Since their introduction in Generation II, Dark-type Pokemon have had a tendency to fly under the radar. There aren't many flashy moves bearing this typing, despite Dark-types often having high attack stats. What's more, it was the last Pokemon type to receive a dedicated Pokemon Gym in the series, with Sword & Shield.
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Though somewhat overlooked, Dark-type Pokemon are powerful attackers and great allies to any Trainer. But with every generation's contribution to Dark-type movesets, which one of them made the most of their offensive potential? Here's a ranking of the strongest Dark-type attack in every generation, from worst to best.
8 Gen III: Knock Off
At only 65 base power, Knock Off doesn't stack up to most moves on this list. As a secondary effect, it does knock off the target's held item (hence the name). However, when the opponent isn't holding anything, this gimmick falls flat.
Knock Off isn't necessarily a bad attack, as it still does damage with 100% base accuracy even when it doesn't remove an item. However, most players choose to replace it with more powerful moves at the first opportunity. At the end of the day, Knock Off's comparatively low base damage ranks it lowest among the best Dark-type moves of each generation.
7 Gen I: Bite
Though this typing didn't exist until Gen II, this Gen I move was changed from Normal to Dark upon the new type's introduction. It's the only Dark-type move from Gen I and therefore earns its place here by default.
Like Knock Off, Bite isn't incredibly powerful, at 60 base damage. However, most Pokemon who learn Bite through level-up do so at fairly early. Its 30% chance to make the target flinch is also a handy secondary effect. Though it's often replaced with stronger moves later, Bite is a solid and reliable attack for early battles.
6 Gen II: Crunch
Essentially an upgraded version of Bite, Crunch comes in at 80 base power and 100% accuracy. Though its damage may not be as high as some other attacks, it's still a strong move for the dozens of Pokemon – Dark-type and otherwise – who can learn it.
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Crunch also has a 20% chance to lower the target's Defense by one stage. With 15 PP, this means that each repeated use has the potential to be more destructive than the last. Just as Bite is a solid choice early in the game, Crunch can help carry Trainers through tricky mid-level Gym battles.
5 Gen VIII: Fiery Wrath
With 90 base damage and 100% accuracy, Galarian Moltres' signature move packs a pretty big punch. It also has a 20% chance to make the target flinch, providing an extra advantage for the user. Additionally, in double or triple battles, this attack will damage all Pokemon on the opposing team while leaving allies unscathed.
In future games, it will be interesting to see if Fiery Wrath remains a signature move, or if new Pokemon (perhaps other legendaries) will be able to learn it as well. Regardless, it's a powerful attack for this legendary bird's unique regional form.
4 Gen VII: Baddy Bad
Introduced in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Baddy Bad is one of the partner Eevee's signature moves. Not only does it inflict decent damage with its base power of 90, but it also sets up Reflect on the user's side of the field.
Oddly, though its code exists in the game, this move is rendered unusable in Sword & Shield. Considering its useful potential, future games will hopefully include Baddy Bad as a viable move. In keeping with its original usage, perhaps it could become a signature move for Umbreon.
3 Gen V: Foul Play
Foul Play uses the opponent's Attack stat to calculate damage, rather than the user's. This makes it a fabulous asset when players find themselves underleveled for a fight, or simply facing an opponent with huge offensive power. The only downside is that players aren't always aware of their enemy's specific stats.
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However, players don't really need their opponent's stat sheet for Foul Play to be a fantastic attack. Not only does it boast an impressive 95 base damage and 100% accuracy, but it also has 15 PP, rare for a move with such high damage.
2 Gen VI: Hyperspace Fury
The signature move of Hoopa Unbound, Hyperspace Fury boasts 100 base damage and the ability to bypass all accuracy checks. This means it hits every time it's used, even when the target is under the effects of moves like Protect. Though it only has five PP, its accuracy ensures that these aren't wasted.
One downside of this move is its incredible rarity. As a mythical Pokemon, Hoopa has only been distributed via event for Gen VI and VII games. Many players may never get the chance to add Hoopa to their team and thus cannot use its signature attacks.
1 Gen IV: Punishment
The Dark-type move pool is somewhat limited and doesn't have many explosively powerful moves like most other types do. However, with a little planning, Punishment can become that powerhouse attack.
Punishment's power grows with every stat increase the user acquires during the battle. Its lowest value is 60, and each increase lifts its power by 20. For example, using Nasty Plot, which raises the user's Special Attack by two stages, increases Punishment's power to 100. With plenty of stat-raising moves at their disposal, Dark-type Pokemon can use this strategy to buff themselves up and then sweep opposing teams.