Dark Type Mono Teams

Dark Type Mono Team
The ins and outs of running the perfect team

As sure as the sun must rise, so must it set, and darkness takes over. Dark Type is filled with fantastic powers, extraordinary tricks, and maybe, just maybe, a few weaknesses. Some of the most threatening Pokemon in the OU tier have the Dark typing, and with such strength on their side, it's no wonder why. So... what are we waiting for? Let's turn off the lights and begin our tour through the shadows...

Pros
1. Incredible sweeping power.
2. Access to 13 of the 17 other types, though some more than others.
3. Knock Off. This in and of itself is a huge plus along with STAB.
4. Complete immunity to Psychic Type.

Cons
1. Weakness to 3 types, all of them very common.
2. Only strong against 2 types.
3. Generally frail Pokemon.
4. U-Turn and Mach Punch. Both are very common in the meta and devastate Dark Type Pokemon.

Attack pros and cons

Super effective against
Psychic, Ghost

Resisted by
Fighting, Dark, Fairy

Defense pros and cons

Weak to
Fighting, Bug, Fairy

Resistant to
Ghost, Dark

BONUS

Immune to
Psychic

Overall Description

Overall, Dark Type can be the difference between victory and defeat. You can bring an opponent's sweep to a dead stop by bringing in a wall, or even a sweeper of your own. Such fast and strong creatures at your disposal, Dark Type Pokemon have made such a name for themselves in the current meta. It is unfortunate that Fairy Type only nerfed this type, but just concentrate on your team build, and you should be fine.

Detailed Description

Many Dark Mono Teams tend to be more hyper offensive than defensive. This is a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because if your opponent is not ready to deal with a Bisharp with 2 Swords Dances, there is little they can do to stop the inevitable sweep. But it is a bad thing because many of the attacks that Dark Type Pokemon rely on are rather gimmicky. Attacks such as Sucker Punch and Knock Off rely on you predicting your opponent perfectly and not being predicted yourself. Ironic. Dark Type Pokemon always seem like they are plotting... scheming... devising your demise. And that's exactly how you have to play. Always one step ahead of your opponent. But let us move on to the next steps: the weaknesses.

The Black Belt of Combat

Oh, Fighting Type Pokemon. How you will learn to fear this type. Technician Breloom and Guts Conkeldurr... will... rape your team if you are not prepared. Of all three weaknesses that Dark Type has, this will probably cause you the most amount of fainted Pokemon. It's a good idea to bring in a strong wall Pokemon like Umbreon, but having a Pokemon that takes neutral damage from Fighting Type is even better. Honchkrow not only takes neutral damage from Fighting Type, but can also deal heavy damage back to the type. Drapion is another good choice as he has access to Poison Type attacks. Other good options are Skuntank and Mandibuzz, allowing you a good array of options so that you never feel overwhelmed. Packing an Absol with Play Rough is another good option, but watch out for Mach Punch.

Tricks against the Hive Mind

Strange how a simple sting will hurt as much as a punch to the face, yes Bug Type Pokemon will be quite a pain to take down. Volcarona, Mega Pinsir, Mega Scizor, and Galvantula. These are four extremely dangerous Pokemon to deal with, particularly Volcarona and Galvantula, as Bug Buzz breaks through Substitute. Again, Honchkrow, Mandibuzz, Drapion, and Skuntank take neutral damage from Bug Type attacks, and fortunately Dark Type attacks do neutral damage to Bug Type Pokemon, giving you a great way of fighting back. However... Heracross. For this dreaded threat, a Honchkrow is almost mandatory. Not even the Hercules beetle can stand up to a Brave Bird. Houndoom, Sableye, Spiritomb, Scrafty, Bisharp, and Pangoro also take neutral damage from Bug Type Pokemon, so just make sure you have options and this type shouldn't give you too much trouble.

As Darkness Falls...

Fairy's rise. Though this type is new, it has made quite an impact on the meta. Azumarill and Gardevoir can be extremely powerful threats, while Sylveon and Togekiss can wall for days. For this type, there isn't a whole lot you can do. Houndoom, Skuntank, Drapion, and Bisharp all take neutral damage from Fairy Type attacks, but they are the extent of your defensive options. This type has really screwed up Dark Type, as I truly wouldn't recommend Hydreigon for your team any longer. Its double weakness to Fairy Type attacks just makes it too easy to take down. However, if you play your cards right and take out the adorable threats as soon as possible, you'll have a good fight on your hands.

Notable Members

Even though this type has a mere three weaknesses, do not mistake me. This type can be extremely difficult to work with. Even with some great Pokemon within the type, there aren't a reliable many Dark Type Pokemon with staying power. But if there's one thing I want you to take away from this guide, it's that every Pokemon can be good with the right support.

1. Sableye - Immune to Fighting and Normal Type attacks, access to Prankster, and tons upon tons of options (Will-o-Wisp, Toxic, Recover, the list goes on. And with an upcoming Mega Evolution, there is no reason to not use Sableye. He's incredible. Seriously. Use him.)
2. Spiritomb - Immune to Fighing and Normal Type attacks and excellent defenses.
3. Tyranitar - Access to Dragon Dance, a Mega Evolution, and all around good stats.
4. Hydreigon - Weaknesses aside, Very fast and very high Sp. Attack.
5. Weavile - Very fast with a high Attack stat.
6. Umbreon - High defenses with access to Wish and Protect.
7. Houndoom - Resists 2 of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses with a high speed, Sp. Attack, and Mega Evolution.
8. Skuntank - Resists all of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses, high HP and decent Speed.
9. Drapion - Resists all of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses, high Defense and decent Attack and Speed.
10. Honchkrow - Resists 2 of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses, high HP, Attack, and Sp. Attack.
11. Mandibuzz - Resists 2 of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses, high HP and decent defenses.
12. Bisharp - Resists 2 of Dark Type's 3 weaknesses, very high Attack and a decent Speed.
13. Greninja - Access to Protean with high Attack and Sp. Attack stats with a large move pool.
14. Crawdaunt - Access to Adaptability with a very high Attack stat.
15. Zoroark - Access to Illusion with very high Attack, Sp. Attack, and Speed.

Final Thoughts

Playing with a Dark Mono Team is beyond fun. The ability to read your opponent's like a book is well worth the price of admission as God knows it's required to properly play the team. While Fighting, Bug, and Fairy Types can be incredibly painful to deal with, with such tricky Pokemon at your finger tips, it's hard to play Dark Mono Type without spawning a sinister grin. While it may be slightly limited in defensive options, the sweeping options are too much fun to ignore. Crawdaunt, Cacturne, Zoroark, and Hydreigon. It's not hard to see how much fun it can be to play with this menacing type. So get out there and build the perfect team.

There is no such thing as a bad Pokemon, only a Pokemon with undiscovered potential.

HarvstootH