Dark (type)
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- If you were looking for the moves known as Dark moves in Japanese, seeShadow move.
- If you were looking for the Pokémon surrounded by Dark Auras in Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness, seeShadow Pokémon.
TheDark type (Japanese:あくタイプEvil type) is one of the eighteentypes. It was introduced inGeneration II, along with theSteel type. As well as introducing newPokémon andmoves with the Dark type, one move was changed to be the Dark type. Dark-type moves are super effective againstGhost- andPsychic-type Pokémon, while Dark-type Pokémon are weak toBug-,Fairy-, andFighting-type moves.
Battle properties
Note: Type effectiveness multipliers may vary in othergames outside thecore series.
Offensive properties of Dark-type moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Super effective (×2) | Not very effective (×½) | No effect (×0) |
 Ghost Psychic |  Fighting Dark Fairy | None |
| Defensive properties of Dark-type Pokémon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weak to (×2) | Resists (×½) | Immune to (×0) |
Fighting BugFairy | GhostDark | Psychic |
- InGenerations II-V, Dark-type moves were not very effective againstSteel-typePokémon.
- TheFairy type was introduced inGeneration VI.
Additional effects
If the target is under the effect of themoveMiracle Eye,Psychic-type moves will deal ×1 damage to Dark-type Pokémon.
As ofGeneration VII, Dark-type Pokémon are immune to opposing Pokémon's moves that gainpriority due to theAbilityPrankster; this includes moves called byother moves (such asAssist andNature Power), but not moves indirectly caused byInstruct orAfter You.
Pokémon
As ofGeneration IX, 84Pokémon are Dark-type (counting those that are Dark-type in at least one of theirforms, includingMega Evolutions andregional forms), which makes up 8.2% of all Pokémon, making it the 9th raresttype afterSteel and beforeFighting. After the introduction ofLokix, all other types have been paired up with Dark at least once, making it the fourth type to have this trait afterFlying,Water, andPsychic.
Pure Dark-type Pokémon
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Half Dark-type Pokémon
Primary Dark-type Pokémon
Secondary Dark-type Pokémon
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Non-Pokémon opponents
Some opponents featured inPokéstar Studios inPokémon Black 2 and White 2 can bebattled likePokémon and have designatedtypes. TheStarmobiles featured inPokémon Scarlet and Violet also share this property.
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- The stats shown for Starmobile are the exactstats, notbase stats. The values are custom set rather than derived from base stats,level,Nature,IVs, andEVs.
Moves
As ofGeneration IX, there are 53 Dark-typemoves, which makes up 5.67% of all moves (excluding those that are Dark-type only under certain circumstances), causing it to tie withWater as the 5th most commontype among moves afterFighting and beforeElectric.
Prior tochanges in Generation IV, all damaging Dark-type moves werespecial, but they may now also bephysical depending on the attack.
Some moves have had their types changed.
| Gen | Move | Category | Contest | Power | Accuracy | PP | Range | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | Assurance | Physical | Clever | 06060 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| This move's power is doubled if the target has already taken some damage in the same turn. | |||||||||
| VII | Baddy Bad | Special | 08080 | 09595% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user acts bad and attacks the target. A wondrous wall of light is put up to weaken the power of the opposing Pokémon’s physical moves. | ||||||||||
| II | Beat Up | Physical | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user gets all party Pokémon to attack the target. The more party Pokémon, the greater the number of attacks. | |||||||||
| I | Bite | Physical | Tough | 06060 | 100100% | 2525(max 40) |
| The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. This may also make the target flinch. | |||||||||
| VII | Black Hole Eclipse | Physical | 000— | 000—% | 011(max 1) |
| The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move. | ||||||||||
| VII | Black Hole Eclipse | Special | 000— | 000—% | 011(max 1) |
| The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move. | ||||||||||
| VII | Brutal Swing | Physical | 06060 | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| The user swings its body around violently to inflict damage on everything in its vicinity. | ||||||||||
| VIII | Ceaseless Edge | Physical | 06565 | 09090% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user slashes its shell blade at the target, aiming to land a critical hit. Shell splinters left behind by this attack remain scattered under the target as spikes. | ||||||||||
| IX | Comeuppance | Physical | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user retaliates with much greater force against the opponent that last inflicted damage on it. | ||||||||||
| II | Crunch | Physical | Tough | 08080 | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. This may also lower the target's Defense stat. | |||||||||
| IV | Dark Pulse | Special | Cool | 08080 | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user releases a horrible aura imbued with ill intent. This may also make the target flinch. | |||||||||
| IV | Dark Void | Status | Clever | 000— | 05050% | 1010(max 16) |
| Opposing Pokémon are dragged into a world of total darkness that puts them to sleep. | |||||||||
| VII | Darkest Lariat | Physical | 08585 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user swings both arms and hits the target. The target's stat changes don't affect the damage inflicted by this move. | ||||||||||
| IV | Embargo | Status | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| This move prevents the target from using its held item for five turns. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it. | |||||||||
| III | Fake Tears | Status | Cute | 000— | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| The user feigns crying to fluster the target. This harshly lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | |||||||||
| VIII | False Surrender | Physical | 08080 | 000—% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user pretends to bow its head, but then it stabs the target with its disheveled hair. This attack never misses. | ||||||||||
| II | Feint Attack | Physical | Clever | 06060 | 000—% | 2020(max 32) |
| The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. This attack never misses. | |||||||||
| VIII | Fiery Wrath | Special | 09090 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user transforms its wrath into a fire-like aura to attack. This may also make opposing Pokémon flinch. | ||||||||||
| III | Flatter | Status | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| Flattery is used to confuse the target. However, this also boosts the target's Sp. Atk stat. | |||||||||
| IV | Fling | Physical | Cute | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user flings its held item at the target to attack. This move's power and effects depend on the item. | |||||||||
| V | Foul Play | Physical | Clever | 09595 | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user turns the target's strength against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater the damage this move inflicts. | |||||||||
| VIII | G-Max One Blow | Physical | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Urshifu use. This single-strike move can ignore Max Guard. | ||||||||||
| VIII | G-Max One Blow | Special | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Urshifu use. This single-strike move can ignore Max Guard. | ||||||||||
| VIII | G-Max Snooze | Physical | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Grimmsnarl use. The user lets loose a huge yawn that lulls the targets into falling asleep on the next turn. | ||||||||||
| VIII | G-Max Snooze | Special | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| A Dark-type attack that Gigantamax Grimmsnarl use. The user lets loose a huge yawn that lulls the targets into falling asleep on the next turn. | ||||||||||
| V | Hone Claws | Status | Cute | 000— | 000—% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user sharpens its claws to boost its Attack stat and accuracy. | |||||||||
| VI | Hyperspace Fury | Physical | Tough | 100100 | 000—% | 055(max 8) |
| Using its many arms, the user unleashes a barrage of attacks that ignore the effects of moves like Protect and Detect. This also lowers the user's Defense stat. | |||||||||
| VIII | Jaw Lock | Physical | 08080 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| This move prevents the user and the target from switching out until either of them faints. The effect goes away if either of the Pokémon leaves the field. | ||||||||||
| III | Knock Off | Physical | Clever | 06565 | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| The user slaps down the target's held item, making it unusable for that battle. This move does more damage if the target has a held item. | |||||||||
| IX | Kowtow Cleave | Physical | 08585 | 000—% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user slashes at the target after kowtowing to make the target let down its guard. This attack never misses. | ||||||||||
| VIII | Lash Out | Physical | 07575 | 100100% | 055(max 8) |
| The user lashes out to vent its frustration toward the target. This move's power is doubled if the user's stats were lowered during this turn. | ||||||||||
| VII | Malicious Moonsault | Physical | 180180 | 000—% | 011(max 1) |
| The user, Incineroar, strengthens its body using its Z-Power and crashes into the target with full force. | ||||||||||
| VIII | Max Darkness | Physical | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| This is a Dark-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | ||||||||||
| VIII | Max Darkness | Special | 000— | 000—% | 033(max 4) |
| This is a Dark-type attack Dynamax Pokémon use. This lowers the target's Sp. Def stat. | ||||||||||
| III | Memento | Status | Tough | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user faints. In return, the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats are harshly lowered. | |||||||||
| IV | Nasty Plot | Status | Clever | 000— | 000—% | 2020(max 32) |
| The user stimulates its brain by thinking bad thoughts. This sharply boosts the user's Sp. Atk stat. | |||||||||
| V | Night Daze | Special | Cool | 08585 | 09595% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user looses a pitch-black shock wave at the target to inflict damage. This may also lower the target's accuracy. | |||||||||
| IV | Night Slash | Physical | Cool | 07070 | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. This move has a heightened chance of landing a critical hit. | |||||||||
| VIII | Obstruct | Status | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| This move enables the user to protect itself from all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if used in succession. Direct contact harshly lowers the attacker's Defense stat. | ||||||||||
| VI | Parting Shot | Status | Cool | 000— | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| With a parting threat, the user lowers the target's Attack and Sp. Atk stats. Then it switches places with a party Pokémon in waiting. | |||||||||
| IV | Payback | Physical | Tough | 05050 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user stores power, then attacks. This move's power is doubled if the user moves after the target. | |||||||||
| VII | Power Trip | Physical | 02020 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user boasts its strength and attacks the target. The more the user's stats are boosted, the greater the move's power. | ||||||||||
| IV | Punishment | Physical | Cool | 000— | 100100% | 055(max 8) |
| The more the target has powered up with stat changes, the greater the move's power. | |||||||||
| II | Pursuit | Physical | Clever | 04040 | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| The power of this attack move is doubled if it's used on a target that's switching out of battle. | |||||||||
| V | Quash | Status | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user suppresses the target and makes its move go last. | |||||||||
| IX | Ruination | Special | 000— | 09090% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user summons a ruinous disaster. This cuts the target's HP in half. | ||||||||||
| V | Snarl | Special | Tough | 05555 | 09595% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user yells as if it's ranting about something, which lowers the Sp. Atk stats of opposing Pokémon. | |||||||||
| III | Snatch | Status | Clever | 000— | 000—% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user steals the effects of any attempts to use a healing or stat-changing move. | |||||||||
| IV | Sucker Punch | Physical | Clever | 07070 | 100100% | 055(max 8) |
| This move enables the user to attack first. This move fails if the target is not readying an attack. | |||||||||
| IV | Switcheroo | Status | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| The user trades held items with the target faster than the eye can follow. | |||||||||
| III | Taunt | Status | Clever | 000— | 100100% | 2020(max 32) |
| The target is taunted into a rage that allows it to use only attack moves for three turns. | |||||||||
| II | Thief | Physical | Tough | 06060 | 100100% | 2525(max 40) |
| The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. The user can't steal anything if it already holds an item. | |||||||||
| VII | Throat Chop | Physical | 08080 | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user attacks the target's throat, and the resultant suffering prevents the target from using sound-based moves for two turns. | ||||||||||
| VI | Topsy-Turvy | Status | Clever | 000— | 000—% | 2020(max 32) |
| All stat changes affecting the target turn topsy-turvy and become the opposite of what they were. | |||||||||
| III | Torment | Status | Tough | 000— | 100100% | 1515(max 24) |
| The user torments and enrages the target, making it incapable of using the same move twice in a row. | |||||||||
| VIII | Wicked Blow | Physical | 07575 | 100100% | 055(max 8) |
| The user, having mastered the Dark style, strikes the target with a fierce blow. This move always lands a critical hit. | ||||||||||
| IX | Wicked Torque | Physical | 08080 | 100100% | 1010(max 16) |
| This move is only used by aStarmobile. It may cause the opponent to fall asleep.* | ||||||||||
| All details are accurate to Generation VII games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual move's page. Target data assumes user is in the lower left. | |||||||||||||||||
Changed types
The following moves have had their type changed into Dark.
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Abilities
Interacting with the Dark type
A Pokémon withProtean orLibero will become a Dark-type Pokémon if it uses a Dark-type move. A Pokémon withColor Change will become a Dark-type Pokémon if it is hit with a Dark-type move.
Since Generation VII, Dark-type Pokémon are also immune to opposing Pokémon's moves that gain priority due toPrankster.
| Gen | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VI | Dark Aura | Powers up the Dark-type moves of all Pokémon on the field. |
| V | Justified | When the Pokémon is hit by a Dark-type attack, its Attack stat is boosted by its sense of justice. |
| V | Rattled | The Pokémon gets scared when hit by a Dark-, Ghost-, or Bug-type attack or if intimidated, which boosts its Speed stat. |
| All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual Ability's page. | ||
Exclusive Abilities
Currently, no Abilities are exclusive to Dark types. This does not includesignature Abilities.
Items
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | Black Glasses | An item to be held by a Pokémon. It's a pair of shady-looking glasses that boost the power of the holder's Dark-type moves. |
 | Colbur Berry | If a Pokémon holding thisBerry is hit with a supereffective Dark-type move, the power of that move will be weakened. |
 | Dark Gem | Agem with an essence of darkness. When held, it strengthens the power of a Dark-type move one time. |
 | Dark Memory | Amemory disc that contains Dark-type data. It changes the type of the holder if held bya certain species of Pokémon. |
 | Dark Tera Shard | On rare occasions, these shards form when aTera Pokémon falls in battle and its Tera Jewel shatters. |
 | Darkinium Z | This is a crystallized form of Z-Power. It upgrades Dark-type moves toZ-Moves. |
 | Dread Plate | An item to be held by a Pokémon. This stone tablet is imbued with the essence of darkness and boosts the power of the holder’s Dark-type moves. |
| All details are accurate to Generation IX games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual item's page. | ||
Cram-o-matic
| Name | |
|---|---|
 | Binding Band |
 | Black Apricorn |
 | Blunder Policy |
 | Dubious Disc |
 | Iapapa Berry |
 | Maranga Berry |
 | Razor Claw |
 | Ring Target |
 | Rowap Berry |
 | Scope Lens |
 | Weakness Policy |
 | Wide Lens |
 | Zoom Lens |
Notable Dark-type Trainers
- Main article:Category:Dark-type Trainers
| Gen | Trainer | Title | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| II |  Karen | Elite Four | Indigo Plateau |
| III |  Sidney | Elite Four | Hoenn Pokémon League |
| V |  Grimsley | Elite FourBWB2W2 Pokémon TrainerSMUSUM | Unova Pokémon LeagueBWB2W2 |
| V |  Brycen-Man | Masked Man | Pokéstar Studios |
| VII |  Nanu | Island kahuna | Ula'ula Island |
| VIII |  Marnie | Pokémon Trainer Gym Leader | Spikemuth |
| VIII |  Piers | Gym Leader Pokémon Trainer | Spikemuth |
| IX |  Giacomo | Team Star | Segin Squad's Base |
Icons
Core series
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| Icon fromPokémon Ruby, Sapphire, andEmerald | Icon fromPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | Icon fromGeneration IV | Pokédex icon fromGeneration IV | Icon fromGeneration V | Icon fromGeneration VI | Icon fromPokémon Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | Icon fromLet's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee! | Icon fromPokémon Sword and Shield | Symbol icon fromLet's Go, Pikachu!; Let's Go, Eevee!;Sword, Shield andHOME (Gen VIII) | Icon fromPokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Symbol icon fromPokémon Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl,Scarlet and Violet, andHOME (Gen IX) | Icon fromPokémon Legends: Arceus | Symbol icon fromPokémon Legends: Arceus | Icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tera icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tera symbol icon fromPokémon Scarlet and Violet |
Side series
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| Icon fromPokémon Stadium 2 | Icon fromPokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire | Icon fromPokémon Colosseum | Icon fromPokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Icon fromPokémon Battle Revolution |
Spin-off games
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| Symbol icon fromPokémon Ranger | Symbol icon fromPokémon Battrio | Symbol icon fromPokémon Tretta | Symbol icon fromPokémon GO | Symbol icon fromPokémon Rumble Rush | Symbol icon fromPokémon Masters EX | Tera symbol icon fromPokémon Masters EX | Symbol icon fromPokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX | Symbol icon fromPokémon Mezastar | Symbol icon fromNew Pokémon Snap | Symbol icon fromPokémon Sleep |
Statistical averages
Overall
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Fully evolved
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In spin-off games
Pokémon Sleep
Unlike in the core series games, inPokémon Sleep, each Pokémon can only have one type, which determines the kind ofBerry that the Pokémon will gather forSnorlax to feed on. Dark-type Pokémon will gatherWiki Berries, and typically have the Dozingsleep type.
The following is a list of Dark-type Pokémon in Pokémon Sleep.
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In the TCG
- Main article:Darkness (TCG)
The Darkness type was first introduced in theNeo Genesis set. Due to the decreased amount of types in the TCG, Darkness generally adopts allPoison-type Pokémon under its typing (fromSword & Shield onward).
Darkness-type Pokémon in the TCG are generally weak toFighting andGrass, with resistances toPsychic. Darkness-type Pokémon are generally strong againstPsychic, whilstFairy Pokémon can resist this type.
Trivia
- Generation V introduced the most Dark-type Pokémon of anygeneration, with 16, whileGeneration II andGeneration VI introduced the fewest since the introduction of the type, with six.
- Shouldregional forms not be counted,Generation VII introduced the fewest, with three (countingSilvally holding theDark Memory).
- If all generations are counted,Generation I introduced the fewest, with no Pokémon having the type.
- Generation IV andGeneration VIII introduced the most Dark-type moves of any generation, with 11 each, andGeneration VI introduced the fewest (excluding Generation I) Dark-type moves, with three.
- InGeneration II, the Dark type saw one type change in a move (Bite), but no change in a Pokémon. The opposite is true for theSteel type, which saw one type change in a Pokémon family (Magnemite andMagneton), but no change in a move.
- This makes the Dark type the only added type to not have a previously introduced Pokémon have its type changed.
- The Dark type was the only type in Generation II to not have atype boost from a Badge.
- In Generation II, Dark-type Pokémon could only be found atnight. In subsequent generations, however, Pokémon of this type could be found at any time of day.
- Despite Dark-type moves beingspecial before Generation IV, every damaging Dark-type move originating from before Generation IV was made into aphysical move.
- This is the only type to have had every damaging move change category in Generation IV.
- The Dark andGhost types share their super effectiveness, with both types being only strong againstGhost andPsychic types.
- All types that are resisted by the Dark-type are the only types Ghost is weak to. Said types are, ironically, Dark and Ghost themselves.
- There is another way the Dark type can be seen as a counterpart to the Ghost type. The average Attack stat of Dark-types overall, as well as only fully evolved Dark-types, is higher than the respective average Special Attack stat, despite the fact that all Dark-type moves were special prior to Generation IV. Conversely, the average Special Attack stat of both Ghost-types overall and only fully evolved Ghost-types is higher than the respective average Attack stat, but all Ghost-type moves were physical prior to Generation IV.
- The Dark type is tied with theSteel type for most Pokémon that gain it upon upon evolving, with a total of thirteen each.
- Moreregional forms belong to the Dark type than any other type, with eleven.
- Prior to Generation VI, Dark/Ghost Pokémon normally had no weaknesses (excludingFighting under immunity-negating conditions such asForesight orScrappy), as the resistances of the Dark type cover the weaknesses of Ghost, and vice-versa. Introduced in Generation VI, theFairy type is super effective against Dark and not resisted by Ghost.
- All moves that fail unless used by a certain species or form of Pokémon (Hyperspace Fury,Dark Void, andAura Wheel) are Dark type (although Aura Wheel is Electric type when used byMorpeko in Full Belly mode).
- All Dark-type moves are eligible to be used inSky Battles.
- The Dark type was the last type to receive aGym Leader, only getting simultaneously two inGeneration VIII.
- This makes Dark the only type to not receive a Gym Leader within one generation of being introduced.
In other languages
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | あく (悪)Aku | |
| Catalan | Sinistre | |
| Chinese | Cantonese | 惡Ok |
| Mandarin | 惡 / 恶È | |
| Czech | Temný | |
| Danish | Mørke Mørk | |
| Dutch | Duister Donker | |
| Finnish | Pimeys Pimeä | |
| French | Ténèbres | |
| German | Unlicht | |
| Greek | ΣκοταδιούSkotadiou | |
| Hebrew | אופלOffel | |
| Hindi | डार्कDark | |
| Hungarian | Sötét | |
| Indonesian | Kegelapan* Jahat | |
| Italian | Buio | |
| Korean | 악Ak | |
| Malaysian | Gelap | |
| Norwegian | Mørk | |
| Polish | Mroczny | |
| Portuguese | Brazil | Sombrio Noturno Trevas |
| Portugal | Escuridão Sinistro | |
| Romanian | Întuneric | |
| Russian | ТемнотаTemnota | |
| Spanish | Latin America | Siniestro* Oscuridad* |
| Spain | Siniestro | |
| Swedish | Mörker Mörk | |
| Thai | มืดMuet ความมืดKhwammuet | |
| Turkish | Karanlık | |
| Vietnamese | Bóng tối | |
