Dragon/Dark Type

Dragon/Dark and Dark/Dragon are the same defensive pairing; this page uses dragon-dark as the canonical URL. Dragon/Dark is a strong offensive pairing that combines broad Dragon pressure with Psychic immunity and Dark STAB. Representative Pokémon include Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon, Guzzlord, Roaring Moon. The standard type chart gives this combination 4× weak to Fairy and 2× weak to Ice, Fighting, Bug, Dragon. It is immune to Psychic. Its main defensive value comes from no ¼× resistance; ½× resists Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ghost, Dark, but stats, ability, item, and format still decide whether a real Pokémon can use those entries repeatedly.

Offensive plan

Dragon STAB threatens opposing Dragons, while Dark STAB pressures Psychic and Ghost targets. Fairy is the severe 4× weakness, and Ice, Fighting, Bug, and Dragon also hit for 2×. The typing needs Fairy control and often benefits from coverage that punishes Steel and Fairy switch-ins.

Counterplay and defensive risks

To counter Dragon/Dark, start with the chart pressure: Fairy, Ice, Fighting, Bug, Dragon. If a 4× weakness is listed, preserve that attack type before revealing it; if there is no 4× weakness, repeated 2× pressure and hazard chip usually matter more than a single surprise hit. Scout for abilities, Terastallization, weather, recovery, and pivot moves before assuming the visible multiplier ends the exchange.

Team-building advice

Dragon/Dark needs a reliable Fairy answer before anything else, plus Ice, Fighting, Bug, and Dragon support. Steel, Poison, Fire, Fairy, and Flying partners can help while Dragon/Dark pressures Psychic and Ghost structures. Use the Team Calculator to check whether the rest of the six stacks the same Fairy, Ice problem, then compare the full defensive chart before choosing moves or teammates.

Read the best Pokémon type combinations guide for a side-by-side defensive comparison.

Continue with Type Chart, Dual Type Calculator, Dragon/Flying guide, and Psychic/Dark guide.

Frequently asked questions