Dark Type Pokemon are among the most intriguing, due to their sometimes mischievous and sometimes sinister personalities.
The 15 I have selected for this article have been trained, sighted, researched, hatched, collected, captured, or battled. In addition, the best does not only refer to battle (although many of them are formidable fighters) but are also included for interest, potential, shininess, strength, and uniqueness. Beware and enjoy learning about these spooky pocket monsters!
15. Absol (Dark)
Not a disaster in combat!
Absol, also known as the Disaster Pokemon, is a Gen 3 pocket monster that hails from the mountains in the Hoenn region. The Pokedex states that “every time Absol appears before people, it is followed by a disaster such as an earthquake or a tidal wave.” Despite its reputation, Absol is a cool Pokemon to have in one’s collection. (I have two!) Read on to find out why, but from a safe distance, of course!
What Absol Excels In
- Absol Excels in Offense with a score of 246. (Offense tends to be a strength of some dark type Pokemon.)
- Best movesets for Absol are Dark Pulse, Psycho Cut, and Snarl. Dark Pulse defeated two Pokemon in a recent trainer battle.
- It is Resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic attacks.
Pokemon details
- Absol is a lone Pokemon; it does not evolve from or into another form.
- Absol is also boosted in foggy weather conditions.
- It is only weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting moves.
- This pocket monster can be regular or shiny and is listed as #359 in the Pokedex.
How to get Absol
- Absol is rarely seen in the wild. If found, there is a 50% catch rate.
- My Absol was hatched in May 2020.
- This Pokemon is considered as extremely rare: they can be also hatched from 10 km eggs.
14. Honchkrow (Dark/Flying)
The boss monster!
Honchkrow is a dual type Gen 4 pocket monster that flew in from the Sinnoh region. This Pokemon, known as the Big Boss Pokemon, is the master of delegation, as it has its Murkrow followers do most of the dirty work. Honchkrow can be quite the diva and cannot stand to get its feathers sullied, so it spends a lot of time preening. Read on to find out more about the rough and high-maintenance Pokemon!
What Honchkrow Excels In
- Best movesets for Honchkrow are Snarl and Sky Attack. The Psychic move is used in trainer battles.
- Honchkrow’s Offense and Stamina stats remain strong with scores of 243 and 225, respectively.
- Maximum CP for Honchkrow is 2711, so it is good to use Honchkrow in trainer battles with CP over 2500.
Pokemon details
- Honchkrow fares well in trainer battles and is boosted by fog and windy weather.
- It evolves from Murkrow, which is a Gen II Pokemon (#198); Honchkrow is listed as #430 in the Pokedex.
- This Pokemon can be captured as regular or shiny. (I would love to add a shiny Honchkrow to my Pokedex!)
How to get Honchkrow
- Honchkrow is rare to find in the wild with a 10% capture rate, but it can be caught with luck, patience, and a lot of berries!
- The best way to get Honchkrow would be to evolve Murkrow with 100 Candy. (Murkrow is easily found in the wild.)
- The Sinnoh Stone is also needed to evolve Murkrow. Some ways to obtain the coveted stone include defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders, receiving gifts from friends, or visiting Pokestops (especially on the seventh day). I also received a Sinnoh Stone after winning two trainer battles!
13. Houndoom (Dark/Fire)
Ain't nothing but a Houndoom!
Houndoom, known as the Dark Pokemon, is a scrappy dual type Dark and Fire Pokemon. A Gen 2 pocket monster, Houndoom stems from the Johto region. These Pokemon are very competitive and fight among themselves for the “top dog” status in the pack. Read on to find out more about these ferocious Pokemon!
What Houndoom Excels In
- Best movesets in Offense are Fire Fang and Foul Play. Foul Play works well in trainer battles. In defense, Houndoom prefers Snarl and Crunch.
- Like many Dark-Type Pokemon, Houndoom has a high Offensive score of 224.
- Maximum CP for Houndoom is 2,635; Houndoom is great to use in trainer battles or gyms.
Pokemon details
- Houndoom loves fog and sun and is boosted by these weather conditions.
- Houndoom is listed as #229 in the Pokedex; it is also the evolved version of Houndour (#228).
- The main drawback to using a dual type Pokemon in battle is that they tend to have more vulnerabilities. Houndoom is vulnerable to fighting, ground, rock, and water attacks.
How to get Houndoom
- Houndoom can be evolved with 50 Houndour candy.
- It is rare but possible to catch Houndoom in the wild; I caught mine in the wild in 2017. Be sure to bring plenty of berries because there is a 15% capture rate.
- Spawn locations include dry climates and neighborhoods. Happy Houndoom hunting!
12. Houndour (Dark/Fire)
A scrappy puppy!
Although Hondour is the puppy version of Houndoom, it can hold its own in battle! Like Houndoom, Hondour is a Gen 2 dark and fire type pocket monster from the Johto region. Also, like Houndoom, Houndour is known as the Dark Pokemon. However, possibly like other types of puppies, Houndoom prefers collaboration over competition for survival in the pack. Read more to find out about the cute and communicative Pokemon!
What Houndour Excels In
- Best movesets are Feint Attack and Flamethrower.
- Houndour’s strongest suit in combat is Offense with 152.
- The maximum CP (Combat Power) for Houndour is 1234.
Pokemon Details
- Houndour is boosted by fog and sunny weather conditions.
- This Pokemon is listed as #228 in the Pokedex and is the unevolved version of Houndoom.
- Vulnerable to fighting, ground, rock, and water type moves.
How to get Houndour
- Houndour is not common but is easy to catch with a 40% capture rate.
- Spawn Locations for Houndour consist of beaches and parks!
- These pocket monsters can be normal or shiny; they are also worth it to capture so they can be evolved into Houndoom!
11. Meowth (Dark)
The Alola Form of Meowth, a dark and shiny Pokemon, clawed its way into the Pokemon universe from the Kanto (Gen 1) region. Also known as the Scratch Cat Pokemon, Meowth is popular in the Pokemon GO universe. It is stealthy and loves shiny objects—particularly coins. Read on to find out more about this unique form of Meowth!
What Meowth Excels In- Although combat stats are not the highest, Meowth is fun to use in trainer battles for Pokemon under 1,500 CP.
- Best movesets for Meowth in offense are Bite and Foul Play and Bite and Night Slash for defense.
- Meowth is resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic attacks.
- Since this is the Alola and shiny version of Meowth, it is more of a unique Pokemon to collect and use as a walking buddy then to use in battle.
Pokemon details
- Both Alolan (blue) and Normal (tan) forms of Meowth are listed as #52; Persian is the evolved form of Meowth and is listed at #53 in the Pokedex.
- Meowth is vulnerable to bug, fairy, and fighting moves.
- This pocket monster loves the fog and is boosted by foggy weather conditions!
How to get Meowth
- Cats and books tend to go together, so Meowth can be found near businesses, libraries, and schools.
- I caught my Alolan Meowth in April 2020. There was a Shiny Pokemon GO Event happening in April, so keep an eye out for future ones!
- The normal forms of Meowth are easy to catch in the wild. I believe the Alolan forms are trickier to find and catch.
10. Mightyena (Dark)
This pocket monster’s bite is much worse than its bark! Mightyena is a Gen 3 Pokemon that stems from the Hoenn region. Also known as the Bite Pokemon, Mightyena is fierce but fair as it will warn opponents before attacking. Read on (with caution) to find out more about Mightyena!
What Mightyena Excels In
- Best movesets for Mightyena are Bite, Fire Fang, and Play Rough.
- Resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic attacks.
- The highest CP for Mightyena is 1926; Stamina is 172 followed by Offense at 171.
Pokemon details
- Mightyena is boosted by foggy weather conditions.
- Mightyena’s only vulnerabilities are Bug, Fairy, and Fighting attacks.
- This Pokemon is listed as #262 in the Pokedex; it is the evolved version of Poochyena (#261). Both Pokemon can be normal or shiny.
How to get Mightyena
- I captured my Mightyena in the wild in May 2020, so it can be caught in the wild.
- Mightyena can be evolved with 50 Poochyena Candy.
- Research shows that Spawn Locations include “Places of Interest”.
9. Murkrow (Dark/Flying)
Murkrow is an odd-looking and seemingly harmless Pokemon. However, this Gen 2 pocket monster from the Johto region is not benign. Also known as the Darkness Pokemon, Murkrow is attracted to and likes to steal shiny objects. According to the Pokedex, Murkrow is “the alleged bearer of ill fortune.” Keep reading to learn more about Murkrow!
What Murkrow Excels In
- Best movesets are Feint Attack and Foul Play.
- Highest CP for Murkrow is 1,562; Offense is best at 175.
- Resistant to Dark, Ghost, Grass, Ground, and Psychic Attacks.
Pokemon details
- In the Pokedex, Murkrow is listed as #198; it is the unevolved (but not insignificant) version of Honchkrow.
- Murkrow are boosted by foggy and windy weather conditions!
- This Pokemon can be captured as regular or shiny.
- Vulnerabilities include Electric, Fairy, Ice, and Rock Attacks. (Not too terrible for a dual-type Pokemon.)
How to get Murkrow
- Murkrow are considered as common to find and catch, but since there is a 20% capture rate and a 10% flee rate (it is a bird, after all), be prepared to use a lot of berries to catch it.
- Spawn locations for Murkrow include “Places of Interest”. I have seen Murkrow after dark and when I am out walking in my neighborhood. They are not hard to find.
- This Pokemon tends to be overlooked and underrated, but the potential of evolving Murkrow to Honchkrow, who is a much stronger Pokemon, is worth catching and saving.
8. Nuzleaf (Grass/Dark)
Nuzleaf is an interesting dual type combination of Dark and Grass Pokemon! Also known as the Wily Pokemon, Nuzleaf could be referred to as the Introvert Pokemon because it resides in the forest and pranks those who visit. This Generation 3 pocket monster sprouted from the Hoenn region. Read on to learn more about the elusive and wily pocket monster!
What Nuzleaf Excels In
- Best movesets for Nuzleaf are Feint Attack, Grass Knot, and Razor Leaf.
- The Highest CP for Nuzleaf is 1117; Stamina is the highest in combat at 140.
- Nuzleaf is resistant to Dark, Electric, Ghost, Grass, Ground, Psychic, and Water Attacks.
Pokemon details
- Can be Normal or Shiny: I am fortunate to have captured one of each type!
- Nuzleaf is listed as #274 in the Pokedex; it is the first evolution Pokemon between Seedot (#273) and Shiftry (#275).
- Vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Ice, Poison, and Psychic Attacks. (That is the downside of having a dual type Pokemon.)
How to get Nuzleaf
- Anywhere there is greenery, you can find Nuzleaf there. Spawn locations include but are not limited to golf courses, grassy areas, hiking trails, meadows, and parks.
- Nuzleaf can be evolved with 25 Seedot Candy; it cannot be hatched.
7. Persian (Dark)
Persian Pokemon are considered as the Classy Cat Pokemon based on their elegance, stature, wealth, and roundness of their faces. A true original, Persian derive from the Gen 1 Kanto region and are beautiful and interesting pocket monsters. Read on to discover more about these pampered Pokemon!
What Persian Excels In
- Best Movesets for Persian are Feint Attack, Foul Play, and Scratch.
- Maximum CP for Persian is 1771; the highest stat in combat is Stamina at 163.
- Resistant to only three types of attacks: Dark, Ghost, and Psychic.
Pokemon details
- Boosted by partly cloudy weather; I could not imagine Persian (or most kitties) thriving in rainy conditions!
- Listed as #53 in the Pokedex and evolves from Meowth (#52).
- Persian can be Normal or Shiny; I have one of each!
- Persian is only vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting Attacks.
- Can be evolved from Meowth with 50 Candy.
- I hatched the Alola form of Persian back in 2018.
- Spawn locations include but are not limited to businesses, libraries, schools, and universities. (I think of bookstore cats!)
6. Poochyena (Dark)
Poochyena, also known as the Bite Pokemon, is a Gen 3 pocket monster that derives from the Hoenn region. It likes to bite and chew on anything, but Poochyena is the puppy version of Mightyena, so it is understandable. Read more to find out why Poochyena is a good Pokemon to have in your collection
What Poochyena Excels In
- Best movesets for Poochyena are Crunch and Snarl.
- Poochyena has a CP of 678 and the best combat stat is Stamina with 111.
- Resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic attacks.
Pokemon details
- Boosted in foggy weather conditions.
- It is only weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting moves.
- Poochyena is listed as #261 in the Pokedex; it is the unevolved version of Mightyena (#262).
- This Pokemon can be Normal or Shiny.
How to get Poochyena
- Can be captured in the wild or hatched with a 2KM egg.
- My Poochyena was captured in March of 2018.
5. Raticate (Dark/Normal)
Raticate is one of the oldest pocket monsters in the Pokemon GO universe; it is a Gen 1 Pokemon listed as #20 in the Kanto region. Known as the Mouse Pokemon, Raticate is known for its extremely long fangs. As a result, Raticate will chew on anything to keep them shortened. Read on to find out more about this gnawing pocket monster!
What Raticate Excels In
- Best movesets for Raticate are Bite, Crunch, and Hyper Fang. (Ouch!)
- Maximum CP for Raticate is 1705; best stat is Stamina at 181.
- Raticate is resistant to Dark, Ghost, and Psychic attacks.
Pokemon details
- Boosted by partly cloudy weather conditions.
- Listed as #20 in the Pokedex; Raticate evolves from Rattata (#19).
- Only vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting Attacks. That is not bad for a dual type Pokemon!
How to get Raticate
- My Alola Raticate was captured in April 2020. There was a Shiny Pokemon GO event happening.
- Raticate itself is not hard to find and has a 20% capture rate; the Alola versions of Pokemon are rare to find, but there are always fun Pokemon GO events happening throughout the year!
4. Sableye (Dark/Ghost)
Sableye, a Gen 3 Pokemon, emerged from the dark caves of the Hoenn region. They are considered as loners and spirit stealers to those who gaze into the eyes of these rock-eating and soul-sucking pocket monsters. Read on cautiously about this fascinating Pokemon!
What Sableye Excels In
- Best movesets for Sableye are Shadow Claw and Foul Play.
- Sableye is resistant to Fighting, Normal, Poison, and Psychic Attacks.
- The maximum CP for Sableye is 1476; In combat, Offense is the best at 141.
Pokemon details
- Sableye is a lone Pokemon and has no evolutions; it can be Normal or Shiny.
- Sableye is only vulnerable to Fairy Attacks!
- This Pokemon is boosted by foggy weather conditions.
How to get Sableye
- Sableye is not too difficult to catch. According to my Pokedex, I have seen ten and captured seven of them.
- This Pokemon likes to lurk around churches and residential neighborhoods.
3. Shiftry (Grass/Dark)
Shiftry, also known as the Wicked Pokemon, is a Gen 3 pocket monster that emerged from the deep forests in the Hoenn region. When disturbed, the elusive and quiet Shiftry is also known to create large gusts of wind. Read on to find out more about the highest evolved member of the Shiftry family!
What Shiftry Excels In
- In combat, Stamina is best with 207 with Offense close behind at 200.
- The Maximum CP for Shiftry is 2333, which is significant in trainer battles.
- Resistant to several types of attacks: Dark, Electric, Ghost, Grass, Ground, Psychic, and Water!
- Shiftry’s best movesets are Feint Attack and Leaf Blade.
Pokemon details
- Listed as #275 in the Pokedex, after Nuzleaf (#274), and Seedot (#273).
- Shiftry is boosted by foggy and sunny weather conditions.
- This Pokemon is vulnerable to Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Flying, Ice, and Poison attacks.
How to get Shiftry
- The best way to get Shiftry is to evolve Nuzleaf with 100 Candy and use a Leaf Stone.
- Spawn locations include golf courses, grasslands, hiking trails, nature preserves, and woodland areas.
2. Sneasel (Dark/Ice)
Pop goes the Sneasel!
Sneasel is known as the Sharp Claw Pokemon! this egg-stealing, bark-climbing predator is a Gen 2 pocket monster that derives from the Johto region. Read on to discover more about this fierce dual type unevolved Pokemon!
What Sneasel Excels In
- Best movesets for Sneasel are Avalanche, Feint Attack, and Foul Play.
- Maximum CP for Sneasel is 2051; that is high for an unevolved Pokemon and quite useful when in trainer battles!
- Sneasel is strong against Dark, Ghost, Ice, and Psychic attacks!
Pokemon details
- Sneasel is listed as #215 in the Pokedex; it is the unevolved form of Weavile (#461).
- This is a great Pokemon to have if you live in a cold climate: it is boosted by fog and snow!
- As a typical Dual Type Pokemon, Sneasel is vulnerable to several types of attacks: Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Rock, and Steel.
How to get Sneasel
- Although considered as rare in the wild, Sneasel can be easily hatched with 5 KM eggs.
- Bring lots of berries to entice Sneasel, as it has a 20% capture rate and a 7% flee rate.
- Spawn locations include grass, snow, and water.
1. Weavile (Dark/Ice)
Last but certainly not least, Weavile both ends and tops the list of best Dark Type Pokemon. Like Sneasel, Weavile is also known as The Sharp Claw Pokemon. It is rumored that you can get frostbite if you are clawed by Weavile! Weavile is a Gen 4 Pokemon that originates from the Hoenn region. Read on to find out more about this formidable Pokemon!
What Weavile Excels In
- Combat stats are good, especially in Offense at 243. This is a Pokemon you want to have in your Pokedex for battle!
- The maximum CP for Weavile is among the highest that I have seen at 3005!
- Only resistant to Dark, Ghost, Ice, and Psychic Attacks.
- The strongest movesets include Avalanche, Feint Attack, and Snarl.
Pokemon details
- Weavile loves winter, as it is boosted by fog and snow.
- Weavile is listed as #461 in the Pokedex; it is the evolved version of Sneasel.
- Vulnerabilities include Bug, Fairy, Fire, Fighting, Steel, and Rock.
How to get Weavile
- The easiest way to get Weavile is to evolve Sneasel with 50 Candy.
- Sneasel is common to find and capture in the wild.
- Spawn locations for Weavile include any body of water.
