Top 10 Best Dark Type Pokemon

Dark-type Pokémon are often prized for their versatility, combining offense and defense in surprising ways. They also tend to have access to some of the most tricky and unpredictable moves, like Sucker Punch or Foul Play.

These Pokémon often dominate with a blend of strong attack stats and unique abilities that leave opponents frustrated. Some are legendary and hard to catch, while others are staples in many trainers' teams.

1. Absol

   

   Absol is a Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It is known for its ability to sense disasters, which has led to its reputation as a harbinger of misfortune. Absol gained a Mega Evolution in Pokémon X and Y, as well as in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

   Absol is awesome. It has a very high attack. I had one in Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Y, and Pokémon Emerald. It's really cool. It has a great ability called Super Luck, which increases the critical hit rate. Teach it Night Slash, and the rate becomes even higher!

   Also, if you teach it Psycho Cut, it not only gives it a high critical hit rate but also deals with its weakness to fighting types. Let it hold the Scope Lens, which increases its critical hit rate even more. It's a real threat!

   When I first laid my eyes on Absol, I was like, "That is one super cool Dark type Pokemon! It will be mine!" And it immediately became my favorite Dark Pokemon of all time.

   Its attack is insanely huge, rivaling with Tyranitar, and its ability 'Super Luck' plus almost all of its physical attacks have a high critical hit ratio. And it's super bad luck for Psychic or Ghost types that encounter Absol, except for Gallade. Absol vs. Gallade. Epic!

   Its only downside is that Absol's status was not labeled as a legend even after the movie of Jirachi came out. But with the whole Mega-Evolutions, I'm glad it stays as a non-legend.

2. Tyranitar

   

   Tyranitar, known in Japan as Bangiras, is a dual-type Rock and Dark Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It evolves from Pupitar starting at level 55, which itself evolves from Larvitar at level 30. Tyranitar is known for its immense physical strength and powerful offensive capabilities.

   Tyranitar needs to be #1 on this list. Unlike other comments about Tyranitar, I'm going to actually elaborate on why he deserves that spot at #1. His attack and special attack stats are unbearable, and he is literally the Dark counterpart of the #1 Dragon, Dragonite.

   Umbreon is fine, sure, but when it faces Pokémon with Keen Eye or a Machamp with Dynamic Punch, its advantage goes down the drain. Tyranitar doesn't need much of a strategic advantage to win. Any trainer could win with a powerful Tyranitar. His sheer strength and defense earn him that #1 spot.

   Tyranitar is the best. The people saying Absol is the best don't know what they're talking about. I have him on Alpha Sapphire, and he destroys anything he faces. You throw a Water type out, teach him Thunderbolt. Grass? How about Ice Beam? The only real counter would be Fighting, which I'm sure there's a move he can learn to counter.

   And anyway, you can't wipe a team with one Pokémon. You need to have those types in your team to counter the ones your current Pokémon can't beat. So, in this case, a Flying or Psychic type would be perfect.

3. Umbreon

   

   Umbreon, known in Japan as Blacky, is a Dark-type evolution of Eevee, introduced in Generation II. Umbreon evolves when Eevee gains a high friendship level during the nighttime.

   I've once beaten three Dragonites by using these four moves: Faint Attack, Sand Attack, Confuse Ray, and Moonlight. Pissed my opponent off with Sand Attack and Confuse Ray. And if my opponent's attack landed successfully after struggling from confusion and low accuracy, I just healed using Moonlight (not to mention Umbreon's amazing defenses).

   Of course, I kept attacking with the inevitable move Faint Attack. It was just awesome beating three Dragonites with an Umbreon! Definitely one of my favorites.

   Umbreon is a legitimately cool dude who annoys everyone it battles. Also, the way it looks is awesome. Those red eyes, not to mention the shiny version.

   I always try to find a way to get an Eevee in every game I play. I recommend Umbreon have a Bold nature, which is great for its defense, and moves like Moonlight, Dark Pulse, Toxic, and Protect. I usually give it Leftovers too.

   Anyway, I strongly believe Umbreon is not only the coolest Dark type but the coolest Pokémon in general. At least in my opinion.

4. Darkrai

   

   Darkrai, known by the same name in Japan, is a Dark-type Legendary Pokémon that debuted in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. It is known for its signature ability to induce nightmares in others. Darkrai was also featured in the movie Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai, where it played a central role.

   Pretty much Darkrai. I mean, he's like Freddy Krueger (Pokemon-wise, only without the killing). His appearance is also badass, and overall, this Pokemon is pretty powerful. He is a force to be reckoned with, with his dangerous abilities and is a mix of red (my favorite color), black, and white.

   However, the reason he deserves to be number one is his portrayal in The Rise of Darkrai. I mean, a Darkrai who was hated and shunned by the people of Alamos Town (except Alice and Tonio) risked his life protecting it from two of the Creation Trio Pokemon (Dialga and Palkia). And yes, he also has a personality.

   What was so shocking was that he became a hero of the town that everyone hated. That is what makes a character really strong, and I hope people can understand what something like Darkrai could do.

5. Hydreigon

   

   Hydreigon, known in Japan as Sazandora, is a dual-type Dark and Dragon Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It evolves from Zweilous starting at level 64, which itself evolves from Deino. Hydreigon has three heads and is known for its aggressive and destructive behavior.

   Hydreigon is a complete BOSS. He has three heads to eat everything. What else do you want? Plus, he's a Dragon Dark type, so he's perfect with Darkrai and/or Yveltal. I mean, like Darkrai and the rest of the Pokémon up there are bosses, but Hydreigon is better.

   Plus, he's a pseudo-legend along with Tyranitar, Dragonite, Goodra, Garchomp, Salamence, and Metagross. He also has the ability Levitate, which makes him immune to ground types.

   In the TCG, I use him in my Dark/Dragon deck. I've got Hydreigon EX, which is an excellent spear, and Hydreigon BREAK, which can knock out three Pokémon in two turns!

   How did you get a level 60 Hydreigon if it evolves at 64? Anyway, I love my Hydreigon. I'm sure everyone who suffered through Hustle Deino and Zweilous agrees it's well worth the effort. This thing is a beast.

   Ever since Ghetsis wrecked my team all by himself (which is also messed up, since he used it at level 54/52), I wanted one. It's a pseudo-legendary. It's gotta be good! You could argue that Darkrai is a legendary, but you can't use those in competitive play anyway.

   Hydreigon will destroy the other Dark pseudo-legendary, Tyranitar, with Surf, Waterfall, or any other epic move you want. Even though it's extremely hard to get, with high experience requirements and that annoying Hustle ability, it's a fantastic Pokémon and a total beast. It looks awesome too. Can you name another Pokémon with three heads and wings in Gen 5 or earlier? I don't think so.

6. Houndoom

   

   The episode itself is called "Houndoom's Special Delivery," and it's a really underrated and heartwarming episode from the anime. Misty's Togepi gets lost in the woods, and when all hope seems lost, a random Houndoom, rushing to deliver some shears to a faraway Mareep farm (note the saddlebags on Houndoom's back), hears Togepi's cries for help.

   The Houndoom starts lending a helping hand on various occasions until he feels a deep friendship for Togepi and teams up with him. After various "friends for life" montages, they seek shelter from a thunderstorm, with Togepi riding on Houndoom's back. During this time, Togepi identifies an unknown Pokemon (most likely Raikou). When Houndoom returns to the farm to deliver the shears, Team Rocket captures him, and they get blasted off again, as usual.

   When Houndoom leaves Togepi, Togepi is, of course, upset. It's an episode that tugs at the heartstrings. Instead of Houndoom being a dark, edgy Pokemon with a guttural voice, I imagine him being a kind-hearted farm dog with a Southern accent.

7. Zoroark

   

   Zoroark is a Dark-type Pokémon that evolves from Zorua starting at level 30. It was first introduced in Generation V. Zoroark is known for its Illusion ability, which allows it to appear as another Pokémon during battle, creating deceptive and strategic advantages.

   Wait a second! What is Zoroark doing here? Why isn't it first?! It's a nice Pokémon to use in battle since its ability makes it change into the last Pokémon in your party. If you decide to put a fighting type there, it allows you to attack without having to deal with super-effective attacks for a while.

   Look at its stats! High special attack and high attack! With those stats, it can defeat almost everything! It even has its own movie! And it's the 13th one. It makes it look even scarier, doesn't it?

   If you put a Gengar at the back of your team and a Zoroark at the front, people will confuse it and try using psychic and dark attacks on what they believe to be a Ghost-type Pokémon. This gives you a perfect opportunity to do whatever you want with it.

   Zoroark isn't a legendary, so people can't complain about it on Battle Spot, and it's the only Pokémon (besides Zorua) that can learn Night Daze, which is the strongest special Dark-type attack.

8. Weavile

   

   Weavile is the best in my opinion. It's a sweeper if this thing is taught Ice Punch (get a Smeargle, teach it Ice Punch, and leave it at the Day Care with a Weavile/Sneasel). Additionally, teach it Shadow Claw, Brick Break, and Dig. This thing is amazing, recommended 100%!

   Also, Weavile is very unique, as it has a very high attack and speed rate. Being able to reach a maximum attack stat of 372 and a speed stat of 383 makes Weavile even better. Not to mention, it can also have a maximum HP of 344, which is pretty good! Oh, and one last thing, look at a shiny Weavile and tell me that's not cool. That's why I think Weavile is the best Dark type. I hope this helps.

   P.S. Go to serebii.net. It's really good for getting info on Pokémon.

9. Bisharp

   

   Why, just why? Bisharp is the most OP sucker puncher. With a few Sword Dances, he can OHKO anyone. Why is Tyranitar the first? Just in case, hook it up with a Focus Sash, do one Sword Dance, then Brick Break. It can own any Dark, Rock, Ice, Steel, and Normal type, but since it does 4x damage on Tyranitar, I don't even need the Focus Sash or the Sword Dance.

   This thing has one of the best sprites of all time, can learn Iron Head, Night Slash, Sucker Punch, and more to crush enemies.

   Just watch out for Fighting types.

   In my opinion, most of the best Dark types were made in Gen 5 (Black, White, B2, and W2, I think). There's Hydreigon, Zoroark, Krookodile, and this guy.

   Although he has a four-times weakness to Fighting type, he is amazing and can learn great moves.

10. Krookodile

    

    Krookodile is a Ground and Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It evolves from Krokorok, which itself evolves from Sandile. Known as the "Bully of the Sands," Krookodile has strong Speed and HP stats, along with a high Attack stat.... read more

    I've seen a lot of negativity aimed at the fifth generation of this game. It has been claimed that the characters were poorly thought out and created in comparison to previous regions, but I have to personally disagree. I love the new style of Pokémon introduced in the game. Game Freak added some very good companions that look cool and battle well. This is one of those Pokémon, and it deserves a higher spot on this list.

    With Earthquake and Crunch at STAB, and Stone Edge plus Dragon Claw, you already have the makings of a good Pokémon. Add excellent ATK and SPD, decent defensive stats, and the ability Moxie, and you have Krookodile, the greatest Dark type available.

    He definitely deserves a higher spot on this list.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Urshifu

    
12. ?

    Vullaby

    

    Vullaby, known in Japan as Valchai, is a Dark and Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It evolves into Mandibuzz starting at level 54. Vullaby is known for its diaper-like bone covering, which it uses as protection until it evolves.

The Contenders

13. Crawdaunt

    

    Let me just say this. Crawdaunt is like a bulldozer. He can easily break walls and clean up.

    I don't even want to mention what will happen if an Adaptability Crawdaunt uses Crabhammer on a Pokémon (hint hint, instant carnage). Enough said.

    Crawdaunt is just plain beast. He can learn Crabhammer, and he is also a Water type Pokémon.

    I think he should be higher up in the rankings. Darkrai should still be first, though.

    Guillotine suckas. I just kept adding X-Accuracies to him, and that made him hit almost every Guillotine.

    Took out all of the Elite Four on Ultra Moon by himself, on the first attempt.

14. Greninja

    

    Greninja is a Water/Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 6. It evolves from Frogadier and is the final evolution of the Water-type starter Froakie. In addition to the standard Torrent ability shared by Water-type starters, Greninja can have the Protean ability, which changes its type to match the... read more

    Greninja is incredible in competitive play. My favorite is Umbreon, but that's because I personally love it. Greninja, on the other hand, is basically what Game Freak intended Arceus to be. I think Arceus's Mega will have this ability or something similar.

    Even Chansey can't wall it because it learns Knock Off. Only extremely bulky Pokémon like Mega Aggron, Zapdos, and Umbreon can stop it. Otherwise, you just have to revenge kill it with something faster. Greninja is truly a beast and very interesting to use.

    Frog Ninja plus Protean equals pure destruction. Grass type? Ice Beam changes into Ice type. Water type? Grass Knot changes into Grass. Psychic type? Dark Pulse.

    None stood a chance against this type-changing ninja frog with the awesome tongue scarf.

15. Yveltal

    

    Yveltal is a fictional creature in the Pokémon franchise. Introduced in the sixth generation, Yveltal is a legendary Dark and Flying-type Pokémon and the mascot of Pokémon Y. It is known as the Destruction Pokémon.

    Yveltal can absorb life energy, and when it reaches the end of its life, it draws... read more

    Combine the majesty and coolness of Lugia with the badassness of Darkrai, and you get this powerhouse. Yveltal has great defense stats, which help it stay in battle. If it's near defeat, just use Oblivion Wing (added with good Sp. Atk and STAB from Flying type), and you're going to get a guaranteed OHKO and added health.

    Phantom Force can be used with great speed to avoid attacks. Foul Play destroys tanks and sweepers like Mega Rayquaza. Steel Wing wrecks Yveltal's main enemy, Xerneas. Don't forget the great typing, allowing it to have two immunities (Ground and Psychic) and plenty of resistances, plus the massive base stat of 680, which is higher than Tyranitar's.

    Why the hell is Tyranitar at number 1? In my opinion, the massive bird of death beats all, except for its type weaknesses and some megas, but you get the point. - mathyfox441

16. Honchkrow

    

    Honchkrow, Weavile, and Houndoom are my all-time favorite Pokemon (bar Volcarona). However, I think Honchkrow is the best out of them. Its flying typing removes its weakness to both fighting and bug types, unlike Weavile, who is four times weak to fighting.

    Also, he has one of my all-time favorite moves in his arsenal: Drill Peck. It has great base power and accuracy, and it just looks really cool.

    My biggest reason, though, is the fact that he has an amazing Dark type move: Quash. It suppresses the opponent's attack the next turn. This is very useful in a double battle when you need to set up a sweep with other Pokemon. Oh yeah, it can learn Superpower for coverage. And also, it's called the BIG BOSS Pokemon. What is better than that?

17. Mightyena

    

    Mightyena, known in Japan as Graena, is a Dark-type Pokémon that evolves from Poochyena starting at level 18. It was introduced in Generation III. Mightyena is based on a hyena and is known for its pack behavior and fierce loyalty.

    Because who doesn't want a wolf that only obeys strong trainers and can even learn Fire Fang, Ice Fang, and Thunder Fang (if you play OR/AS and get the hidden one)? I even have a Fire Fang knowing Mightyena that's a girl. Also, Mightyena has a 50% chance to be either female or male.

    Still, Mightyena also looks kind of like an elf from the movies "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" (I highly suggest you watch them so you can see it my way!). And I LOVE Mightyena.

    P.S. If Mightyena gets a mega or another evolution, that would ROCK! Tyranitar can easily get beaten up by water and grass if Tyranitar is rock and dark.

    SEE YA!

    I have always wanted to catch a Poochyena and train it into a Mightyena. Now I know that I can. Mightyena rocks! She is really strong, and I suggest that you get her if you had a Sapphire or Ruby game. She is my favorite Pokémon and is one of the strongest Dark types. I think she should be number 2.

18. Sharpedo

    

    This should be number one! Sharpedo with Speed Boost and Protect can easily sweep many teams. It should have Waterfall to kill rock and ground types, Ice Fang to kill grass and dragon types, Crunch to counter psychic and ghost, and Protect so that he can get a free speed boost at the start of his turn.

    With this moveset, you can sweep all these Mons: Tyranitar, Gengar, Charizard, Sceptile, Garchomp, Salamence, Latios/Latias, Gardevoir, Gallade, etc. The possibilities and potential of this Pokémon are endless. Also, some might consider using Earthquake for Sharpedo so that it can counter most electric types.

    Dude, this thing's speed is nothing to sneeze at. Your move pool effectively takes care of weaknesses, and now with mega-evolution, it has even more destructive, sweeping potential.

19. Spiritomb

    

    Spiritomb, known in Japan as Mikaruge, is a dual-type Ghost and Dark Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. It is composed of 108 spirits and is known for its unusual method of being obtained by interacting with the Odd Keystone. Spiritomb does not evolve from or into any other Pokémon.

    Wow! Why? Why is Spiritomb 22nd!? He's epic! I mean, Dark Ghost? Awesome combo.

    Sableye has it, and Sableye is awful, but it's above Spiritomb! Vote for Spiritomb to be higher up!

    No super effective weakness. That should be enough to put Spiritomb somewhere in the top ten.

    I don't consider Generation 6 a thing. So, in my mind, there's still no weaknesses.

20. Sableye

    

    Sableye is the underdog dark type everyone forgets about. If it wasn't for mega evolution, people would forget about him. I ran it in the Battle Frontier and later in Gen 5 with the introduction of its Prankster ability. Back then, when fairy types didn't exist, he was a beast. With his mega evolution, he became ten times the threat with Magic Bounce and his great defensive stall ability.

    The greatest wall Pokémon, in my opinion, as it can neutralize virtually any Pokémon. Plus, the little guy is just so menacing and adorable.

    I'm wrecking so many people with this Pokémon right now. When it's not in Mega form, no matter how fast your opponent is, its hidden ability lets it use stat-changing skills first.

    Yet, the true horror begins when it Mega evolves. When Sableye Mega evolves, the ability "Magic Bounce" reflects all the status moves. It reflects Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, Toxic, and so on. It counters all sorts of annoying Pokémon.

    If you know how to use it well, then you'll easily defeat your opponents. Plus, I like the design. Sableye is my favorite Pokémon.

21. Shiftry

    

    Shiftry is a dual-type Grass and Dark Pokémon introduced in Generation III. It evolves from Nuzleaf when exposed to a Leaf Stone and is known for its fan-like hands, which can generate winds strong enough to level houses. Shiftry is often portrayed as a secretive and ominous figure that dwells deep within... read more

    A hard choice to make, but I have to go with Shiftry. I love the whole evolution line, and suddenly a Dark Pokémon!

    He looks very cool.

    An excellent Pokémon for me because in Omega Ruby, my Shiftry really wrecks the competition with its powerful Hurricane and Leaf Storm.

    I also gave mine items to make it really good on the battlefield.

    He looks so cool! He stands out in a field of ugly, bad Dark Pokémon.

22. Drapion

    

    The best Pokémon to use in the Battle Tree, Maison, etc. Just give Drapion an Air Balloon and, while facing a Ground type, watch as the earthquakes don't affect it.

    It looks kinda cool, but I dislike his arms on his head. Move them a little down, and he'll be epic.

    Dark and Poison. It only has one weakness, which is to Ground, and that can be taken care of with Ice Fang.

23. Cacturne

    

    Cacturne, known in Japan as Noctus, is a dual-type Grass and Dark Pokémon. It evolves from Cacnea starting at level 32. Cacturne is known for its nocturnal habits and for following travelers through the desert until nightfall.

    Underrated! Creepy scarecrow that murders humans at night. Check it out, it's lore accurate.

    As of Generation V, no other Pokémon have the same dual Egg Group as Cacturne and its pre-evolution.

    In this case, Grass and Human-Like are unique.

    Love this Pokémon, always reliable.

24. Mandibuzz

    

    From what I've seen, Mandibuzz is an extremely underrated Dark Type Pokémon. Allow me to explain.

    Dark Types traditionally have three weaknesses: Bug, Fighting, and Fairy. Flying Types also have three weaknesses: Electric, Ice, and Rock. Mandibuzz, as part Flying, lacks two of these weaknesses: Bug and Fighting.

    Two of Mandibuzz's moves, however, completely level the playing field: Bone Rush and Steel Wing. As a Ground Type move, Bone Rush is super effective against Electric Types and Ice Types. As a Steel Type move, Steel Wing is super effective against Ice Types, Rock Types, and Fairy Types, although Mandibuzz can only learn Steel Wing via TM.

    Therefore, as a moveset for Mandibuzz, try out any combination of Bone Rush, Steel Wing, Brave Bird, Whirlwind, and Dark Pulse. Although Mandibuzz is not a pseudo-legendary Pokémon, it makes up for it with a base stat total of 510, which is higher than Absol's total of 465, Sharpedo's total of 460, and Houndoom's total of 500.

25. Pangoro

    

    Pangoro is a dual-type Fighting/Dark Pokémon introduced in the Pokémon franchise's sixth generation. It evolves from Pancham starting at level 32, but only if the player has a Dark-type Pokémon in their party. Pangoro is known for its tough appearance, combat prowess, and sense of justice, often portrayed... read more

    Finally! A cool dark/fighting panda! He looks totally badass!

    Looks like a boss and never lets weak Pokémon get bullied!

    This one has been a common Pokémon I've used since X, as it was part of my main group of Pokémon. I often used it and had a super good one called Charlie in Shield. Pangoro has grown into one of my top 30 favorite Pokémon.

26. Scrafty

    

    Dragon Dance Scrafty is a force to be reckoned with. Not only does he have access to great STAB moves like Drain Punch, Hi Jump Kick, Knock Off, and Crunch, but also good coverage like Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and the elemental punches.

    He needs some setup to be productive, but if you can set up, he can put holes in opponents' teams.

    Not my favorite Pokémon (that goes to Tyranitar), but I like using Dragon Dance to boost his terrible Speed stat and then duke it out by attacking and sweeping teams, making him stronger through Moxie.

    Just saying that it works for him and Gyarados, in case you want to try these two out.

27. Malamar

    

    Malamar, known in Japan as Calamanero, was introduced in Generation VI and is a dual-type Dark/Psychic Pokémon. It evolves from Inkay starting at level 30 when the gaming system is held upside down during the level-up. This unique evolution method reflects Malamar's theme of inversion and mind control... read more

    The reason I like Malamar is because of what an evil genius it is.

    In the anime, it took over the world. Can you ask for more?

    Psychic and Dark... Genius, just genius.