Bad Dreams chips sleeping opponents every turn for Darkrai at S-Tier in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Dark Void puts both foes to sleep, dominating doubles formats.
Ability 1Bad DreamsAbility 1Damages sleeping opponents for 1/8 their max HP after each turn.
600HP70Attack90Defense90Speed125Sp.Def90Sp.Atk135
Weak to
Special
Sweeper
125Speed · Very Fast

Is Darkrai Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Event and transfer only. Dark with AbilityBad Dreams damaging sleeping opponents. If imported, Darkrai dominates through Dark Void sleep. Most players will never have one.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGGSTGSSSSGGGSGGSGEGSFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16DarkraiTradeWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Falkner's team.

You Win
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Even
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Bugsy's team.

You Win
Scyther
Lv 17
BugFlying
Technician
Quick AttackLeerU TurnFocus Energy
You Win
Kakuna
Lv 15
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison Sting
You Win
Metapod
Lv 15
Bug
Shed Skin
Tackle
Whitney
Gym 3
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Whitney's team.

Easy KO
Clefairy
Lv 17
Normal
Cute Charm
Double SlapMimicEncoreMetronome
You Win
Miltank
Lv 19
Normal
Scrappy
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Morty's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
Easy KO
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
Easy KO
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
Levitate
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
Easy KO
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
Levitate
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Tough

Chuck's team hits Darkrai's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Primeape
Lv 29
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerDouble TeamFocus PunchRock Slide
Even
Poliwrath
Lv 31
WaterFighting
Water Absorb
HypnosisSurfFocus PunchBody Slam
Jasmine
Gym 6
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Jasmine's team.

You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Even
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Sturdy
ScreechSandstormRock ThrowIron Tail
Pryce
Gym 7
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Pryce's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Seel
Lv 30
Water
Thick Fat
SnoreHailIcy WindRest
Easy KO
Dewgong
Lv 32
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Sleep TalkIce ShardAurora BeamRest
Easy KO
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Snow Cloak
HailIce FangMud BombBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Clair's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterDragon RageBiteDragon Pulse
Easy KO
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveFire BlastSlamDragon Pulse
Easy KO
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveAqua TailSlamDragon Pulse
Even
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Sniper
SmokescreenHydro PumpHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Brock's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Graveler
Lv 51
RockGround
Sturdy
Defense CurlRock SlideRolloutEarthquake
Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 51
GroundRock
Rock Head
SandstormScary FaceEarthquakeHorn Drill
Easy KO
Omastar
Lv 53
RockWater
Shell Armor
Ancient PowerBrineProtectSpike Cannon
You Win
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Sturdy
Iron TailRock SlideScreechSandstorm
Easy KO
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Battle Armor
Rock SlideAqua JetEndureGiga Drain
Misty
Gym 10
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Misty's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
You Win
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Water Absorb
Water PulseAmnesiaEarthquakeRain Dance
You Win
Lapras
Lv 52
WaterIce
Shell Armor
Water PulseSingIce BeamBody Slam
Easy KO
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Lt. Surge's team.

You Win
Raichu
Lv 51
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveQuick AttackShock WaveDouble Team
You Win
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveDouble TeamShock WaveLight Screen
You Win
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
You Win
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
ScreechDouble TeamSelf DestructCharge Beam
You Win
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Erika's team.

Easy KO
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
You Win
Tangela
Lv 52
Grass
Chlorophyll
Ancient PowerWring OutGiga DrainSleep Powder
You Win
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGrass KnotLeaf Storm
You Win
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGiga DrainSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 13
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Janine's team.

Easy KO
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
You Win
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
Levitate
Double HitSludge BombToxicExplosion
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Scary FacePoison JabPin MissilePsychic
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Pin MissilePoison JabSwaggerNight Shade
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Sabrina's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Espeon
Lv 53
Psychic
Synchronize
Shadow BallSkill SwapCalm MindPsychic
Easy KO
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Filter
MimicLight ScreenSkill SwapPsychic
Easy KO
Alakazam
Lv 55
Psychic
Inner Focus
Skill SwapPsychicEnergy BallReflect
Blaine
Gym 15
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

Easy KO
Magcargo
Lv 54
FireRock
Flame Body
Sunny DaySmogOverheatRock Slide
You Win
Magmar
Lv 54
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchOverheatSunny DayConfuse Ray
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Flash Fire
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Blue's team.

Easy KO
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
You Win
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Rock Head
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 52
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Ice FangWaterfallDragon DanceReturn
Even
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
No Guard
Dynamic PunchEarthquakeStone EdgeThunder Punch
Easy KO
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Will's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
U TurnMe FirstConfuse RayPsychic
Easy KO
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapLovely KissIce PunchPsychic
Easy KO
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
Easy KO
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Own Tempo
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
Easy KO
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Early Bird
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
Easy KO
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
Risky
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
ProtectSwiftExplosionToxic Spikes
You Win
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Sticky Hold
MinimizeScreechGunk ShotToxic
You Win
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Double TeamQuick AttackWing AttackPoison Fang
Bruno
Elite Four
Even

Darkrai trades roughly evenly with Bruno's team.

Even
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Technician
CounterQuick AttackDigTriple Kick
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Reckless
SwaggerFocus EnergyHigh Jump KickBlaze Kick
Even
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Iron Fist
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchBullet Punch
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
Risky
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Good

Darkrai has the type edge here and should clean up Karen's team.

You Win
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
You Win
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidMoonlightPetal Dance
Easy KO
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
Levitate
LickSpiteFocus BlastDestiny Bond
You Win
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Super Luck
PluckWhirlwindSucker PunchFeint Attack
Even
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Flash Fire
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Lance
Champion
Strong

Darkrai resists most of Lance's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushBlizzardHyper Beam
Easy KO
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
Easy KO
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
Easy KO
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Dark
Tier
S

Darkrai cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Darkrai locations

How to Get Darkrai in HeartGold & SoulSilver

No wild encounters for Darkrai in HeartGold & SoulSilver. It can be transferred in from Diamond & Pearl or Platinum.

Darkrai cannot be caught in the wild in HeartGold & SoulSilver, but you can still get it via these paths:

Also Obtainable In:

Pokemon transfers only go forward through generations, never backward. Direct cross-gen trades aren't supported.

How to Get Shiny Darkrai in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Darkrai never appears in HGSS at all, so a shiny one has to be brought in from a game that offers it. See every game where Shiny Darkrai can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Darkrai in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Darkrai in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBlacktoPurple
Shiny TierD Tier Shiny

Shiny Darkrai Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Darkrai does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Darkrai Weakness

Darkrai's Dark typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting and Bug. It shrugs off Psychic-type attacks completely. With 70 HP and balanced defenses, Darkrai can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Darkrai Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting, Bug
0.5x (Resist)Ghost, Dark
0x (Immune)Psychic
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Darkrai Weak Against

Good
2Weak
2Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
½xResist
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Darkrai Strong Against

2Strong
3Resisted
0Immune
Score-1
2xStrong
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Darkrai

Hariyama
Hariyama
Fighting
B
Breloom
Breloom
GrassFighting
A
Blaziken
Blaziken
FireFighting
C
Hitmonlee
Hitmonlee
Fighting
C
Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B

Darkrai Evolutions

A Dark-type mythical at 600 base stats, Darkrai can't breed or evolve. Event distribution is the standard way to obtain one. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Darkrai
#491Darkrai
Does not evolve

Breeding

Unavailable
Undiscovered egg group

HGSS Darkrai Best Moveset

MoveDark Void puts both opponents to sleep at 80% accuracy while AbilityBad Dreams drains 12.5% HP per turn from sleeping targets. 135 Sp. Atk at 125 Speed fires special Dark attacks while targets sleep. Banned for making competitive play unwinnable.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Setup Sweeper
Ability
Bad Dreams
Item
Choice ScarfSPEED
Best Nature for Darkrai
Timid+SPE

Darkrai best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Setup Sweeper Moveset

  • Dark VoidSTAB
  • Dark PulseSTAB
  • Focus Blast
  • Nasty PlotSTAB

Recommended Teammates

Moves List

STAB runs through Dark Pulse and Sucker Punch for the basics, but Darkrai's real strength is the 10-type coverage spread. Ghost and Normal hit common defensive types, and the movepool keeps going.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Disable
D—8020Normal
Lv 1
Ominous Wind
C601005Ghost
Lv 11
Quick Attack+1
D4010030Normal
Lv 20
Hypnosis
D—7020Psychic
Lv 29
Feint Attack
—90—20Dark
Lv 38
Nightmare
——10015Ghost
Lv 47
Double Team
———15Normal
Lv 57
Haze
D——30Ice
Lv 66
Dark Void
B—5010Dark
Lv 75
Nasty Plot
B——20Dark
Lv 84
Dream Eater
B10010015Psychic
Lv 93
Dark Pulse
B12010015Dark

TM Moves

All 37 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceMt. Mortarnot until badge 8
D60—20Flying
TM14C120705Ice
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
C509010Electric
TM79B12010015Dark
TM60
Drain PunchRoute 39badge 3
C751005Fighting
TM63
EmbargoRoute 34badge 2
——10015Dark
TM52
Focus BlastGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
B120705Fighting
TM01
Focus Punch-3Prize for defeating Chuckbadge 5
B15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
C6010015Normal
TM15B150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B9510010Ice
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 35badge 2
C7510010Dark
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombUnion Cavebadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
C8010015Ghost
TM65
Shadow ClawRoute 42badge 3
C7010015Ghost
TM36
Sludge BombRoute 43badge 6
B9010010Poison
TM49
Snatch+4Team Rocket HQbadge 6
———10Dark
HM04C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——30Normal
TM12C—10020Dark
TM46
ThiefTeam Rocket HQbadge 6
C9010025Dark
TM25C1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B9510015Electric

Egg Moves

Darkrai doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Headbutt
C7010015Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
C559515Ice
Tutor
Knock Off
C9710020Dark
Tutor
Last Resort
B1301005Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Ominous Wind
C601005Ghost
Tutor
Snore
C4010015Normal
Tutor
Spite
——10010Ghost
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
C1201005Dark
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Trick
A—10010Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Legend
HP70
C
Attack90
B
Defense90
B
Sp. Atk135
A
Sp. Def90
B
Speed125
A
Total600
Details
Catch Rate
Legendary3 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.5 m
Weight50.5 kg
Base XP270
Abilities
Bad Dreams
Damages sleeping opponents for 1/8 their max HP after each turn.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+2SpDSpe+1
Strong Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

It chases people and Pokémon from its territory by causing them to experience deep, nightmarish slumbers.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Darkrai Event Distributions

In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Darkrai has been offered just once as a Mystery Gift event Pokemon.

Dear Pokemon Trainer:HeartGoldDiamondPearlNot shiny
Lv 50 OT: Almia Poke Ball Classic Ribbon
Moves: Dark Void, Dark Pulse, Shadow Ball, Double Team
Original name: Estimado entrenador Pokémon:

Darkrai HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • Darkrai isn't catchable in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Obtain it through event distribution in Platinum, then trade it to HeartGold & SoulSilver.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, use Darkrai as a sweeper. Special attacks are the main output. It outspeeds most threats,

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, build your team around Kyogre, Dialga, and Deoxys Speed. These have the highest co-usage rates with Darkrai in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, run Timid on Darkrai. +Speed is what matters, and the -Attack cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the sweeper role.

Game Availability

Introduced in Diamond & Pearl, Darkrai shows up in 13 games across 6 generations. Mythical status keeps it locked behind events or specific story content in most appearances.

Explore

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