Type counters guide

Best Counters for Dark-type Pokémon

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Dark.

Dark
Dark type icon

Dark

Quick answer

Dark is best pressured by Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Best move types

Fighting×2Bug×2Fairy×2

Top weaknesses (3)

Fighting×2Bug×2Fairy×2

Type matchup table

Fighting type iconFighting2x
Bug type iconBug2x
Fairy type iconFairy2x
Normal type iconNormal1x
Fire type iconFire1x
Water type iconWater1x
Electric type iconElectric1x
Grass type iconGrass1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Poison type iconPoison1x
Ground type iconGround1x
Flying type iconFlying1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Dragon type iconDragon1x
Steel type iconSteel1x
Ghost type iconGhost0.5x
Dark type iconDark0.5x
Psychic type iconPsychic0x

Recommended practical counters

Togekiss Pokémon sprite

Togekiss

#0468

Bulky switch-inStrong special attacker
FairyFlying
  • Deals 2x damage with Fairy-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fairy-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Dark 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Solid mixed bulk improves switch-in safety
Best typeFairy×2

Safe into Dark 0.5x

120 offense · 80 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Fighting×2Bug×2Fairy×2

Move availability depends on game version and learnset data, so this page recommends move types rather than guaranteed moves.

Fighting type pageBug type pageFairy type page

What not to use

Psychic×0Ghost×0.5Dark×0.5

These attacking types are resisted or blocked by the defender's typing, so they are usually lower-priority choices unless they provide a special battle role.

Pokémon with Dark typing

Rattata-Alola Pokémon sprite

Rattata-Alola

DarkNormal
Raticate-Alola Pokémon sprite

Raticate-Alola

DarkNormal
Meowth-Alola Pokémon sprite

Meowth-Alola

Dark
Persian-Alola Pokémon sprite

Persian-Alola

Dark
Grimer-Alola Pokémon sprite

Grimer-Alola

PoisonDark
Muk-Alola Pokémon sprite

Muk-Alola

PoisonDark
Gyarados-Mega Pokémon sprite

Gyarados-Mega

WaterDark
Moltres-Galar Pokémon sprite

Moltres-Galar

DarkFlying
Umbreon Pokémon sprite

Umbreon

Dark

Battle caveats

  • This ranking uses modern Gen 6+ type matchups, STAB value, defensive switch-in safety, and base stats.
  • Abilities, held items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and format rules can change real battle outcomes.
  • Coverage moves can punish obvious counters, so treat this as type-based guidance rather than a full matchup simulator.
  • Move availability depends on game version and learnset data; this page recommends attacking types rather than guaranteed moves.

Related pages

Dark weakness chartDark PokémonFighting type pageBug type pageFairy type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Dark?

Dark is best countered by Pokémon that can use Fighting, Bug, and Fairy (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Dark STAB attacks. Because there is no 4x weakness, Speed, bulk, and offensive stats matter more when choosing the actual Pokémon.

What type is best against Dark?

Fighting, Bug, and Fairy are the strongest attacking types against Dark, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Dark super-effectively?

Dark has 3 super-effective attacking options: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Dark STAB attacks.

Are abilities included in this counter ranking?

No. The ranking uses base typing and base stats. Abilities, items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and special move rules can change the real matchup.

Does Terastallization change Dark counters?

Yes. Terastallization can replace the defensive typing used here, so the recommended counter types may change completely in formats where Tera is active.

What should I avoid using against Dark?

Avoid relying on Psychic, Ghost, and Dark attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

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