Dusknoir Best Moveset
100 Attack at 135/135 balanced defenses on Ghost with AbilityPressure forcing double PP. The moveset absorbs hits from both sides and fires physical Ghost TermStab back. 45 Speed means going last. Dusclops with Held ItemEviolite outperforms Dusknoir defensively since it exists as the pre-evolution, limiting Dusknoir's competitive niche.
135/135 defenses with Shadow Sneak priority in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Pain Split recovered HP, and Will-O-Wisp crippled physical attackers that tried to break through.
Best Moves
Best Build
Dusknoir best EVs are HP and Attack
Physical Tank Moveset
- Shadow Sneak
- Will O Wisp
- Ice Punch
- Pain Split
Recommended Teammates
Eviolite arrived in Gen V (Black & White) and gave Dusclops 50% more bulk than its own evolution. Dusknoir was immediately obsolete, replaced by the Pokemon it evolved from.
Wall Moveset
- Shadow Sneak
- Fire Punch
- Will O Wisp
- Pain Split
Recommended Teammates
Two gens of irrelevance by Gen VI (X & Y). As long as Eviolite existed, Dusknoir was a Dusclops with worse stats. The quintessential Eviolite victim.
Physical Attacker Moveset
- Shadow Sneak
- Will O Wisp
- Toxic
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Three gens overshadowed by its pre-evolution in Gen VII (Sun & Moon). Dusclops did everything Dusknoir did but bulkier thanks to a single held item.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Shadow Sneak
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Trick Room
Recommended Teammates
Frisk let Dusknoir scout items in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield), but that was the only thing it could do that Dusclops couldn't.
Wall Moveset
- Trick Room
- Will O Wisp
- Poltergeist
- Spite
Recommended Teammates
Fell to the bottom in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet). Five gens of being worse than its own pre-evolution. Eviolite permanently broke the logic of evolution for defensive Pokemon.
Physical Tank Moveset
- Pain Split
- Poltergeist
- Earthquake
- Will O Wisp
Recommended Teammates
Dusknoir Weakness
Ghost and Dark moves hit Dusknoir for super-effective damage. The upside? Normal and Fighting-type moves can't touch it at all. Dusknoir's overall bulk (45/135/135) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Poison, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Normal, Fighting |
What is Dusknoir Weak Against
ExcellentBest Pokemon Against Dusknoir
Cinderace deals 37-44% with Sucker Punch.
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureRelaxed Moves
Damage vs Dusknoir View Alomomola builds →Flip Turn9-11% Scald7-9% | ||
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityToxicdebris ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Dusknoir View Glimmora builds →Power Gem23-27% | ||
A | ||
Recommended Build AbilityLibero ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Dusknoir View Cinderace builds →U Turn9-11% Sucker Punch 2x37-44% | ||
Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureSassy Moves View Slowking-Galar builds →
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Recommended Build AbilityRegenerator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves View Tornadus-Therian builds →
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Evolution
Dusknoir doesn't evolve through normal leveling. You'll need a trade to get here from Duskull's line. Breed this form to get Duskull eggs (average hatch time). Evolving from Duskull gave Dusknoir the biggest boost in Attack (+60), bringing the total to 525 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Dusknoir to get Duskull eggs easily using 63 partners from the Indeterminate egg group.
How to Get Dusknoir
Dusknoir's 3-stage chain starts with Duskull, which appears at moderate rates in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
How to Obtain Dusknoir in SV
Duskull is your first catch on the way to Dusknoir. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 7-60 across 20 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch DuskullChilling WaterheadLv.7-60OverworldNightCrystal PoolLv.7-60OverworldNightFellhorn GorgeLv.7-60OverworldNightInfernal PassLv.7-60OverworldNightKitakami WildsLv.7-60OverworldNightOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldNightTimeless WoodsLv.7-60OverworldNight
Step 2Catch or Evolve DusclopsKitakami WildsLv.37-60OverworldNightRevelers RoadLv.37-60OverworldNightTimeless WoodsLv.37-60OverworldNightor evolve from Duskull (Step 1)
Step 3Dusknoir ✓BREEDINGAvailableLeave a compatible parent at the Pokemon Day Care to receive a Dusknoir egg.
Winds & Waves is still unreleased. Whether Dusknoir will appear as a wild encounter is unconfirmed. It's catchable in Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, or Sword & Shield in other titles.
How to Obtain Dusknoir in WW
Step 1Obtain DuskullLATER APPEARANCEfrom Ruby & SapphireNot TradeableAppears in Ruby & Sapphire via Walking · Mt. Pyre. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom EmeraldNot TradeableAppears in Emerald via Walking · Mt. Pyre. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Diamond & PearlNot TradeableAppears in Diamond & Pearl via Pokeradar · Route 224. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom PlatinumNot TradeableAppears in Platinum via Walking · Lost Tower. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCENot TradeableAppears in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire via Walking · Mt. Pyre. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.LATER APPEARANCEfrom Sword & ShieldNot TradeableAppears in Sword & Shield via Overworld · Watchtower Ruins · Overcast. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
Step 2Evolve into Dusclops- Step 3Dusknoir ✓
A trade step sits in Dusknoir's 3-stage chain from Duskull. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Duskull shows up at decent rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Dusknoir in PLA
The path to Dusknoir starts with Duskull at Lv. 10-62 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch DuskullDeadwood HauntLv.29-32GrassRate 15%NightAvalanche SlopesLv.33-52GrassRate 15%NightArena's ApproachLv.45-55GrassRate 15%Night
Step 2Catch or Evolve DusclopsDeadwood HauntLv.37-40GrassRate 15%NightArena's ApproachLv.45-55GrassRate 15%NightAvalanche SlopesLv.50-62GrassRate 15%Nightor evolve from Duskull (Step 1)
Step 3Dusknoir ✓Deadwood HauntLv.10-40GrassRate 15%Nightor evolve from Dusclops (Step 2)
A trade step sits in Dusknoir's 3-stage chain from Duskull. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Duskull shows up at moderate rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
How to Obtain Dusknoir in BDSP
The path to Dusknoir starts with Duskull at Lv. 23-63 via walking and special encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch DuskullRoute 224Lv.23Using PokeRadarRate 2%Dazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-game
Step 2Catch or Evolve DusclopsRoute 224Lv.52-54Using PokeRadarRate 20%Dazzling CaveLv.58-63CavePost-gameStargleam CavernLv.58-63CavePost-gameor evolve from Duskull (Step 1)
Step 3Dusknoir ✓
Base Stats
Dusknoir's all-in on Defense at the expense of HP. The physical lean is obvious from the bars. Yields 3 Defense and Sp. Def EVs and follows a fast 800K XP curve.
Comes to those whose lives have come to an end and escorts their souls to the afterlife. Known to mistakenly take the souls of those who yet have life left in them, albeit rarely.
Dusknoir Guide
Dusknoir has a 525 base stat total and ranks as B-Tier: a solid choice for the right team. It works best as an attacker. Base 135 Defense is where it shines.
No. Dusknoir is not catchable in the wild. It only comes from trade-evolving Dusclops. Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Dusclops to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required. The Reaper Cloth must be held during the trade. Bring one over from a sibling Gen 3 game if needed.
Pressure increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. That's the one you want on Dusknoir. Frisk is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Dusknoir fills the attacker role. It's a physical attacker with base 100 Attack. Base 45 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. And it's tanky enough to absorb a few hits.
Game Availability
Dusknoir has been available in 14 games since Diamond & Pearl, though obtaining it requires a trade evolution. This extra step makes it less common than Pokemon found through standard wild encounters.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RB
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DPDebut
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves