The Dark type was not in the original Pokémon games. Dark mostly came about as a counter to Psychic Pokémon, which, to be perfectly honest, it wasn't even very good at doing. Yes, Dark types were originally pretty bad, and rare to boot. But over the generations, the Dark type has received new attacks, interesting abilities, and much better Pokémon to carry the Dark legacy.
Dark work best as counters to Psychic and Ghost - the original intention of the type. But, Dark types are useful for more than just that. Read this beginner's guide on Pokémon types to learn more about the Dark Pokémon type.
Dark Type Pokémon FAQ
What are Dark Pokémon attacks strong against?
- Super-effective (x2): Psychic, Ghost
- Weak (x0.5): Dark, Fighting, Steel
What attack types are strong against Dark Pokémon?
- Super-Effective (x2): Bug, Fighting
- Resistant (x0.5): Dark, Ghost
- Immune: Psychic
What are some common characteristics of Dark type Pokémon?
- Unique moves
- Good Abilities
- A somewhat rare Pokémon type with narrowly focused strengths
General Hints and Tips on Dark Type Pokémon
The Dark type was originally created as a counter to Psychic type Pokémon, which were (at the time) unbearably overpowered. Ghosts type Pokémon, too, were difficult to counter in most cases. The Dark type offers up a decent counter to both types.
While Dark type attacks are only strong against two types (Psychic, Ghost), they are only weak against two types (Fighting, Bug), and the immunity to Psychic attacks is a tremendous advantage against Psychic types. Bug is almost a non-issue, but Fighting is a strong and common attack, and an unfortunate weakness.
In addition, Dark types typically have a wide variety of unique moves, but strangely, these moves are somewhat common to non-Dark types as well. However, having a Dark Pokémon with a strong Dark type attack like Chomp can tear through those pesky Psychic and Ghost type Pokémon with ease.
To reiterate once more, Dark type Pokémon work great as a specialized counter to Psychic and Ghost, but their narrow focus can make it difficult to squeeze a Dark Pokémon into a team limited to only six.
Dark Type Pokémon - Best Type Combos
The total amount of Dark type Pokémon is little more than a handful, so typically stating any one type combo in the Dark category really only pertains to one or two Pokémon total.
Speaking strictly from a defensive standpoint, the Dark/Ghost type combo is the best in the game - with zero weaknesses, two immunities, and even a few resistances. However, Sableye and Spiritomb are the only Pokémon with this typing, and Sableye's low stats means Spiritomb is really the only useful Pokémon with this type.
Other good type combos include Dark/Poison, Dark/Fire and Dark/Flying.
Strong Dark Type Pokémon
Some of the best Dark types are the following: Umbreon, Absol, Spritomb, Tyranitar, Shiftry, Honchkrow, Weavile, and Drapion.
Umbreon has huge defenses, but its real claim to fame is to trap Pokémon with "Mean Look" and then using Baton Pass to transfer the trap to a member of the team with more offensive power.
Absol and Weavile work great as offensive types; Absol a slow offensive, Weaville a speedy one. Shiftry is also a great offensive type, but has very weak defenses, and the Dark/Grass combo creates a lot of weaknesses to watch out for (and a x4 Bug weakness). Honchkrow has good offensives too, and thankfully loses its Fighting weakness as a Dark/Flying type.
Tyranitar is border-line legendary, and doesn't require much explanation, other than to watch out for the Sandveil ability, as it can actually work against its own team.
Saving the best for last, Spiritomb and Drapion offer some of the best type combinations in the game. Spiritomb has no weaknesses as a Dark/Ghost, and decent stats and movepool makes it a reliable Pokémon overall. And Drapion, with only one weakness (ground), and some great attacks, makes this Pokémon a great addition to a team.
Advanced Dark Type Pokémon Strategies
Most Dark Pokémon should really have a strong Dark attack, otherwise the rare strengths against Psychic and Ghost types kind of go to waste. This seems fairly straightforward, but some Dark Pokémon don't necessarily require one - such as Umbreon, as Umbreon mainly works as a Mean Look passer.
Just because Dark is strong against Psychic and Ghost does not necessarily mean it will be an easy fight. Psychic types typically carry numerous strong attacks of various types, and Ghosts usually have some tricks up their sleeves. Unfortunately, Dark is not immune to Ghost, so Night Shade can take off a significant chunk of HP (up to 100), meaning Dark types with lower HP need to watch out.
Many Dark moves serve a specific purpose and aren't "attacks." Taunt, for example, forces the opponent Pokémon to use only attack moves, which is great at preventing defensive types from healing, and prevents offensive types from using stat-boosting moves.
Moves like Taunt, however, should only be put on a Pokémon with a specific strategy in mind. Sharpedo, for example, wouldn't work well with Taunt, as its frail defenses would make Taunt a death sentence.
Try to take advantage of both types if using a dual-type Pokémon. Since Dark is only strong against two types, a second type (Poison, Flying, Fire, etc.) can add significantly to the Pokémon's versatility.
Dark Type Pokémon Conclusion
Even though Dark type Pokémon were born into the games with a specific purpose in mind (to counter Psychics and Ghosts), their effectiveness can go beyond just that, specifically when using a Pokémon with a second type.
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Bradley Kairis - Bradley Kairis loves games, comedy, technology, politics, news and journalism. From the endlessly intricate strategies of Magic the ...
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