat and Silver Wind may raise all your stats at once.
Moonblast and Play Rough have similar power. However, Moonblast is a special move that may lower the opponent’s Special Attack, while Play Rough – a physical attack – will do the same with the opponent’s Attack stat. Dazzling Gleam is a fan favorite, as it is powerful, has perfect accuracy, and can hit all adjacent enemies.
Focus Blast is one of the best Fighting-type moves with 120 power and the chance of lowering the opponent’s Special Defense. As a special move, this means that the more you use it, the more damage it will deal. Another fan-favorite is Secret Sword, a top-notch move that inflicts damage based on the target’s Defense.
Best Tera Types
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet‘s addition of Tera Types changed the battle rules, so here are the ones you should consider to make your Dark-type creatures stronger:
- Dark: Boosts the power of Dark-type moves on top of STAB
- Fairy: Eliminates the Dark-type weakness to Fairy moves, plus helps resist Fighting and Bug types, too
- Steel: Helps resist Fairy and Bug-type moves
Best Dark-type moves
There are 51 Dark-type moves and we’ve picked the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks you can use in battle:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baddy Bad | Special | 90 | 100% | 15 | Reduces damage from Physical attacks | Gen VII |
| Fiery Wrath | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 | May cause flinching | Gen VIII |
| Night Daze | Special | 85 | 95% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Accuracy | Gen V |
| Dark Pulse | Special | 80 | 100% | 15 | May cause flinching | Gen IV |
| Hyperspace Fury | Physical | 100 | ∞ | 5 | Lowers the user’s Defense, but strikes through Protect or Detect | Gen VI |
| Foul Play | Physical | 95 | 100% | 15 | Uses the opponent’s Attack stat | Gen V |
| Kowtow Cleave | Physical | 85 | ∞ | 10 | Always hits | Gen IX |
| Crunch | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 | May lower the opponent’s Defense | Gen II |
| Embargo | Status | X | 100% | 15 | The opponent can’t use items | Gen IV |
| Hone Claws | Status | X | X | 15 | Raises the user’s Attack and Accuracy | Gen V |
Best Dark-types ever in Pokemon
The Pokemon franchise has a total of 91 Dark-type creatures (up to Gen 9), and here are the 10 best of the ranking:
- Yveltal
- Hoopa
- Roaring Moon
- Darkrai
- Tyranitar
- Chien-Pao
- Hydreigon
- Greninja
- Grimmsnarl
- Umbreon
That’s all there is to know about Dark-type Pokemon. Go ahead and check our list of all the Cat or Dog Pokemon in the franchise, and learn more about other types such as Dragon, Ground, and Normal.