Dark-Type Pokémon Tier List for Pokémon Legends Z-A

S-Tier

The absolute elite of the Dark type. These Pokémon are meta-defining powerhouses with incredible stats, game-changing Mega Evolutions, and the ability to dominate battles.

• Mega Tyranitar: A pseudo-legendary that becomes a true monster. Mega Tyranitar boasts colossal Attack and defensive stats, and its Sand Stream ability can chip away at opponents. It is a top-tier threat that is incredibly difficult to take down.
• Mega Gyarados: By trading its Flying-type for a Dark-typing, Mega Gyarados sheds its 4x Electric weakness and becomes a terrifying physical sweeper. With a massive Attack stat and access to Dragon Dance, it can quickly spiral out of control.
• Mega Greninja: The Kalos starter reaches its peak potential with Mega Evolution. Its already blazing Speed and high attacking stats are pushed even further, making it one of the most dangerous mixed sweepers in the game.
• Mega Houndoom, Mega Absol, & Mega Malamar: This trio of Megas brings a variety of offensive threats. Mega Houndoom is a speedy special attacker with the Solar Power ability. Mega Absol gains incredible Attack and Speed, and its Magic Bounce ability reflects status moves back at the opponent. The new Mega Malamar becomes a tricky and powerful attacker with boosted stats across the board.
• Yveltal: As the “Destruction Pokémon” and a box art Legendary, Yveltal boasts immense power without needing a Mega Evolution. Its high stats and powerful Dark/Flying STAB moves make it one of the strongest Pokémon in the entire game.

A-Tier

These Pokémon are exceptionally strong and can be the cornerstone of a winning team. They are powerful and reliable, falling just short of the overwhelming force of the S-Tier.

• Tyranitar, Greninja, & Houndoom: Even without Mega Evolving, this trio represents the top class of Dark-types. Tyranitar is a bulky and powerful attacker, Greninja is a lightning-fast mixed sweeper, and Houndoom is a potent special attacker.
• Umbreon: One of the best defensive Pokémon available. This Eeveelution has fantastic HP, Defense, and Special Defense, making it an unbreakable wall that can wear down opponents with moves like Toxic.
• Krookodile: A powerful physical attacker with a great Dark/Ground typing that grants it an immunity to Electric-type moves. Its high Attack and solid Speed make it a consistent threat.
• Mega Sharpedo & Mega Scrafty: Mega Sharpedo becomes a glass cannon with the Strong Jaw ability, boosting the power of its biting moves. Mega Scrafty gets a significant boost to its already good defensive stats, making it a bulky and annoying brawler.

B-Tier

Solid and dependable choices that perform their roles well. They may have more noticeable flaws or be more specialized than the tiers above but are more than capable in battle.

• Absol & Sharpedo: Both are potent physical attackers that rely on hitting hard and fast. However, they are quite frail and can be knocked out easily if they don’t secure the first hit.
• Scrafty & Pangoro: These Dark/Fighting-types are slow but bulky physical brawlers. Scrafty has better defenses, while Pangoro boasts a higher Attack stat. Their 4x weakness to Fairy-types is a significant drawback.
• Malamar: Its Dark/Psychic typing and access to the Contrary ability make it a unique and tricky Pokémon to face, capable of turning stat drops into boosts.

C-Tier

This tier includes Pokémon that are usable in niche situations but are generally outclassed by stronger options.

• Mega Sableye: While it becomes incredibly bulky, Mega Sableye is very passive and lacks offensive pressure. Its reliance on status moves is less effective in a fast-paced meta.
• Sableye: In its base form, Sableye has very low stats and relies on its Prankster ability to be useful. Without it, it struggles to make an impact.
• Carvanha & Krokorok: As middle-stage evolutions, they are on their way to becoming stronger but lack the stats to compete with fully evolved Pokémon.

D-Tier

This tier is composed of first-stage Pokémon that are not viable for combat. Their primary purpose is to be trained and evolved into their much more powerful later forms.

• Sandile, Scraggy, Inkay, Houndour, & Larvitar: These Pokémon are all at the beginning of their evolutionary lines. They are essential for completing your Pokédex but are far too weak for challenging battles and should be evolved as a priority.