Dark Type

The Dark type (Japanese: あくタイプ Aku Type, literally "Evil Type") is one of the eighteen Pokemon types. Dark-type Pokemon are characterized by their cunning, deceptive nature and underhanded tactics. Introduced in Generation II alongside Steel, Dark was specifically designed to counter the dominant Psychic-type Pokemon of Generation I.^[1]

Overview

Type Effectiveness

Offensive

Defensive

Key Note: Psychic Immunity

Dark-type Pokemon are immune to Psychic-type moves, making them the perfect counter to Psychic-types. This immunity was the primary reason for Dark's introduction in Generation II, designed to balance the overpowered Psychic-type from Generation I.^[2] Additionally, since Generation VII, Dark-types are immune to priority moves boosted by Prankster.^[3]

Characteristics

Common Traits

Special Properties

Notable Dark-Type Pokemon

Pseudo-Legendary

Tyranitar was the first Dark-type pseudo-legendary, introduced in Generation II with a 600 base stat total. Its Rock/Dark typing gives it Sand Stream ability synergy.^[4] Hydreigon, introduced in Generation V, is the only Dragon/Dark pseudo-legendary, evolving at level 64.

Legendary/Mythical

Iconic Dark Types

Competitively Notable

Regional Variants

Common Dark-Type Moves

Physical Moves

Special Moves

Status Moves

Signature Moves

Dark-Type Specialists

Gym Leaders

Elite Four/Champions

Other Notable Trainers

Type Combinations

All Dark-Type Combinations

Unique Combinations

No Weaknesses (Gen IV-V)

Both Pokemon gained a 4x weakness to Fairy in Generation VI, ending their unique defensive advantage.^[5]

Abilities

Dark-Type Related Abilities

Exclusive Abilities

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

Weaknesses

Role in Metagame

Notable Strategies

Special Mechanics

Prankster Immunity (Generation VII+)

Dark-types gained immunity to Prankster-boosted priority moves in Generation VII:^[6]

This change significantly nerfed Prankster users in competitive play, particularly Thundurus-Incarnate.

Knock Off Power Boost

Knock Off is one of Dark's most valuable moves:^[7]

Knock Off's combination of damage and utility makes it one of the most valuable moves in competitive Pokemon.

Sucker Punch Prediction

Sucker Punch creates unique mind game scenarios:

Dark Aura

Yveltal's signature ability Dark Aura boosts Dark-type moves:

Generation II Introduction

Dark-type was introduced in Generation II to balance the game:^[8]

Gen II Dark-Types

Japanese Etymology

Dark-type is called あくタイプ (Aku Type) in Japanese, which translates to "Evil Type" rather than "Dark Type."^[9] This reflects the type's thematic focus on underhanded tactics, deception, and morally questionable behavior rather than literal darkness.

Historical Competitive Impact

Generation II-III

Generation IV-V

Generation VI-VII

Generation VIII-IX

Banned Pokemon

VGC Prominence

Dark-types have been extremely successful in VGC (Video Game Championships):^[10]

Incineroar in particular has been one of the most used Pokemon in VGC history, appearing on numerous championship-winning teams.

Ruinous Pokemon (Generation IX)

Generation IX introduced the Ruinous Quartet, all Dark-type legendaries:

These Pokemon were all initially banned to Ubers before Ting-Lu and Wo-Chien were re-tested for OU.^[11]

Knock Off Distribution

Knock Off became significantly more widespread in Generation VI:

This change made Knock Off one of the defining moves of modern competitive Pokemon.

See Also

• Pokemon Types Index
• Psychic Type
• Ghost Type
• Fairy Type
• Fighting Type
• Tyranitar
• Pokemon Main Page