Generation II's introduction of the Dark-type dramatically changed Pokémon forever, serving as a counter to the incredible Psychic-type. Since then, the Dark-type has continued to be strong, with many Pokémon boasting a combination of Dark and another type. These dual-type Pocket Monsters can give a boost to a playthrough team, helping players in challenging battles.
Some of the strongest dual-type Dark Pokémon are only accessible through post-game adventures, in specific games, or from events. If players can obtain one, though, they can gain an advantage in the main series games. With some of the best dual-type Dark Pokémon on a team, a trainer can be unstoppable.
Galarian Moltres
When it comes to the strongest Galar Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, Galarian Moltres ranks somewhere in the middle, but it is still fantastic on of being a Legendary. Though its Attack stat is not exceptional by these standards, its Special Attack is more capable.
Using its relatively high Speed, Moltres can often strike before opponents, although its offensive stats keep it from consistently knocking enemies out in one strike. Where Moltres truly shines is in its Special Defense, which can keep the Pokémon in the battle for long periods. Its Defense is not as high, but it is still reasonable, and Moltres's decent HP gives it acceptable bulk.
Mega Houndoom
Unlike Galarian Moltres, Mega Houndoom's greatest strength is its offensive capabilities. Its Speed stat is high, and its Special Attack stat is fantastic, allowing the Pokémon to capitalize on attacking first. Mega Houndoom is not the most defensively capable of all Mega Evolved Pokémon, but its bulk is usually enough to allow it to withstand a strike or two.
Mega Houndoom's lack of any extreme vulnerabilities also helps it defensively. In its base form, Houndoom is still capable, but it would likely not be among the strongest dual-type Dark Pokémon, making its Mega Evolution a welcome upgrade.
Mega Tyranitar
Not only is it one of the best-designed Mega Evolutions, but Mega Tyranitar is also an exceptional combatant. With a monstrous Attack stat, Mega Tyranitar strikes fear into those it faces, which is also aided by the fact that its solid HP, high Special Defense, and stellar Defense keep it from going down easily.
Unfortunately, Mega Tyranitar has seven type weaknesses, one of which is Fighting, an extreme vulnerability for the Rock/Dark Pokémon, but its fantastic bulk usually keeps it in the battle for a reasonable amount of time regardless of the matchup.
Yveltal
The box art Legendary for Pokémon Y lives up to its status and terrifying appearance. Its worst stats are its Defense and Special Defense, but even these are capable, and because of its high HP, Yveltal can usually take several attacks before going down.
On the offensive side, Yveltal is exceptional. Both its Attack and Special Attack share the same fantastic stat value, giving the Dark/Flying-type options to deal with specific matchups. In addition, its Ability, Dark Aura, boosts the power of Dark-type moves for all Pokémon in the battle, further buffing Yveltal.
Zarude
As the only Mythical in Sword & Shield, Zarude had a lot of expectations to meet, and for the most part, it delivered. It is fast, and its Attack stat is very high. As such, it can use Physical moves well, and its level-up move pool offers several useful coverage options that use this stat. However, only a few of these options have the typing of either Dark or Grass, keeping Zarude from having a Same Type Attack Bonus on many of its attacks.
It can gain other moves through different means though, so trainers have options. Furthermore, Zarude has good bulk, but it has seven type weaknesses, one of which is an extreme vulnerability. But if Zarude has a proper matchup, it can be incredible.
Mega Gyarados
Through Mega Evolution, Gyarados changes from a Water/Flying-type to a Water/Dark-type and trades in its two type weaknesses, one of which is an extreme vulnerability, for five type weaknesses, none of which are extreme vulnerabilities. This tradeoff may be frowned upon by some, but Mega Gyarados's boost in strength makes it worth it.
With a massive Attack stat, the beast can defeat many opponents with one hit, and its defensive stats allow it to receive extensive damage as well. Gyarados, in its base form, is already one of the strongest Pokémon from the Kanto region, and its Mega Evolution gives it opportunities to excel even more.
Ash-Greninja
If a Greninja has the event-exclusive Ability, Battle Bond, it can transform into Ash-Greninja after knocking out another Pokémon in battle. This form has incredibly boosted offensive stats and Speed, which make it into an exceptional glass cannon.
Both its Attack and Special Attack are massive, so Ash-Greninja can often defeat opponents easily. If it cannot, however, it can be in trouble because of its less impressive defensive stats and HP. Trainers rarely have to worry about this due to its offensive capabilities though.
Hydreigon
The Generation V pseudo-Legendary Hydreigon boasts a fairly well-rounded stat spread, but more emphasis is placed on its offensive stats. With a solid Speed stat, Hydreigon can often move before opponents and utilize its high Special Attack to decent effect.
As a Dark/Dragon-type, Hydreigon has five type weaknesses, one of which is an extreme vulnerability. This can be troublesome, but the Pokémon's capable bulk lets it withstand a fair amount of damage before fainting. Access to some great attacks like Outrage and Crunch gives it solid options with a Same Type Attack Bonus, granting it more offensive viability.
Hoopa Unbound
In its Unbound form, Hoopa gains a massive boost to both its offensive stats. As a result, it is a terrifying attacker. It can also use a variety of stellar attacks, including its signature move, Hyperspace Fury, which is one of the most powerful Dark moves in Pokémon.
Unfortunately, Hoopa Unbound, while decently fast, does not always move faster than opponents, and its Defense stat can cause it some problems. However, when facing Special attackers, it can manage because this defensive stat is much more viable.
Mega Sharpedo
If Mega Sharpedo is hit once, it can be in trouble. Its HP, Defense, and Special Defense are all less than irable. However, much of the time, Mega Sharpedo does not need to worry about defending. It can out-speed a large number of enemies, and both its Attack and Special Attack are often high enough to get the job done. This is especially true of its Physical side, which is rather impressive.
Furthermore, Mega Sharpedo has the Ability, Strong Jaw, which significantly boosts the power of biting moves, of which the Pokémon has plenty. This turns it into an offensive powerhouse.
