Top 5 Dark-Type Pokemon to Counter Charizard in Pokemon Violet Ranked!

## Dominate Charizard Raids: Top 5 Dark-Type Counters in Pokemon Violet

Charizard raids are a popular challenge in Pokemon Violet, and a strong Dark-type Pokemon can be your key to victory. With Charizard's Tera Type being a powerful Dragon-type, Dark-type Pokemon become incredibly effective offensively. This guide will provide you with the top 5 Dark-types to use, ranked by their effectiveness and accessibility in Pokemon Violet. We'll delve into movesets, strategies, and why these Pokemon shine against the fiery Dragon.

### Why Dark-Types Excel Against Charizard

Dark-type Pokemon boast a crucial advantage against Charizard's Tera Dragon form: immunity to Psychic-type moves and super-effective damage output. Many Charizard raid builds utilize moves like Psychic or Psyshock, attempting to capitalize on Fighting-type weaknesses. Dark-types completely neutralize this strategy while delivering devastating blows with moves like Crunch, Foul Play, and Dark Pulse.

### Top 5 Dark-Type Counters

Here's our ranking of the best Dark-type Pokemon to counter Charizard, factoring in stats, movepool, and ease of acquisition:

1. **Kingambit**


* **Strengths:** High Attack stat, access to Swords Dance, and Supreme Overlord ability (boosts damage for each fainted teammate) makes Kingambit an offensive powerhouse.

* **Moveset:** Swords Dance, Kowtow Cleave (Signature Move), Iron Head, Protect

* **Strategy:** Set up Swords Dance early, and unleash powerful Kowtow Cleave attacks. Iron Head is crucial for dealing with Fairy Tera types, while Protect helps when necessary to avoid powerful attacks. Supreme Overlord can dramatically increase Kingambit's damage output.

2. **Hydreigon**


* **Strengths:** Excellent Special Attack, good bulk, and versatile movepool make Hydreigon a reliable special attacker.

* **Moveset:** Dark Pulse, Flash Cannon, Nasty Plot, Roost

* **Strategy:** Nasty Plot to boost Special Attack, then spam Dark Pulse. Flash Cannon provides coverage. Roost helps maintain HP.

3. **Tyranitar**


* **Strengths:** High Attack and Defense, Sand Stream ability provides chip damage and boosts Special Defense. A good choice to get set up early in the raid.

* **Moveset:** Crunch, Stone Edge, Earthquake, Protect

* **Strategy:** A reliable physical attacker. Crunch is the main Dark-type move. Stone Edge and Earthquake provide additional coverage. Protect to avoid big hits.

4. **Grimmsnarl**


* **Strengths:** Access to Prankster, allowing it to set up support moves with priority. Excellent for setting up screens.

* **Moveset:** Spirit Break, Light Screen, Reflect, Taunt

* **Strategy:** This is a support Pokemon, not a damage dealer. Use Light Screen and Reflect to protect your team. Taunt prevents Charizard from using stat-boosting moves.

5. **Umbreon**


* **Strengths:** Incredible bulk, access to support moves and status infliction. A great choice for wearing down Charizard slowly.

* **Moveset:** Foul Play, Screech, Protect, Moonlight

* **Strategy:** Use Screech to lower Charizard's Defense, then hit with Foul Play (damage is based on Charizard's Attack, not Umbreon's). Moonlight provides healing. Protect to stall.

### Honorable Mentions

* **Meowscarada:** A fast and powerful attacker with access to Flower Trick and Knock Off, but frail.

### Conclusion

These Dark-type Pokemon will give you a significant advantage in Charizard raids. Remember to tailor your movesets and strategies based on the specific Charizard build you encounter. Teamwork and communication are also crucial for success.

What other Dark-type Pokemon have you found success with in Charizard raids? Share your strategies in the comments below!