What is the dark Pokémon weakness? There are some very powerful dark-types out there; Tyranitar and Obstagoon are just two examples. Beyond being powerful, the designs also tend to be on the better side for these creatures of the night – they're the fan favorites for a reason. So, since you're bound to come across one in an important battle, even if you don't use one yourself, let's take a look at the dark-type weaknesses, as well as their strengths and resistances.
Wait, we can go one better. If you want to know who the best dark Pokémon are, check out our guide. We also have articles about the strongest Pokémon and the best fire Pokémon, poison Pokémon, ice Pokémon, grass Pokémon, and dragon Pokémon. Or, if you want to see just how many Pokémon there are, check out our comprehensive Pokédex.
Here's what you need to know about the dark Pokémon weakness:
What is dark Pokémon's weakness?
The Dark Pokémon weaknesses are bug-, fighting-, and fairy-types. Three weaknesses may seem like a lot, but it really isn't, especially when you compare them to other types. Also, when you consider how uncommon the dark-type weaknesses are, it looks even better for you.
If you want to discover how to defeat these types, however, our fighting Pokémon weakness, bug Pokémon weakness, and fairy Pokémon weakness guides hold the answers.
What are the best Dark Pokémon counters?
For specific Pokémon to use as a counter for dark-types, we suggest the likes of Scyther, Hitmonlee, and Clefable. We also have some suggestions from each generation below:
- Gen 1 Pokémon Primeape
- Gen 2 Pokémon Hitmontop
- Gen 3 Pokémon Gallade (check our Ralts evolution guide for more information)
- Gen 4 Pokémon Lucario (our how to evolve Riolu guide can help you get one)
- Gen 5 Pokémon Accelgor
- Gen 6 Pokémon Florges (check out our Floette evolution guide for more information)
- Gen 7 Pokémon Bewear
- Gen 8 Pokémon Grimmsnarl
- Gen 9 Pokémon Dachsbun
Why is dark weak to bug?
While there's no concrete explanation, we imagine it has to do with most bugs coming out at night with superior vision. However, we could be reading too much into it, and the likes of Obstagoon merely share Misty's fear of bugs.
What are dark Pokémon resistances?
- Dark Pokémon
- Ghost Pokémon
- Psychic Pokémon
Dark Pokémon are resistant to dark-, ghost-, and psychic-type moves. So, psychic Pokémon and ghost Pokémon like Hypno and Mismagius won't be as effective against you as they'd like to be, and neither will any dark-type 'mon like Obstagoon.
What are dark Pokémon strengths?
- Ghost Pokémon
- Psychic Pokémon
Dark Pokémon are super effective ghost- and psychic-types. Because of this, notoriously powerful 'mon such as Alakazam, Gardevoir, Dusknoir, and Giritina are much easier to deal with, though Gardevoir can strike back as it's part fairy.
If you want to know what other types these poor 'mon are weak to, take a look at our psychic Pokémon weakness and ghost Pokémon weakness guides.
With any luck, this guide explaining what the dark Pokémon weakness is can help you to succeed in your quest to become the very best. Should you want to expand your knowledge on other types, our water Pokémon weakness, flying Pokémon weakness, poison Pokémon weakness, steel Pokémon weakness, dragon Pokémon weakness, and ground Pokémon weakness guides are a great read.