Best Dark-Type Pokémon Ranked

Many of the scariest, spookiest Pokemon in the whole franchise can be found in the Dark Type category. These are Pokemon who are some of the most dangerous, chaotic, and overall edgy creatures we've ever seen, along with some of the creepiest and coolest designs. And it’s the type chosen by some of the most well-loved trainers ever to grace our screens, like Karen from Johto’s Elite 4 and the painfully cute Marnie from Pokémon Sword & Shield.

If you are on the hunt for the best dark type Pokemon, this article will help you find them. Dark type Pokemon are among the most popular and powerful types in the game, as well as the most edgy. They have the advantage when it comes to intimidating their opponents. We explore what makes these Pokemon so powerful and what movesets they should have to be successful in battle.

30. Krookodile

A dual Ground/Dark Type Pokémon from Generation 5, it is a crocodilian Pokemon known as the Intimidation Pokémon. Despite its versatile Ground/Dark typing and solid offensive stats, its design is kind of unexciting. It looks a little like a man in a suit and a comic book villain from 1960s. For a Pokémon that can literally swim in desert sands, this is disappointing. Strong and great for its typing, but let’s keep looking at some more options.

29. Cacturne

A Pokemon you might not want to meet in a dark alleyway, Cacturne is definitely creepy! A dual Grass/Dark Type Pokémon from Generation 3, it is known as the Scarecrow Pokémon. If there’s one thing both scarecrows and cacti have in common, it’s standing in a single place without moving an inch. That's only in the day however. Once the night comes about, gangs of Cacturne are known to quietly slink through the desert, a little like the Pokemon equivalent of Creepers, without the explosions. They are just as predatory though, following caravans and lonely travelers waiting for the right moment to strike. So so creepy! Definitely a good idea to dress up as one of these for Halloween! One of the best Pokemon Halloween costume ideas.

28. Spiritomb

Known as the Forbidden Pokémon, this spooky critter is Halloween ready complete with its own dark backstory. A dual Ghost and Dark Type Pokemon from Generation 4, it is said to have been formed by 108 spirits binding themselves to a crack in a rock. Definitely original and creepy sounding! Before Fairy monsters arrived, this dual Ghost/Dark type Pokemon monster used to be a popular Pokémon in competitive play thanks to its typing, which made it immune to three types and weak to none. It is still great to run with but maybe not as strong as before. Its bizarre design makes it one of the creepiest Pokemon for sure! 

27. Sableye

Known as the Darkness Pokemon, Sableye has a creepy goblin-like appearance with bejewelled eyes, that may be loosely inspired by the tradition of placing coins over the eyes of deceased loved ones in past ages. It's definitely a creepy feature! A dual Dark and Ghost Type Pokemon from Generation 3, Sableye quickly became the favourite of many who found its lifeless eyes and demonic look quite appealing, but mostly people in the Pokémon world fear its unnatural appearance, believing it to rob humans of their spirit. It possesses some nice abilities such as Prankster, plus access to status altering moves alongside its resistant Mega Evolution, so definitely has some things going for it, but its stats could be seen as unremarkable compared to others on this list. It's a competitive field!

26. Skuntank

A medium-sized mammalian Pokémon that resembles a skunk with the face of a cat! Loosely based on a skunk in real life, it carries the same smell as one too and creatures all over the world have been using their foul aroma as a deterrent ever since smelling was a thing. A dual Poison and Dark Type Pokemon from Generation 4, it is appropriately known as the Skunk Pokemon. This critter has perfected scent to the point where it’s Stench ability is capable of making even the strongest Pokémon flinch, plus has access to some pretty interesting moves like Toxic, Taunt, and Explosion, alongside access to the Aftermath ability, which will go on to damage an attacking Pokémon for 1/4th of its max HP if they knock out Skuntank with a contact move. More than just a bad smell, there is strategy underneath!

25. Drapion

A funny looking Scorpio like Pokemon from Generation 4, it is known as the Ogre Scorp Pokemon and is a dual Poison and Dark Type with an unusually long and strange looking body, which kind of reminds me when in horror moves sometimes peoples/creatures arms are seen to extend (usually in order to grab the protagonist). Not only are its claws strong enough to rip a car in half thanks to a solid Attack stat, but also has access to moves like Earthquake and Aqua Tail, providing it excellent coverage against most types. Desert dwellers are known to call this creature the 'Sand Demon' and you can definitely see why. Not only is it supremely creepy, it is good in combat and The Sniper ability takes its offensive capabilities further by powering up any critical hits Drapion manages to land. Even if its name does remind me of curtains.

24. Mightyena

You'd be forgiven for thinking this wolf or canine like Pokemon is straight out of Twilight, it carries the same eerie but charming aesthetic or glow. It arrived in Generation 3 and provided an easy way for players to get hold of a dark type earlier in the game. Before that, you had to achieve significant progress before even getting a hint of a dark type Pokemon, in the first couple of Pokémon generation games. A brilliant option for trainers just starting their adventure throughout the Hoenn region, it's not only incredibly cute, but its type became a great asset during the first sections of the game. Although cute and fluffy looking, especially compared to other strange and scary looking dark Pokemon, its bite is nothing to mess with; something you might guess from the name it was blessed with, the Bite Pokemon.

23. Thievul

This Fox Pokemon looks part Fantastic Mr Fox, part burgular! It even has a tiny moustache, which adds to its sly appearance. The evolved form of Nickit, this Dark Type Pokemon from Generation 8 is known appropriately as the Fox Pokemon and hails from the Galar region. It is known to use its excellent sense of smell to detect threats and to aid it while it carries out heists all over the region. In combat, its skills and talents naturally consist of the Run Away ability, which guarantees escaping from any random encounter out in the field, and the more offensive option Stakeout, which lets it deal double damage to Pokémon being switched in during trainer battles. It is a creature especially wary of Boltund, known to be its natural enemy in the franchise.

22. Crawdaunt

A dual Water/Dark type Pokémon introduced in Generation 3, it is known as the Rogue Pokémon and is loosely based on that of a real-world lobster, always itching for a fight to prove its place in the power hierarchy. It is an incredibly territorial creature, getting into brutal brawls against any Pokémon it comes in to contact with. This ultra-violent Pokémon from the Hoenn region's favourite thing to do is aggressively taking over whatever body of water it chooses as its living space. It can accomplish this very well thanks to an incredible Attack stat that can’t be lowered thanks to its Hyper Cutter ability. It also has a nice variety of moves to learn, meaning this Water/Dark crawfish beast is a force to be reckoned with. Just don't meet it down a dark, watery alleyway. This aggressive nature makes this Pokémon very hard to raise, but also a very powerful asset.

21. Shiftry

Shiftry is a dual Grass and Dark type Pokémon from in Generation 3, it is known as the Wicked Pokémon and is said to be based on the Japanese myth of the Tengu, long-nosed ogres with the power to create horrible windstorms, just like Shiftry is said to do. It possesses the Chlorophyll ability, which makes it incredibly speedy on top of its solid Attack and Sp. Attack and thanks to its offensive Grass and Dark typing, it really gets to shine in combat. It's known to be a wicked, mysterious, and very rare Pokémon that lives atop ancient trees in deep tropical forests, can create formidable windstorms and appears as like a creepy soothsayer animal creature.

20. Pangoro

After Dreamwork’s 2008 Kung Fu Panda became a worldwide phenomenon, it was just a matter of time before Pokémon joined in and paid homage to the martial artist! The evolved form of Pancham at level 32, this dual Fighting and Dark-type Pokémon is an extremely good fighting type. This fierce looking beast definitely looks intimidating in battle, aptly named the Daunting Pokemon, with a cantankerous temperment. Best not get too close! This huge critter had its major anime debut in the 11th episode of the XY series under the episode The Bamboozling Forest! where it protected two troublesome Pancham in danger. Despite its well, daunting, physical appearance, Pangoro doesn’t approve of those who pick on those of small sizes. It is known to be extremely protective of younglings and will rush to fight to defend them without hesitation. It cleverly uses the leaf within its jaws to detect the movements of its enemies nearby. It has some seriously high stats overal alongside brutal abilities such as Iron Fist and Mold Breaker that make it formidable in battle.

19. Incineroar

 A bipedal, feline like Pokemon from Generation 7, who is also known as the Heel Pokemon, Incineroar resembles a tiger but reminds me a lot of the Frosties mascot, just a whole lot fiercer! This fierce anthropomorphic feline is known for its immense fighting spirit, which makes the flames on its waistline flare whenever it gets excited at the prospect of a battle. It is said to bear a violent, selfish and hostile temperment to match its fiesty appearance, this time what you see is what you get! It's an extremely good fighter thanks to its high attack and great moves as a dual Fire and Dark type, but its low speed keeps it from realizing its true potential.

18. Bisharp

Known as the Sword Blade Pokémon, Bisharp is a dual Dark and Steel Type Pokémon from Generation 5 - the fifth generation that is known for introducing some very questionable designs! Loosely based on a chessboard character and some kind of sword-based super sentai character, it excels in combat at dealing physical damage thanks to its solid Attack stat and access to Swords Dance, which can raise it even further. It evolves or upgrades from Pawniard at the rather high level of 52, taking its place as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pawniard army!

17. Honchkrow

A dual Dark and Flying type Pokémon from in Generation 4, it is known as the Big Boss Pokémon! Known to happily take advantage of its Murkrow followers to do its bidding without caring for their safety, it appears as like a dark-blue avian Pokémon with plumage resembling a person dressed in formal attire, one that most resembles a mob boss. Just like the survival of the fittest in real life, the merciless nature of its evolutionary line makes sure only the strongest Murkrow survive long enough to become the next Honchkrow.

16. Sharpedo

As its name suggests, this dual Water and Dark type critter presents as a shark - but with its tail seemingly missing! This doesn't hamper its abilities though, and even seems to make it more torpedo shaped. It is known widely as the Brutal Pokemon, which sets an ominous tone, but is right to do so. First introduced in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, this bully of the sea terrorizes both wildlife and seafaring vessels all over the Hoenn region thanks to its devastating jaw and ability to tackle at… well, torpedo-like speeds. Its Rough Skin ability will damage whoever lands an attack on it, and its stellar Attack, Sp. Attack and Speed mean it is brutally good at overpowering its opponents. This is represented in combat with excellent offensive stats and high speed, all of which is taken to an extreme by the Pokémon’s Mega Evolution. First introduced in Hoenn to populate the seas as a new water monster, Sharpedo is notorious for its incredibly aggressive behavior and all-around dangerous anatomy.

15. Houndoom

The evolved form of Houndour, this pup gets even fiercer with ram like horns, a devil-like tail and has been mistaken for the Grim Reaper in the past! It looks straight up vicious, and has the skills to prove it, with amazing offensive capabilities and speed, and a mega evolution that takes this badass critter to the next level. It seems made to guard evil lairs, as we noticed with Team Rocket’s adoration in Generation 2, plus produces eerie howling that has speculated to long been associated with death. It also spits out boiling poison! As if that wasn’t enough, Generation 6 introduced Houndoom’s Mega Evolution, which takes its already high offensive capabilities to a whole other level. A truly bad-ass dark type for your team. There really is a Pokemon creature for everyone and I feel that this pup will have a lot of admirers!

14. Zoroark

A bipedal, gray-brown, fox-like Pokémon with crimson and black accents, Zoroark is a Dark type Pokémon introduced in Generation 5 and is just as cool looking, with wizard like powers. Known as the Illusion Fox Pokémon, this reclusive creature is known to make its home deep within the forests of the Unova region and uses its powerful illusions to divert would-be hunters and explorers away from its nest. They are very protective of their homes and their family. They will use illusions to trick enemies and prevent them from entering their lair. Some domesticated Zoroark may perform their illusions to ease their lonely trainers' solitude. A mischevious and mysterious character, it can also trap its enemies in gruesome illusions as punishment for meddling in its affairs. It can go into battle disguised as another Pokémon from its party, which can trick its foes into making grave tactical mistakes.

13. Weavile

A dual Dark and Ice type Pokémon introduced in Generation 4, it is known as the Sharp Claw Pokémon, a bipedal, weasel-like Pokémon with a pale, gray body. It has a bright red crown and collar made of wide feathers. In combat, Weavile has great offensive stats, exceptional Attack and Speed, complemented by powerful moves as a result of its strong typing. As a result, it's one of the top Ice and Dark attackers. But its special skill is most impressive of all. Where Zoroark protects itself and its young through its illusions, Weavile takes a more strategic approach and coordinates the movements of its entire pack by leaving markings on their environment. They have over 500 different signs with complex meanings, making this system comparable to a written language. It also could theoretically make Weavile one of the most intelligent Pokemon out there!

12. Zarude

A creepy primate like Mythical Pokemon from Generation 8, known as the Rogue Monkey Pokémon, it has the power to grow special vines from its arms that can aid it in combat, to fight in battle or heal its allies. Very Planet of the Apes! It is quite a mysterious Pokemon as being added recently means that little is known about it and how much power it actually possesses. Outwardly it seems pretty solid in battle, a great, well-rounded physical attacker with great speed and bulk on top of an excellent attack stat. It is a dual Dark/Grass-type Pokémon, which affords it some nice moves too and Zarude is at its best when fighting under intense sunlight, as its Leaf Guard ability will prevent it from being affected by status ailments. There's a lot of excitement surrounding the arrival of this Pokemon and what role it will continue to play in the Pokemon Universe!

11. Obstagoon

A dual Dark and Normal type Pokémon introduced in Generation 8, it is known as the Blocking Pokémon for its signature move Obstruct, and carries a rebellious attitude and black & white look loosely based on the ultra-famous rock band KISS, but also kind of resembles a bipedal badger like creature. As Dark Type Pokemon go, Obstagoon is pretty much the best way of summoning this type up in one Pokemon. It's certainly unique and carries one of the best, most creative Pokemon designs of all time! Its signature move Obstruct will block all incoming damage and lowers the foe’s defense considerably. While you may think Obstagoon is more of a defensive Pokemon, it’s actually pretty aggressive in combat, with stunning abilities such as Reckless, Guts and Defiant all heightening its offensive capabilities.

10. Grimmsnarl

One of the fiercest looking fiends to be added to the Pokemon roster, Grimmsnarl's name definitely tells you all you need to know and compliments its grisly appearance perfectly. A dual Dark and Fairy type Pokemon from Generation 8, known as the Bulk Up Pokemon, it has both amazing offensive stats and access to several protective moves like Reflect and Light Screen, making this Pokemon monster a multifaceted beast. You can check out Grimmsnarl's signature Spirit Break Fairy Type Move here! Plus, Grimmsnarl’s ability to use its hair as a weapon reminds me of Bayonetta, one of my favorite video game protagonists in recent memory. Even though its a late addition to the game, I can't imagine my Best Dark Type Pokemon list without it!

9. Hydreigon

A three-headed, draconic Pokémon with six thin, black wings that each end in two points on its back, this dual Dark and Dragon Type Pokemon is based on legends of multi-headed reptiles like the Japanese Yamato no Orochi and the Greek Hydra. Introduced in Generation 5, it is known as the Brutal Pokemon and will travel the skies raining death and destruction on anything that moves. It carries insanely high stats that are rarely seen in common Pokémon, or those who are not legendaries, especially in terms of Sp. Attack. Its powerful typing and Levitate ability makes it immune to Ground-type moves and an absolute powerhouse in combat. It's one of the best, most formidable Dark Type Pokemon in the Franchise for sure.

8. Urshifu in Single Strike Style

A dual Fighting/Dark type Legendary Pokémon from Generation 8 and introduced in The Isle of Armor expansion for Pokémon Sword & Shield, Urshifu is known as the Wushu Pokémon. A powerful beast that’ll attack without holding back, this is one heck of a dark and powerful monster to add onto your team. Depending on the way it is raised as its prevolved form Kubfu, it will evolve into either the Rapid Strike Style or Single Strike Style, each coming with their own strengths and weaknesses. While the former is Fighting/Water-type, only the latter qualifies for this ranking with its Fighting/Dark dual typing.

7. Yveltal

A dual Dark/Flying type Legendary Pokémon from in Generation 6, it is naturally known as the Destruction Pokémon and looks like an actual badass Pokemon. An incredibly destructive force, it balances out the powers of the other members of the Aura Trio, Xerneas and Zygarde, who make their home in the Kalos region. The mascot for Pokémon Y, Yveltal is a veritable manifestation of the Law of Entropy governing the universe and a force of chaos capable of destroying every living being on the Pokémon world. Despite its Thanos like intentions, Yveltal is naturally an amazing Dark/Flying-type beast in combat and a very strong wallbreaker with heavily offensive stats that make it a massive force to be reckoned with.

6. Guzzlord

Another potentially villainous Pokemon character, Guzzlord is a dual Dark and Dragon Type Pokemon and Ultra Beast from Generation 7, known as the Junkivore Pokémon. Its name may come from the fact that it is the ultimate consumer Pokemon and loves to guzzle absolutely everything in sight. The grinders inside its mouth tear apart everything from trees to cars before it disappears deep within the void that is its stomach. And we thought Snorlax was hungry! Being an Ultra Beast Pokemon, it is naturally an absolute powerhouse with extremely high stats, especially in terms of HP, alongside its powerful typing. This critter is like an entire black hole as a Pokemon, making it incredibly impressive and destructive in equal measure!

5. Absol

A Dark type Pokémon introduced in Generation 3, it is known as the Disaster Pokémon, which definitely sounds ominous. But Absol is one of those unsung heroes of history, forever misunderstood by those around it despite doing everything in its power to keep them from harm! It uses its special skill of knowing when calamity is about to happen, and turning up just in time to prevent it - but instead gets blamed as the one responsible! This pure Dark-type is known as the Disaster Pokémon, when all it’s doing is trying to warn humans of impending danger! Poor Absol! It normally resides in a harsh, rugged mountain environment and appears a quadrupedal, mammalian mythical looking Pokémon with a dark blue to black body covered in snowy white fur. Luckily, it finds a friend in trainers who recognize it can only brings disaster to opponents in battles, thanks to its stunning Attack stat and varied moves - and then there's its incredible mega evolution!

4. Greninja

Appearing a little like a poison tree frog is this quirky, yet uber powerful dual Dark and Water type starter Pokemon, also known as the Ninja Pokemon and one of the most well-known Pokémon overall. Not only has it made an appearance in the anime as one of Ash’s Pokémon, but also as a character in Super Smash Bros Ultimate alongside Pikachu. It is the evolved form of Froakie at level 36 and it is incredibly fast, its speed is insane, alongside some very high Attack and Sp. Attack stats. This means you’ll be sure to get a chance to land at least one devastating move before your opponents. In battle Greninja gets even more interesting as its hidden ability, Protean, lets it become the type of the last move it used. Super clever and a nod to the skills real life frogs use to cleverly camoflage themselves. Few Pokémon other than Pikachu have achieved the level of mainstream fame and notoriety that Greninja has over the last couple of years. And that’s not even counting its Ash-Greninja form!

3. Darkrai

The Pokemon of your nightmares 101, this legendary Pokémon has the power to lull people to sleep and fill their heads with terrifying dreams. Known as the Pitch Black Pokemon and playing on our fear of the dark, this was the ultimate 'scary' Pokemon for ages, this beast featured in the news, in the forums, in the anime and even made it into Pokken Tournament! Reflected in combat through its Bad Dreams ability, that is known to drain HP from its opponent whenever they fall asleep and until they’re woken up, Darkrai can use its status as a mythical being to bring nightmares to people on nights with a full moon. One of the most intimidating Pokemon ever, there's no doubt it will mess with your head (and your ability to sleep soundly!).

2. Umbreon

Appearing a lot like a black cat Pokemon, it is a Dark type Eeveelution Pokemon from Generation 2 that is also known as the Moonlight Pokémon. It carries beautiful gold rounded ring markings on its black body that glow in the dark and this elegant shadowy Pokemon, unlike the original three Eeveelutions, which all required specific elemental stones, can be evolved from an Eevee with a high-enough friendship level, so long as you level it up during night (another game mechanic first added in Generation 2). It may not be as notorious as Greninja or powerful as Darkrai, but Umbreon is easily one of the most well-loved Pokémon in the entire franchise. With a bulky build and access to healing moves like Wish and Heal Bell, Umbreon is a huge asset on any team.

1. Tyranitar

Our best dark monster is Tyranitar, a phwoar worthy actual beast that I have resorted to 12 year old language trying to describe. It's that good. Be it in the Pokémon Go app or the main releases, Tyranitar consistently finds itself among the most appreciated and powerful Pokémon and is pretty much the one to beat if you're going after Goliath. It possesses dual Rock and Dark typing and was first introduced in Generation 2, known as the Armour Pokemon. It has an epic movepool, even alongside its amazing offensive stats and a Mega Evolution making it even more formidable, including powerful same-type moves like Crunch, and others to provide coverage like Earthquake or Fire Punch. It may be a bit of a wait levelling him up to evolve in to this badass form but you will enjoy every inch of this strongest Dark Type Pokemon!

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