Highlights

• Hattrem, a Psychic-type Pokémon, has the ability to emit powerful psychic energy that can cause intense headaches to deter others from approaching. Its presence may not be as harmless as it appears.
• Milcery, known for its cream topping, has cream that is packed with ultranutrients. When it evolves into Alcremie, the flavor of its cream changes. Its seemingly innocent appearance hides its unique and potentially surprising abilities.
• Cofagrigus, a Ghost-type Pokémon, has a dark ability. It has been rumored that it swallows those who come too close to its mouth and turns them into mummies. Approach with caution, as it may not be what it seems.

While the world of Pokemon is most well known for its adorable electric mouse mascot, Pikachu, the Pokedex is home to a number of unexpectedly dark entries that add depth to its seemingly colorful and fun world by highlighting the cruelty and horror of the series.

From stealing souls to committing acts of violence for violence’s sake, some Pokemon naturally wreak havoc on the world around them, leading many to their doom. Still, whether their actions are intentional or not, trainers may want to think twice about adding these Pokemon to their team after realizing what they are capable of outside of battle.

Updated on 9 February 2024, by Ben Painter: With over 1000 Pokemon now in the franchise, each of these has its own unique Pokedex entry, which gives some background on the Pokemon. There is bound to be some unsettling information, especially those involving Ghost-type Pokemon. These range from the spooky to the downright depressing, the lovable creatures go through a lot. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to some Pokemon, they have some disturbing backstories that set them aside from other species. This update brings five new horrifying Pokedex entries.

33 Darkrai

National Dex Number: #0491

• "Folklore has it that on moonless nights, this Pokemon will make people see horrific nightmares."

This Pokemon was introduced in Generation 4 as a Mythical Pokemon and it is a thing of nightmares, just looking at this Pokemon, gamers can see that it is not to be messed with. It looks like a demon.

Its Pokemon Pearl Pokedex entry states that it makes people see 'horrific nightmares', getting a decent night's sleep around this Pokemon is unheard of. The only saving grace is that this only happens on moonless nights, which is a rare occurrence, and it is also a nice reference to its counterpart, Cresselia, who has ties to the Moon.

32 Dusclops

National Dex Number: #0356

• "Dusclops's body is completely hollow - there is nothing at all inside. It is said that its body is like a black hole. This Pokemon will absorb anything into its body, but nothing will ever come back out."

This Pokemon may look goofy, but reading into its Pokemon Sapphire Pokedex entry will make gamers think otherwise. Like all Ghost Pokemon there is terrifying lore behind them and Duslops is no exception.

With a body like a black hole, anything will get absorbed into it and apparently, there is no escape. Whoever is unlucky enough to be absorbed by the Beckon Pokemon is subjected to god knows what for eternity. Maybe fans should reconsider when they are thinking about adding Dusclops to one of their teams.

31 Golbat

National Dex Number: #0042

• "It can drink more than 10 ounces of blood at once. If it has too much, it gets heavy and flies clumsily."

Pokemon is a child-friendly game, but certain Pokedex entries bring this into question. Golbat's Pokemon Silver entry suggests it is a blood-sucker, and it seemingly has no end to its quest for blood, as it can drink that much, it can no longer fly correctly.

Vampires don't exist in the Pokemon universe, but why would they need to, when Golbat is so much of a danger to begin with? There isn't much information on what Pokemon eat in the wild, but it is quite apparent that they eat each other, or at least suck the blood of each other. Chilling. Information that did not need to be brought out to the world.

30 Honedge

National Dex Number: #0679

• "If anyone dares to grab its hilt, it wraps a blue cloth around that person's arm and drains that person's life energy completely."

The Generation 6 Pokemon was introduced as the first Pokemon in a three-stage evolution line as it evolved into Doublade and Aegislash. The Ghost/Steel types are based around possessed swords and gamers should think again about catching a Honedge.

Its Pokemon Y Pokedex entry states that if anyone grabs its hilt they have their energy drained completely. One can imagine that this Pokemon disguises itself as a sword and when an unsuspecting person grabs it they are drained of their energy and killed. If this Pokemon existed in real life it would be classed as a weapon of mass destruction.

29 Sinistcha

National Dex Number: #1013

• "It pretends to be tea, trying to fool people into drinking it so it can drain their life-force. Its ruse is generally unsuccessful."

One of the newest Pokemon in the franchise, Sinistcha is a convergent evolution of Polteageist, but the two are separate species. Sinistcha is based on matcha tea and its whole gimmick is tricking people into drinking it, according to its Pokemon Scarlet entry.

Whereas Honedge's entry speculates that Honedge wants to trick people, Sinistcha's downright says this, but it also says that it is generally unsuccessful. It's good to know that not many trainers are stupid enough to think this Pokemon is a lovely cup of tea, there are still the few that aren't so clever...

28 Cubone

National Dex Number: #0104

• "Wears the skull of its deceased mother. Its cries echo inside the skull and come out as a sad melody"

Cubone may look cute in its little skull helmet, but that is until the truth is revealed that it is actually the skull of its mother... It even is noted in its Pokemon Yellow entry that cries inside the skull can be heard as a sad melody, how depressing.

What makes this even more disturbing is when Cubone evolves into Marowak, the skull becomes a part of its head. Assuming when the Marowak dies its Cubone child wears this skull and the cycle continues. It is something from a horror movie. Cubones aren't seen without a skull helmet, which is another realization, that Marowak must not live much longer after their child is born.

27 Araquanid

National Dex Number: #0752

• "It delivers headbutts with the water bubble on its head. Small Pokemon get sucked into the bubble, where they drown."

Pokemon deaths are not really shown in the games or the Anime, but it is assumed that it does happen with the inclusion of the Pokemon Tower in Lavender Town.

When it comes to Araquanid it is revealed in its Pokemon Sun entry that it murders small Pokemon as they drown in its water bubble that encases its head. Pokemon battles do not normally result in deaths, as the Pokemon faint, awaiting to be revived at a Pokemon Center, but if Araquanid is a foe then expect a slow and painful death by drowning. Brutal.

26 Drifloon

National Dex Number: #0425

• "It is whispered that any child who mistakes Drifloon for a balloon and holds on to it could wind up missing."

Its Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver entry is just spine-chilling, the fact that Drifloon will take children away is very sinister. Its balloon design is merely a ruse for children to mistake, it may be cute, but that is just a distraction. It is akin to Steven King's It.

Drifloon's Pokedex entries repeatedly state that it takes away children, why does this even exist? Pokemon Sun's entry even goes on to say it dislikes 'heavy children'. What is the obsession with children? Where does it take them? So many questions, so few answers.

25 Gliscor

National Dex Number: #0472

• "It glides soundlessly on pitch-black wings and sinks sharp fangs into the throat of its prey. It takes on a look of satisfaction once it has entirely drained its prey of blood."

Having learned to fly with more grace than its pre-evolution, Gligar, Gliscor often hunts down unsuspecting prey, using any means necessary to satisfy its need for violence and blood.

Many of Gliscor’s Pokedex entries acknowledge its sharp fangs and talent for capturing prey mid-flight. However, few are more concerning than its description from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which implies Gliscor enjoys its own bloodlust as it “takes on a look of satisfaction” after it completely drains the life from its victim’s body, leaving it shriveled in shock and despair.

24 Toxapex

National Dex Number: #0748

• "Those attacked by Toxapex's poison will suffer intense pain for three days and three nights. Post-recovery, there will be some aftereffects."

Using its legs as a dome to keep itself comfortable under the waves, Toxapex is a solitary Poison/Water-type Pokemon whose poison barbs trainers will want to avoid as they travel across oceans and shorelines.

While Toxapex’s description in Pokemon Moon states that those poisoned by the Brutal Star Pokemon will be in pain for “three days and three nights” with lingering effects, its entry in Shield implies that the misfortune will last much longer, as even Wailords suffer for three days after a Toxapex attack.

23 Hattrem

National Dex Number: #0857

• "The moment this Pokemon finds someone who's emitting strong emotions, it will pummel them senseless with its braids to silence them."

While Hattrem’s final evolution, Hatterene, is known as both the Forest Witch and the Raging Goddess for its powerful presence and willingness to rule by violence, the smaller hat-wearing Pokemon expresses its anger and distress without the same sense of restraint as its final form, making it all the more dangerous around unsuspecting Pokemon and trainers.

According to its Pokedex entries in the Galar and Paldea regions, Hattrem tends to avoid strong feelings, even positive ones, as they “feel like incredibly loud noises” that upset the Pokemon. Should anyone, friend or foe, express intense emotions around the Pokemon, Hattrem will desperately restore the peace and quiet by permanently silencing them using its braids as a weapon.

22 Musharna

National Dex Number: #0518

• "When dark mists emanate from its body, don't get too near. If you do, your nightmares will become reality."

Believed to have shared a common ancestor with Drowzee, Musharna is a gentle-seeming Pokemon that eats the dreams of other nearby creatures while sleeping. As it eats, the mist emanating from its head often changes colors, allowing Musharna to materialize what it sees in dreams.

While Musharna is generally peaceful, its Pokedex entry from Pokemon Sword warns trainers against approaching the Pokemon when it releases a dark, smog-like haze into the air. Ignoring this advice could cause nightmares to “become reality,” a more terrifying fate than most are prepared to overcome.

21 Nihilego

National Dex Number: #0793

• "One of several mysterious Ultra Beasts. People on the street report observing those infested by it suddenly becoming violent."

For those terrified by the possibility of a parasite infecting trainers and Pokemon alike, Ultra Beast Nihilego is a nightmare come true. While, at times, the Pokemon can be seen acting like a young girl, the beast’s main interest in others is purely symbiotic.

Known as the Parasite Pokemon, Ultra Beast Nihilego’s Pokedex entries in the Alola region note that it can infest a number of hosts at a time, unlocking their dormant potential for violence and chaos until they are no longer an adequate source of food for the Pokemon.

20 Cacturne

National Dex Number: #0332

• "If a traveler is going through a desert in the thick of night, Cacturne will follow in a ragtag group. The Pokémon are biding their time, waiting for the traveler to tire and become incapable of moving."

Although Cacturne sports a similar smile to its playful pre-evolution, Cacnea, the taller cactus Pokemon inherently appears more intimidating due to its sinister scarecrow-inspired design and haunting yellow eyes.

Most of Cacturne’s Pokedex entries focus on its nocturnal nature, but its nightly hunts appear most horrifying in the one from Pokemon Sapphire. According to the game, when Cacturne spots wayward travelers moving through the desert at night, a “ragtag group” of the Pokemon will form to pursue them, waiting for the adventurers to tire themselves to the point of immobility. While the entry ends there, its other descriptions reveal that exhaustion is the Pokemon’s preferred state for its prey, suggesting a torturous end for any who enter Cacturne territory unprepared.

19 Sliggoo

National Dex Number: #0705

• "It has trouble drawing a line between friends and food. It will calmly try to melt and eat even those it gets along well with."

With its charming, lopsided smile and indistinct shell, it could be difficult to believe that Sliggoo is capable of brewing chaos outside of battle. Nonetheless, the pure Dragon-type Pokemon leaves an impressive trail of destruction in its wake wherever it goes.

Many descriptions of Sliggoo acknowledge its ability to dissolve whatever it touches with its slime-like mucus, but its entries from Pokemon Sun and Shield add another layer of horror to the creature’s actions by implying it is oblivious to the harm it causes. Sliggoo continually thinks of food, but with its poor eyesight, struggles to differentiate between “friends and food,” leading it to harm even its closest allies without a second thought.

18 Houndoom

National Dex Number: #0229

• "If you are burned by the flames it shoots from its mouth, the pain will never go away."

Resembling a hellhound with its unique horns and markings, Houndoom is one of the most memorable dog Pokemon of all time. However, its rugged appearance isn’t just for show, as being its enemy can result in a world of pain.

According to the dog’s Pokedex entry from Pokemon Gold, burns caused by a Houndoom’s mouth flames inflict never-ending pain on their victim. While descriptions from other games specify that these kinds of flames are only produced when the Pokemon is angry, it is shuddering to think about how much agony Houndoom can create.

17 Gorebyss

National Dex Number: #0368

• "Although Gorebyss is the very picture of elegance and beauty while swimming, it is also cruel. When it spots prey, this Pokémon inserts its thin mouth into the prey's body and drains the prey of its body fluids."

With unique aquatic designs, Water-type Pokemon run the gamut from graceful and stunning to mysterious and off-putting. Still, for every awe-inspiring Water-type Pokemon, there is a predatory creature, like Gorebyss, lurking beneath the surface.

According to Gorebyss’ Pokedex entries from the Hoenn region, the Pokemon’s pink coloration is the result of drinking its victims’ “body fluids” with its thin, siphon-like mouth. Once its meal is complete, Gorebyss discards its prey’s lifeless husk of a body, letting it sink to the bottom of the ocean floor to be eaten by other deep-sea Pokemon.

16 Gourgeist

National Dex Number: #0711

• "Large Gourgeist put on the guise of adults, taking the hands of children to lead them to the afterlife."

At first glance, Gourgeist and its pre-evolution, Pumpkaboo, seem like nothing more than adorable Jack O’Lantern-themed Pokemon perfect for the Halloween season. However, Pokemon trainers should be particularly wary of underestimating Gourgeist as it welcomes the spookiest time of year with a smile.

Since the Pokemon was first introduced in the Kalos region, most of Gourgiest’s Pokedex entries have pointed to its excitement and willingness to lead someone to their doom by spreading curses, stealing souls, and binding their prey into submission while singing happily.

15 Drowzee

National Dex Number: #096

• "It remembers every dream it eats. It rarely eats the dreams of adults because children’s are much tastier."

Known for its ability to put others to sleep and feast on their dreams, Drowzee has often been considered an unsettling and intense Pokemon. Still, throughout the series, its interests have shifted, making its Pokedex entries an all the more uncomfortable read.

Although Drowzee will pursue any number of victims to get its fill of dreams, its Pokedex entries from Ultra Sun and Scarlet reveal that the Pokemon has a particular preference for the dreams of children, leading the hypnotic creature to linger outside “recreational facilities,” such as daycare buildings, to extract sweet dreams through its victim’s nostrils while they rest.

14 Bewear

National Dex Number: #0760

• "This Pokémon has the habit of hugging its companions. Many Trainers have left this world after their spines were squashed by its hug."

Despite its seemingly soft features and friendly outstretched arms, Bewear is a creature whose apt name warns unsuspecting trainers about the dangers that lurk ahead should they anger the pink bear Pokemon by stepping into its territory without permission.

Much like its name, many of Bewear’s Pokedex entries act as a warning against its unbearably strong grasp, especially as the Pokemon enjoys offering its trainers a bone-shattering hug to express its affection. According to Pokemon Moon, Bewear’s hug has taken many victims, making it a deceptively dangerous and terrifying Pokemon.