Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s 10 Best Dark Pokemons

Dark type Pokemon are usually associated with evil acts, but there’s no denying that they’re powerful and exceptionally cool. Their personalities are shrouded in mystery and maintain a cold atmosphere; Dark type Pokemon have some of the most unique and diverse movesets. Their existence is undoubtedly crucial to the Pokemon universe, and their abilities make for a great battling and training experience. Here’s our list of the best 10 Dark type Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

Also Read: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s 10 Best Ice Pokemons

10. Umbreon

An Eeveelution that surprised the world when it was released because it could only evolve during the night since it needs the Moon’s aura. The ring on Umbreon’s forehead glows when exposed to the moonlight. This Pokemon is rare in the wild, and its dark fur helps it blend into the night. Umbreon is a great Pokemon for any Pokemon team because of its excellent bulk and great support. It can quickly punish strong offensive Pokemon and deal with its weaknesses because of its versatile moveset.

9. Meowscarada

Sprigatito was a fan favourite as soon as it was announced. Its final evolved form is nothing but impressive. Meowscarada carries a green flower that it uses with skilful misdirection and illusion to a flower bomb and other weapons. It is a proud Pokemon that enjoys attention and gets jealous if the attention is diverted from it. Meoscarada is a fast attacker and an excellent setter for any Pokemon team; It can create entry hazards and mess up the flow of the enemy team as quickly as it enters the battlefield. Meowscarada can effectively function as a late-game cleaner, especially with its Grass type STAB move Flower Trick.

8. Grimmsnarl

Grimmsnarl is a trickster powerhouse that uses its hair as muscle fibres to encase its body and increase its strength; It is strong enough to overpower a machamp. Grimmsnarl can usually be found in forests playing tricks and pranks on other Pokemon. This Dark type Pokemon has a solid defence and can perform amazingly as a shield for your team. While slow, it maintains its strength by setting up barriers for your team, effectively creating moments to take down the opponent team slowly. It can also Terrastalise into a Steel type, which boasts resistance to many other moves.

Related: Every Dinosaur Pokemon Guide: Prehistoric Poke-Pals

7. Kingambit

One of the strongest and most unexpected Pokemon introduced in the game, Kingambit takes a while to evolve from Bisharp; It is well worth the wait. Kingambit is a battle-hungry Pokemon that seeks strong foes and fights to obtain anything it desires; A Kingambit is the head of the Bisharp colonies and leads them to battle. It is the only Pokemon to learn Kowtow Cleave and functions as a heavy offensive tank. Its ability, “Supreme Overlord”, increases its speed while its allies face defeat, making it a threatening late-game Pokemon. Kingambit can potentially wipe out entire Pokemon teams, especially if it’s the last one.

6. Chen Pao

A legendary Pokemon and one of the most potent physical attackers in the game, Chen Pao is a Treasure of Ruin whose proper form is the broken sword hanging from its fangs. Chen Pao was given life from the hatred of those slain by the sword. Chen Pao is also known as the Sword of Ruin, and for a good reason, its excellent speed allows it to go first. Chen Pao’s Physical attacks can land One Hit KO to most Pokemon, especially with an active Swords Dance. Its ability, “Sword of Ruin”, adds fuel to the fire, lowering its opponent’s defence 0.75x times, making it a dangerous powerhouse.

5. Chi Yu

Another Legendary and Treasure of Ruin, Chi Yu’s body formed through its control of the flames surrounding it. Its true form is the beads it has for eyes; Chi Yu was said to be created by the envy of those who desired the beads so much that they started wars over them. Its scorching hot flames can turn rocks into lava. Chi Yu is a heavy offensive Pokemon with an ability similar to Chen Pao, creating a solid wall breaker and sweeper. It is a heavy special attacker that can threaten all in front of it.

4. Iron Jugulus

Iron Jugulus is a paradox Pokemon that resembles Hydreigon; Its origins are a mystery. The only thing known about it is that it is very aggressive and destroys the areas it walks through. Its head functions as an LED display, and its emotions are displayed through these lights. It is a strong Pokemon that utilises the item “Booster Energy” to increase its speed, becoming a threat on the battlefield. Iron Jugulis has good bulk and great stats, letting it stay in the battle and wreak havoc for a long time.

3. Tyranitar

Tyranitar is the most popular Pokemon that has maintained its dominance since its inception in Generation 2. It is a ruthless and uncaring Pokemon that ignores opponents it believes are not worth its time. Tyranitar is extremely dangerous, and if enraged, it can set off earthquakes decimating entire landscapes. It is a great offensive Pokemon with a versatile move pool, especially with its Rock Tera type creating engaging STAB moves for an even more extensive set of Pokemon. It is the perfect Pokemon for a bulky offensive team focusing on an all-out attacking build.

2. Hydreigon

A devastatingly powerful Pokemon that has dominated competitive play and Pokemon teams ever since it was introduced. Hydregion is a violent and destructive Pokemon that will start attacking anything it deems a foe. Its three mouths can rapidly devour anything and are believed to be highly intelligent. There are many stories of Hydregon destroying villages, but if you manage to get one of your team, its stats and movepool will give you a huge advantage against your opponents. It can easily exploit defences and capably manage speedy attackers making it one of the best Dark type Pokemon for your team.

1. Roaring Moon

One of the strongest Pokemon and the best Dark type Pokemon is Roaring Moon. A paradox Pokemon and the ancient form of Salamence, its insane stats and amazing abilities allow it to demolish any opponents in its wake. With the item “Booster Energy”, it becomes unstoppable; It can One Hit KO almost entire Pokemon teams, which is one of the reasons it was banned from competitive play. Roaring Moon can only be obtained after completing Pokemon Scarlet. If you ever run into it, you won’t return unscathed. It is a Pokemon that should be avoided at all costs, but if it’s on your team, get ready for a winning streak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Dark Type Pokemon Considered Evil?

It is a common misconception that Dark type Pokemon are considered evil, Dark type Pokemon embody darkness and have nocturno characteristics. Their nature forced ancient civilisations to associate them to taboo’s and disasters which is why they are considered evil. In actuality, Dark type Pokemon are tricksters and pranksters which are associated with misdeeds, it is also because of their clever nature and instincts. 

Are Dark Type Pokemon Common?

No, there are only 82 Dark type Pokemon and that is because of the increase in Dark type Pokemon in the new generations. Dark type Pokemon have been paired up with every other type at least once now. They are even rarer to find in the wild since most Dark type Pokemon are clever tricksters and nocturnal.

Who Is the Scariest Dark Type Pokemon?

Yvetal is a legendary Pokemon and it might be the scariest Dark type Pokemon you may ever encounter. If it spreads its wings and they glow red, it starts draining the life energy of living creatures around it, turning itself into a cocoon to be born again. This Pokemon will effectively use your life force to fuel itself, taking away your existence so it can survive.