Dark (type): Difference between revisions

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:''If you were looking for the moves known as Dark moves in Japanese, see [[Shadow move]].''
:''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]].''
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{{types}}
{{types}}
The '''Dark type''' (Japanese: '''あくタイプ''' ''Evil type'') is one of the eighteen [[type]]s. Notable Trainers who specialize in Dark-type Pokémon are [[Karen]] of the [[Indigo Plateau]] [[Elite Four]], [[Sidney]] of the [[Hoenn]] Elite Four, and [[Grimsley]] of the [[Unova]] Elite Four. Notably, the Dark type is the only type that has never had a [[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] specialize in it, although it is a recurrent type used by [[villainous teams]] and Elite Four members. Prior to [[Generation IV#Advances in gameplay|changes in Generation IV]], all Dark-type moves were [[special move|special]], but they may now also be [[physical move|physical]] depending on the attack.  
The '''Dark type''' (Japanese: '''あくタイプ''' ''Evil type'') is one of the eighteen [[type]]s. Notable Trainers who specialize in Dark-type Pokémon are [[Karen]] of the [[Indigo Plateau]] [[Elite Four]], [[Sidney]] of the [[Hoenn]] Elite Four, and [[Grimsley]] of the [[Unova]] Elite Four. Notably, the Dark type is the only type that has never had a [[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] specialize in it, although it is a recurrent type used by [[villainous teams]] and Elite Four members. Prior to [[Generation IV#Advances in gameplay|changes in Generation IV]], all damaging Dark-type moves were [[special move|special]], but they may now also be [[physical move|physical]] depending on the attack.  


The Dark type was introduced in [[Generation II]].
The Dark type was introduced in [[Generation II]], along with the [[Steel]] type.


==Statistical averages==
==Statistical averages==
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==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
===Defense===
===Defense===
Dark-type Pokémon are notable for the fact that they don't have any strong stat trends other than Attack (which is in and of itself modified by a few powerful outliers and slightly ironic as Dark was exclusively a special type, not a physical type until [[Generation IV]]), but usually have relatively poor defenses, with the exception of {{p|Umbreon}}, {{p|Spiritomb}}, {{p|Bisharp}}, {{p|Drapion}}, {{p|Scrafty}}, {{p|Mandibuzz}} and {{p|Tyranitar}}. On the plus side, Dark types have an immunity to {{type|Psychic}} moves.
The Dark type, along with the {{t|Steel}} type, was introduced in [[Generation II]] in order to balance the previously overpowered {{t|Psychic}} type. As such, Dark is designed to have a key immunity to Psychic moves. However, most Dark-type Pokémon have poor {{stat|HP}}, {{stat|Defense}}, and {{stat|Special Defense}} stats, though there are others with high defensive stats, such as {{p|Tyranitar}}, {{p|Umbreon}}, {{p|Mandibuzz}}, and {{p|Drapion}}.


Additionally, prior to [[Generation VI]], Pokémon that are both Dark-type and {{type|Ghost}} have no weaknesses (excluding {{type|Fighting}} moves used under immunity-negating conditions such as {{DL|In-battle effect item|Ring Target}} or {{a|Scrappy}}), as the resistances of the Dark type cover the weaknesses of Ghost, and vice-versa. In Generation VI, the {{t|Fairy}} type was introduced, which is super effective against Dark and not resisted by Ghost, so these Pokémon now have a weakness to Fairy.
Prior to [[Generation VI]], Dark/{{type|Ghost}} Pokémon had no weaknesses (excluding {{t|Fighting}} under immunity-negating conditions such as {{m|Foresight}} or {{a|Scrappy}}), as the resistances of the Dark type cover the weaknesses of Ghost, and vice-versa. Introduced in Generation VI, the {{t|Fairy}} type is {{DL|Damage modification|super effective}} against Dark and not resisted by Ghost.


Meanwhile, a Psychic/Dark-type Pokémon, such as {{p|Inkay}} and {{p|Malamar}}, has no resistances while having a double weakness to Bug-type moves, a single weakness to Fairy-type moves and an immunity to Psychic.
Dark pairs well with {{t|Poison}} defensively—the latter nullifies all of the former's weaknesses, while Dark removes Poison's weakness to Psychic, leaving a single {{t|Ground}} weakness.


===Offense===
===Offense===
Dark-type moves, when combating Psychic types, are especially useful due to their secondary effects; {{m|Crunch}} lowers Defense (an already low stat among Psychic types), {{m|Bite}} causes {{Status|flinch}}ing, {{m|Feint Attack}} never misses, {{m|Sucker Punch}} has [[priority]] (if the target was planning an attacking move), {{m|Night Slash}} has a high {{DL|Damage modification|critical hit}} ratio while {{m|Pursuit}} hits Pokémon as they switch for double damage. Many Dark-type moves also involve stealing or deception, such as moves like: {{m|Thief}}, which steals an opponent's held item; {{m|Snatch}}, which steals the beneficial effects of an opponent's moves; and {{m|Foul Play}}, which uses a number of the opponent's offensive modifiers, such as [[Statistics|Attack]], to calculate damage.
Dark-type moves are especially useful when combating Psychic and Ghost types. Many of them involve the possession of an opponent's attributes, such as {{m|Knock Off}} and {{m|Foul Play}}. Dark had little use as neutral coverage until Steel lost its resistance to it in Generation VI. Despite not being very effective against Fairy, several Dark-type Pokémon have access to Steel and Poison-type moves to pose a threat. Dark-type attacks work very well with Fairy-type attacks since the rare Steel/Fairy is the only combination that resists both.


Even though the Dark type was considered a [[special move|special type]] prior to [[Generation IV]], the three Dark-type moves that are currently special ({{m|Dark Pulse}}, {{m|Snarl}} and {{m|Night Daze}}) were introduced after [[Generation III]], meaning that all Dark-type moves that were once special moves are now all [[physical move]]s, which helps many Dark types since most of them are physical attackers. Similar to the Ghost-type, Dark-type attacks work very well with {{type|Fairy}} attacks, as only {{p|Mawile|two}} {{p|Klefki|Pokémon}} resist said combination.
Despite being a [[special move|special]] type prior to [[Generation IV]], all previous Dark-type attacks became physical, which is helpful since most Dark-type Pokémon are [[physical move|physical]] attackers due to their typically high {{stat|Attack}}. Nevertheless, some Dark types have notably higher {{stat|Special Attack}}, such as {{p|Hydreigon}}, {{p|Houndoom}}, and {{p|Zoroark}}.


===Contest properties===
===Contest properties===
In {{pkmn|Contest}}s, Dark-type moves are typically categorized as {{OBP|Smart|condition}} moves.
In {{pkmn|Contest}}s, Dark-type moves are typically categorized as {{OBP|Clever|condition}} moves.


==Pokémon==
==Pokémon==
As of Generation VI, there are 45 Dark-type Pokémon or 6.1% of all Pokémon (counting [[Form differences|forms]] and [[Mega Evolution]]s that change typing as different Pokémon), making it the 6th rarest type.
As of Generation VI, there are 45 Dark-type Pokémon or about 6.3% of all Pokémon (counting [[List of Pokémon with form differences|forms]] and [[Mega Evolution]]s that change typing as different Pokémon), making it the 6th rarest type.


===Pure Dark-type Pokémon===
===Pure Dark-type Pokémon===
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|{{p|Pangoro}}
|{{p|Pangoro}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
|-
|720
|{{MSP|720U|Hoopa}}
|{{p|Hoopa|Hoopa Unbound}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
|}
|}
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==Moves==
==Moves==
{{movelist/battle-head|Dark}}
{{movelist/battle-head|Dark}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Assurance|Physical|Beauty|60|100|10|anyadjacent|If the target has already taken some damage in the same turn, this attack's power is doubled.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Assurance|Physical|Beautiful|60|100|10|anyadjacent|If the target has already taken some damage in the same turn, this attack's power is doubled.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Beat Up|Physical|Smart|Varies|100|10|anyadjacent|The user gets all party Pokémon to attack the target. The more party Pokémon, the greater the number of attacks.}}{{movelist/battle|1|Bite|Physical|Tough|60|100|25|anyadjacent|The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. It may make the target flinch.}}{{movelist/battle|2|Crunch|Physical|Tough|80|100|15|anyadjacent|The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. It may also lower the target's Defense stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Beat Up|Physical|Clever|Varies|100|10|anyadjacent|The user gets all party Pokémon to attack the target. The more party Pokémon, the greater the number of attacks.}}{{movelist/battle|1|Bite|Physical|Tough|60|100|25|anyadjacent|The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. It may make the target flinch.}}{{movelist/battle|2|Crunch|Physical|Tough|80|100|15|anyadjacent|The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. It may also lower the target's Defense stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Dark Pulse|Special|Cool|80|100|15|any|The user releases a horrible aura imbued with dark thoughts. It may also make the target flinch.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Dark Pulse|Special|Cool|80|100|15|any|The user releases a horrible aura imbued with dark thoughts. It may also make the target flinch.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Dark Void|Status|Smart|—|80|10|adjacentfoes|Opposing Pokémon are dragged into a world of total darkness that makes them sleep.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Dark Void|Status|Clever|—|80|10|adjacentfoes|Opposing Pokémon are dragged into a world of total darkness that makes them sleep.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Embargo|Status|Cute|—|100|15|anyadjacent|It prevents the target from using its held item. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Embargo|Status|Cute|—|100|15|anyadjacent|It prevents the target from using its held item. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Feint Attack|Physical|Smart|60||20|anyadjacent|The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. It hits without fail.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Fake Tears|Status|Clever||100|20|anyadjacent|The user feigns crying to fluster the target, harshly lowering its Sp. Def stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Fake Tears|Status|Smart|—|100|20|anyadjacent|The user feigns crying to fluster the target, harshly lowering its Sp. Def stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Feint Attack|Physical|Clever|60|—|20|anyadjacent|The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. It hits without fail.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Flatter|Status|Smart|—|100|15|anyadjacent|Flattery is used to confuse the target. However, it also raises the target's Sp. Atk stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Flatter|Status|Clever|—|100|15|anyadjacent|Flattery is used to confuse the target. However, it also raises the target's Sp. Atk stat.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Fling|Physical|Tough|Varies|100|10|anyadjacent|The user flings its held item at the target to attack. Its power and effects depend on the item.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Fling|Physical|Tough|Varies|100|10|anyadjacent|The user flings its held item at the target to attack. Its power and effects depend on the item.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Foul Play|Physical||95|100|15|anyadjacent|The user turns the target's power against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater the damage.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Foul Play|Physical|Clever|95|100|15|anyadjacent|The user turns the target's power against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater the damage.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Hone Claws|Status||—|—|15|self|The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Hone Claws|Status|Cute|—|—|15|self|The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Knock Off|Physical|Smart|65|100|20|anyadjacent|The user slaps down the target's held item, preventing that item from being used in the battle.}}
{{movelist/battle|6|Hyperspace Fury|Physical|Tough|100|—|5|adjacentfoes|Using its many arms, the user unleashes a barrage of attacks that ignore the effects of moves like Protect and Detect. This attack lowers the user's Defense.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Knock Off|Physical|Clever|65|100|20|anyadjacent|The user slaps down the target's held item, preventing that item from being used in the battle.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Memento|Status|Tough|—|—|10|anyadjacent|The user faints when using this move. In return, it harshly lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Memento|Status|Tough|—|—|10|anyadjacent|The user faints when using this move. In return, it harshly lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Nasty Plot|Status|Cute|—|—|20|self|The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. It sharply raises the user's Sp. Atk.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Nasty Plot|Status|Cute|—|—|20|self|The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. It sharply raises the user's Sp. Atk.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Night Daze|Special||85|95|10|anyadjacent|The user lets loose a pitch-black shock wave at its target. It may also lower the target's accuracy.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Night Daze|Special|Cool|85|95|10|anyadjacent|The user lets loose a pitch-black shock wave at its target. It may also lower the target's accuracy.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Night Slash|Physical|Beauty|70|100|15|anyadjacent|The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Night Slash|Physical|Beautiful|70|100|15|anyadjacent|The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.}}
{{movelist/battle|6|Parting Shot|Status||—|—|20|anyadjacent|With a parting threat, the user lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats. Then it switches with a party Pokémon.}}
{{movelist/battle|6|Parting Shot|Status|Cool|—|—|20|anyadjacent|With a parting threat, the user lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats. Then it switches with a party Pokémon.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Payback|Physical|Cool|50|100|10|anyadjacent|If the user moves after the target, this attack's power will be doubled.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Payback|Physical|Cool|50|100|10|anyadjacent|If the user moves after the target, this attack's power will be doubled.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Punishment|Physical|Smart|Varies|100|5|anyadjacent|This attack's power increases the more the target has powered up with stat changes.}}{{movelist/battle|2|Pursuit|Physical|Smart|40|100|20|anyadjacent|An attack move that inflicts double damage if used on a target that is switching out of battle.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Punishment|Physical|Clever|Varies|100|5|anyadjacent|This attack's power increases the more the target has powered up with stat changes.}}{{movelist/battle|2|Pursuit|Physical|Clever|40|100|20|anyadjacent|An attack move that inflicts double damage if used on a target that is switching out of battle.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Quash|Status||—|100|15|anyadjacent|The user suppresses the target and makes its move go last.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Quash|Status|Clever|—|100|15|anyadjacent|The user suppresses the target and makes its move go last.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Snarl|Special||55|95|15|adjacentfoes|The user yells as if it is ranting about something, making the target's Sp. Atk stat decrease.}}
{{movelist/battle|5|Snarl|Special|Tough|55|95|15|adjacentfoes|The user yells as if it is ranting about something, making the target's Sp. Atk stat decrease.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Snatch|Status|Smart|—|—|10|self|The user steals the effects of any healing or stat-changing move the opponent attempts to use.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Snatch|Status|Clever|—|—|10|self|The user steals the effects of any healing or stat-changing move the opponent attempts to use.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Sucker Punch|Physical|Smart|80|100|5|anyadjacent|This move enables the user to attack first. It fails if the target is not readying an attack, however.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Sucker Punch|Physical|Clever|80|100|5|anyadjacent|This move enables the user to attack first. It fails if the target is not readying an attack, however.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Switcheroo|Status|Cool|—|100|10|anyadjacent|The user trades held items with the target faster than the eye can follow.}}
{{movelist/battle|4|Switcheroo|Status|Cool|—|100|10|anyadjacent|The user trades held items with the target faster than the eye can follow.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Taunt|Status|Smart|—|100|20|anyadjacent|The target is taunted into a rage that allows it to use only attack moves for three turns.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Taunt|Status|Clever|—|100|20|anyadjacent|The target is taunted into a rage that allows it to use only attack moves for three turns.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Thief|Physical|Tough|60|100|25|anyadjacent|The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. It can't steal if the user holds an item.}}
{{movelist/battle|2|Thief|Physical|Tough|60|100|25|anyadjacent|The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. It can't steal if the user holds an item.}}
{{movelist/battle|6|Topsy-Turvy|Status||—|—|20|anyadjacent|All stat changes affecting the target turn topsy-turvy and become the opposite of what they were.}}
{{movelist/battle|6|Topsy-Turvy|Status|Clever|—|—|20|anyadjacent|All stat changes affecting the target turn topsy-turvy and become the opposite of what they were.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Torment|Status|Tough|—|100|15|anyadjacent|The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row.}}
{{movelist/battle|3|Torment|Status|Tough|—|100|15|anyadjacent|The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row.}}
{{movelist/battle-foot|Dark}}
{{movelist/battle-foot|Dark}}


==Abilities==
==Abilities==
===Interacting with Dark-type===
===Interacting with the Dark type===
User of {{a|Color Change}} will be changed into Dark-type after it is hit with a Dark-type move. {{a|Protean}} will change its user into Dark-type when it uses a Dark-type move. When a Pokémon with {{a|Multitype}} holds a [[Dread Plate]], it will become a Dark-type Pokémon. When a Pokémon with {{a|Imposter}} is sent out and its opposite opponent is Dark-type, it will transform into that Pokémon and turn into Dark-type.
A Pokémon with {{a|Color Change}}, {{a|Protean}}, {{a|Imposter}}, or {{a|Multitype}} will become a Dark-type Pokémon if (respectively) it is hit with a Dark-type move, uses a Dark-type move, is sent out against a Dark-type opponent, or is holding a {{DL|Plate|Dread Plate}}.


{| width="70%" class="roundy sortable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{Dark color}}; border: 2px solid #{{Dark color dark}}"
{| width="70%" class="roundy sortable" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{Dark color}}; border: 2px solid #{{Dark color dark}}"
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|-
|-
! width="30px" style="background:#{{kalos color}}; border: 1px solid #{{kalos color dark}}" | VI
! width="30px" style="background:#{{kalos color}}; border: 1px solid #{{kalos color dark}}" | VI
| width="100px" style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Dark Aura|000}}
| width="100px" style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Dark Aura|000}}
| style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Powers up each Pokémon's Dark-type moves.
| style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Powers up each Pokémon's Dark-type moves.
|-
|-
! width="30px" style="background:#{{unova color}}; border: 1px solid #{{unova color dark}}" | V
! width="30px" style="background:#{{unova color}}; border: 1px solid #{{unova color dark}}" | V
| width="100px" style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Justified|000}}
| width="100px" style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Justified|000}}
| style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Boosts the Attack stat when it's hit by a Dark-type move.
| style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Boosts the Attack stat when it's hit by a Dark-type move.
|-
|-
! width="30px" style="background:#{{unova color}}; border: 1px solid #{{unova color dark}}" | V
! width="30px" style="background:#{{unova color}}; border: 1px solid #{{unova color dark}}" | V
| width="100px" style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Rattled|000}}
| width="100px" style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8" | {{acolor|Rattled|000}}
| style="background:#FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a Dark, Ghost, or Bug move.
| style="background:#FFF; border: 1px solid #D8D8D8; text-align:left;" | Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a Dark, Ghost, or Bug move.
|-
|-
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{Dark color light}}; {{roundybottom|8px}}" |<small>All details are accurate to Generation VI games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page.</small>
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{Dark color light}}; {{roundybottom|8px}}" |<small>All details are accurate to Generation VI games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page.</small>
Line 505: Line 513:


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Generation V introduced the most Dark-type Pokémon of any generation, with 16, and Generation VI introduced the fewest (minus Generation I) Dark-type Pokémon, with five.
* [[Generation V]] introduced the most Dark-type Pokémon of any generation, with 16, and [[Generation VI]] introduced the fewest (excluding [[Generation I]]) Dark-type Pokémon, with six.
* Generation IV introduced the most Dark-type moves of any generation, with 11, and Generation VI introduced the fewest (minus Generation I) Dark-type moves, with two.
* [[Generation IV]] introduced the most Dark-type moves of any generation, with 11, and Generation VI introduced the fewest (excluding Generation I) Dark-type moves, with three.
** Neither of the moves introduced in Generation VI deal damage.
* In [[Generation II]], the Dark type saw one type change in a move ({{m|Bite}}), but no change in a Pokémon. The opposite is true for the {{t|Steel}} type, which saw one type change in a Pokémon family ({{p|Magnemite}} and {{p|Magneton}}), but no change in a move.
* 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 {{t|Steel}} type, which saw one type change in a Pokémon family ({{p|Magnemite}} and {{p|Magneton}}), but no change in a move.
* There has yet to be a [[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] that specializes in the Dark type. It is the only type to currently hold this status.
* There has yet to be a [[Gym|Pokémon Gym]] that specializes in the Dark type.
* Despite Dark-type moves being [[special move|special]] before Generation IV, every Dark-type move originating from before Generation IV was made into a [[physical move]].
** The {{t|Fairy}}-type, introduced in Generation VI, received its own gym before Dark-type, introduced in Generation II.
* Like {{t|Ghost}}, there are no Pokémon with a type combination doubly vulnerable to Dark, though in Generation VI the move {{m|Trick-or-Treat}} can create such a combination in-battle if it is used on a {{type|Psychic}}.
* Although the Dark type was a special type before the Generation IV, every damaging Dark-type move introduced beforehand was made a physical move.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
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|sv=Mörker
|sv=Mörker
|th=มืด or ความมืด
|th=มืด or ความมืด
|vi=Bóng Tối
}}
}}



Revision as of 20:35, 25 November 2015

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. Notable Trainers who specialize in Dark-type Pokémon are Karen of the Indigo Plateau Elite Four, Sidney of the Hoenn Elite Four, and Grimsley of the Unova Elite Four. Notably, the Dark type is the only type that has never had a Pokémon Gym specialize in it, although it is a recurrent type used by villainous teams and Elite Four members. Prior to changes in Generation IV, all damaging Dark-type moves were special, but they may now also be physical depending on the attack.

The Dark type was introduced in Generation II, along with the Steel type.

Statistical averages

Overall

Stat
HP: 67.05
Attack: 89.64
Defense: 65.72
Sp.Atk: 70.69
Sp.Def: 63.62
Speed: 73.95
Total: 430.67


Fully evolved

Stat
HP: 76.61
Attack: 101.91
Defense: 78.35
Sp.Atk: 83.52
Sp.Def: 75.26
Speed: 80.22
Total: 495.87


Battle properties

Generations II to V

Offensive Dark Defensive
Power Types   Power Types
Ghost
Psychic
½× Dark
Ghost
½× Dark
Fighting
Steel
Bug
Fighting
None Psychic


Generation VI onwards

Offensive Dark Defensive
Power Types   Power Types
Ghost
Psychic
½× Dark
Ghost
½× Dark
Fairy
Fighting
Bug
Fairy
Fighting
None Psychic


Characteristics

Defense

The Dark type, along with the Steel type, was introduced in Generation II in order to balance the previously overpowered Psychic type. As such, Dark is designed to have a key immunity to Psychic moves. However, most Dark-type Pokémon have poor HP, Defense, and Special Defense stats, though there are others with high defensive stats, such as Tyranitar, Umbreon, Mandibuzz, and Drapion.

Prior to Generation VI, Dark/Ghost-type Pokémon 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.

Dark pairs well with Poison defensively—the latter nullifies all of the former's weaknesses, while Dark removes Poison's weakness to Psychic, leaving a single Ground weakness.

Offense

Dark-type moves are especially useful when combating Psychic and Ghost types. Many of them involve the possession of an opponent's attributes, such as Knock Off and Foul Play. Dark had little use as neutral coverage until Steel lost its resistance to it in Generation VI. Despite not being very effective against Fairy, several Dark-type Pokémon have access to Steel and Poison-type moves to pose a threat. Dark-type attacks work very well with Fairy-type attacks since the rare Steel/Fairy is the only combination that resists both.

Despite being a special type prior to Generation IV, all previous Dark-type attacks became physical, which is helpful since most Dark-type Pokémon are physical attackers due to their typically high Attack. Nevertheless, some Dark types have notably higher Special Attack, such as Hydreigon, Houndoom, and Zoroark.

Contest properties

In Contests, Dark-type moves are typically categorized as Clever moves.

Pokémon

As of Generation VI, there are 45 Dark-type Pokémon or about 6.3% of all Pokémon (counting forms and Mega Evolutions that change typing as different Pokémon), making it the 6th rarest type.

Pure Dark-type Pokémon

# Name
197 Umbreon Umbreon
261 Poochyena Poochyena
262 Mightyena Mightyena
359 Absol Absol
359 Absol Mega Absol
491 Darkrai Darkrai
509 Purrloin Purrloin
510 Liepard Liepard
570 Zorua Zorua
571 Zoroark Zoroark

Pokéstar Studios opponents

# Name
N/A Monster Monster

Half Dark-type Pokémon

Primary Dark-type Pokémon

# Name Type 1 Type 2
198 Murkrow Murkrow Dark Flying
215 Sneasel Sneasel Dark Ice
228 Houndour Houndour Dark Fire
229 Houndoom Houndoom Dark Fire
229 Houndoom Mega Houndoom Dark Fire
302 Sableye Sableye Dark Ghost
302 Sableye Mega Sableye Dark Ghost
430 Honchkrow Honchkrow Dark Flying
461 Weavile Weavile Dark Ice
559 Scraggy Scraggy Dark Fighting
560 Scrafty Scrafty Dark Fighting
624 Pawniard Pawniard Dark Steel
625 Bisharp Bisharp Dark Steel
629 Vullaby Vullaby Dark Flying
630 Mandibuzz Mandibuzz Dark Flying
633 Deino Deino Dark Dragon
634 Zweilous Zweilous Dark Dragon
635 Hydreigon Hydreigon Dark Dragon
686 Inkay Inkay Dark Psychic
687 Malamar Malamar Dark Psychic
717 Yveltal Yveltal Dark Flying

Secondary Dark-type Pokémon

# Name Type 1 Type 2
130 Gyarados Mega Gyarados Water Dark
248 Tyranitar Tyranitar Rock Dark
248 Tyranitar Mega Tyranitar Rock Dark
274 Nuzleaf Nuzleaf Grass Dark
275 Shiftry Shiftry Grass Dark
318 Carvanha Carvanha Water Dark
319 Sharpedo Sharpedo Water Dark
319 Sharpedo Mega Sharpedo Water Dark
332 Cacturne Cacturne Grass Dark
342 Crawdaunt Crawdaunt Water Dark
434 Stunky Stunky Poison Dark
435 Skuntank Skuntank Poison Dark
442 Spiritomb Spiritomb Ghost Dark
452 Drapion Drapion Poison Dark
551 Sandile Sandile Ground Dark
552 Krokorok Krokorok Ground Dark
553 Krookodile Krookodile Ground Dark
658 Greninja Greninja Water Dark
675 Pangoro Pangoro Fighting Dark
720 Hoopa Hoopa Unbound Psychic Dark

Pokéstar Studios opponents

# Name Type 1 Type 2
N/A Brycen-man Brycen-man Dark Psychic
N/A Majin Majin Dark Ghost

Moves

Gen Move Category Contest Power Accuracy PP Target Description
IV Assurance Physical Beautiful 60 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
If the target has already taken some damage in the same turn, this attack's power is doubled.
II Beat Up Physical Clever Varies 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
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)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. It may make the target flinch.
II Crunch Physical Tough 80 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. It may also lower the target's Defense stat.
IV Dark Pulse Special Cool 80 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Anyone
The user releases a horrible aura imbued with dark thoughts. It may also make the target flinch.
IV Dark Void Status Clever 80% 10 (max 16)
     
     
All adjacent foes
Opposing Pokémon are dragged into a world of total darkness that makes them sleep.
IV Embargo Status Cute 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
It prevents the target from using its held item. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it.
III Fake Tears Status Clever 100% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user feigns crying to fluster the target, harshly lowering its Sp. Def stat.
II Feint Attack Physical Clever 60 % 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. It hits without fail.
III Flatter Status Clever 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
Flattery is used to confuse the target. However, it also raises the target's Sp. Atk stat.
IV Fling Physical Tough Varies 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user flings its held item at the target to attack. Its power and effects depend on the item.
V Foul Play Physical Clever 95 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user turns the target's power against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater the damage.
V Hone Claws Status Cute % 15 (max 24)
     
     
Self
The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy.
VI Hyperspace Fury Physical Tough 100 % 5 (max 8)
     
     
All adjacent foes
Using its many arms, the user unleashes a barrage of attacks that ignore the effects of moves like Protect and Detect. This attack lowers the user's Defense.
III Knock Off Physical Clever 65 100% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user slaps down the target's held item, preventing that item from being used in the battle.
III Memento Status Tough % 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user faints when using this move. In return, it harshly lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk.
IV Nasty Plot Status Cute % 20 (max 32)
     
     
Self
The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. It sharply raises the user's Sp. Atk.
V Night Daze Special Cool 85 95% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user lets loose a pitch-black shock wave at its target. It may also lower the target's accuracy.
IV Night Slash Physical Beautiful 70 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.
VI Parting Shot Status Cool % 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
With a parting threat, the user lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats. Then it switches with a party Pokémon.
IV Payback Physical Cool 50 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
If the user moves after the target, this attack's power will be doubled.
IV Punishment Physical Clever Varies 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
This attack's power increases the more the target has powered up with stat changes.
II Pursuit Physical Clever 40 100% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
An attack move that inflicts double damage if used on a target that is switching out of battle.
V Quash Status Clever 100% 15 (max 24)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user suppresses the target and makes its move go last.
V Snarl Special Tough 55 95% 15 (max 24)
     
     
All adjacent foes
The user yells as if it is ranting about something, making the target's Sp. Atk stat decrease.
III Snatch Status Clever % 10 (max 16)
     
     
Self
The user steals the effects of any healing or stat-changing move the opponent attempts to use.
IV Sucker Punch Physical Clever 80 100% 5 (max 8)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
This move enables the user to attack first. It fails if the target is not readying an attack, however.
IV Switcheroo Status Cool 100% 10 (max 16)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user trades held items with the target faster than the eye can follow.
III Taunt Status Clever 100% 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
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)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. It can't steal if the user holds an item.
VI Topsy-Turvy Status Clever % 20 (max 32)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
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)
     
     
Any adjacent Pokémon
The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row.
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.

Abilities

Interacting with the Dark type

A Pokémon with Color Change, Protean, Imposter, or Multitype will become a Dark-type Pokémon if (respectively) it is hit with a Dark-type move, uses a Dark-type move, is sent out against a Dark-type opponent, or is holding a Dread Plate.

Gen Ability Description
VI Dark Aura Powers up each Pokémon's Dark-type moves.
V Justified Boosts the Attack stat when it's hit by a Dark-type move.
V Rattled Raises Speed one stage upon being hit by a Dark, Ghost, or Bug move.
All details are accurate to Generation VI games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page.

Exclusive Abilities

Only Dark-type Pokémon can have these Abilities. This does not include signature Abilities.

Trivia

  • Generation V introduced the most Dark-type Pokémon of any generation, with 16, and Generation VI introduced the fewest (excluding Generation I) Dark-type Pokémon, with six.
  • Generation IV introduced the most Dark-type moves of any generation, with 11, 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.
  • There has yet to be a Pokémon Gym that specializes in the Dark type. It is the only type to currently hold this status.
  • Despite Dark-type moves being special before Generation IV, every Dark-type move originating from before Generation IV was made into a physical move.

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese あく (悪) Aku
Mandarin Chinese 惡 / 恶 È
邪惡 / 邪恶 Xié'è
Denmark Flag.png Danish Mørke
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Duister
Donker
Finland Flag.png Finnish Pimeys
Pimeä
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Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Kegelapan
Italy Flag.png Italian Buio
South Korea Flag.png Korean Ak
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Mørk
Poland Flag.png Polish Mroczny
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Sombrio
Noturno
Romania Flag.png Romanian Întuneric
Russia Flag.png Russian Тёмный Tyomnii
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Oscuridad
Spain Flag.png Spain Siniestro
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Mörker
Thailand Flag.png Thai มืด or ความมืด