InPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, players return to the Sinnoh region, a vast region first introduced in Generation 4’s originalPokemonDiamondandPearl. The Sinnoh region is full of powerful and iconic Pokemon that can aid players in their quest to become the Sinnoh region’s champion.
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Whether players are new to the Sinnoh region or are returning for the first time since the original games, they will be on the lookout for strong Pokemon to add to their team. There are some verypowerful Dark-type Pokemonin Sinnoh. With their high Attack stats and complete immunity to Psychic-type moves, players will likely be looking to add this type to their team. Here are some of the best choices.
Updated Jul 06, 2025, by Tom Bowen:Dark-type Pokemon may have been one of the last types to be introduced to the series, but that’s not at all to say that they don’t still have their uses. They’re Super Effective against both Psychic and Ghost-type Pokemon, while also boasting complete immunity when up against the former. Granted, like all types, they do have one or two weaknesses of their own, but when used correctly, a good Dark-type can make a massive difference to a player’s team. These are the best Dark-type Pokemon in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
12Absol
Though Pokemon with multiple types can provide some additional versatility to a player’s team, sometimes, a monotype Pokemon works best. Absol is one of very few pure Dark-type Pokemon inBrilliant Diamond&Shining Pearland is a solid choice for those looking to add a Dark-type Pokemon to their lineup. The Pokemon excels as a physical attacker thanks to its high Attack stat and its access to moves like Night Slash and Sucker Punch.
One of the things that makes Absol such a solid choice is how early on in the games players are able to catch one. With a little bit of patience, they should be able to find a level 20 Absol onRoute 213, which should be enough to hold them over until more powerful Dark-types become available much later on. Alternatively, players can find Absol in numerous areas of the Grand Underground, including the Spacious, Dazzling, and Grassland caves.
Absol’s Stats:
11Cacturne
Cacturneis a Grass/Dark-type Pokemon, which gives it a 4x weakness to damage received from Bug-type attacks. It also has an immunity to Psychic-type moves though, which really comes in handy during battle. Cacturne has impressive Attack and Special Attack stats, allowing it to deal some serious damage to its opponents.
Cacturne evolves from Cacnea. Cacnea and Cacturne can both be foundin theGrand Undergroundonce players have access to theNational Dex. Both can also be found earlier in the game, onRoute 228, with Cacturne only spawning at night. Cacnea will evolve into Cacturne at level 32.
Cacturne’s Stats:
10Skuntank (Brilliant DiamondExclusive)
Skuntankis a Poison/Dark-type Pokemon. This dual-typing is extremely beneficial, as it has no4x damage weaknesses. In fact, Skuntank only has one weakness, Ground-type moves. It has a good Attack, as well as decent Speed and Special Attack, making it useful in battle.
Skuntank evolves from Stunky when the latter reaches level 34. Stunky and Skuntank are only available in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond, with Stunky spawning in the wild onRoute 206,Route 214, andRoute 221. Skuntank can be found onRoute 221andRoute 225, and both Pokemon can befound in theGrand Undergroundonce players have the ability to use theStrengthability.
Skuntank’s Stats:
9Shiftry (Brilliant DiamondExclusive)
Shiftryis a Grass/Dark-type Pokemon. Its dual-typing gives it a long list of weaknesses and resistances, with the extreme ends being a 4x damage weakness to Bug-type moves and Dark-type’s immunity to Psychic moves. Shiftry has great Attack and Special Attack, making it a useful Pokemon to take into battle.
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Shiftry is the final evolution of Seedot. Both Pokemon can befound in theGrand Undergroundonce players haveobtained theNational Dex. Seedot evolves into Nuzleaf at level, 14 and into Shiftry once players use aLeaf Stoneon it. Shiftry and its pre-evolutions are available only inPokemon Brilliant Diamond.
Shiftry’s Stats:
8Spiritomb
Spiritombis a Ghost/Dark-type Pokemon, a dual-typing that gives it immunity not only to Psychic, but also to Normal and Fighting-type attacks as well. Spiritomb only has one weakness: Fairy-type moves. It has nice Attack and Special Attack, and decent defense stats on top of that.
Spiritomb does not have any pre-evolutions and does not evolve. It is obtained in a bit of a strange way compared to most Pokemon. To get Spiritomb, players must firstuse an Odd Keystone on the Hallowed Tower on Route 209. Players must then speak to32 people in the Grand Underground,and then return to the Hallowed Tower to encounter Spiritomb.
Spiritomb’s Stats:
7Drapion
Drapionis another Pokemon with another useful dual-typing. As a Poison/Dark-type, Drapion, like Skuntank, only has one weakness in Ground-type moves. Drapion has decent stats across the board, with the highlight being its Attack stat.
Drapion evolves from Skorupi, which can be found in theGrand Underground. Both Skorupi and an already-evolved Drapion can also be found inGreat Marsh. Skorupi will evolve into Drapion at level 40. This is a high-level evolution, but never fear — since the game’sExp. Share system is always turned on, leveling up Pokemon is pretty quick.
Drapion’s Stats:
6Houndoom
Houndoomis a Dark/Fire-type Pokemon with a handful of weaknesses, but a longer list of resistances. Houndoom has a great Attack stat and even better Special Attack, which makes it a real threat in battle.
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Houndoom evolves from Houndour. Houndoom can be found already evolved in theGrand Underground,and also onRoute 214andRoute 215.If players do get ahold of Houndour first, it will evolve into Houndoom at level 24.
Houndoom’s Stats:
5Honchkrow (Brilliant DiamondExclusive)
Honchkrowis a Dark/Flying-type Pokemon, which gives it two immunities to Psychic and Ground-type moves. Honchkrow has fantastic Attack and Special Attack stats, making it a great offensive Pokemon. Honchkrow also has great options for Dark-type moves like Dark Pulse, Night Slash, and Foul Play.
Honchkrow evolves from Murkrow, and is only available inPokemon Brilliant Diamond. Murkrow can be found inBrilliant Diamond’sGrand Underground,theEterna Forest,orLost Tower. It will evolve into Honchkrow with the use of aDusk Stone.
Honchkrow’s Stats:
4Weavile
Weavileis a Dark/Ice-type Pokemon, whose biggest downside is that its dual-typing gives it a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves. Weavile does have good stats, the highlights of which are its Attack stat and Speed stat, allowing it to outpace many opponents and pack a real punch with its hits.
Weavile evolves from Sneasel, which can be found onRoute 216,Route 217,Lake Acuity, andSnowpoint Temple. Sneasel can also be found in theGrand Undergroundonce players have their 7th gym badge. Sneasel will evolve into Weavile when leveled up while holding aRazor Clawat night time.
Weavile’s Stats:
3Umbreon
Umbreonis a pure Dark-type Pokemon, giving it only three weaknesses: Fighting, Bug, and Fairy-type Pokemon. Umbreon is a defense-heavy Pokemon. With high Defense and Special Defense stats, it can take many hits in battle.
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Umbreon evolves from the iconic Eevee, which can be found inTrophy Garden.Eevee will evolve into Umbreon whenleveled up at night with high Friendship.
