Marble Palace - Gold/Silver/Crystal Guides

Dark Types

Introduction: Dark types, along with Steel, are one of the 2 new types added in G/S. They are the solution to age old problem of Psychic types that once dominated the Red/Blue/Yellow games. There are a total of 6 Dark types (pre-evolutions included), with only one pure type. This report will give you an overview of the individual strengths and weaknesses of each. The reviews given of each pokemon are also listed in descending order from highest stats to lowest. Enjoy!

Type Characteristics:
Type Attack Base: Special

Attack
Effective against: Psychic, Ghost
Ineffective against: Fighting, Steel, Dark

Type
Resistances: Psychic (Immune), Ghost, Dark
Weaknesses: Fighting, Bug

Attacks:

Name	Damage	Accuracy	PP	Effects
Bite	60	100%	25	May cause enemy to flinch.
*Thief*	40	100%	10	Weak attack. Steals an item from the enemy pokemon and transfers it to yours (if the other pokemon is equipped with one). Only Dark technique that can be taught via TM (#46).
*Faint Attack*	60	100%	20	A swift like Dark attack that hits through evasion techniques.
*Pursuit*	40	100%	20	Attacks even if the enemy is about to switch or run away. Can finish off a weakened opponent as they are about to switch.
*Crunch*	80	100%	15	Strongest evil type attack. May also flinch enemy.
*Beat up*	10	100%	10	Additional damage for every pokemon in your team (up to 60 max for having 6 pokemon).

Reviews:

Tyranitar (ROCK/DARK)

1: BITE
1: LEER
1: Sandstorm
1: SCREECH
8: Sandstorm
15: SCREECH
22: ROCK SLIDE
29: THRASH
38: Scary Face
47: Crunch
61: EARTHQUAKE
75: HYPER BEAM

Base Stats:
HP: 100
STR: 134
DEF: 110
SPD: 61
SpAtk: 95
SpDef: 100
TOTAL: 600

Max Stats:
HP: 403
STR: 366
DEF: 318
SPD: 220
SpAtk: 288
SpDef: 298
TOTAL: 1893

Evolution: Evolves from Pupitar at Lvl. 55.

Tyranitar has forced its way into many mainstream teams within the online GSC community. It has the highest overall stats of any Dark type and was initially touted as the next "Mewtwo-killer" by many G/S veterans. It was one of the stronger additions to the Pokemon class in the Gold and Silver versions. It's attack matches Dragonite for the highest in the game, as well as having great defensive stats. It's unique type mixture gives it an advantage over both normal and psychic Pokemon, which are rampant throughout many teams. Now onto the bad news...being Rock/Dark typed gives it just as many disadvantages as it does advantages. It's biggest glaring weakness is a 4X weakness to fighting attacks, among its many other weaknesses to Bug, Grass, Water, etc. It's still a very good choice for one's team...just be aware of it's many weaknesses when using it in battle. Recommended.

Weaknesses:
4X: Fighting
2X: Water, Grass, Ground, Steel, Bug

Resistances:
4X: None
2X: Normal, Fire, Poison, Flying, Ghost, Evil
Immune: Psychic

Skills:
TMS: 1-3,5,6,8,10,11,13,15,17,18,20,21,23,24,26,27,28,31,32,34,35,37,38,43,44,
45,48,49,50
HMS: 1,3,4

Suggested Movesets:
Rock Slide, Earthquake, Crunch, Sandstorm/Swagger @ Leftovers/Scope Lens

This moveset is based towards getting the most out of the types and stats of Tyranitar. Sandstorm works to it's advantage depending on the team it is being used with, and Rock Slide and Earthquake both run off of Tyranitar's impressive attack. Crunch is also STAB'd for Tyranitar, and 2KO's nearly every psychic type in the game, it's 20% special fall chance is also very useful when setting up for others.

OR

Rock Slide, Crunch, Surf, Fire Blast @ Leftovers/Scope Lens

This moveset is effective for countering those expecting attack based movesets. Things such as Rock/Ground types, or Skarmory can be countered due to the expectation of having attack based moves.

Umbreon (Dark)

1: TACKLE
1: TAIL WHIP
8: SAND-ATTACK
16: Pursuit
23: QUICK ATTACK
30: CONFUSE RAY
36: Faint Attack
42: Mean Look
47: SCREECH
52: Moonlight

Base Stats:
HP: 95
STR: 65
DEF: 110
SPD: 65
SpAtk: 60
SpDef: 130
TOTAL: 525

Max Stats:
HP: 393
STR: 228
DEF: 318
SPD: 228
SpAtk: 218
SpDef: 358
TOTAL: 1743

Evolution: Evolves from Eevee by happiness level and by having the evolution occur at night.

One of the new Eevee evolutions that was introduced in G/S, it has quickly become a favorite among trainers, surpassing even it's new Psychic counterpart; Eefi. The reason for this is because of it's amazingly high defense and special defense. Combined with it's assortment of annoying techniques (i.e. Confuse Ray, Mean Look, etc.) it can easily outlast even the most hardy of pokemon. A very good and stable choice considering that it has only 2 major weaknesses; Bug and Fighting. With the release of crystal, the use of Umbreon rocketed. The addition of Baton Pass to it's already deadly arsenal of moves allows it to become the perfect Pokemon to set up others for a kill. The Mean Look/Baton Pass combo is especially effective. Highly Recommended.

Weaknesses:
4X: None.
2X: Fighting, Bug

Resistances:
4X: None
2X: Ghost, Evil
Immune: Psychic

Skills:
TMS: 2,3,6,7,9,10,11,12,13,15,17,18,20,21,23,27,29,30-32,34,35,39,42-45,50
HMS: 1,5

Suggested Movesets:
Toxic, Mean Look, Confuse Ray, Moonlight @ MiracleBerry/Leftovers

This moveset focuses mainly on annoyance, however, it can be lethal if the defending Pokemon lacks Roar or a status changing move.

OR

Mean Look, Swagger, Psych-up, Baton Pass @ Leftovers

This moveset works in conjunction with Umbreon's large defensive stat. If a Pokemon such as Blissey gets caught, The Umbreon can power up very effectively, and transfer this to an offensive power house with speed, such as a Tauros, Aerodactyl, etc.

OR

Mean Look, Curse, Shadow Ball/Frustration/Body Slam, Rest @ Mint Berry/Leftovers

This moveset is designed to power up vs a weak Pokemon, and then continue to sweep vs the rest of the team, it works very similar to the idea of the Toby-Bro, a moveset that RBY players know very well.

OR

Mean Look, Baton Pass, Charm, Moonlight @ Leftovers

This can also be used to set up other Pokemon, much like the above set up set. This moveset works particularly well against Pokemon that are mainly attack based, such as Snorlax, Tyranitar, etc.

Houndoom (DARK/FIRE)

1: LEER
1: EMBER
7: ROAR
13: SMOG
20: BITE
30: Faint Attack
41: FLAMETHROWER
52: Crunch

Base Stats:
HP: 75
STR: 90
DEF: 50
SPD: 95
SpAtk: 110
SpDef: 80
TOTAL: 500

Max Stats:
HP: 353
STR: 278
DEF: 198
SPD: 288
SpAtk: 318
SpDef: 258
TOTAL: 1693

Evolution: Evolves from Houndour at Lvl. 24.

When GSC first came out, Houmdoom was touted on many a Pokemon team. His mixture of the new Dark type, mixed with Fire seemed to attract users towards it. Lately, it's use has been falling, but it is still a solid team memeber on almost any team. It's stats are strong in every category but defense, and due to his type, most physical attacks used against him are Super Effective, or coming from a power house. However, his dual types do provide him some advantage. He is not weak to Bug type attacks as other Dark types are, and is able to use the Sunny Day/Fire Attack/Solar Beam combination very effectively. A very solid pokemon; highly recommended.

Weaknesses:
4X: None.
2X: Water, Ground, Rock, Fighting

Resistances:
4X: None
2X: Fire, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Evil, Steel
Immune: Psychic

Skills:
TMS: 2,3,5,6,8,10,11,13,15,17,20-23,27,30,31,32,34,35,36,38,39,42-46,50
HMS: 4

Suggested Movesets:
Flamethrower/Fire Blast, Crunch, Sunny Day, Solar Beam @ Leftovers/Scope Lens

This is the obvious Moveset for Houndoom, as it utilizes his types, as well as the weather effects produced.

OR

Counter, Fire Blast, Crunch, Roar @ Scope Lens / Focus Band / Leftovers

This moveset attempts to take Houndoom's low defense to its advantage with counter, as most damage being done to it would be so large, that the attacking Pokemon would likely be KO'd.

Sneasel (DARK/ICE)

1: SCRATCH
1: LEER
9: QUICK ATTACK
17: SCREECH
25: Faint Attack
33: FURY SWIPES
41: AGILITY
49: SLASH
57: Beat up

Base Stats:
HP: 55
STR: 95
DEF: 55
SPD: 115
SpAtk: 35
SpDef: 75
TOTAL: 430

Max Stats:
HP: 313
STR: 288
DEF: 208
SPD: 328
SpAtk: 168
SpDef: 248
TOTAL: 1553

Evolution: None.

Ugh. This one is not only terrible but it is also very overrated. It's stats are pitifully low; it's only saving graces are a good attack and high speed level. Although it's an Ice/Evil type, it's special attack rating is so low (even with it's type bonus) that it could barely scratch many a Pokemon with it's Dark Type attacks, or even a Dragonite with Blizzard. If you must use it, rely on attack based moves and try to boost its attacks in some manner. However, this Pokemon has become a favorite of many Underused Pokemon advocates, as it's able to gain an advantage over many other pokemon with it's excellent speed, however, this Pokemon is not recommended for those looking to create competitive teams.

Weaknesses:
4X: Fighting
2X: Fire, Rock, Bug, Steel

Resistances:
4X: None
2X: Ice, Ghost, Evil
Immune: Psychic

Skills:
TMS: 1-3,6,8-10,13,14,16,17,18,20,21,23,27,28,30-35,39,40,42,43-46,49,50
HMS: 1,3,4

Suggested Movesets:
Counter, Icy Wind, Reflect, Shadow Ball @ Miracleberry

This moveset attempts to use Sneasel's speed to it's advantage, as well as it's horrid defense. Icy Wind allows a safe move when it is known that a switch is coming, and Shadow Ball works off of its half-decent attack stat.

OR

Dynamic Punch, Protect, Ice Beam, Screech @ Leftovers

This moveset is primarily luck based, Ice Beam in hope of a freeze, D-punch/Screech Combo, and the Protect/Lefties combo in an attempt to regain health.

Murkrow (DARK/FLYING)

1: PECK
11: Pursuit
16: HAZE
26: NIGHT SHADE
31: Faint Attack
41: Mean Look

Base Stats:
HP: 60
STR: 85
DEF: 42
SPD: 91
SpAtk: 85
SpDef: 42
TOTAL: 405

Max Stats:
HP: 323
STR: 268
DEF: 182
SPD: 280
SpAtk: 268
SpDef: 182
TOTAL: 1503

Evolution: None.

At first look, Murkrow's types seem to be an advantage. Being part Flying type removes his Fighting and Bug weaknesses (which, unfortunately, also gives him new weaknesses to Electric, Ice, and Rock) and offers him a fair chance at defeating both types. His special attack is relatively low, but still usable. However, Murkrow takes a massive fall when it comes to defensive stats, near any decent attacking Pokemon can KO a Murkrow within 2 attacks, which eliminates many of his uses. Murkrow, much like Sneasel, has become mainly an underused team Pokemon, and isn't able to be used practically very well. Not recommended.

Weaknesses:
4X: None
2X: Electric, Ice, Rock

Resistances:
4X: None
2X: Grass, Ghost, Evil
Immune: Psychic, Ground

Skills:
TMS: 1,3,6,9-11,13,16,17,20,21,27,30,31,32,34,35,39,42-47,50
HMS: 2

Suggested Movesets:
Faint Attack, Mean Look, Toxic, Fly @ Leftovers

Depending on who is caught in the mean Look, Murkrow becomes relatively useable.

OR

Pursuit, Haze, Drill Peck, Protect @ Leftovers

No explanation really. ;[

OR

Mean Look, Attract, Toxic, Thief @ NONE

This moveset works much as the initial Umbreon Moveset listed, mainly as an annoyance, but if the right Pokemon is locked up, it could prove to be fatal. Theif is to steal the defending Pokemon's leftovers, and the rest explains itself.

Fear the LEETNESS OF MURKROW, :x