Dark Pokémon are generally appreciated for their versatility and offensive capabilities. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there are a number of Dark and hybrid Dark-type Pokémon that are notable candidates not only for their ability to put out raw damage, but for their speed, coverage and strategic value. In this article, we evaluate the top tier Dark Pokémon in the game and evaluate their entire builds along with where to find them.
Top Dark-Type Picks
Mega Tyranitar
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths: It is probably the most formidable tank amongst Dark-types in this game.
Role: It plays the role of a physical tank, can take a lot of damage, and can output plenty of damage.
Stats: Mega Tyranitar is HP 100 / Atk 164 / Def 150 / SpA 95 / SpD 120 / Speed 71.
Recommended Build:
- EV Spread: 252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Sp. Def
- Nature: Adamant (which increases Attack and lowers Special Attack)
- Moves: Dig, Earthquake, Crunch, Protect. This gives a mix of coverage and a way to protect.
Mega Evolution: Uses Tyranitarite, which unlocks after defeating Rogue Mega Tyranitar.
Where to find it: You will need Larvitar, which can be found in some early game areas or Wild Zone 15.
Mega Sharpedo
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths: Sharpedo is very fast and has a strong offensive presence.
Role: It is a physical attacker with good Speed and good coverage.
Stats: Mega Sharpedo HP 70 / Atk 140 / Def 70 / SpA 110 / SpD 65 / Speed 105.
Recommended Build:
- EV Spread: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 Defense
- Nature: Jolly (increased Speed, decreased Special Attack)
- Moves: Liquidation, Aqua Jet, Crunch, Ice Fang. This allows coverage in Water, Dark and Ice, plus it has something with Priority in Aqua Jet.
Mega Evolution: Sharpedonite, which can be purchased from Quasartico Inc for 180 Mega Shards.
Where to find it: You can catch Carvanha or an Alpha Sharpedo in Wild Zone 10.
Mega Houndoom
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths: Not overly bulky (“squishy”), but its Speed and Special Attack make it a powerful special attacker with Dark and Fire attacks.
Stats: Mega Houndoom Stat breakdown is HP 75 / Atk 90 / Def 90 / SpA 140 / SpD 90 / Speed 115.
Recommended Build:
- EV Spread: 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 Defense
- Nature: Timid (increases Speed, decreases Attack).
- Moves: Flamethrower, Overheat, Dark Pulse, Nasty Plot. This causes devastating Fire and Dark damage, as well as a bonus to Sp. Atk from Nasty Plot.
Mega Evolution: Requires Houndoomite, 180 Mega Shards for sale at Quasartico Inc.
Where to get it: You can either catch a Houndour and evolve it, or encounter an Alpha Houndoom in Wild Zone 6.
Mega Absol
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths: Mega Absol is a 100% Dark-type with extremely high base Attack and good Speed; it is the textbook physical glass cannon.
Stats: Mega Absol has HP 65 / Atk 150 / Def 60 / SpA 115 / SpD 60 / Speed 115.
Recommended Build:
- EV Spread: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
- Nature: Adamant (increases Attack, decreases Special Attack)
- Moves: Night Slash, Play Rough, Knock Off, Swords Dance. This provides you with STAB, utility, coverage, and a boosting option.
Mega Evolution: Uses Absolite, which you can obtain after beating an Absol in a quest.
Where to find it: You can catch Absol and obtain its Mega stone by completing the main quest “A Rogue Mega Absol.” You can find an Alpha Absol (or shiny) appearing on rooftops in the Magenta District or Wild Zone 20.
Mega Greninja
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths & Role: Incredibly fast, flexible and can be built as a mixed attacker.
Stats: Mega Greninja HP 72 / Atk 125 / Def 77 / SpA 133 / SpD 81 / Speed 142.
Recommended Build
- EV Spread: 252 Sp Atk / 252 Speed / 4 Def
- Nature: Naughty (attack up, sp def down).
- Moves: Night Slash, Water Shuriken, Hydro Pump, Ice Punch. Gives priority, STAB, and coverage.
Mega Evolution: Greninja can Mega Evolve when you reach Rank Y in Season 2 of Ranked Battles.
Where to get: You get Froakie first in “A Challenge from Froakie” quest; otherwise available as a wild catch in Wild Zone 16.
Krookodile
Image via: Game Freak
Strengths & Role: a strong physical attacker that is speedy, and can be used as both a primary Ground-type and Dark-type attacker for its versatility.
Stats: HP 95 / Atk 117 / Def 80 / SpA 65 / SpD 70 / Speed 92
Recommended Build:
- EVs: 252 Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP.
- Nature: Jolly (boosting Speed, lowering Special Attack) or Timid (boosting Speed, lowering Attack).
- Moves: Outrage, Earthquake, Crunch, Stone Edge / Brick Break
Where to get: A Krookodile can be obtained in Pokémon Legends: Z-A by evolving a Krokorok, which can be found in Wild Zone 8 after completing Main Mission 9. A rare Krookodile can also be found in Wild Zone 20 after completing the main story.
Conclusion
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the Dark-type Pokémon from the Dark-type Pokémon sub-type is not only diverse, but it is also highly effective. Tyranitar is the tank, Sharpedo and Greninja with speed along with offensive versatility, Houndoom focuses on special attacks and Absol is a glass cannon that can take out counter threats if used right.
