Dark-type Pokemon are perhaps a little bit more niche than those belonging to some of the other seventeen types that are available in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Even so, when it comes to dealing with powerful Ghost and Psychic-types, few Pokemon are better equipped for the job than these unsettling dark avengers.

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Being a late addition to the franchise, there aren't quite as many Dark-type Pokemon as there are some of the more traditional types. This problem is further compounded by cuts made to the Hisui Pokedex, with the likes of Yveltal and Hoopa absent from the region. Thankfully, however, those looking for the best Dark-types in Pokemon Legends: Arceus aren't completely out of luck, as there are still some great options for players who know where to look.

5 Drapion

Drapion's stats aren't much to write home about, but the Poison / Dark-type isn't weak against Fighting, Bug, or Fairy-types like a pure Dark-type would be and also boasts additional resistances to Poison and Grass. This does come at the expense of a two-times weakness to Ground-type attacks, though this is arguably a pretty decent tradeoff. It's also a relatively fast Pokemon, though its mediocre attacking stats prevent it from getting anywhere near the very top tier. Players hoping to min-max should look for a Drapion with Impish nature.

How to Get Drapion in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

There's an Alpha Drapion in the Ginkgo Landing section of the Cobalt Coastlands. Players can also find its unevolved form Skorupi there, as well as in the Castaway Shore area of the same region. Skorupi evolves into Drapion at Level 40.

4 Honchkrow

Honchkrow is a fairly situational Pokemon. Due to it being a Dark / Flying-type, it's resistant to Ground-type attacks as well as Psychic, though inherits a few additional weaknesses as a result. Its high attacking stats allow it to dish out a fair amount of damage, but it can be a little flimsy depending on the opposition. When up against Ghost, Ground, Psychic or other Dark-types though, this shouldn't be too much of an issue. Honchkrow is at its best with a Lonely or Naughty nature​​​​​​.

How to Get Honchkrow in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Players can find an Alpha Honchkrow in the Cloudpool Ridge area of the Crimson Mirelands, while regular Drapion spawn in the Bathers' Lagoon part of the Cobalt Coastlands. Alternatively, players can evolve Murkrow by using a Dusk Stone. Murkrow can be found in the same areas as Honchkrow as well as in the Crossing Slope, Veilstone Cape, Hideaway Bay, and Islespy Shore sections of the Cobalt Coastlands, while Dusk Stones can be found in space-time distortions or traded for Merit Points at the item exchange counter in Jubilife Village.

3 Overqwil

One of several new evolutions introduced in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Overqwil is a Dark / Poison-type that specializes in Physical attacks. It's somewhat similar to Drapion, though is quite a bit more offensive and has a more varied move pool thanks to its unevolved form being a Water-type. Players planning to add an Overqwil to their team should look for one with an Adamant nature, though naughty can also work well.

How to Get Overqwil in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Players can catch an Alpha Overqwil during the Azelf's Trial section of the main story. Alternatively, they can evolve Hisuian Qwilfish by using Strong-style Barb Barrage twenty times in battle. Hisuian Qwilfish can be found in the waters surrounding Ramanas Island in the Obsidian Fieldlands region or in the Tranquility Cove, Lunker's Lair, and Islespy Shore areas of the Cobalt Coastlands.

2 Hisuian Samurott

Hisuian Samurott is generally used as a water-type Pokemon, though as a Water / Dark-type it has multiple uses. The Hisui starter boasts high Attack and Special Attack stats, allowing players a little more flexibility when it comes to deciding on a move set. Its secondary typing gives it access to quite a few additional resistances including Steel, Fire, Water, and Ice, though this does come at the cost of a couple of extra weaknesses; most notably, Grass and Electric. Players should look for a Hisuian Samurott with a Naughty nature.

How to Get Hisuian Samurott in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Hisuian Samurott is the final form of Oshawott and evolves from Dewott at Level 34. Players can choose Oshawott as their starter Pokemon at the beginning of the game or get one by speaking to the professor after finishing the main story. Finishing the game will also cause Oshawott and its evolutions to begin appearing in space-time distortions, though only in the Alabaster Icelands region.

1 Darkrai

Darkrai is one of only two pure Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the other one being Umbreon. Darkrai has much better stats, however, so it's not really much of a competition unless players are looking for a much more defensive option. Darkrai is considerably faster than the Dark-type eeveelution and also boasts a monstrously high Special Attack stat of 135. Its defensive numbers aren't too bad either and allow it to hold its own against almost any opposition. Darkrai is most effective with a Modest nature.

How to Get Darkrai in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

In order to catch Darkrai, players will need to have save data from either Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl on their Switch. Assuming they do, they'll be able to unlock a special request by visiting the bulletin board at the Galaxy Hall once they've completed the main story. After accepting the request, they'll then need to head to the Clamberclaw Cliffs area of the Coronet Highlands, where a short cutscene will play out. After that, players will simply need to hit Darkrai with a Poke Ball or engage it in battle during one of the very brief windows in which it becomes visible.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now for the Nintendo Switch.

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