Dusknoir is the Gripper Pokémon that was introduced in Generation IV and is a Ghost-type Pokémon known for its tremendous strength and defenses. According to Pokédex data, it roams the Pokémon world in service of mysterious forces in the spirit world. Dusknoir debuted in the Sinnoh region, and it is the final evolution of Duskull and its National Pokédex number is 477.
About Dusknoir
| First appearance in anime | Pokémon the Series: Diamond & Pearl (Ghoul Daze!) |
| First appearance in games | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl |
| Region | Sinnoh |
| Evolution | Duskull → Dusclops → Dusknoir |
| 1st Evo Level | Duskull evolves into Dusclops at level 37 |
| 2nd Evo Level | Dusclops evolves into Dusknoir when traded while holding a Reaper Cloth |
| Pokedex Entry | At the bidding of transmissions from the spirit world, it steals people and Pokémon away. No one knows whether it has a will of its own. |
Base stats
| HP | 45 |
| ATTACK | 100 |
| DEFENCE | 135 |
| SP. ATTACK | 65 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 135 |
| SPEED | 45 |
| TOTAL | 525 |
Appearance
Dusknoir stands 2.2 meters tall and looks like an ethereal armored cyclops. It has a gray cylindrical helmet-like head with a single red orb for an eye with a black body and a yellow pattern that forms a face on its chest. It has large, strong arms, wide grey hands, and no legs with a golden crest on its head. That is said to receive messages from the spirit world which direct its actions.
Behavior
Dusknoir’s sole purpose is to capture people and Pokémon, and drag them to the spirit world. It does so according to instructions it receives via the antenna on its head. No one knows if Dusknoir has a will of its own, or if it acts exclusively according to the transmissions it receives. The face on Dusknoir’s chest has a functional mouth which Dusknoir sometimes uses to swallow its opponents whole.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Dusknoir’s Ghost typing gives it a good defense against Poison and Bug-type moves alongside an immunity to Normal and Fighting-type moves. However, it is weak to Ghost and Dark-type moves, taking twice the normal damage from them.
Shiny Dusknoir
Shiny Dusknoir trades its black body and grey accents for a blue body and light blue accents. Not only that, the yellow markings on its hands and body, that forms a face, now has a gold tinge to it. This palette swap makes it easy to spot Shiny Dusknoir in Pokémon collections and battles. That combined with the fact that like all shiny Pokemon, Shiny Dusknoir gains a starry animation upon entering battle, makes it easier to spot.
Best moveset (Dusknoir)
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Frisk
Held Item: Choice Band
| Earthquake | Shadow Sneak |
| Poltergeist | Darkest Lariat |
Dusknoir is a sturdy wallbreaker with a versatile moveset and has decent offensive capabilities. Poltergeist deals high STAB damage, while Frisk ensures that it doesn’t fail. Shadow Sneak serves as a STAB priority move to interrupt foes’ momentum, while Earthquake provides super-effective coverage against many common walls. Darkest Lariat and Choice Band, as a held item, allow Dusknoir to punch through walls that have already taken time to set up. An Adamant nature allows Dusknoir to get the most out of its offensive abilities by raising its Attack and lowering its Special Attack.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinion of the writer.
How to catch Dusknoir in Pokemon Go?
Dusknoir cannot be obtained through wild encounters or special research, and it has never appeared as a Raid Boss. The only way to get Dusknoir, and Shiny Dusknoir, in Pokémon Go is by evolving Duskull. It evolves into Dusclops with 25 candies, and Dusclops evolves into Duknoir with 100 candies and a Sinnoh Charm. Getting the candies, however, might be hard as it has a medium buddy walk distance of 3km.
Explainer Video
Trivia
- Dusknoir is described in some text as being made of metal.
- Dusknoir’s design is inspired by mythical cyclops and the Grim Reaper.
- It’s name is a portmanteau of dusk and noir, which means black.
FAQs
Who is a better Pokemon: Dusknoir or Gengar?
Dusknoir and Gengar serve different purposes. Dusknoir is significantly more durable than Gengar, but it is slower and does less damage. Gengar is an excellent special sweeper but it is easy to knock out.
Is Dusknoir a good Pokemon?
Dusknoir is a reliable Pokémon in its tier but is neither particularly good nor bad. It has great defenses but lacks recovery options while its high Attack is offset by low Speed.
Can Dusknoir mega evolve?
Dusknoir did not receive a mega evolution in either Generation VI or VII, and Gen VIII does not feature mega evolution, so at the moment, Dusknoir cannot mega evolve.
Conclusion
Dusknoir is known for its excellent defensive stats and fearsome appearance. It is one of the sturdiest Ghost-type Pokémon that also excels offensively with the right strategy. Add Dusknoir to your Pokédex today!
