Welcome to our dark-type weakness guide. There are many different types of Pokémon out there, but one of the most popular is arguably dark. Not that this is surprising, given the likes of Obstagoon, Umbreon, Tyranitar, Weavile, and Krookodile fall under this category. However, to make the most out of them, you need to know what the dark Pokémon weakness is.
Wait, we can go one better. If you want to know who the best dark Pokémon are (such as Misdreavus’ evolution and Murkrow’s evolution), check out our guide. We also have articles about the strongest Pokémon and the best fire Pokémon, poison Pokémon, water Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, ice Pokémon, grass Pokémon, steel Pokémon, dragon Pokémon, and starter Pokémon.
Anyway, let’s descend into our dark Pokémon weakness guide.
What are dark Pokémon weaknesses?
Dark-type Pokémon have three weaknesses – bug, fighting, and fairy-types. Though this might seem like a concern, dark Pokémon can learn some truly devastating attacks that offset the worry that normally comes with multiple weaknesses.
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.
Dark Pokémon counters
As for specific Pokémon to use as a counter for dark-types, we suggest the likes of:
- Gen 1 Pokémon Beedrill
- Gen 2 Pokémon Hitmontop
- Gen 3 Pokémon Gardevoir (check our Ralts evolution guide for more information)
- Gen 4 Pokémon Lucario
- Gen 5 Pokémon Accelgor
- Gen 6 Pokémon Sylveon
- Gen 7 Pokémon Bewear
- Gen 8 Pokémon Grimmsnarl
- Gen 9 Pokémon Dachsbun
However, while we consider those to be reliable as bug, fighting, and fairy-types, respectively, it’s vital that you consider the secondary type of a hybrid ‘mon, for they could, in theory, be weak to dark or do little damage with those attacks.
Furthermore, when using Sylveon, for example, make sure to strike the dark Pokémon with a fairy-type attack – using one of its available psychic attacks won’t be very effective against a dark-type. Plus, if you use a Pokémon like Sylveon or Gardevoir, you open yourself up to a potentially dangerous counter-attack as psychic Pokémon are weak to dark moves.
On the flip side, Grimmsnarl’s second typing is dark, meaning it’s highly resistant to dark attacks and can cause a lot of damage with its fairy-type moves.
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 Alakazam and Gengar won’t be as effective against you as they’d like to be, and neither will any dark-type ‘mon like Obstagoon. In fact, they’re essentially in a no-win situation unless the dark creature attacking them happens to be a dark and ghost or dark and poison hybrid.
What are dark Pokémon strengths?
- Ghost Pokémon
- Psychic Pokémon
Dark Pokémon are exceedingly strong against ghost Pokémon and psychic Pokémon. As such, the likes of Gengar, Hoopa, Gardevoir, and Jynx really struggle against dark-type ‘mon.
However, do remember that the likes of Sableye are a dark-type with a secondary ghost-type, meaning Gengar could pull off a devastating comeback should you not be careful. You’re best off using a dark ‘mon such as Obstagoon and Umbreon in a situation like that.
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, fighting Pokémon weakness, normal Pokémon weakness, flying Pokémon weakness, electric Pokémon weakness, poison Pokémon weakness, steel Pokémon weakness, dragon Pokémon weakness, ground Pokémon weakness, and fire Pokémon weakness guides are a great read.
Or, to fill out your Pokédex, check out our Scyther evolution, Bisharp evolution, Rockruff evolution, Happiny evolution, Wurmple evolution, Floette evolution, Dreepy evolution, Applin evolution, and Salandit evolution articles.