Pokemon UNITE

Darkrai Guide: Best Builds and Moveset

Pokemon UNITE - Darkrai Banner.png

The best guide on how to play Darkrai in Pokemon UNITE for Nintendo Switch and Mobile. Check here for Darkrai best build, its price, cost, and role, Held and Battle items, moveset and skills, as well as the latest nerfs, buffs, counters, matchups, and more!

Darkrai Pages
Pokemon UNITE - Darkrai Release Date Navigation Banner.pngDarkrai Release Date Pokemon UNITE - Darkrai Builds Navigation Banner.pngDarkrai Builds & Guide
Pokemon UNITE - Darkrai Nightmare Periphery Support Log-In Bonus Navigation Banner.pngSupport Log-In Bonus
(Expired)
Pokemon UNITE - Nightmare Periphery Coin Collection Challenge Navigation Banner.pngCoin Collection Challenge
(Expired)
Get Darkrai Trial Unite License here:
Darkrai's Nightmare Periphery Challenge
(Expired)

Latest Nerfs & Buffs (11/21)

Version 1.16.2.9 Patch Notes

Darkrai Changes
Dark Pulse Image
Dark Pulse
• Cooldown reduced from 6s to 8s.
• Damage decreased by 25%.
Worst Nightmare Image
Worst Nightmare
• Damage decreased by 25%.

Stat Changes

1.16.2.7 HP increased from 3200~6700 to 3600~7500 (Level 1~15). Defense increased from 60~260 to 80~350 (Level 1~15). Sp. Def. increased from 40~180 to 65~255 (Level 1~15).

Standard Attack

1.16.2.7 Boosted Attack: Damage increased by 30%.

Bad Dreams

1.16.2.7 Damage increased by 100%.

Hypnosis

1.16.2.7 Cooldown reduced from 7s to 5s.

Dark Void

1.16.2.7 Cooldown reduced from 4s to 3.5s.

Nasty Plot

1.16.2.7 Time to gain a charge reduced from 4s to 3s. Normal attack damage increased by 22%. Boosted attack damage increased by 24%.

Shadow Claw

1.16.2.7 Cooldown reduced from 8s to 6s.

Dark Pulse

1.16.2.7 Cooldown reduced from 8s to 6s. Damage increased by 100%.
1.16.2.9 Cooldown reduced from 6s to 8s. Damage decreased by 25%..

Worst Nightmare

1.16.2.7 Damage increased by 100%.
1.16.2.9 Damage decreased by 25%.

Darkrai Basic Info

Darkrai
Darkrai.jpg
Tier Rating: SS Rank Icon

Role: Speedster
Attack Type: Melee
Damage Type: Special
Difficulty: Expert
Cost:
"Become the opponents worst nightmare with this shadowy Speedster!"

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Darkrai Best Lanes

Top Icon.pngTop Jungle Icon.pngJungle Bot Icon.pngBottom
3 Stars.png
5 Stars.png
4 Stars.png

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Darkrai Price and Cost

Pokemon UNITE - Darkrai Unite License.pngUNITE License: Darkrai
Aeos Coin Icon 13,000
Aeos Gems 790

As of November 14, 2024, Darkrai is now purchasable for 13000 Aeos Coins or 790 Aeos Gems! This comes about a four (4) weeks after it Darkrai was first released and was only obtainable via the Darkrai's Nightmare Periphery Challenge event.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths Weaknesses
✔︎ High damage
✔︎ High mobility
✔︎ Lots of crowd control
✔︎ Low cooldowns
✖︎ Low durability
✖︎ Dark Pulse is quite awful

Best Builds for Darkrai

Darkrai Builds
-

Dark-Plot Build

Dark-Plot Build
Pokemon UNITE - Best Build Icon
Moveset Held Items
Battle Item
Item Effects
(at Level 30)
Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +108
HP: +210
Pokemon UNITE - Top Lane Recommendation Yes Top Lane
Pokemon UNITE - Jungle Recommendation Yes Jungle
Pokemon UNITE - Bot Lane Recommendation Yes Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination Target Emblem Stats
Positive Stats:
Sp. Atk
Free Negative Stats:
Attack
Critical-Hit Rate
Note:
The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Dark-Plot Build

This build revolves around bursting targets down using Dark Void and Nasty Plot. Darkrai's gameplay will be gaining two (2) Nasty Plot charges first before engaging the target, then marking it with Dark Void, and finally attacking it to consume all the Nasty Plot charges and putting it to sleep.

  • Wise Glasses provides Darkrai with a large Sp. Atk. boost, increasing its overall damage output.
  • Choice Specs gives Darkrai more Sp. Atk. and adds a nice flat amount of damage to its moves.
  • Slick Spoon further improves Darkrai's Sp. Atk. and allows it to ignore a portion of its target's Sp. Def., dealing more damage as a result.
  • Sp. Atk. Specs, Curse Incense, or Energy Amplifier can be a replacement for Slick Spoon for more damage.
  • Eject Button gives Armarouge a reliable repositioning tool for offense or defense purposes.
  • The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems for more damage and 7 Black Emblems for cooldown reduction. This can be achieved by equipping at least three (3) Emblems that are both Green and Black.
  • Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk. to further boost Darkrai's damage output.
  • Attack, and Critical-Hit Rate can be freely traded for the other stats.

Dark-Plot Build Damage Test

Items
(Level 30)
Dark Void
(@ Lvl 15)
Nasty Plot
(2 Charges)
(@ Lvl 15)
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
1035 1328

Since the build is centered on Dark Void and Nasty Plot, equipping items that will maximize their damage is the ideal item combination.

Out of all the item combination, Wise Glasses, Choice Specs, and Slick Spoon will be the best for the build. Although the item combination did not generate the best results, its results are not that far from the highest results and doesn't require Darkrai to stack an item to maximize its damage.

As for alternatives, replacing Wise Glasses with Sp. Atk. Specs would be the best choice. This will maximize Dark Void's damage, but it does require Darkrai to fully stack Sp. Atk. Specs first to gain the full damage boost.


These damage tests are conducted in Practice Mode with Goodra as the Training Partner. The Pokemon is set to level 15 and has no items equipped. The results are taken by substracting the Pokemon's max HP and its HP after taking damage.

Note:
The numbers in bold are the highest result for a specific test.
Items
(Level 30)
Dark Void
(@ Lvl 15)
Nasty Plot
(2 Charges)
(@ Lvl 15)
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
1035 1328
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
1029 1320
Wise Glasses
+
Slick Spoon
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
842 1420
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
1055 1354

The tests above does not use any Emblems yet so it will scale higher if equipped.

Shadow-Pulse Build

Shadow-Pulse Build
Moveset Held Items
Battle Item
Item Effects
(at Level 30)
Recommended Lane
Sp. Atk: +108
HP: +210
Pokemon UNITE - Top Lane Recommendation Yes Top Lane
Pokemon UNITE - Jungle Recommendation Yes Jungle
Pokemon UNITE - Bot Lane Recommendation Yes Bot Lane
Emblem Color Combination Target Emblem Stats
Positive Stats:
Sp. Atk
Free Negative Stats:
Attack
Critical-Hit Rate
Note:
The emblem color and stats here are suggestions only. The builds are still viable even without the suggested emblems.

Shadow-Pulse Build

This build utilizes the synergy between Shadow Claw and Dark Pulse. Darkrai's gameplay would be using Shadow Claw while hiding inside a shadow during Dark Pulse.

  • Wise Glasses provides Darkrai with a large Sp. Atk. boost, increasing its overall damage output.
  • Choice Specs gives Darkrai more Sp. Atk. and adds a nice flat amount of damage to its moves.
  • Slick Spoon further improves Darkrai's Sp. Atk. and allows it to ignore a portion of its target's Sp. Def., dealing more damage as a result.
  • Sp. Atk. Specs, Curse Incense, or Energy Amplifier can be a replacement for Slick Spoon for more damage.
  • Eject Button gives Armarouge a reliable repositioning tool for offense or defense purposes.
  • The build's Boost Emblem loadout should consist of 6 Green Emblems for more damage and 7 Black Emblems for cooldown reduction. This can be achieved by equipping at least three (3) Emblems that are both Green and Black.
  • Equip Emblems that improve Sp. Atk. to further boost Darkrai's damage output.
  • Attack, and Critical-Hit Rate can be freely traded for the other stats.

Shadow-Pulse Build Damage Test

Items
(Level 30)
Shadow Claw
(Full Dmg.)
(@ Lvl 15)
Dark Pulse
(@ Lvl 15)
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
2665 906
(w/ Choice Specs)
652
(w/o Choice Specs)

Since the build is centered on Shadow Claw and Dark Pulse, equipping items that will maximize their damage and effects is the ideal item combination.

Out of all the item combination, Wise Glasses, Choice Specs, and Slick Spoon will be the best for the build. Although the item combination did not generate the best results, its results are not that far from the highest results and doesn't require Darkrai to stack an item to maximize its damage.

As for alternatives, replacing Wise Glasses with Sp. Atk. Specs would be the best choice. This will maximize Shadow Claw's damage, but it does require Darkrai to fully stack Sp. Atk. Specs first to gain the full damage boost.


These damage tests are conducted in Practice Mode with Goodra as the Training Partner. The Pokemon is set to level 15 and has no items equipped. The results are taken by substracting the Pokemon's max HP and its HP after taking damage.

Note:
The numbers in bold are the highest result for a specific test.
Items
(Level 30)
Shadow Claw
(Full Dmg.)
(@ Lvl 15)
Dark Pulse
(@ Lvl 15)
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
2774 919
(w/ Choice Specs)
675
(w/o Choice Specs)
Wise Glasses
+
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
2762 922
(w/ Choice Specs)
676
(w/o Choice Specs)
Wise Glasses
+
Slick Spoon
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
2707 727
Choice Specs
(Includes Effect)
+
Slick Spoon
+
Sp. Atk. Specs
(6 Stacks)
2829 939
(w/ Choice Specs)
689
(w/o Choice Specs)

Darkrai Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item Explanation
Sp. Atk. Specs.pngSp. Atk. Specs Sp. Atk. Specs grants Darkrai a large, flat amount of Sp. Atk. stat for improved damage.
Energy Amplifier.pngEnergy Amplifier Energy Amplifier momentarily amplifies Darkrai's damage when it uses Worst Nightmare, allowing it to quickly take out targets before the move ends.
Wise Glasses.pngWise Glasses Wise Glasses supplies Darkrai with a decent amount of Sp. Atk., increasing its overall damage output.
Choice Specs.pngChoice Specs Choice Specs gives Darkrai a nice, flat amount of Sp, Atk. and also increases the minimum damage of its moves.
Slick Spoon.pngSlick Spoon Slick Spoon provides Darkrai Sp. Atk. for damage, additional HP for durability, and allows the Pokemon to ignore a portion of its target's Sp. Def..
Curse Incense.pngCurse Incense Curse Incense increases Darkrai's Sp. Atk. stat and allows its attacks to reduce the HP regeneration of its targets.

Held Item Tier List

Best Battle Items

Item Explanation
Eject Button.pngEject Button Eject Button gives Darkrai a versatile mobility tool on top of its own dash moves.

Battle Item Tier List

Best Moveset

Move Explanation
Dark Void ImageDark Void Dark Void allows Darkrai to potentially make multiple opponents fall asleep and trigger multiple instances of Bad Dreams.
Nasty Plot ImageNasty Plot Nasty Plot is a simple and low-cooldown mobility move that works nicely with Dark Void.

This moveset is easier to execute and more effective during teamfights. Dark Void has the potential to put multiple targets asleep if it's used twice on the same targets, which will then trigger multiple instances of Bad Dreams. Nasty Plot is not only a reliable mobility tool, but it also improves Darkrai's burst damage.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best for Darkrai?

Dark Void & Nasty Plot 59
Votes
Dark Void & Dark Pulse 12
Votes
Shadow Claw & Nasty Plot 3
Votes
Shadow Claw & Dark Pulse 7
Votes

Let us know why in the comments!

How to Play Darkrai

Reach Level 7 Fast

Darkrai doesn't do much in the early game until it learns both of its primary moves. It's best to reach level 7 as fast as possible to allow Darkrai to start making an impact.

The best strategy to accomplish this is to simply start out in the jungle, allowing Darkrai to safely and quickly get to level 7.

Utilize Bad Dreams

Darkrai's core gameplay is putting targets to sleep using Shadow Claw or Dark Void, or Worst Nightmare, which then triggers Bad Dreams. Much of Darkrai's damage will come from Bad Dreams.

Bad Dreams: Darkrai Passive Effect and Cooldown

Attack Sleeping Targets for Boosted Attacks

Darkrai doesn't build Boosted Attacks in the same way as other Pokemon. The only way Darkrai's attacks becom Boosted Attacks is when it attacks sleeping targets.

Darkrai's Boosted Attacks have increased ranged, deal additional damage, and restore the Pokemon's HP. Make sure to utilize this mechanic when fightning.

Keep Nasty Plot Charges Up

If Darkrai learns Nasty Plot, it's best to keep Nasty Plot charges up by constantly using it, even when out of combat. The move's cooldown is low enough to allow Darkrai to always keep two (2) charges before the charges expires.

Always having two (2) Nasty Plot charges ensures Darkrai will deal maximum damage when it attacks a target.

Nasty Plot: Darkrai Move Effect and Cooldown

Put Multiple Targets Asleep Using Dark Void

Darkrai can potentially put multiple targets to sleep using Dark Void since the move is an area move, and its sleeping effect can be triggered by itself. Dark Void's cooldown is low enough to allow Darkrai to use the move twice before the mark on the targets disappears.

Dark Void: Darkrai Move Effect and Cooldown

Use Shadow Claw During Dark Pulse

Darkrai can use Shadow Claw while hiding inside one of Dark Pulse's shadow, allowing the Pokemon to deal damage while staying completely safe from enemy attacks. To do this mechanic, simply use the directional pad to select a shadow, then use Shadow Claw.

Shadow Claw will occur in the selected shadow in a form of an explosion and not what it normally looks like if used by itself. Moreover, the middle shadow will be the default spot where Shadow Claw will occur if no other shadow is selected, and the move can be used a total of two (2) times before going on cooldown if used during Dark Pulse.

Shadow Claw: Darkrai Move Effect and Cooldown

Use Worst Nightmare on Key Targets

It's best to save Worst Nightmare for key targets like the opponents' carry or strongest Pokemon. The move already deals a ton of damage by itself given that it always triggers Bad Dreams and also deals damage over time for the whole duration. But Darkrai can deal more damage during Worst Nightmare by using its other moves and attacking the target.

Worst Nightmare: Darkrai Move Effect and Cooldown

Darkrai Progression and Leveling Guide

Top and Bottom Guide

Level 1 to 5

  • Learn Hypnosis to quickly clear out the Bunnelbies in the lane.
  • Keep farming wild Pokemon in the lane to reach level 5 and learn Dark Void or Shadow Claw.
  • At bottom lane, prioritize taking Indeedees for more exp.
  • Try to get early kills or score when possible but don't overextend.

Level 6 to 9

  • Upon reaching level 7, pair Dark Vod with Nasty Plot, or Shadow Claw with Dark Pulse and start to get aggressive.
  • Keep hunting Wild Pokemon to gain more EXP from farming Altaria and Swablus.
  • Invade enemy camps and try to get buffs when possible, then help allies secure Regice, Registeel, or Regirock when it spawns at bottom lane, otherwise secure Regieleki at top lane.
  • Upon reaching level 9, learn Worst Nightmare.

Level 10+

  • Roam around and assist allies in hunting down targets, securing objectives, and pushing lanes.
  • Reach level 13 before or when Rayquaza spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset
  • Make sure to have Worst Nightmare available when Rayquaza spawns.
  • Help allies win a teamfight and secure Rayquaza.

Jungle Guide

Level 1 to 5

  • Learn Hypnosis and quickly deal with the Xatu.
  • Clear the first wave of jungle camps and reach level 5 to learn Dark Void or Shadow Claw.
  • Help the top lane first or whatever lane needs help the most by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting knockouts, and scoring points.

Level 6 to 9

  • Clear the second wave of jungle camps and reach at least level 7 to learn Nasty Plot or Dark Pulse.
  • Help the bottom lane by securing Altaria and Swablus, getting kills, and scoring points.
  • If possible, reach level 9 and learn Worst Nightmare before or when Regice, Registeel, or Regirock spawns.
  • Help allies secure Regice, Registeel, or Regirock at the bottom lane, with Registeel being the highest priority since it gives a damage buff to the party.

Level 10+

  • Stick with allies to hunt targets, secure objectives, and push lanes.
  • Reach at least level 13 or max level if possible before or when Rayquaza spawns for a fully-upgraded moveset.
  • Make sure that Worst Nightmare is available when Rayquaza spawns.
  • Help teammates win a teamfight and secure Rayquaza.

Darkrai Combos

Main Combos

These are combos that Darkrai can use during fights for maximum damage.

Dark Plot Combo

Dark Plot Combo
Dark Void IconNasty Plot IconDark Void IconNasty Plot IconStandard Attack Icon

Dark VoidNasty PlotDark VoidNasty PlotStandard Attack
Start the combo by inflicting the target with Dark Void, then using Nasty Plot to gain one (1) charge. While waiting for Dark Void to cooldown, just keep a relatively safe distace from the target. Once Dark Void becomes available, use it again to trigger the move's sleep mechanic. Once the target is asleep, use Nasty Plot again to gain another charge, then end the combo with an attack.

Quick Plot Combo

Quick Plot Combo
Nasty Plot Icon x2 ► Dark Void IconStandard Attack Icon

Nasty Plot x2 ► Dark VoidStandard Attack
This a shorter version of the Dark Plot combo but deals less damage. Instead of starting the combo with Dark Void, simply use Nasty Plot twice to gain two (2) charge quickly before actually engaging the target. Once Darkrai has two (2) Nasty Plot charges, use Dark Void on the target, then quickly follow up with an attack to trigger the move's sleep mechanic.

Nightmarish Plot Combo

Nightmarish Plot Combo
Nasty Plot Icon x2 ► Dark Void IconStandard Attack IconWorst Nightmare IconDark Void Icon ► Any ~

Nasty Plot x2 ► Dark VoidStandard AttackWorst NightmareDark Void ► Any ~
Before actually engaging a target, make sure to have two (2) Nasty Plot charges already. Once Darkrai has two (2) Nasty Plot charges, initiate the combo with Dark Void, then quickly follow up with an attack to trigger the move's sleep mechanic and also consume all the Nasty Plot charges to deal additional damage.
Once the target is asleep, use Worst Nightmare to prolong its sleep, trigger Bad Dreams again, and reset all of Darkrai's move cooldowns. Once inside the nightmare, use Dark Void once more, then from then on, just continue to deal damage until Worst Nightmare ends.

Shadow Dance Combo

Shadow Dance Combo
Shadow Claw IconDark Pulse IconShadow Claw IconDark Pulse Icon x2

Start the combo by marking the target with Shadow Claw. Once marked, use Dark Pulse to hide in a shadow, then quickly use Shadow Claw again on the marked target. Afterwards, use Dark Pulse twice to re-appear.

Matchups & Counters for Darkrai

Darkrai Matchups

Hard Counter
BlastoiseCrustleMamoswineSlowbroSnorlaxTrevenantUmbreon
Fair Matchup
AbsolAegislashBlazikenBuzzwoleCeruledgeCharizardDodrioDragoniteFalinksGengarGoodraGreedentGyaradosHo-OhLaprasLeafeonLucarioMachampMega Mewtwo XMeowscaradaMetagrossMimikyuScizorTalonflameTsareenaTyranitarUrshifuZacianZeraoraZoroark
Good Matchup
Alolan NinetalesArmarougeAzumarillBlisseyChandelureCinderaceClefableComfeyCramorantDecidueyeDelphoxDragapultDuraludonEldegossEspeonGarchompGardevoirGlaceonGreninjaHoopaInteleonMega Mewtwo YMewMiraidonMr. MimePikachuPsyduckSableyeSylveonVenusaurWigglytuff
Matchup Notes
Hard CounterHard Counter Even MatchupEven Matchup Easy MatchupEasy Matchup
1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Darkrai.
2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered
3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation.

Hard Couner High Durability and Disables

Since Darkrai's gameplay is bursting down targets with its combos, Pokemon that have high durability can withstand Darkrai's burst damage, making them bad targets for the Pokemon. Moreover, if they have disabling moves, they can surely put a halt to Darkrai's assaults.

Best Counters

Pokemon Explanation
Slowbro ImageSlowbro Rating: ★★★★★
• Can withstand Darkrai's burst damage and recover HP fast using Amnesia.
• Can disrupt Darkrai's combos using Surf, Telekinesis, and Slowbeam.
Trevenant ImageTrevenant Rating: ★★★★★
• Can withstand Darkrai's burst damage and recover HP fast.
• Can disrupt Darkrai's combos using Horn Leech and Wood Hammer.
• Can reflect Darkrai's damage back to it using Pain Split.
Mamoswine ImageMamoswine Rating: ★★★★★
• Can tank Darkrai's burst damage.
• Can disrupt Darkrai's combo using any of its moves.

Even Matchups

Darkrai can deal a ton of damage as long as it can put targets to sleep using Shadow Claw or Dark Void, or Worst Nightmare.

Keep Inflicting Sleep

All-Rounders
Aegislash Image Azumarill Image Blaziken Image Buzzwole Image Ceruledge Image Charizard Image Dragonite Image Falinks Image Garchomp Image Gyarados Image Lucario Image Machamp Image Mega Mewtwo X Image Metagross Image Mimikyu Image Scizor Image Tsareena Image Tyranitar Image Urshifu Image Zacian Image
How to Beat
• These Pokemon excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or combos to deal damage. They are also durable enough to tank Darkrai's damage.
• Keep inflicting sleep on them by triggering Dark Void or Shadow Claw's sleep mechanic to disrupt their combos and also trigger Bad Dreams.
• Avoid fighting them head on and just poke them with Darkrai's moves.
• Alternatively, use Worst Nightmare on them and deal as much damage as possible inside the nightmare.

Strike First

Speedsters
Absol Image Dodrio Image Gengar Image Leafeon Image Meowscarada Image Talonflame Image Zeraora Image Zoroark Image
How to Beat
• Much like Darkrai, these Pokemon are incredibly agile and deal high burst damage. Winning against them is a matter of striking first.
• Quickly put them to sleep by triggering Dark Void or Shadow Claw's sleep mecahnic, then follow up with Nasty Plot or Dark Pulse to deal damage.
• Alternatively, initiate with Worst Nightmare, then burst them down inside the nightmare.

Group Up with Allies

Highly Durable Pokemon
Goodra Image Greedent Image Ho-oh Image Lapras Image
How to Beat
• These Pokemon are extremely durable, making it difficult for Darkrai to take them down alone. With that, it's best to group up with allies to bring them down with the help of Darkrai.
• Use Dark Void or Shadow Claw to keep them asleep, then follow up with Nasty Plot or Dark Pulse

Easy Matchups

These Pokemon can fall quickly against Darkrai's burst damage.

Initiate with Worst Nightmare

Ranged, Fragile Pokemon with High Damage
Alolan Ninetales Image Armarouge Image Chandelure Image Cinderace Image Cramorant Image Decidueye Image Delphox Image Dragapult Image Duraludon Image Espeon Image Gardevoir Image Glaceon Image Greninja Image Inteleon Image Mega Mewtwo Y Image Mew Image Miraidon Image Pikachu Image Sylveon Image Venusaur Image
How to Beat
• These Pokemon prefer to keep their distance from opponents when fighting. They also have high damage potential that can be dangerous for Darkrai. However, they are fragile and can get knocked out by Darkrai fast.
• Quickly close the gap first, initiate with Worst Nightmare, then burst them down fast while inside the nightmare.

Keep Inflicting Sleep

All-Rounders
Azumarill Image Garchomp Image
How to Beat
• These Pokemon excel in close combat and rely mostly on their attacks or combos to deal damage.
• Keep inflicting sleep on them by triggering Dark Void or Shadow Claw's sleep mechanic to disrupt their combos and also trigger Bad Dreams.
• Avoid fighting them head on and just poke them with Darkrai's moves.
• Alternatively, use Worst Nightmare on them and deal as much damage as possible inside the nightmare.

Take them Out First

Supporters
Blissey Image Clefable Image Comfey Image Eldegoss Image Hoopa Image Mr. Mime Image Psyduck Image Sableye Image Wigglytuff Image
How to Beat
• These Pokemon usually stick with their allies and rarely venture alone. Although they themselves pose no threat to Darkrai, their support capabilities makes them valuable during fights.
• Put them sleep by triggering Dark Void or Shadow Claw's sleep mechanic, then follow up with Nasty Plot or Dark Pulse for damage.
• Alternatively, hit them with Worst Nightmare, then quickly take them out inside the nightmare.

Best Teammates for Darkrai

Pokemon Explanation
Wigglytuff ImageWigglytuff Slowbro ImageSlowbro Disablers
Pokemon with disabling moves makes it easier for Darkrai to set up its moves. In particular, Pokemon that can also put targets to sleep, such as Wigglytuff, has great synergy with Darkrai's Bad Dreams ability.
Comfey ImageComfey Blissey ImageBlissey Clefable ImageClefable Healers
Healing moves like Soft-Boiled and Moonlight can prolong Darkrai's life during fights.

Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!

Friend Request Board

Darkrai Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Hypnosis ImageHypnosis
(Lv. 1 or 3)
Move Type: Ranged
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 5s
Starting Damage: 372
Final Damage: 449
Has the user employ hyponic suggestion in the designated direction, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon it hits and making them fall asleep after a short time.
Dark Void ImageDark Void
(Lv. 5)
Upgrade Lv. 11
Move Type: Area
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 3.5s
Starting Damage: 538
Final Damage: 1174
Has the user deal damage with a dark power to the designated opposing Pokemon and Pokemon near it and mark them. When the user deals damage to marked opposing Pokemon, the marks are removed and the opposing Pokemon fall asleep.
Upgrade: Applies a slowing effect when applying a mark to an opposing Pokemon.
Shadow Claw ImageShadow Claw
(Lv. 5)
Upgrade Lv. 11
Move Type: Area
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 6s
Starting Damage: 661
Initial Damage: 661, Second Activation: 860
Final Damage: 1619
Initial Damage: 1619, Second Activation: 2100
Has the user slash in the designated direction with sharp claws made from shadows, dealing damage, applying a slowing effect, and marking opposing Pokemon it hits. When the user deals damage with this move a second time to marked opposing Pokemon, the mark is removed, and the opposing Pokemon falls asleep. When this move hits, this move can be used again, and the user deals damage to the designated opposing Pokemon with huge claws. This damage increases if there are opposing Pokemon that activated Bad Dreams around the user.
Upgrade: Increases the damage dealt by this move.

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Calm Mind ImageCalm Mind
(Lv. 1 or 3)
Move Type: Buff
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 9s
Starting Damage: N/A
Final Damage: N/A
Has the user quietly focus its mind and increase its Sp. Atk., Sp. Def., and movement speed for a short time.
Nasty Plot ImageNasty Plot
(Lv. 7)
Upgrade Lv. 13
Move Type: Dash
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 0s
Starting Damage: 627
Damage Per Charge: 627
Final Damage: 1194
Damage Per Charge: 1194
Has the user gain 1 Nasty Plot counter while moving in the designated direction. When the user uses its next basic attack or boosted attack, the user consumes all Nasty Plot counters and deals additional damage based on the number of counters consumed. A maximum of 2 Nasty Plot counters can be stored.
Upgrade: Keeps 1 use of this move in reserve when an opposing Pokemon falls asleep.
Dark Pulse ImageDark Pulse
(Lv. 7)
Upgrade Lv. 13
Move Type: Dash
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 6s
Starting Damage: 1010
Damage Per Pulse: 1010
Final Damage: 1956
Damage Per Pulse: 1956
Has the user hide in a shadow and create additional shadows around itself. The user can freely move between the shadows. When this move is used again, the user appears from a shadow, deals damage to opposing Pokemon it hits, then returns to the shadow. At this time, if the move button is held down, the move ends without the user returning to the shadow. If this move is used again after returning to the shadows, the user attacks opposing Pokemon one more time. While the user is hiding in a shadow, it can use Shadow Claw to attack with claws from that shadow and deal damage to opposing Pokemon.
Upgrade: Grants the user a shield when this move hits.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Worst Nightmare ImageWorst Nightmare
(Lv. 9)
Move Type: Sure Hit
Damage Type: Physical
Cooldown: 113s
Starting Damage: 3,999
Overtime Damage: 3999
Final Damage: 3,999
Overtime Damage: 3999
Has the user send the designated opposing Pokemon into a nightmare. The user then suddenly appears in the nightmare. Pokemon inside the nightmare take damage over time. When the user deals damage to the opposing Pokemon inside the nightmare, damage is also dealt that same opposing Pokemon outside of the nightmare. When this move is used, all of the user's move cooldowns are reset.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack Image Standard Attack Basic attacks made against sleeping opposing Pokemon will become boosted attacks with increased range. Boosted attacks deal damage to opposing Pokemon with an attack from a void and restore the user's HP.

Ability (Passive)

Bad Dreams ImageBad Dreams
Darkrai IconDarkrai

The Pokemon deals damage over time to nearby sleeping opposing Pokemon. The damage dealt by this Ability will not wake the opposing Pokemon. Opposing Pokemon affected by this Ability take increased damage from the next attack.

Darkrai Stats & Evolutions

Darkrai Evolutions

Darkrai.pngDarkrai
This Pokemon does not evolve.

Darkrai Stats

Level HP Defense Special Defense Attack Damage
1 3600 80 60 160
2 3739 90 67 167
3 3892 101 75 175
4 4060 113 84 184
5 4244 126 93 193
6 4447 140 103 203
7 4670 155 114 214
8 4916 172 127 227
9 5187 191 141 241
10 5486 212 156 256
11 5816 235 173 273
12 6178 260 192 292
13 6577 287 212 312
14 7016 317 235 335
15 7500 350 260 360

Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.

Darkrai In-Game Stat Listings

Offense Endurance Mobility Scoring Support
4.5 Stars.png 1.5 Stars.png 3 Stars.png 2 Stars.png 2 Stars.png

Darkrai Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
DarkraiCostume Party StyleCostume Party Style
Zirco Trading:
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Comment

4 Anonymous18 days

To continue. Darkrai will be nerfed like Seruledge, Armourouge and Ho-Oh was, but why we need to suffer before Tencent do this? Simple solution is to make Master rank ban mode by default for all ranks, but no, Tencent are afraid that little kids won't understand it, but tournaments by some way exist.

3 Anonymous18 days

You can defend Darkrai as much as you want but this won't change that Tencent's pokemon stat changes are like throwing ball against wall and it jumps back. They buffed Glaceon, then nerfed it, buffed Pikachu - nerfed. And worst of all - they don't provide explanation. Why they buffed Darkrai after release? They can't make sure everything's okay before releasing it? It's just what a Tencent is. So, saying "just learn the game" is not right, experience can't give advantage in this situation

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