Dark (type)
- If you were looking for the moves known as Dark moves in Japanese, see Shadow move.
- If you were looking for the Pokémon surrounded by Dark Auras in Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness, see Shadow Pokémon.
The Dark type (Japanese: あくタイプ Evil type) is one of the eighteen types. It was introduced in Generation II, along with the Steel type. As well as introducing new Pokémon and moves with the Dark type, one move was changed to be the Dark type. Dark-type moves are super effective against Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokémon, while Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Bug-, Fairy-, and Fighting-type moves.
Battle properties
Note: Type effectiveness multipliers may vary in other games outside the core series.
Offensive properties of Dark-type moves | ||
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Super effective (×2) | Not very effective (×½) | No effect (×0) |
GhostPsychic | FightingDarkFairy | None |
Defensive properties of Dark-type Pokémon | ||
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Weak to (×2) | Resists (×½) | Immune to (×0) |
FightingBugFairy | GhostDark | Psychic |
- In Generations II-V, Dark-type moves were not very effective against Steel-type Pokémon.
- Fairy type was introduced in Generation VI.
Additional effects
If the target is under the effect of the move Miracle Eye, Psychic-type moves will deal ×1 damage to Dark-type Pokémon.
As of Generation VII, Dark-type Pokémon are immune to opposing Pokémon's moves that gain priority due to the Ability Prankster; this includes moves called by other moves (such as Assist and Nature Power), but not moves indirectly caused by Instruct or After You.
Pokémon
As of Generation IX, there are 82 Dark-type Pokémon or 8% of all Pokémon (counting those that are Dark-type in at least one of their forms, including Mega Evolutions and regional forms), causing it to tie with Fighting as the 9th rarest type after Ground, Rock and Steel and before Fire and Poison. After the introduction of Lokix, all other types have been paired up with Dark at least once, making it the fourth type to have this trait, after Flying, Water, and Psychic.
Pure Dark-type Pokémon
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Half Dark-type Pokémon
Primary Dark-type Pokémon
Secondary Dark-type Pokémon
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Non-Pokémon opponents
Some opponents featured in Pokéstar Studios in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 can be battled like Pokémon and they have designated Pokémon types. Starmobile car powered by Revavroom and two Varoom Pokémon featured in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet also share this property.
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Moves
As of Generation IX, there are 53 Dark-type moves, which makes up 5.67% of all moves (excluding those that are Dark-type only under certain circumstances), causing it to tie with Water as the 5th most common type among moves, after Fighting and before Electric.
Prior to changes in Generation IV, all damaging Dark-type moves were special, but they may now also be physical depending on the attack.
Some moves have had their types changed.
Gen | Move | Category | Contest | Power | Accuracy | PP | Range | Description | |||||||||
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IV | Assurance | Physical | Clever | 60 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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This move's power is doubled if the target has already taken some damage in the same turn. | |||||||||
VII | Baddy Bad | Special | 80 | 95% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user acts bad and attacks the target. A wondrous wall of light is put up to weaken the power of the opposing Pokémon’s physical moves. | ||||||||||
II | Beat Up | Physical | Clever | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user gets all party Pokémon to attack the target. The more party Pokémon, the greater the number of attacks. | |||||||||
I | Bite | Physical | Tough | 60 | 100% | 25 (max 40) |
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The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. This may also make the target flinch. | |||||||||
VII | Black Hole Eclipse | Physical | — | —% | 1 (max 1) |
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The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move. | ||||||||||
VII | Black Hole Eclipse | Special | — | —% | 1 (max 1) |
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The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move. | ||||||||||
VII | Brutal Swing | Physical | 60 | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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The user swings its body around violently to inflict damage on everything in its vicinity. | ||||||||||
VIII | Ceaseless Edge | Physical | 65 | 90% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user slashes its shell blade at the target, aiming to land a critical hit. Shell splinters left behind by this attack remain scattered under the target as spikes. | ||||||||||
IX | Comeuppance | Physical | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user retaliates with much greater force against the opponent that last inflicted damage on it. | ||||||||||
II | Crunch | Physical | Tough | 80 | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. This may also lower the target's Defense stat. | |||||||||
IV | Dark Pulse | Special | Cool | 80 | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user releases a horrible aura imbued with ill intent. This may also make the target flinch. | |||||||||
IV | Dark Void | Status | Clever | — | 50% | 10 (max 16) |
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Opposing Pokémon are dragged into a world of total darkness that puts them to sleep. | |||||||||
VII | Darkest Lariat | Physical | 85 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user swings both arms and hits the target. The target's stat changes don't affect the damage inflicted by this move. | ||||||||||
IV | Embargo | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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This move prevents the target from using its held item for five turns. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it. | |||||||||
III | Fake Tears | Status | Cute | — | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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The user feigns crying to fluster the target. This harshly lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | |||||||||
VIII | False Surrender | Physical | 80 | —% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user pretends to bow its head, but then it stabs the target with its disheveled hair. This attack never misses. | ||||||||||
II | Feint Attack | Physical | Clever | 60 | —% | 20 (max 32) |
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The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. This attack never misses. | |||||||||
VIII | Fiery Wrath | Special | 90 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user transforms its wrath into a fire-like aura to attack. This may also make opposing Pokémon flinch. | ||||||||||
III | Flatter | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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Flattery is used to confuse the target. However, this also boosts the target's Sp. Atk stat. | |||||||||
IV | Fling | Physical | Cute | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user flings its held item at the target to attack. This move's power and effects depend on the item. | |||||||||
V | Foul Play | Physical | Clever | 95 | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user turns the target's strength against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater the damage this move inflicts. | |||||||||
VIII | G-Max One Blow | Physical | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Urshifu use. This single-strike move can ignore Max Guard. | ||||||||||
VIII | G-Max One Blow | Special | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Urshifu use. This single-strike move can ignore Max Guard. | ||||||||||
VIII | G-Max Snooze | Physical | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Grimmsnarl use. The user lets loose a huge yawn that lulls the targets into falling asleep on the next turn. | ||||||||||
VIII | G-Max Snooze | Special | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Grimmsnarl use. The user lets loose a huge yawn that lulls the targets into falling asleep on the next turn. | ||||||||||
V | Hone Claws | Status | Cute | — | —% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy. | |||||||||
VI | Hyperspace Fury | Physical | Tough | 100 | —% | 5 (max 8) |
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Using its many arms, the user unleashes a barrage of attacks that ignore the effects of moves like Protect and Detect. This also lowers the user's Defense stat. | |||||||||
VIII | Jaw Lock | Physical | 80 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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This move prevents the user and the target from switching out until either of them faints. The effect goes away if either of the Pokémon leaves the field. | ||||||||||
III | Knock Off | Physical | Clever | 65 | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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The user slaps down the target's held item, making it unusable for that battle. This move does more damage if the target has a held item. | |||||||||
IX | Kowtow Cleave | Physical | 85 | —% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user slashes at the target after kowtowing to make the target let down its guard. This attack never misses. | ||||||||||
VIII | Lash Out | Physical | 75 | 100% | 5 (max 8) |
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The user lashes out to vent its frustration toward the target. This move's power is doubled if the user's stats were lowered during this turn. | ||||||||||
VII | Malicious Moonsault | Physical | 180 | —% | 1 (max 1) |
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The user, Incineroar, strengthens its body using its Z-Power and crashes into the target with full force. | ||||||||||
VIII | Max Darkness | Physical | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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This is a Dark-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | ||||||||||
VIII | Max Darkness | Special | — | —% | 3 (max 4) |
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This is a Dark-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | ||||||||||
III | Memento | Status | Tough | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user faints. In return, the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats are harshly lowered. | |||||||||
IV | Nasty Plot | Status | Clever | — | —% | 20 (max 32) |
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The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. This sharply boosts the user's Sp. Atk stat. | |||||||||
V | Night Daze | Special | Cool | 85 | 95% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user looses a pitch-black shock wave at the target to inflict damage. This may also lower the target's accuracy. | |||||||||
IV | Night Slash | Physical | Cool | 70 | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. This move has a heightened chance of landing a critical hit. | |||||||||
VIII | Obstruct | Status | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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This move enables the user to protect itself from all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if used in succession. Direct contact harshly lowers the attacker's Defense stat. | ||||||||||
VI | Parting Shot | Status | Cool | — | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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With a parting threat, the user lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats. Then it switches places with a party Pokémon in waiting. | |||||||||
IV | Payback | Physical | Tough | 50 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user stores power, then attacks. This move's power is doubled if the user moves after the target. | |||||||||
VII | Power Trip | Physical | 20 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user boasts its strength and attacks the target. The more the user's stats are boosted, the greater the move's power. | ||||||||||
IV | Punishment | Physical | Cool | — | 100% | 5 (max 8) |
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The more the target has powered up with stat changes, the greater the move's power. | |||||||||
II | Pursuit | Physical | Clever | 40 | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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The power of this attack move is doubled if it's used on a target that's switching out of battle. | |||||||||
V | Quash | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user suppresses the target and makes its move go last. | |||||||||
IX | Ruination | Special | — | 90% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user summons a ruinous disaster. This cuts the target's HP in half. | ||||||||||
V | Snarl | Special | Tough | 55 | 95% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user yells as if it's ranting about something, which lowers the Sp. Atk stats of opposing Pokémon. | |||||||||
III | Snatch | Status | Clever | — | —% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user steals the effects of any attempts to use a healing or stat-changing move. | |||||||||
IV | Sucker Punch | Physical | Clever | 70 | 100% | 5 (max 8) |
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This move enables the user to attack first. This move fails if the target is not readying an attack. | |||||||||
IV | Switcheroo | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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The user trades held items with the target faster than the eye can follow. | |||||||||
III | Taunt | Status | Clever | — | 100% | 20 (max 32) |
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The target is taunted into a rage that allows it to use only attack moves for three turns. | |||||||||
II | Thief | Physical | Tough | 60 | 100% | 25 (max 40) |
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The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. The user can't steal anything if it already holds an item. | |||||||||
VII | Throat Chop | Physical | 80 | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user attacks the target's throat, and the resultant suffering prevents the target from using sound-based moves for two turns. | ||||||||||
VI | Topsy-Turvy | Status | Clever | — | —% | 20 (max 32) |
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All stat changes affecting the target turn topsy-turvy and become the opposite of what they were. | |||||||||
III | Torment | Status | Tough | — | 100% | 15 (max 24) |
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The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row. | |||||||||
VIII | Wicked Blow | Physical | 75 | 100% | 5 (max 8) |
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The user, having mastered the Dark style, strikes the target with a fierce blow. This move always lands a critical hit. | ||||||||||
IX | Wicked Torque | Physical | 80 | 100% | 10 (max 16) |
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This move is only used by a Starmobile. It may cause the opponent to fall asleep.* | ||||||||||
All details are accurate to Generation VII games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual move's page. Target data assumes user is in the lower left. |
Changed types
The following moves have had their types changed into Dark.
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Abilities
Interacting with the Dark type
A Pokémon with Protean or Libero will become a Dark-type Pokémon if it uses a Dark-type move. A Pokémon with Color Change, Imposter, RKS System, or Multitype will become a Dark-type Pokémon if (respectively) it is hit with a Dark-type move, is sent out against a Dark-type opponent, is holding a Dark Memory, or is holding a Dread Plate or Darkinium Z.
Since Generation VII, Dark-type Pokémon are also immune to opposing Pokémon's moves that gain priority due to Prankster.
Gen | Ability | Description |
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VI | Dark Aura | Powers up the Dark-type moves of all Pokémon on the field. |
V | Justified | When the Pokémon is hit by a Dark-type attack, its Attack stat is boosted by its sense of justice. |
V | Rattled | The Pokémon gets scared when hit by a Dark-, Ghost-, or Bug-type attack or if intimidated, which boosts its Speed stat. |
All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page. |
Exclusive Abilities
Currently, no Abilities are exclusive to Dark types. This does not include signature Abilities.
Items
Name | Description | |
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Black Glasses | An item to be held by a Pokémon. It's a pair of shady-looking glasses that boost the power of the holder's Dark-type moves. | |
Colbur Berry | If a Pokémon holding this Berry is hit with a supereffective Dark-type move, the power of that move will be weakened. | |
Dark Gem | A gem with an essence of darkness. When held, it strengthens the power of a Dark-type move one time. | |
Dark Memory | A memory disc that contains Dark-type data. It changes the type of the holder if held by a certain species of Pokémon. | |
Dark Tera Shard | On rare occasions, these shards form when a Tera Pokémon falls in battle and its Tera Jewel shatters. | |
Darkinium Z | This is a crystallized form of Z-Power. It upgrades Dark-type moves to Z-Moves. | |
Dread Plate | An item to be held by a Pokémon. This stone tablet is imbued with the essence of darkness and boosts the power of the holder’s Dark-type moves. | |
All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual item's page. |
Cram-o-matic
Name | |
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Binding Band | |
Black Apricorn | |
Blunder Policy | |
Dubious Disc | |
Iapapa Berry | |
Maranga Berry | |
Razor Claw | |
Ring Target | |
Rowap Berry | |
Scope Lens | |
Weakness Policy | |
Wide Lens | |
Zoom Lens | |
Notable Dark-type Trainers
- Main article: Category:Dark-type Trainers
Gen | Trainer | Title | Location |
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II | Karen |
Elite Four | Indigo Plateau |
III | Sidney |
Elite Four | Hoenn Pokémon League |
V | Grimsley |
Elite FourBWB2W2 Pokémon TrainerSMUSUM |
Unova Pokémon LeagueBWB2W2 |
V | Brycen-Man |
Masked Man | Pokéstar Studios |
VII | Nanu |
Island kahuna | Ula'ula Island |
VIII | Marnie |
Pokémon Trainer Gym Leader |
Spikemuth |
VIII | Piers |
Gym Leader Pokémon Trainer |
Spikemuth |
IX | Giacomo |
Team Star | Segin Squad's Base |
Icons
Core series
Icon from Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, HeartGold, and SoulSilver | Icon from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | Icon from Generation IV | Icon from Generation V | Icon from Generation VI | Icon from Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | Icon from Let's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee! | Icon from Pokémon Sword and Shield | Symbol icon from Let's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee!; Sword, Shield and HOME (Gen VIII) | Icon from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Symbol icon from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Scarlet and Violet, and HOME (Gen IX) | Icon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Symbol icon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Icon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tera icon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tera symbol icon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet |
Side series
Icon from Pokémon Stadium 2 | Icon from Pokémon Colosseum | Icon from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Icon from Pokémon Battle Revolution |
Spin-off games
Symbol icon from Pokémon Ranger | Symbol icon from Pokémon Battrio | Symbol icon from Pokémon Tretta | Symbol icon from Pokémon GO | Symbol icon from Pokémon Rumble Rush | Symbol icon from Pokémon Masters EX | Symbol icon from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX | Symbol icon from Pokémon Mezastar | Symbol icon from New Pokémon Snap | Symbol icon from Pokémon Sleep |
In the TCG
- Main article: Darkness (TCG)
The Darkness type was first introduced in the Neo Genesis set. Due to the decreased amount of types in the TCG, Darkness generally adopts all Poison-type Pokémon under its typing (from Sword & Shield onward).
Darkness-type Pokémon in the TCG are generally weak to Fighting and Grass, with resistances to Psychic. Darkness-type Pokémon are generally strong against Psychic, whilst Fairy Pokémon can resist this type.
Statistical averages
Overall
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Fully evolved
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Trivia
- Generation V introduced the most Dark-type Pokémon of any generation, with 16, while Generation II and Generation VI introduced the fewest, with six.
- Should regional forms not be counted, Generation VII introduced the fewest, with two.
- If all generations are counted, Generation I introduced the fewest, with no Pokémon having the type.
- Generation IV and Generation VIII introduced the most Dark-type moves of any generation, with 11 each, and Generation VI introduced the fewest (excluding Generation I) Dark-type moves, with three.
- In Generation II, the Dark type saw one type change in a move (Bite), but no change in a Pokémon. The opposite is true for the Steel type, which saw one type change in a Pokémon family (Magnemite and Magneton), but no change in a move.
- This makes the Dark type the only added type to not have a previously introduced Pokémon have its type changed.
- The Dark type was the only type in Generation II to not have a type boost from a Badge.
- In Generation II, Dark-type Pokémon could only be found at night. In subsequent generations, however, Pokémon of this type could be found at any time of day.
- Despite Dark-type moves being special before Generation IV, every damaging Dark-type move originating from before Generation IV was made into a physical move.
- This is the only type to have had every damaging move change category in Generation IV.
- The Dark and Ghost types share their super effectiveness, with both types being only strong against Ghost and Psychic types.
- All types that are resisted by the Dark-type are the only types Ghost is weak to. Said types are, ironically, Dark and Ghost themselves.
- There is another way the Dark type can be seen as a counterpart to the Ghost type. The average Attack stat of Dark-types overall, as well as only fully evolved Dark-types, is higher than the respective average Special Attack stat, despite the fact that all Dark-type moves were special prior to Generation IV. Conversely, the average Special Attack stat of both Ghost-types overall and only fully evolved Ghost-types is higher than the respective average Attack stat, but all Ghost-type moves were physical prior to Generation IV.
- The Dark type is tied with the Steel type for most Pokémon that gain it upon upon evolving, with a total of thirteen each.
- More regional forms belong to the Dark type than any other type, with eleven.
- Prior to Generation VI, Dark/Ghost Pokémon normally had no weaknesses (excluding Fighting under immunity-negating conditions such as Foresight or Scrappy), as the resistances of the Dark type cover the weaknesses of Ghost, and vice-versa. Introduced in Generation VI, the Fairy type is super effective against Dark and not resisted by Ghost.
- All moves that fail unless used by a certain species or form of Pokémon (Hyperspace Fury, Dark Void, and Aura Wheel) are Dark type (although Aura Wheel is Electric type when used by Morpeko in Full Belly mode).
- All Dark-type moves are eligible to be used in Sky Battles.
- The Dark type was the last type to receive a Gym Leader, only getting simultaneously two in Generation VIII.
- This makes Dark the only type to not receive Gym Leader within a generation of the type's introduction.
In other languages
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