Dark type, also known as the "evil" (あくタイプ) type, is one of the 18 types in the Pokemon franchise. The dark type encapsulates mischeviousness and, of course, evilness. Each pokemon represents unsavory types such as the hyper-aggressive, kleptomaniacs, and pranksters.
Dark type was first introduced in gen 2 as a counter for the uber busted psychic type. 6 Dark types were introduced:
They were... Rather underpowered and underutilized in GS. This was before the special/physical split, and dark was a special category. Pokemon like Sneasel had absolutely no good dark STAB moves, as they were physical attackers. To make matters worse, most of the gen 2 dark type moves had very physical names, i.e crunch, beat up, pursuit...
Favorites from this gen: Murkrow, Houndoom line, and Sneasel.
Gen 3 introduced a whopping 10 new dark types!
This is when dark type became more heavily associated with the evil teams. You could argue Silver's sneasel was the beginning, but that boy was, like 12, he wasn't evil. The ace of the big bad in Sapphire, Archie, was a sharpedo, and Carvanha was the unoffical mascot of team aqua. Still, the phys-special split hadn't happened yet, so they were still kinda trash. Atleast most of them were dual-typed.
This Gen also introduced the first dark type gym leader: Sidney! Dark type gyms are few and far between; All of them are a part of the elite four.
Favorites from this gen: Cacturne, Sableye, Sharpedo, Absol.
Gen 4 was more about giving evos to the sorely lacking gen 2 mons, and also more fun type combos. There's 3 poison/dark types, and another ghost/dark type! The phys-special split has FINALLY happened!!! Many dark types now have perfectly good STAB moves.
We also got our first dark type legendary!!!
Darkrai is still stupid busted to this day, like most legendaries. I love its ability, Bad Dreams. Too bad sleep isn't that viable competitively.
Favorites this gen: Weavile, Stunky, Honchkrow, Spiritomb
Gen 5 is the last real notable batch of dark types. Gen 5 holds the record of most dark type pokemon introduced at a devious 16 new additions. It also brought us our first dark type pseudolegendary.
Favorites this gen: Liepard, Scraggy, Scrafty, Vullaby
Footnotes: Notable moments in other gens
Gen 6:
• Introduced the first dark type starter with Greninja
• Introduced mega evolution and the first pokemon to change into a dark type with a form change, Gyarados
• Also introduced the first dark type box legend with Yveltal
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Gen 7:
• Introduced the scourge of every comp level and second dark type starter, Greninja
• Introduced a dark type mythical/ ultra beast, Greninja
• Introduced new "regional forms", and with that new forms for grimer, muk, meowth, and persian.
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Gen 8:
• Introduced the first ever pokemon gym leader, Piers
• Introduced even MORE dark type forms, and an evolution to Linoone, Obstagoon and subsequently introduced the first (non-legendary) dark type signature move: obstruct.
