Pokemon GO: 8 Best Dark-Type Pokemon

Here is a list of what we think are the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, including their best movesets.

Pokemon GO 8 Best Dark-type Pokemon
Here is a list of the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO. (Image via TPC)

If you are building a team of the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon Go, there is a lot to consider. You can’t just rely on bringing in the ones with the highest stats in the game. This is because some of these high-CP and Attack Pokemon are Shadows, which also have a downside of having reduced defenses.

On top of that, you should also consider if you want a pure Dark-type or a hybrid of other types for more flexibility. However, keep in mind that some type combinations can make a Pokemon extremely weak to other types. To help you, here is our list of the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon Go.

8 Best Dark-Type Pokemon in Pokemon GO

1. Mega Tyranitar

Pokemon GO - Mega Tyranitar
Pokemon GO – Mega Tyranitar (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Rock and Dark
  • Strengths: Incredible bulk, strong moves, raid boss slayer
  • Weakness: Fighting, Bug, Fairy, Grass, Ground, Steel, and Water
  • Best Moveset: Bite and Brutal Swing

Mega Tyranitar is an absolute tank. With monstrous stats and access to moves like Bite, Brutal Swing, and Crunch, it dominates in raid battles against Psychic and Ghost bosses. It also doubles as a Rock-type attacker, giving it flexibility in team composition. While it’s not the fastest attacker, its survivability lets it deal consistent damage over time.

2. Mega Absol

Pokemon GO - Mega Absol
Pokemon GO – Mega Absol (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark
  • Strengths: High DPS, stylish, and sleek
  • Weakness: Bug, Fairy, and Fighting
  • Best Moveset: Snarl and Brutal Swing

Mega Absol is all about burst damage. It has one of the highest Attack stats among Dark-types. However, this Pokemon is outclassed by other attackers in a Raid setting. With Snarl and Payback or Dark Pulse, it can deal impressive damage, though it’s glassy and should be used strategically to avoid early knockouts.

3. Mega Houndoom

Pokemon GO - Mega Houndoom
Pokemon GO – Mega Houndoom (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark and Fire
  • Strengths: Dual-type utility, solid all-around performance
  • Weakness: Fighting, Ground, Rock, and Water
  • Best Moveset: Snarl and Foul Play

Mega Houndoom is a fan favorite for a reason. It not only dishes out strong Dark-type damage but also provides valuable Fire-type coverage. With Snarl and Foul Play, it fits into a variety of raid teams and can also help against Ice and Grass-type threats with its Fire moves. It’s one of the more well-rounded Mega Evolutions in the Dark-type pool.

4. Mega Gyarados

Pokemon GO - Mega Gyarados
Pokemon GO – Mega Gyarados (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Water and Dark
  • Strengths: Tanky, flexible, great for raids
  • Weakness: Bug, Electric, Fairy, Fighting, and Grass
  • Best Moveset: Bite and Hydro Pump

Mega Gyarados may not have started out as a Dark-type, but its Mega form gives it excellent Dark-type coverage combined with the bulk and typing to take hits. With Bite and Crunch, it becomes a raid workhorse, which is particularly good when you want a Dark-type that doesn’t fold easily under pressure. Plus, its access to Water moves gives it extra value in many matchups.

5. Hydreigon

Pokemon GO - Hydreigon
Pokemon GO – Hydreigon (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark and Dragon
  • Strengths: Community Day moves, top-tier raid damage
  • Weakness: Bug, Dragon, Fighting, and Ice
  • Best Moveset: Bite and Brutal Swing

Hydreigon became a top-tier Dark-type attacker the moment it got access to Brutal Swing, its exclusive Community Day move. Combined with Bite, it puts out some of the best Dark-type DPS in the game. It’s especially effective in raid battles and decent in PvP formats when given the right support.

6. Shadow Weavile

Pokemon GO - Shadow Weavile
Pokemon GO – Shadow Weavile (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark and Ice
  • Strengths: Extremely high DPS, strong raid pick
  • Weakness: Bug, Fairy, Fire, Rock, and Steel
  • Best Moveset: Snarl and Avalanche

Shadow Weavile is fragile but lethal. Its high Attack stat, paired with the Shadow bonus, allows it to obliterate Psychic and Ghost-type bosses in record time. With Snarl or Feint Attack and Foul Play, it’s one of the fastest Dark-type attackers available, though you’ll need to protect it because of its paper-thin defenses due to the effects of being a Shadow Pokemon.

7. Darkrai

Pokemon GO - Darkrai
Pokemon GO – Darkrai (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark
  • Strengths: Legendary damage dealer, raid-focused
  • Weakness: Bug, Fairy, and Fighting
  • Best Moveset: Snarl and Shadow Ball

Darkrai is often considered one of the best pure Dark-types in Pokémon GO. With Snarl and Shadow Ball or Dark Pulse, it’s a staple in any raid team that’s facing Psychic or Ghost bosses. It’s not usable in PvP (due to its mythical status), but its PvE power more than makes up for that.

8. Yveltal

Pokemon GO - Yveltal
Pokemon GO – Yveltal (Image via TPC)
  • Type: Dark/Flying
  • Strengths: PvP viability, strong in raids, excellent design
  • Weakness: Electric, Fairy, Ice, and Rock
  • Best Moveset: Snarl and Oblivion Wing

Yveltal offers a great combination of bulk, power, and flexibility. In raids, it performs well with Snarl and Dark Pulse. For PvP content, it shines with access to Focus Blast and Hurricane for coverage. It’s also one of the coolest-looking Dark-types out there, making it a fan favorite for both form and function.


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