Dark-type Pokémon are known for their strategic gameplay and tricky moves. This guide dives into their weaknesses and strengths, so you can select the best counters in battle and dominate your opponents in the Pokémon world.
As many Dark-type Pokémon have dual typings, understanding their vulnerabilities is key to success in any Pokémon game.
Dark-Type Pokemon Weaknesses Explained
Dark-type Pokemon have three main weaknesses when facing opposing Pokemon types and moves:
- Fighting: Fighting-type moves are super effective against Dark-type Pokemon.
- Bug: Bug-type moves deal double damage to Dark-types.
- Fairy: Fairy-type attacks are very effective against Dark-type Pokemon.
Remember, a Pokemon can be a combination of two types. For example, a Pokemon might be Dark and Flying-type. Always consider both types when strategizing your battles to fully exploit their vulnerabilities.
Dark-Type Strengths: What Are They Resistant To?
Dark-type Pokemon are resistant to Ghost and other Dark-type moves, reducing the damage they take from these attacks. They are also immune to Psychic-type moves, taking no damage at all.
Dark-types can be a great asset to any team when battling Psychic and Ghost Pokemon, as their attacks are super effective. Utilize these advantages to gain the upper hand in battles.
Exploiting Dark-Type Weaknesses
Dark-type Pokemon are weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type moves. Avoid using Fighting, Dark, or Fairy-type Pokemon when battling against them, as their STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves won’t deal significant damage.
Effective Pokemon Types Against Dark-Types
When facing Dark-types, use pure Fighting, Bug, or Fairy-type Pokemon, or, ideally, find Pokémon that combine two of these types for maximum effectiveness.
These are some of the best Pokemon to counter a Dark-type:
- Heracross (Bug/Fighting)
- Buzzwole (Bug/Fighting)
- Pheromosa (Bug/Fighting)
- Slither Wing (Bug/Fighting)
- Iron Valiant (Fairy/Fighting)
Always consider a Pokemon’s secondary type when choosing your counter Pokemon and moves. The Pokemon you are facing may have resistances based on their primary/secondary type.
Super Effective Moves To Use Against Dark Pokemon
Many Bug, Fairy, and Fighting super-effective moves can be used against Dark-type Pokemon. Here are some of the recommended moves 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 underrated, but they can be key additions when battling Dark-types. 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. 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 powerful, has perfect accuracy, and can hit all adjacent enemies.
Focus Blast is one of the best Fighting-type moves with 120 power and a chance of lowering the opponent’s Special Defense. Secret Sword is a top-notch move that inflicts damage based on the target’s Defense.
Best Tera Types to Counter Dark Weakness
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet’s addition of Tera Types can change the battle. 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.
Top Dark-Type Moves
There are many Dark-type moves, but here are the most powerful special, physical, and status attacks:
| MOVE | CATEGORY | POWER | ACCURACY | PP | EFFECT | GEN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baddy Bad | Special | 90 | 100% | 15 | Reduces damage from Physical attacks | VII |
| Fiery Wrath | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 | May cause flinching | VIII |
| Night Daze | Special | 85 | 95% | 10 | May lower the opponent’s Accuracy | V |
| Dark Pulse | Special | 80 | 100% | 15 | May cause flinching | IV |
| Hyperspace Fury | Physical | 100 | ∞ | 5 | Lowers the user’s Defense, but strikes through Protect or Detect | VI |
| Foul Play | Physical | 95 | 100% | 15 | Uses the opponent’s Attack stat | V |
| Kowtow Cleave | Physical | 85 | ∞ | 10 | Always hits | IX |
| Crunch | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 | May lower the opponent’s Defense | II |
| Embargo | Status | X | 100% | 15 | The opponent can’t use items | IV |
| Hone Claws | Status | X | X | 15 | Raises the user’s Attack and Accuracy | V |
Best Dark-Types in Pokemon
The Pokemon franchise has many Dark-type creatures, and here are some of the best:
- Yveltal
- Hoopa
- Roaring Moon
- Darkrai
- Tyranitar
- Chien-Pao
- Hydreigon
- Greninja
- Grimmsnarl
- Umbreon
Understanding the weaknesses of Dark-type Pokemon will help you in battles and strengthen your team. Use this knowledge to counter them effectively.
