Choosing the best dark type Pokémon in Pokémon Go can pose a fittingly grim prospect. There are many different options to choose from depending on your needs and tastes - which is where this guide will help.
The wait for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is almost over, but there’s still lots to do in the mobile version of the popular video game franchise.
All of the different types of Pokémon in Pokémon Go have strengths and weaknesses, which you can see broken down in our Pokémon Go type chart, and Dark types are no exception. Knowing about these type matchups and using them strategically is the key to doing well when you’re fighting with other Pokémon, so be sure to keep these in mind.
From the mysterious Eeveelution Umbreon to the puffer-like Overqwil (yes, even fish can be dark types), knowing which ones are worth taking into any given battle will be very important if you want to beat your foe.
This guide will detail the dark type’s effectivenesses and vulnerabilities, as well as discuss the very best dark type Pokémon in Pokémon Go that will form core components of your party. Keep reading to find out how best to use them in battle as well as which ones to focus on catching and training up.
What are the best dark type Pokémon in Pokémon Go?
The best dark type Pokémon: Strengths and weaknesses
Dark type Pokémon are resistant to the following damage types:
- Ghost
- Dark
- Psychic
Dark type Pokémon are especially vulnerable to the following damage types:
- Fighting
- Bug
- Fairy
Dark type attacks also don’t do much damage to fighting, fairy, and other dark type Pokémon.
The best dark type Pokémon: Houndoon
Houndoom has a powerful attack stat in Pokémon Go, allowing it to take down foes quickly. It also has a Mega Evolution which gives it additional strength, if you choose when to use Mega Energy wisely.
Houndoom evolves from Houndour using candy, so keep an eye out for Houndour in the wild as you’re exploring around your neighborhood, and consider keeping one as your buddy for additional candies.
Houndoom is both a dark type as well as being one of the best fire type Pokémon.
It is resistant to ghost, steel, fire, grass, ice, dark, and especially psychic type attacks. However, it is vulnerable to fighting, ground, Rock, and water-type attacks.
The best dark type Pokémon: Yveltal
Yveltal is a legendary Pokémon, and like other Legendary Pokémonit has great stats to go along with that status. It is especially good at attacking and taking down opponents quickly.
Yveltal is only available through five-star raid battles. However, the legendary Pokémon is available in these battles swap out often, so keep an eye out for when it might return to the pool of available creatures in order to get your hands on one.
Yveltal is a dark Pokémon, and also one of the best flying type Pokémon in the game. It is resistant to ghost, grass, dark, and especially ground and psychic type attacks. However, it is vulnerable to rock, electric, ice, and fairy-type attacks.
The best dark type Pokémon: Darkrai
Darkrai is a mythical pokémon in Pokémon Go. It has one of the highest attack stats in the entire game, making it extremely powerful for battling.
Like Yveltal, Darkrai can only be caught through five-star raid battles, meaning that it’s unfortunately not always available. Keep your eyes peeled for when it gets added into the pool of potential raid opponents and then get out there and challenge them in order to obtain this strong attacker for yourself.
Darkrai is a pure dark type Pokémon. It is resistant to ghost, dark, and the best psychic type Pokémon. However, it is vulnerable to fighting, bug, and fairy type attacks.
The best dark type Pokémon: Umbreon
The dark type Eeveelution is a pretty good pick for when you want to add a dark type to your team thanks to its high stats, especially defense. You may run into it if you play PvP, especially in the Ultra League, so being aware of its strengths and weaknesses is a good idea even if you don’t use one yourself.
Umbreon can be evolved from Eevee for 25 candy. Once per player, you can use the nickname “Tamao” to ensure that Eevee becomes Umbreon. If you’ve already done that, you will need to walk with an Eevee as your buddy for 10km and then evolve it at nighttime.
Umbreon is also a pure dark type Pokémon. It is resistant to ghost, dark, and especially psychic type attacks. However, it is vulnerable to fighting and bug attacks, and especially struggles against the best fairy type Pokémon out there!
