Dark-type Pokemon were introduced in the franchise's second Generation. The category was created to counter the immensely powerful Ghost and Psychic-types that dominated the Kanto region in Gen 1. Since then, some of the most popular Pokemon have been given the Dark-type designation.
In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, several Dark-type Pokemon make their return and a handful of new ones were added to the Pokedex. These dark creatures found in the Paldea region come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The best ones come with devastating strength and dastardly attacks. Even with a weakness to Bug, Fighting, and Fairy-types, Dark-type Pokemon are a great asset to any team.
10 Grimmsnarl
Grimmsnarl is a Dark/Fairy-type originally found in the Galar region. It evolves from Morgrem at level 42 and is the final form of Impidimp. It is most well-known for its Prankster ability that gives its non-attack moves priority in battle. In competitive battling, it can set up Light Screen and Reflect to lessen enemy attack power easily.
You'll be able to find its earlier forms in forest areas of Paldea. From there, gain XP by battling to get yourself a Grimmsnarl. It comes with immunities to both Psychic and Dragon-types along with a fairly high base Attack stat of 120, making it a good counter to many of Paldea's Pokemon.
9 Houndoom
Houndoom was one of the first Dark-type Pokemon added to the series in Generation II. The Dark/Fire-type is known simply as the Dark Pokemon. It makes sense that it is one of the most dangerous Dark-types available in Scarlet & Violet.
Its only downside is the extra weaknesses it receives from the Dark-typing. It is weak to Fighting, Water, Rock, and Ground-types. Those are abundant types found across Paldea, so you'll want to utilize a different Tera-type to make those weaknesses a non-factor.
8 Mabosstiff
Mabosstiff plays an important part in the story, but you don't really get to see its power until later on. That is, unless you get a hold of your own. It evolves from Maschiff at level 30, and is a pure Dark-type Pokemon.
It is a strong offensive creature with a base Attack stat of 120. At level 48, it learns the move Jaw Lock. This Physical attack has a solid 80 Power and provides a use other than just attacking another Pokemon: it will prevent opposing creatures from fleeing the battle or switching out. This makes it valuable for any wild Pokemon that is prone to escaping and any trainer's Pokemon that might be weak against Mabosstiff.
7 Iron Jugulis
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet incorporate Pokemon from the past and future, respectively. As a Violet exclusive, you will come across Iron Jugulis late in the story. This Dark/Flying-type Paradox Pokemon is a distant future form of the much-feared Hydreigon.
Each Paradox Pokemon is very useful when it comes to battling and Iron Jugulis is especially noteworthy. It has an amazing design coupled with a base Special Attack stat of 122 and a base Speed stat of 108. It is incredibly fast and takes out Pokemon lacking in the Special Defense department with no problem.
6 Kingambit
KIngambit is a surprise addition. Many expected older Pokemon to receive new evolutions, but not everyone thought an evolution for Bisharp would be introduced. The Dark/Steel-type Pokemon evolves once a Bisharp levels up after defeating three other Bisharp that lead a pack of Pawniards –– simple enough.
This Pokemon has an intimidating appearance and backs it up with strength and bulk. It also has an astounding nine type resistances and two immunities. It does have a double weakness to Fighting-type attacks, so watch for those.
5 Treasures of Ruin
The Treasures of Ruin are grouped together as the region's legendary Pokemon. Each one has two types, with one of them being Dark. Chien-Pao is a Dark/Ice-type, Ting-Lu is a Dark/Ground-type, Wo-Chien is a Dark/Grass-type, and Chi-Yu is a Dark/Fire-type.
You'll have to complete a special side quest to gain access to their shrines, and only one of each is catchable per game. As one would assume with Legendary Pokemon, their stats are amazing. All four have a base stat total of 570, with a speciality in different areas.
4 Umbreon
Eevee and its evolutions are very popular Pokemon. Umbreon is arguably at the top of the list and can be collected in Scarlet & Violet. If you evolve your Eevee at night, with high friendship and no Fairy-type attacks in its moveset, you'll end up with an Umbreon.
Though it is a smaller Dark-type Pokemon, it should not be underestimated. If you add one to your team, you will benefit from incredible defensive capabilities. Its attacking stats are rather low, but they are very similar, so you can decide if you want a Physical or Special attacking Umbreon.
3 Tyranitar
Tyranitar is one of the scariest and most dangerous Pokemon the series has ever known.
Violet players will have to trade for it, but if you purchased Scarlet, you can enjoy owning this version exclusive. After obtaining it, you'll have a battler that has owned the competitive scene for years thanks to its hefty stats.
2 Meowscarada
If you start your Pokemon Scarlet & Violet adventure with the Grass-type starter, you will find yourself with a Meowscarada eventually. It is the final form of Sprigatito and evolves from Floragato at level 36. Its earlier forms are pure Grass-types, but Meowscarada becomes a Grass/Dark-type.
It does have a lot of weaknesses, but its high Speed and Attack stats help it strike first. Its signature move is known as Flower Trick. The attack never misses and is always a critical hit, doing as much damage as it possibly can in situations where the attack is super effective.
1 Roaring Moon
Past and future Pokemon, known as Paradox Pokemon, are their own creatures, even though they resemble already existing Pokemon. One of those is Roaring Moon, a Dragon/Dark-type that is said to be a distant past variation of Salamence.
Roaring Moon has quickly become a fan-favorite due to its design and battle prowess. It is a Scarlet exclusive, so Violet players will need to trade for it to obtain it. That is more than worth it, however, to receive a Pokemon with such great stats.