What Can Dark Types Not Hit? A Comprehensive Guide
Dark-type Pokémon are known for their strategic prowess and tricky maneuvers, but like every type, they have their limitations. Understanding what Dark-type moves cannot effectively hit is crucial for any Pokémon trainer looking to master battles. The most direct answer is that Dark-type moves are completely ineffective against no specific types. However, that doesn’t mean they are universally effective. Dark-type moves are not very effective against other Dark-type Pokémon, Steel-type Pokémon, and Fighting-type Pokémon. These resistances reduce the damage output of Dark-type attacks, making it important to consider these matchups when strategizing.
The Nuances of Dark-Type Matchups
While Dark-type attacks don’t fail to land, their effectiveness varies significantly based on the target. It’s important to delve deeper into these specific matchups and understand the reasoning behind them. This also allows for more effective team compositions and battle plans.
Reduced Damage: Resistances
When a Dark-type move encounters a target that resists it, the damage dealt is reduced to half. This makes these matchups less favorable for the attacking Dark-type.
- Dark vs. Dark: A Dark-type move hitting another Dark-type will only deal half the usual damage. This creates an interesting dynamic, as both types are generally considered offensive forces.
- Dark vs. Steel: Steel-types, known for their strong defense, also resist Dark-type moves, taking only half the damage. This makes it difficult for Dark-types to break through sturdy Steel defenses.
- Dark vs. Fighting: Fighting-types also resist Dark-type moves, which is especially notable because Fighting-type moves are super effective against Dark-types.
Understanding these resistance relationships is vital for competitive play, as a miscalculated attack can lead to significant disadvantages.
The Implications of Immunities and Abilities
It’s essential to also consider abilities and move interactions. Certain abilities can negate or alter the standard type matchups, as well as move interactions that can lead to more complex effects.
- Prankster Immunity: Dark-types are immune to moves affected by the Prankster ability. This means moves like Taunt and Thunder Wave will fail against a Dark-type if they are given priority due to Prankster. This is important for countering status strategies and disruption-based tactics.
- Miracle Eye: While Dark Types are immune to Psychic moves, this immunity can be negated by the move Miracle Eye, allowing Psychic attacks to hit Dark types normally.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dark-Type Limitations
To further clarify the complexities of Dark-type weaknesses and resistances, let’s address some commonly asked questions.
What are Dark Types Super Effective Against?
Dark-type moves are super effective against Psychic and Ghost-type Pokémon, dealing double the damage.
What are Dark Types Weak To?
Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type moves, meaning they take double damage.
Why is Dark Immune to Psychic?
The Dark type was introduced specifically to counter the overpowered Psychic type in early Pokémon games, granting immunity to Psychic moves to create a balanced metagame.
Does the type of opponent affect the success of moves?
Yes, the type of the opposing Pokémon directly affects how effective your move will be. Super Effective moves do double damage, while Not Very Effective moves do half damage. And in some cases the move does no damage, such as a Psychic move on a Dark-type Pokémon.
Do Bug types resist Dark?
No, Bug types do not resist Dark type moves. However, Bug type moves are super effective against Dark types.
Does Dark type resist Ghost?
Yes, Dark-type Pokémon resist Ghost-type moves, meaning they take half the damage. This is one reason why the Dark/Ghost type combination is particularly strong.
Does Dark Type Resist Poison?
No, Dark types do not resist Poison. Poison is a neutral match up for the Dark type.
Does Taunt not affect Dark Types?
Yes, Dark-type Pokémon are immune to Taunt if that move has its priority boosted by Prankster. Taunt will not be effective on Dark-types using normal priority. This immunity has been around since Gen VII.
What moves don’t affect Dark-type?
Dark-type Pokémon are specifically immune to moves boosted by the Prankster Ability when targetted by that move.
Are Dark types immune to Trick?
No, Dark-type Pokemon are not immune to Trick. However, they are immune to the Prankster-boosted versions of Trick.
What is the weakest Dark-type move?
Based on base power, Power Trip is one of the weakest Dark-type moves initially, starting at a base power of 20. Its power can increase based on stat boosts.
Is the Dark Type Evil?
While the Japanese term for Dark-type translates to “Evil Type”, this is more thematic. Many Dark-type Pokémon use sneaky strategies, but the type itself is not inherently evil.
What is the strongest Dark-type move?
Wicked Blow and G-Max One Blow are considered the strongest Dark-type moves, with a high base power and the ability to bypass certain defenses.
What are some good Dark/Ghost Type Pokémon?
The Dark/Ghost typing is strong defensively, due to its single weakness, and has a Psychic immunity. Some great Dark/Ghost type Pokémon are Spiritomb, Sableye and Polteageist.
Is there a Dark/Fairy Type Pokemon?
Yes, Grimmsnarl is a Dark/Fairy type Pokemon. It is known for its Prankster ability.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of the Dark-type and what it can and cannot effectively hit is essential for any trainer. While Dark-type moves can be incredibly potent against Psychic and Ghost-type opponents, they must navigate resistances from Dark, Steel, and Fighting-type Pokémon. Additionally, Dark-types have an immunity to moves with Prankster boosted priority. By mastering these interactions, you’ll be well-prepared to dominate battles and leverage the cunning advantages of the Dark-type. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses, as well as immunities, allows you to construct a team capable of overcoming any challenge and using the Dark type to its best advantage.