Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: The Best Dark-Type Pokemon

In Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, players return to the Sinnoh region, a vast region first introduced in Generation 4's original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. The Sinnoh region is full of powerful and iconic Pokemon that can aid players in their quest to become the Sinnoh region's champion.

Whether players are new to the Sinnoh region or are returning for the first time since the original games, they will be on the lookout for strong Pokemon to add to their team. There are some very powerful Dark-type Pokemon in Sinnoh. With their high Attack stats and complete immunity to Psychic-type moves, players will likely be looking to add this type to their team. Here are some of the best choices.

Updated May 11, 2022, by Tom Bowen: Dark-type Pokemon may have been one of the last types to be introduced to the series, but that's not at all to say that they don't still have their uses. They're Super Effective against both Psychic and Ghost-type Pokemon, while also boasting complete immunity when up against the former. Granted, like all types, they do have one or two weaknesses of their own, but when used correctly, a good Dark-type can make a massive difference to a player's team. These are the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.

12 Absol

Though Pokemon with multiple types can provide some additional versatility to a player's team, sometimes, a monotype Pokemon works best. Absol is one of very few pure Dark-type Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl and is a solid choice for those looking to add a Dark-type Pokemon to their lineup. The Pokemon excels as a physical attacker thanks to its high Attack stat and its access to moves like Night Slash and Sucker Punch.

One of the things that makes Absol such a solid choice is how early on in the games players are able to catch one. With a little bit of patience, they should be able to find a level 20 Absol on Route 213, which should be enough to hold them over until more powerful Dark-types become available much later on. Alternatively, players can find Absol in numerous areas of the Grand Underground, including the Spacious, Dazzling, and Grassland caves.

Absol's Stats:

HP: 65
Attack: 130
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 75
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 75
Total: 465

11 Cacturne

Cacturne is a Grass/Dark-type Pokemon, which gives it a 4x weakness to damage received from Bug-type attacks. It also has an immunity to Psychic-type moves though, which really comes in handy during battle. Cacturne has impressive Attack and Special Attack stats, allowing it to deal some serious damage to its opponents.

Cacturne evolves from Cacnea. Cacnea and Cacturne can both be found in the Grand Underground once players have access to the National Dex. Both can also be found earlier in the game, on Route 228, with Cacturne only spawning at night. Cacnea will evolve into Cacturne at level 32.

Cacturne's Stats:

HP: 70
Attack: 115
Special Attack: 115
Defense: 60
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 55
Total: 475

10 Skuntank (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)

Skuntank is a Poison/Dark-type Pokemon. This dual-typing is extremely beneficial, as it has no 4x damage weaknesses. In fact, Skuntank only has one weakness, Ground-type moves. It has a good Attack, as well as decent Speed and Special Attack, making it useful in battle.

Skuntank evolves from Stunky when the latter reaches level 34. Stunky and Skuntank are only available in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, with Stunky spawning in the wild on Route 206, Route 214, and Route 221. Skuntank can be found on Route 221 and Route 225, and both Pokemon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have the ability to use the Strength ability.

Skuntank's Stats:

HP: 103
Attack: 93
Special Attack: 71
Defense: 67
Special Defense: 61
Speed: 84
Total: 479

9 Shiftry (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)

Shiftry is a Grass/Dark-type Pokemon. Its dual-typing gives it a long list of weaknesses and resistances, with the extreme ends being a 4x damage weakness to Bug-type moves and Dark-type's immunity to Psychic moves. Shiftry has great Attack and Special Attack, making it a useful Pokemon to take into battle.

Shiftry is the final evolution of Seedot. Both Pokemon can be found in the Grand Underground once players have obtained the National Dex. Seedot evolves into Nuzleaf at level, 14 and into Shiftry once players use a Leaf Stone on it. Shiftry and its pre-evolutions are available only in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond.

Shiftry's Stats:

HP: 90
Attack: 100
Special Attack: 90
Defense: 60
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 80
Total: 480

8 Spiritomb

Spiritomb is a Ghost/Dark-type Pokemon, a dual-typing that gives it immunity not only to Psychic, but also to Normal and Fighting-type attacks as well. Spiritomb only has one weakness: Fairy-type moves. It has nice Attack and Special Attack, and decent defense stats on top of that.

Spiritomb does not have any pre-evolutions and does not evolve. It is obtained in a bit of a strange way compared to most Pokemon. To get Spiritomb, players must first use an Odd Keystone on the Hallowed Tower on Route 209. Players must then speak to 32 people in the Grand Underground, and then return to the Hallowed Tower to encounter Spiritomb.

Spiritomb's Stats:

HP: 50
Attack: 92
Special Attack: 92
Defense: 108
Special Defense: 108
Speed: 35
Total: 485

7 Drapion

Drapion is another Pokemon with another useful dual-typing. As a Poison/Dark-type, Drapion, like Skuntank, only has one weakness in Ground-type moves. Drapion has decent stats across the board, with the highlight being its Attack stat.

Drapion evolves from Skorupi, which can be found in the Grand Underground. Both Skorupi and an already-evolved Drapion can also be found in Great Marsh. Skorupi will evolve into Drapion at level 40. This is a high-level evolution, but never fear — since the game's Exp. Share system is always turned on, leveling up Pokemon is pretty quick.

Drapion's Stats:

HP: 70
Attack: 90
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 110
Special Defense: 75
Speed: 95
Total: 500

6 Houndoom

Houndoom is a Dark/Fire-type Pokemon with a handful of weaknesses, but a longer list of resistances. Houndoom has a great Attack stat and even better Special Attack, which makes it a real threat in battle.

Houndoom evolves from Houndour. Houndoom can be found already evolved in the Grand Underground, and also on Route 214 and Route 215. If players do get ahold of Houndour first, it will evolve into Houndoom at level 24.

Houndoom's Stats:

HP: 75
Attack: 90
Special Attack: 110
Defense: 50
Special Defense: 80
Speed: 95
Total: 500

5 Honchkrow (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)

Honchkrow is a Dark/Flying-type Pokemon, which gives it two immunities to Psychic and Ground-type moves. Honchkrow has fantastic Attack and Special Attack stats, making it a great offensive Pokemon. Honchkrow also has great options for Dark-type moves like Dark Pulse, Night Slash, and Foul Play.

Honchkrow evolves from Murkrow, and is only available in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond. Murkrow can be found in Brilliant Diamond'sGrand Underground, the Eterna Forest, or Lost Tower. It will evolve into Honchkrow with the use of a Dusk Stone.

Honchkrow's Stats:

HP: 100
Attack: 125
Special Attack: 105
Defense: 52
Special Defense: 52
Speed: 71
Total: 505

4 Weavile

Weavile is a Dark/Ice-type Pokemon, whose biggest downside is that its dual-typing gives it a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves. Weavile does have good stats, the highlights of which are its Attack stat and Speed stat, allowing it to outpace many opponents and pack a real punch with its hits.

Weavile evolves from Sneasel, which can be found on Route 216, Route 217, Lake Acuity, and Snowpoint Temple. Sneasel can also be found in the Grand Underground once players have their 7th gym badge. Sneasel will evolve into Weavile when leveled up while holding a Razor Claw at night time.

Weavile's Stats:

HP: 70
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 45
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 125
Total: 510

3 Umbreon

Pokemon Umbreon Standing against green background

Umbreon is a pure Dark-type Pokemon, giving it only three weaknesses: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type Pokemon. Umbreon is a defense-heavy Pokemon. With high Defense and Special Defense stats, it can take many hits in battle.

Umbreon evolves from the iconic Eevee, which can be found in Trophy Garden. Eevee will evolve into Umbreon when leveled up at night with high Friendship.

Umbreon's Stats:

HP: 95
Attack: 65
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 110
Special Defense: 130
Speed: 65
Total: 525

2 Tyranitar (Brilliant Diamond Exclusive)

Pokemon Tyranitar standing against rocky background

Tyranitar is a Rock/Dark-type Pokemon with a long list of weaknesses and resistances, with the highlights being its 4x weakness to Fighting-type damage and the immunity to Psychic-type damage. Tyranitar has ridiculously great stats, with massive Attack as well as high Defense and Special Attack. There are few Pokemon that can easily take on a leveled-up Tyranitar.

Tyranitar is exclusive to Brilliant Diamond and evolves from Larvitar. Larvitar can be found on Route 207 using the Poke Radar, and both Larvitar and its second evolution, Pupitar, can be found in the Grand Underground. Larvitar will evolve into Pupitar at level 30, and into Tyranitar at level 55.

Tyranitar's Stats:

HP: 100
Attack: 134
Special Attack: 95
Defense: 110
Special Defense: 100
Speed: 61
Total: 600

1 Darkrai

Like Umbreon, Darkrai is a pure Dark-type Pokemon, meaning that it only has three weaknesses. This bodes well, as it's a little lacking in the defensive departments, though this may not matter thanks to the Pokemon's fantastic Special Attack stat and high speed. This, together with its monstrous base stat total (which stands at a mighty 600 thanks to the Pokemon's Mythical status) makes Darkrai one of the very best Dark-type Pokemon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.

Sadly, Darkrai can only be caught as part of a special event, which ended at the end of April 2022. Though the event will almost certainly be repeated at some point, there's no telling when exactly that will be, meaning that those who missed it can only wait and see. On the plus side, having Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl save data on one's Switch will allow players to catch Darkrai in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which should serve as some slight consolation.