Best Dark Type Pokemon

Picking the best Dark type Pokemon starts with what the type does to Psychic types. Dark type Pokemon hit Ghost and Psychic for double damage, and Psychic moves do nothing to them at all.

The name makes the type sound like a team of villains, and a few of them do play the part. For players who stick with Dark types, though, the list below holds a Pokemon that tries to warn people about disasters and a wrestler with a soft spot for small Pokemon. The type arrived in Gen II, and three of the top four come from that generation. (Dark types get blamed for everything. We know how that goes.)

This list ranks 15 of the 69 Dark type Pokemon by how many different players named each one as their favorite or best Dark type. Let's get into the countdown:

Best Dark Type Pokemon

#15

Sharpedo

Sharpedo appears to be based on a shark, likely the great white shark, but without the rear half of its body. Its body shape also resembles a torpedo, and the star on its head may point to sharks like the starspotted smooth-hound. Its Pokedex entry says it is known as the Bully of the Sea, and that any ship entering the waters it calls home will be attacked, with no exceptions. (We have met this energy in a group chat.)

Carvanha evolves into it at level 30. Its Attack is 120, while its Defense and Special Defense are both 40, so it hits hard and breaks easily. Every Pokemon has an ability, a passive effect that works on its own in battle, and Sharpedo's Rough Skin damages any attacker that touches it for an eighth of the attacker's max HP. Its hidden ability (a rarer ability some Pokemon can have), Speed Boost, raises its Speed one stage after each turn (Speed decides who attacks first, and a stage is one step up or down for a stat during a battle).

One of its Pokedex entries mentions it becoming a victim of overfishing for its dorsal fin, which is likely a reference to shark finning.

#14

Bisharp

Bisharp looks and acts like the leader of a band of traditional Japanese bandits, and its behavior and upright stance are reminiscent of a soldier. It may also come from kaijin, the humanoid villains of Japanese monster movies, and its insect-like parts may nod to the Japanese name for rhinoceros beetles, kabutomushi, literally "Kabuto insect" after a type of samurai helmet. (A beetle named after a hat. We have owned worse hats.) Its Pokedex entry says violent conflicts erupt between Bisharp and Fraxure over places where sharpening stones can be found.

Pawniard evolves into it at level 52. Its Attack is 125 and its Defense is 100. Its ability, Defiant, raises its Attack two stages whenever an opponent lowers one of its stats, and its other ability, Inner Focus, keeps it from flinching. It also has an evolution of its own now, Kingambit, which it reaches once it has defeated three Bisharp.

#13

Zorua

Zorua may be based on the kitsune of Japanese folklore, a mythical fox that can change its shape. It keeps its tail when it takes human form, which may refer to stories of kitsune that have trouble hiding their tails, and its habit of replacing children with itself is similar to Irish folklore about changelings. Its newest Pokedex entry, from Hisui, calls it a once-departed soul returned to life that derives power from resentment, which rises as energy atop its head and takes on the forms of foes. (Turning resentment into energy is a skill. We are still working on it.)

It evolves into Zoroark at level 30, and its base stat total of 330 is the lowest on this list. Its ability, Illusion, makes it take on the appearance of the last Pokemon in the party when it is sent out, and the disguise holds until a damaging move hits it.

It is one of the few entries here that wins votes for being cute, with a fox design that fans love outright.

#12

Krookodile

Krookodile appears to be based on crocodiles, more specifically the slender-snouted crocodile and the Nile crocodile, and also on Baryonyx, a fish-eating dinosaur that heavily resembled a crocodilian. In line with its Dark type, it may also be based on a gang leader, and its ability to spot things from a distance could be a reference to tactical binoculars. Its Pokedex entry says that while it is terribly aggressive, it also has the patience to stay hidden under sand for days, lying in wait for prey. (Days. We cannot wait out a loading screen.)

Krokorok evolves into it at level 40. Its Attack is 117 and its HP is 95. Its abilities are Intimidate, which lowers the opponent's Attack one stage the moment it enters battle, and Moxie, which raises its Attack one stage each time it knocks out a Pokemon. Its hidden ability, Anger Point, raises its Attack to the maximum when it takes a critical hit (a hit that randomly does extra damage).

Players single out the design, from the stripes to the built-in shades.

#11

Weavile

Weavile may be based on the kamaitachi, a type of yōkai often shown as a weasel demon with sickles on its front legs and blamed for mysterious cuts on the skin, especially in cold weather. Its look may also draw on ancient Egyptian fashion, with what resembles a headdress, a collar and earrings like the ones Egyptian deities wear. Its Pokedex entry says it corners prey as a pack under the guidance of a leader, and speculates that its evolution caused further brain development. (Evolution made it smarter. We are still waiting on ours.)

Sneasel evolves into it when leveled up at night while holding a Razor Claw. Its Speed of 125 ties Darkrai for the highest on this list, and its Attack is 120. Its ability is Pressure, which makes any move that targets it cost one extra PP (PP is how many times a move can be used). Its hidden ability, Pickpocket, steals the held item of any Pokemon that touches it.

Battlers rate it among the best quick strikers in the type, a fast physical attacker that gets in first.

#10

Mightyena

Mightyena appears to be based on a hyena, possibly a brown hyena, and its mane may come from the thick dorsal mane of the striped hyena. The design may also have been influenced by dog breeds such as the German Shepherd and the Australian Kelpie, a breed whose personality is heavily influenced by its owner. Its Pokedex entry says Mightyena travel and act as a pack in the wild, and that the memory of that life makes it obey only Trainers it recognizes as having superior skill. (A dog that checks your credentials. We would not pass.)

Poochyena evolves into it at level 18. Its Attack is 90. Intimidate, one of its abilities, lowers the opponent's Attack one stage when it enters battle, and its other ability, Quick Feet, raises its Speed to 1.5× when it has a major status ailment such as a burn or poison. Its hidden ability is Moxie.

Most of its support comes from Gen III, the generation it debuted in, and one fan admits it might be the worst Dark type in Hoenn while loving it anyway.

Hydreigon

Hydreigon may draw on many-headed dragons and serpents from several mythologies, such as the Lernaean Hydra and the Zmei Gorynych. The tank-tread markings on its body are left over from when its evolutionary line was first designed after tanks, and the smaller, brainless heads on its arms are reminiscent of hand puppets. Its Pokedex entry says the three heads take turns sinking their teeth into the opponent, and that their attacks won't slow until the target goes down. (Two of the heads have no brain. We have been on that group project.)

Zweilous evolves into it at level 64, the latest evolution level on this list. That number could be a reference to 1964, the year Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster came out. Its Special Attack is 125, which powers special moves like Dark Pulse. Its ability, Levitate, makes it immune to Ground moves, and it has no hidden ability.

Incineroar

Incineroar is based on a tiger with traits of domestic cats, and it shares elements with a professional wrestler. Its category, Heel Pokemon, and its Dark type bring to mind a heel, the wrestler who embodies vice, as opposed to a face, who embodies virtue. Its Shiny form (a rare alternate-color version) may be based on a white tiger. Its Pokedex entry says its rough and aggressive behavior is its most notable trait, but the way it helps out small Pokemon shows it has a kind side as well. (Loud in the ring, gentle with the little ones. We respect a professional.)

Torracat evolves into it at level 34, and its HP is 95. Its ability, Blaze, makes its Fire moves hit 1.5× as hard once its HP drops to a third or less, and its hidden ability is Intimidate.

Several players have noticed that the best recent starters keep turning out Dark, with Greninja and Meowscarada alongside it.

Zoroark

Zoroark is based on a fox, possibly the kitsune of Japanese folklore, a shape-shifting fox that would trick travelers for fun. Its facial markings may draw from Kabuki and Noh theater makeup, and it also resembles a werewolf, being an upright canid with a habit of changing its shape. Its newest Pokedex entry describes the Hisui version, which has disheveled white fur and looks like an embodiment of death, and says it attacks with a bitter energy so intense it lacerates its own body. (Hurting yourself to win an argument. We know this one well.)

Zorua evolves into it at level 30. Its Special Attack is 120 and its Speed is 105. Its ability is Illusion, the same disguise Zorua has, which lets it enter battle looking like a teammate and keep up the act until a damaging move lands. It has no hidden ability.

Greninja

Greninja may take its spiked brows from horned frogs and its colors from the splendid leaf frog. As its category, Ninja Pokemon, says, it is based on a ninja, and Japanese culture links frogs with ninjas through the folk story The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya, about a ninja who can turn into a large toad. Its Pokedex entry says it appears and vanishes with a ninja's grace and slices its enemies with throwing stars of sharpest water. (Water throwing stars. We cannot fold a fitted sheet.)

Frogadier evolves into it at level 36. Its Speed is 122 and its Special Attack is 103. Its ability is Torrent, and its hidden ability, Protean, changes its type to match each move it uses.

A good share of its votes go to Ash-Greninja, the form based on Ash's outfit in the XY series of the anime, and at least one fan was surprised to hear that Greninja is a Dark type at all.

Darkrai

Darkrai appears to be the personification of nightmares, resembling folklore creatures such as the mare and other night hags, and its shadowy look is likely inspired by the bogeyman. Its counterpart, Cresselia, is linked to the crescent moon, while Darkrai appears to represent the new moon. Its Pokedex entry says that on a moonless night, every one of a village's inhabitants suffered nightmares, and the villagers attested that Darkrai appeared before them in those dreams. (We also appear in people's nightmares. Mostly our landlord's.)

It is a mythical Pokemon and the only one on this list. Its Special Attack of 135 is the highest here, and its Speed of 125 ties Weavile for the top spot. Its ability, Bad Dreams, damages sleeping opponents for an eighth of their max HP after each turn. Its Pokedex category is Pitch-Black Pokemon, and it has no hidden ability.

Tyranitar

Tyranitar may draw on the kaiju genre, and its upright posture may allude to how most kaiju are humanoid in shape, since a person had to fit inside the suit. It may also be influenced by the armadillo girdled lizard, a desert lizard known for its firm scales, or by certain theropod dinosaurs. Its Pokedex entry says the quakes it causes when it walks make even great mountains crumble and change the surrounding terrain. (We make the floorboards creak on the way to the fridge. Same idea, smaller scale.)

Pupitar evolves into it at level 55, and it weighs 202 kg. Its Attack of 134 is the highest on this list, and its HP and Special Defense are both 100, which makes it hard to wear down. Its ability, Sand Stream, summons a sandstorm that lasts indefinitely the moment it enters battle. Its hidden ability, Unnerve, stops opposing Pokemon from eating their held Berries.

Houndoom

Houndoom seems to be based on hellhounds, black dogs and possibly Cerberus of Greek mythology. Its skeletal adornments may refer to the link between those dogs and death, and to cartoon dogs and their bones. It also somewhat resembles the extinct Tasmanian wolf because of the stripe-like bony ridges on its back. Its Pokedex category is, fittingly, Dark Pokemon, and its entry says people a long time ago thought it was the grim reaper and feared it. (A dog in a bone necklace. We get why the villagers panicked.)

Houndour evolves into it at level 24. Its Special Attack is 110 and its Speed is 95. Its ability, Flash Fire, protects it from Fire moves, and once one has been blocked, its own Fire moves hit 1.5× as hard. Its other ability, Early Bird, makes sleep pass twice as quickly, and its hidden ability, Unnerve, stops opposing Pokemon from eating their held Berries.

Absol

Absol may be based on the Bai Ze of Chinese mythology, a white beast with one or two horns that understands human speech. Its scythe-shaped tail and horn resemble the Western depiction of Death, who is linked to destiny and disaster. Its category is Disaster Pokemon, and its Pokedex entry says people mistook it for a bringer of doom because of its ability to detect danger. (It shows up to warn you and gets blamed for the weather. We have been the friend who said bring an umbrella.)

It does not evolve, and its Attack of 130 is second only to Tyranitar on this list. Its ability, Super Luck, raises the critical hit rate of its moves by one stage. Its hidden ability, Justified, raises its Attack one stage when a Dark move hits it.

Its fans mostly talk about the look, and the Mega Evolution (a stronger form it takes for the rest of a battle), which gives it a pair of angel-like wings, gets a special mention.

Umbreon

Umbreon seems to be a personification of nighttime and nocturnal animals, and its Dark type may come from the night being seen as a dangerous or haunted time. Its rings may be meant to resemble annular solar eclipses. Given that it was originally a Poison type, those rings may also have been loosely inspired by the venomous blue-ringed octopus. Its Pokedex entry says it is most active in the wee hours of the night, when moonlight bathes the land, and that its large eyes can pierce the darkness. (Most active in the wee hours is also our sleep schedule, minus the glowing.)

Eevee evolves into it when leveled up at night with high friendship. Its Special Defense of 130 is the highest on this list, and its Defense is 110. Its ability, Synchronize, passes a burn, paralysis or poison back onto the Pokemon that caused it. Its hidden ability, Inner Focus, keeps it from flinching.

More than twice as many players named it as Absol at number two, and the ones who explain the pick tend to praise how hard it is to knock out.

Conclusion

Dark type Pokemon take double damage from Fighting, Bug and Fairy attacks. Houndoom and Incineroar get around two of those, because their Fire half resists Bug and Fairy, and Bisharp's Steel half resists the same two at the cost of taking four times the damage from Fighting.

The bigger pattern is in the Pokedex entries. Absol was mistaken for a bringer of doom, Houndoom was feared as the grim reaper, and Incineroar's rough act hides a kind side. Several of the best Dark types are misunderstood more than they are evil. (We relate most to Absol. We also meant well.)

If your favorite didn't make it, the full list of Dark type Pokemon has all 69, and the type chart shows what each pairing covers.

Dark Type Pokemon FAQ

What is the best Dark type Pokemon?

Umbreon. More players name it as their favorite Dark type than any other.

How many Dark type Pokemon are there?

There are 69 Dark type Pokemon in the National Pokedex.

Is Absol a legendary Pokemon?

No. Absol is not a legendary Pokemon, and it does not evolve.

Best Dark Type Pokemon

Best Dark Type Pokemon

Sharpedo

Bisharp

Zorua

Krookodile

Weavile

Mightyena

Hydreigon

Incineroar

Zoroark

Greninja

Darkrai

Tyranitar

Houndoom

Absol

Umbreon

Conclusion

Dark Type Pokemon FAQ

Related articles

Best Dragon Type Pokemon

Best Electric Type Pokemon

Best Fairy Type Pokemon

Best Fighting Type Pokemon

Best Fire Type Pokemon

Best Flying Type Pokemon