The Best Dark-types For Competitive Battling

Dark-types were introduced in Generation II of Pokemon. Their power over Psychic-types made the typing so famous initially and it only has a few weaknesses: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. Competitively, it’s an excellent counter for Psychic and Ghost-types, which is why Dark-types in the Video Game Championships (VGC) are typically Special Attackers.

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Fighting and Fairy-types pose the biggest threat to Dark-types, but players can prepare for these with intelligent pairings. Another unique trait is that all Dark-type Pokemon are immune to the ability Prankster, which is a common strategy in the Pokemon VGC to throw out Status Condition-affecting moves. These are the best Dark-type Pokemon used in competitive play.

Updated October 24, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are the latest generation of Pokemon and have paved a new path for the Pokemon Video Game Championships. Players get new Pokemon, moves, abilities, and evolution methods to strategize with. Dark-type Pokemon have been common in the VGC for many years, and even more have been seen since Generation Nine. This list has been updated to include more of the best Dark-type Pokemon for competitive battles.

Meowscarada

Meowscarada is the final form of the Generation Nine Grass-type starter Sprigatito. Once Florgato evolves into Meowscarada, it gains a dual Dark/Grass-typing and a huge speed boost. It made quite the impression during the first Pokemon VGC series using Pokemon Scarlet and Violet because of its speed and signature move, Flower Trick. Flower Trick never misses and will be a Critical Hit unless the target has Battle Armor or Shell Armor.

Meowscarada has several Dark-type attack moves, including Night Slash, Knock Off, and Dark Pulse. These moves have high attack power and will get the STAB (same type attack bonus), making them OHKO against the right opponents. Players can also get some support from Meowscarada with Fake Tears and Taunt in its arsenal.

Chi-Yu

Chi-Yu is a dual Fire/Dark-type Pokemon introduced in Generation Nine as a member of the Treasures of Ruin. The Treasures of Ruin are a group of legendary Pokemon in Paldea. As a legendary, Chi-Yu has great potential in the competitive meta. Opponents will have a hard time knocking it out because it has over six resistances to common types in the VGC and immunity to Psychic, one of the best attack types.

Chi-Yu’s Special stats are hard to beat, and as a Fire and Dark-type Pokemon, it has several powerful offensive moves. Lava Plume is great in Double battles because it affects all the Pokemon on the field, and there’s a 30% chance they will get burned as well. For its Dark side, Dark Pulse is damage-dealing and may cause the target to flinch.

Roaring Moon

Paradox Pokemon are a phenomenon introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and are special Pokemon that share resemblances with existing Pokemon. Roaring Moon is said to be an ancient relative of Mega Salamence. The dual Dark/Dragon-type Pokemon has many strengths and makes for a good Tank on competitive teams. The combination of its Speed, Attack, and HP are formidable on the field.

Roaring Moon is hard to escape once it sets its sights on a target using the move Jaw Lock to prevent them from leaving. This gives its allies a chance to strike and eliminates the use of switch moves. Throat Chop is another powerful move that makes the target unable to use sound-based moves, which is handy against the offensive move Disarming Voice and Skeledirge’s Torch Song.

Incineroar

Incineroar is a dual-type Dark/Fire from generation 6. It’s a very versatile Pokemon and it doesn’t leave players wanting for much, offensively or defensively. In Double Battle formats, it makes a fantastic support Pokemon. Additionally, its Intimidate ability activates as soon as it’s on the field, so any particularly punchy Pokemon are not as strong as they would be.

On the other hand, its movepool also leans more towards being supportive with options like Fake Out, Will-O-Wisp, and Toxic. However, its Attack stats mean that any targets will most likely not survive any of its hits. Its Dark-type STAB, Darkest Lariat, and Throat Chop are immensely powerful with Incineroar’s offensive stats backing them. If players use TMs, they can teach it Heat Crash, which has interesting conditions. The move is even stronger if the target is lighter than the user.

Grimmsnarl

Grimmsnarl is a Dark/Fairy-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 8. Its typing means it’s immune to Psychic and Dragon, both of which are popular offensive choices in the Pokemon VGC. It also removes its weakness against Fighting-types, so they are no longer super effective. Grimmsnarl has excellent STAB options such as Spirit Break, Dark Pulse, and Foul Play. Since these are all Physical moves, its Attack stat comes into play here.

However, Grimmsnarl’s best use is as a Screen Setter. Screen Setters are Pokemon that can use moves Light screen or Reflect. Grimmsnarl can do both making it the perfect Setter. Light Screen protects the user and allies from Special attacks, while Reflect protects them from Physical attacks. This obstacle can change the game for specific teams that rely on speedy, offensive Pokemon like Glass Cannons or Sweepers. The one drawback of Grimmsnarl is its lackluster Speed, so players would do well to provide the support it needs.

Obstagoon

Obstagoon is a dual Normal/Dark-type Pokemon. Like Grimmsnarl, it has a high Defense stat, meaning it can absorb damage. Obstagoon still has superb Dark STAB moves like Night Slash and Throat Chop, but its move coverage extends beyond that with TM moves like Fire, Ice, and Thunder punch.

Obstagoon’s ability Guts is unbelievably beneficial in competitive battles. Its Attack is boosted by 50%, whenever it’s under a status condition like Burn or Poison. This also means that entry hazards work in favor of the Obstagoon rather than against it. However, its Normal-typing does make it even more vulnerable to Fighting-types, so providing coverage for this with a Psychic or Fairy-type will keep it on the field for longer.

Absol

Absol is a Dark-type Pokemon from Generation 3 and does not have any other evolution forms. Its Attack stat, like other Dark-types, makes it stand out offensively, and it’s got a pretty stacked movepool. One of its most significant moves is Sucker Punch since its Speed is on the lower end. Sucker Punch will always take priority on the field.

Players’ STAB move options include Night Slash, Knock Off, and Throat Chop. Swords Dance is another way to boost its offensive prowess. Absol, known as a Wall breaker, pummels through its targets – including bulkier Pokemon. Players should equip it with a recovery berry or item to give it some defensive cushioning.

Urshifu

Urshifu is a Fighting-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation 8. Players first see it in the Isle of Armor DLC for Pokemon Sword and Shield. During gameplay, if players train at the Tower of Darkness, Urshifu will become Dark-type, making it a dual-type Pokemon. This is also called its Single Strike Style.

It’s got a decent bulk with 100 Defense and HP, and its Attack is well above average. Its Fighting-type STAB moves are immensely damaging too, with Focus Punch being at 150 power. Its signature move, Wicked Blow, is its best STAB option. It also has some surprising type coverage with moves like Iron Head or Aerial Ace in its movepool. Urshifu has many OHKO moves, so opponents usually only get the chance to compete against it if they have the type advantage.

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