Dark-type Pokemon weaknesses, resistances & best counters
If you're struggling to defeat a Dark-type Pokemon, we've got details of their weaknesses, resistances, and what they're super-effective against to help you out.
Dark-type Pokemon are cool, calm, and collected, which is exactly how you'll feel in battle once you know their weaknesses and the best counters to defeat them in no time at all.
Just like the creepy Ghost-types, it's not always easy to figure out what Dark-type Pokemon are weak against or resistant to. Whether you're facing off against a shifty Zoroark or a foreboding Absol, here's everything you need to know to beat them.
Dark-type Pokemon weaknesses
Dark-type Pokemon are typically weak to Bug-type, Fairy-type, and Fighting-type attacks.
Having said that, it's important to remember that dual-type Pokemon don't always have the weaknesses you expect them to have. For example, the Ghost/Dark-type Sableye is only vulnerable to Fairy-type attacks.
Dark-type Pokemon resistances
Dark-type Pokemon are usually resistant to Dark-type and Ghost-type attacks.
They are also immune to Psychic-type attacks, so there's no point trying to use those as they won't do any damage whatsoever.
What are Dark-types super effective against?
Dark-type Pokemon with Dark-type attacks will be super effective against Ghost-type and Psychic-type Pokemon.
The exception to this rule would be if your opponent's Pokemon has a secondary typing that cancels out this weakness, such as the Psychic/Fairy-type Gardevoir which takes normal damage from Dark-type attacks.
What are Dark-types not effective against?
Dark-type Pokemon with Dark-type attacks are not very effective against Dark-type, Fairy-type, and Fighting-type Pokemon. They can still deal a little bit of damage, but it won't be a lot.
Best counters to defeat Dark-type Pokemon
Some of the top counters you can use to defeat Dark-type Pokemon are Gardevoir, Sylveon, Pheromosa, Lucario, Volcarona, and Terrakion. Remember they'll need to have movesets that target your Dark-type opponent's weaknesses to be truly effective.
As always, the best counter to use will vary depending on the specific Pokemon you're fighting, which is especially true if they have a dual typing. For the most part, though, using a Bug-type, Fairy-type, or Fighting-type counter is a good idea.
That's everything you need to know about Dark-type Pokemon! Check out our roundup of all the events taking place this month as well as the upcoming Raid Boss schedule and the Spotlight Hour schedule.
About The Author
Daniel Megarry
Daniel is GGRecon’s Deputy Guides Editor. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism & English Language before covering video games and LGBTQ+ culture at publications including Gay Times and Dexerto. His favourite games include Pokemon, Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, and anything Nintendo. You can reach him on daniel.megarry@ggrecon.com.
