Pokémon GO: The 10 Best Dark Type Pokémon

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Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

Dark-type Pokémon certainly are one of the most popular picks for many trainers around the world, even more so with the simplified design Pokémon GO introduced to battling. The revamped battle system in Pokémon GO improves the performance of many traditionally weak Dark-types but also decreases the viability of many traditionally great Dark-types.

With that in mind, we here at High Ground Gaming have put together a list of what we believe to be the best Dark-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO, even with the revamped battle system.

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Dark Type Pokemon Overview

Dark-types are fine offensive Pokémon. Their main appeal comes from their ability to hit most of the types in the game for neutral damage. Dark-type moves are only super effective against Ghost and Psychic-types, but those types are some of the most common, so you’re bound to get value out of having a Dark-type on your team.

However, Dark-type moves don’t do much damage to Fighting, Fairy, and other Dark-types, so keep that in mind when picking your charge moves. Dark is generally a great secondary typing but isn’t completely terrible on its own.

Top 10 Best Dark Types in Pokémon Go, Ranked Good to Best

The best Dark-type Pokémon will have a solid list of type resistances, so keep an eye on those dual-type Pokémon and find one that will synergize well with the rest of your team.

Umbreon: The Moonlight Pokémon

Umbreon hasn’t changed much from the main series. It’s still a defensive wall that can wear opponents down over time. It does suffer a little in Pokémon GO since it doesn’t gain access to Toxic or Rest. Even so, it isn’t completely helpless when it comes to offense. However, it is the only defensive Dark-type on this list.

Umbreon can only use two fast moves, both of which are Dark-type moves. Snarl is generally the better move out of the two, so you’re better off spamming that until you can use a charge move.

Speaking of charge moves, Umbreon doesn’t have very much in terms of coverage options in its natural move pool. Both of its charge moves are Dark-type and deal very similar damage. Dark Pulse is the better choice because of its slightly higher damage.

If you have access to the Psychic or Last Resort Elite TMs, we recommend using one of them. Honestly, Psychic is the only one worth using, so go with that one if you have it for coverage against Fighting-types.

Alolan Muk: The Sludge Pokémon

Alolan Muk is a much-welcome spin on a classic Generation One Pokémon. The added Dark-type now makes Muk resistant to Psychic-types instead of weak to them. The Poison-typing also removes all of the weaknesses Dark-types usually have, leaving Ground as its only weakness. Muk’s typing isn’t all that makes this Pokémon a great choice; it also has high stamina and decent attack/defense stats.

Muk’s best fast moves are Snarl and Poison Jab. Both of these moves deal solid damage and generate a good amount of energy. Unfortunately, when it comes to charge moves, Muk doesn’t have much in the way of variety.

Its best choices are Sludge Wave for consistently high damage and Dark Pulse. Acid Spray is also a great choice thanks to its ability to lower the target’s defense stat by one stage each time it lands.

Incineroar: The Heel Pokémon

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A very popular pick in main series, Incineroar has all the makings of a great Pokémon. The only reason it isn’t higher on this list is due to the removal of its incredibly powerful ability Intimidate. Incineroar is still perfectly capable without it, but we still miss it. Its attack stat isn’t the only thing that’s impressive here, that stamina and defense stat ensure Incineroar can stay in the fight for quite some time.

Incineroar’s fast-move options include Fire Fang, Snarl, and Double Kick, all of which are fantastic picks. However, we always recommend running Double Kick since it has good type coverage against Rock-types.

Flame Charge is a must-run on Incineroar since it increases the user’s attack by one stage each time it lands. Dark Pulse is a good secondary option, but you can honestly pick any of the Fire-type charge moves – they’re all very good.

Greninja: The Ninja Pokémon

The number 7 and 8 picks are definitely up for debate. Incineroar has fewer weaknesses, higher stamina, and a higher max CP, but Greninja boasts a higher attack stat and resistance to Fire, which is a very common type.

Greninja also has access to the charge move Night Slash, which has a low chance to raise its user’s attack stat by 50%, as well as Aerial Ace to cover Bug and Fighting-types.

Its fast moves of choice are Water Shuriken and Feint Attack. In some ways, Greninja covers its Dark-type weakness better than Incineroar does.

Galarian Moltres: The Malevolent Pokémon

Galarian Moltres is a fresh new spin on a powerful classic. This Pokémon’s typing essentially swaps most of its Dark-type weaknesses out for Flying-type weaknesses while also gaining some additional resistances. Its power and stats reflect its status as a legendary bird.

When it comes to fast moves, Moltres only learns two that are both really good. Sucker Punch is its Dark-type STAB move, and it comes out really fast. Wing Attack is its Flying-type equivalent, coming out very fast and generating a decent amount of energy. As for its charge moves, Moltres’s best options are Payback and Ancient Power.

Weavile: The Sharp Claw Pokémon

This Dark-type Pokémon is all about damage in Pokémon GO. Its high defense might fool you at a glance, but it has far too many weaknesses to rely on taking hits. Best to make good use of that really high attack stat and stamina stat to deal big damage to opponents or move in for a K.O. The Ice-typing is only really here to provide super-effective damage against some really strong types, like Dragon, Ground, and Flying.

Ice Shard and Snarl are your go-to fast moves for their speed and damage. We recommend Foul Play and Focus Blast as your two charge moves. Foul Play for STAB and Focus Blast for type coverage against Rock and Steel-types.

If you think you may run into some Dragon, Grass, Ground, or Flying-types, feel free to run Avalanche instead of Focus Blast.

Hydreigon: The Brutal Dragon Pokémon

Pretty much all the Dark-type Pokémon from this point forward are absolute powerhouses in Pokémon GO, and Hydreigon is no exception. This Pokémon’s stats are comparable to some mega evolutions. If you’re looking for power in your Dark-types, you won’t have to look much further than this.

The only weakness Hydreigon has is its pitiful fast moves. Bite is pretty terrible all around, and Dragon Breath isn’t much better. Once you get to your charge moves Hydreigon truly comes online.

We recommend Dark Pulse for STAB damage and Flash Cannon for covering those troublesome Fairy-types. You can also run Dragon Pulse if you just want to hit as many things for neutral damage as possible.

Tyranitar (Mega): The Armor Pokémon

Say hello to Mega Tyranitar and goodbye to your opposing Pokémon’s HP bar. This absolute monster of a Dark-type Pokémon hits like a truck filled with bricks. It has a great balance of stats, focusing mostly on attack but not neglecting its defense significantly.

Its stamina can be a little low, but lets be honest, this thing doesn’t need to be on the field for very long to provide tons of value. Due to having a balanced number of weaknesses and resistances, it’ll take a talented trainer to get the most out of Tyranitar.

Its naturally learned fast moves are pretty mediocre. Iron Tail is fine, but Bite is still awful even with an attack stat like this one. Tyranitar can learn Smack Down through an Elite TM, and we highly recommend doing so.

Fire Blast and Crunch are probably your best options when it comes to charge moves. Fire Blast is a great choice for dealing with Tyranitar’s weaknesses to Bug, Grass, and Steel.

Yveltal: The Destruction Pokémon

What can we say? The destruction Pokémon lives up to its name. Its stats may not be as high as a mega-evolved Pokémon, but they really don’t have to be. This legendary Dark-type Pokémon can sweep teams in Pokémon GO just fine as it is.

Its first case for being able to do so is the fact that it actually has good fast moves. Sucker Punch, Snarl, and Gust are all really great options, so run whichever you want based on preference.

Yveltal isn’t lacking in the charge move department either. It’s got plenty of offensive options with Psychic, Focus Blast, and Hyper Beam. Our favorite pick for type coverage is Focus Blast, which will help take out any troublesome Rock or Ice-types. Dark Pulse is a must-run for STAB, but the others are completely up to preference and team composition.

Darkrai: The Pitch-Black Pokémon

It feels only fitting that the best Dark-type on the list should be Darkrai, a pure Dark Pokémon. Its stats speak for themselves, offering a strong balance between offensive power and defense. We’re also back to basics with only three weaknesses and three resistances. Sometimes simple is better.

Darkrai’s true power is brought out in its available move pool. For fast moves, you only have two options, Snarl and Faint Attack. Both are significantly better than Bite, so run by preference. When it comes to charge moves, Dark Pulse is a must-run for STAB, but the remaining slot is where things get a bit tricky.

If you are only using Darkrai’s natural moveset, then run Shadow Ball without a second thought. This move deals neutral damage to almost every type in the game, only being resisted by Dark and Normal-types. If you have access to the Elite TM Sludge Bomb, you may want to consider running that instead since it hits Fairy-types for super effective damage.

In most cases, Shadow Ball is the best pick, but if you have a feeling you’re going to run into lots of Fairy-types, then Sludge Bomb is a great option.

Join the High Ground

That wraps up our Dark-type list. Remember, the value a Pokémon brings to a trainer is greatly dependent on their team and trainer’s playstyle. So some entrees on this list are a bit more flexible than others.

What are your picks for best/favorite Dark-types in Pokémon GO? Are you looking for more Pokémon guides? Consider signing up for our newsletter today and join the High Ground!

Happy gaming!