In the world of Pokémon, the cunning Dark-type Pokémon excel in evading rivals. Below, you’ll discover their weaknesses and resistances, enabling you to bring the most effective counters to your battles.
Due to their deceptive nature and versatile movesets, Dark-type Pokémon can pose significant challenges in fights. As this classification is an essential element in the games, their prowess can prove quite harmful to those lacking defenses against it.
Given that many Dark-type Pokémon possess dual typings, it is crucial to be informed about their vulnerabilities to successfully navigate encounters across various titles in the Pokémon franchise.
What Weaknesses Do Dark-types Have?
Dark-type Pokémon primarily suffer from three key weaknesses against moves and rival types:
- Bug
- Fairy
- Fighting
Always remember that a Pokémon can hold multiple types. For instance, if you have a Dark/Dragon-type Pokémon, capitalize on any additional vulnerabilities stemming from its secondary type.
Strengths of Dark-types
Dark-type Pokémon exhibit resistance against both Ghost and fellow Dark-type creatures. Additionally, they are immune to Psychic-type attacks.
In battles against Psychic and Ghost Pokémon, Dark types shine; therefore, leverage their benefits to gain an edge.
Weaknesses of Dark-types
In addition to being vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type moves and Pokémon, Dark-types find it hard to compete against Fighting, Dark, or Fairy-types, as their STAB moves deliver minimal damage.
Highly Effective Types Against Dark Pokémon
When facing Dark types, utilizing pure Fighting, Bug, or Fairy Pokémon works wonders. However, those with dual typings of any of these categories will be even more effective.
Consider these top Pokémon when countering Dark-types:
- Heracross (Bug/Fighting)
- Buzzwole (Bug/Fighting)
- Pheromosa (Bug/Fighting)
- Slither Wing (Bug/Fighting)
- Iron Valiant (Fairy/Fighting)
Always take into account a Pokémon’s secondary typing when choosing your counters. While the Pokémon listed above are strong against Dark types, their opposing Pokémon could possess resistances based on the primary and secondary typings.
Effective Moves Against Dark Pokémon
Players have a plethora of potent Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type moves at their disposal to tackle Dark-types. Here are our top recommendations based on their abilities and impact:
- 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)
Although Bug-types and moves are often overlooked, they can be critical assets in battles against specific types like Dark. Moves like Megahorn and Attack Order deliver tremendous power and an impressive critical hit rate respectively, while Lunge has the added advantage of reducing the opponent’s Attack stat. Meanwhile, Silver Wind offers a chance to enhance all of your stats simultaneously.
On the Fairy side, Moonblast and Play Rough boast similar power levels. However, Moonblast can also decrease the opponent’s Special Attack, while Play Rough can reduce the Attack stat. Dazzling Gleam is particularly loved for its overall strength, perfect accuracy, and capability to hit multiple foes at once.
Focus Blast ranks among the top Fighting-type moves, possessing 120 power while potentially lowering the opponent’s Special Defense. Due to its special nature, the more it is used, the more substantial the damage. Notably, Secret Sword stands out as an elite move that calculates damage based on the target’s Defense.
Optimal Tera Types
With the introduction of Tera Types in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, strategies have evolved. Consider these types to bolster your Dark-type Pokémon:
- Dark: Enhances the power of Dark-type moves significantly due to STAB.
- Fairy: Mitigates the Dark-type’s weakness to Fairy moves, while also providing resistance against Fighting and Bug types.
- Steel: Offers resistance to Fairy and Bug-type attacks.
Top Dark-type Moves
Of the 51 Dark-type moves, we have highlighted the most formidable special, physical, and status attacks available in combat:
| 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, hits through Protect or Detect | Gen VI |
| Foul Play | Physical | 95 | 100% | 15 | Utilizes the opponent’s Attack stat | Gen V |
| Kowtow Cleave | Physical | 85 | ∞ | 10 | Guaranteed hit | Gen IX |
| Crunch | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 | May lower the opposing Defense | Gen II |
| Embargo | Status | X | 100% | 15 | Prevents the opponent from using items | Gen IV |
| Hone Claws | Status | X | X | 15 | Boosts user’s Attack and Accuracy | Gen V |
Top Dark-types in Pokémon History
Among the 91 Dark-type Pokémon introduced up to Generation 9, we’ve compiled a list of the ten finest:
- Yveltal
- touch
- Roaring Moon
- Darkrai
- Tyranitar
- Dog-Pao
- Hydreigon
- Greninja
- Grimmsnarl
- Umbreon
This concludes our comprehensive guide on Dark-type Pokémon. Be sure to explore our catalog of all Cat and Dog Pokémon in the franchise for additional insights into other types, including Dragon, Ground, and Normal.
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