Dark Pokémon weakness, resistance, and strength

Dark Pokémon weaknesses aren't always obvious, so we're here to lay them out for you and take a look at their strengths and resistances too.

Dark Pokemon weakness icon behind Umbreon in front of a map of Johto
Kayleigh Partleton Avatar

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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.

Before we go any further, it's worth noting that we have a comprehensive Pokédex if you want to learn more about the many beasts from the franchise.

Here's what you need to know about the dark Pokémon weakness:

Dark Pokemon weakness icon in front of a map of Johto

What is dark Pokémon's weakness?

The Dark Pokémon weaknesses are bug-, fighting-, and fairy-types. As you can see, dark-types aren't weak to common types, but if you come across a Togekiss, Beedrill, or Lucario, your buddy is in for a tough time.

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:

Dark Pokemon weakness icon behind Tyranitar in front of a map of Johto

What are dark Pokémon resistances?

Dark Pokémon are resistant to dark-, ghost-, and psychic-type moves. These resistances mean that Pokémon like Alakazam, Umbreon, Gengar, and Mismagius aren't very effective against the likes of Obstagoon. When you combine two of these resistances with the strengths of dark Pokémon, you see that this type can decimate certain Pokémon.

What are dark Pokémon strengths?

  • Ghost Pokémon
  • Psychic Pokémon

Dark Pokémon are super effective ghost- and psychic-types. Now you can see what we meant by saying that when you combine the strengths and resistances of the dark-type, they decimate certain 'mon. Alakazam, Hypno, Dusknoir, and Gallade stand no chance against Pangoro, Krookodile, and Obstagoon.

Kayleigh got her journalistic start at PocketGamer.biz and PCGamesInsider.biz before joining GameRant as a list writer. In May 2021, she joined Pocket Tactics as a Staff Writer, stepping into the Deputy Editor role in November 2022. A lover of all things Nintendo and mobile, she also enjoys taking long walks with Geralt of Rivia while she’s not playing Pokémon, Life is Strange, Poppy Playtime, Dead by Daylight, or FNAF, that is. Failing that, she’s probably searching for new Roblox giveaways or testing out the latest OnePlus and the best gaming phones. For more of her words, head to The Loadout and Wargamer. Oh, and she doesn’t think that Skyrim is a good RPG, she has the audacity to think it’s boring.

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