dusknoir
Generation IV · #0477 — Gripper Pokémon
Dusknoir, known in Japan as Yonoir (ヨノワール), is a Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV that represents the final evolution in the Duskull family. As the Gripper Pokémon, Dusknoir stands as one of the most distinctive spiritual entities in the Pokémon world, commanding respect and fear in equal measure. With a base stat total of 525, Dusknoir excels in defensive capabilities, boasting impressive Defense and Special Defense stats of 135 each, while maintaining a respectable Attack stat of 100. This defensive-oriented stat distribution makes Dusknoir an excellent wall in competitive play, though its notably low HP and Speed stats of 45 apiece require careful team building and strategic positioning. The Pokémon evolves from Dusclops when traded while holding a Reaper Cloth, completing a three-stage evolutionary line that traces back to the small Duskull, and it is classified as neither legendary nor mythical, making it accessible to trainers seeking a formidable Ghost-type ally.
Base Stats
Height
2.2m
Weight
106.6kg
Category
Gripper Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
black
Shape
arms
Abilities
Increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one.
Reveals an opponent's held item upon entering battle.
Dusknoir Biology & Physical Characteristics
Dusknoir is a predominantly black Pokémon with a striking, almost cyclops-like appearance that emphasizes its otherworldly nature. Its cylindrical head is light gray with a single large yellow eye featuring a red pupil, giving it an unsettling yet hypnotic gaze that seems to pierce between dimensions. Atop its head sits a short yellow antenna with a distinctive disc-shaped tip, which serves as a mystical receiver for transmissions from the spirit world itself. The antenna's purpose is central to Dusknoir's role as a psychopomp, allowing it to perceive commands from beyond the veil. Surrounding the base of its neck are six flat projections that resemble an upturned collar, creating an almost regal appearance. Dusknoir's body is equally remarkable, featuring well-developed arms with large gray hands banded in yellow near the wrists, capable of gripping and restraining its targets with considerable strength. Its torso displays two almond-shaped markings on the front and two circular markings on the back, all resembling eyes, suggesting a Pokémon that sees across multiple planes of existence simultaneously. A yellow band encircles its body, zigzagging along the front and curving dramatically across the back, while its lower body tapers into a wispy, ethereal tail that seemingly floats rather than rests upon solid ground. Most chillingly, Dusknoir possesses a mouth on its belly, described in Pokédex entries as capable of swallowing targets whole, though it reportedly disgorges the body after consuming the soul—a detail that underscores its predatory nature as a creature of the afterlife.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Dusknoir Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Dusknoir exhibits a balanced gender ratio with 50 percent male and 50 percent female individuals occurring in nature, allowing trainers to breed Dusknoir of either sex with equal likelihood. Despite this gender balance, Dusknoir belongs to the Amorphous egg group, which consists of Pokémon without clearly defined physical forms or traditional anatomies. This classification reflects Dusknoir's otherworldly, spirit-based nature—its pliant body and ethereal composition place it among creatures like Gengar, Haunter, and other supernatural entities that transcend conventional biological categories. The breeding mechanics for Dusknoir involve placing a male and female of compatible egg groups at a Pokémon daycare, though obtaining a Dusknoir for breeding purposes requires first evolving a Dusclops through trade with a Reaper Cloth. The base happiness value of 35 is notably lower than average, reflecting Dusknoir's aloof and potentially menacing demeanor—these Pokémon do not form bonds easily with trainers and require considerable effort to befriend and trust. Eggs produced by Dusknoir hatch relatively quickly, requiring 25 egg cycles (approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps) to produce a Duskull, allowing trainers to complete the breeding cycle efficiently. The growth rate is classified as fast, meaning Dusknoir reaches higher levels with less experience than Pokémon with other growth rates, making it a reasonably efficient choice for leveling despite its spiritual origins.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
kasib-berry
type-protection
Held: Consumed when struck by a super-effective Ghost-type attack to halve the damage.
Cost: 80
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
tm01
sword shield
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
+852 more TMs/HMs
dusknoir's Evolution Chain
Dusknoir Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Dusknoir represents the culmination of the Duskull evolutionary line, evolving from Dusclops through a trade-based mechanism requiring the Reaper Cloth as a held item. This evolution mechanic emphasizes the spiritual significance of Dusknoir's form—the Reaper Cloth, an item evocative of death's traditional imagery, serves as the catalyst transforming the already-ghostly Dusclops into a more powerful and otherworldly entity. The evolution process substantially enhances Dusknoir's defensive capabilities and attacking power compared to its pre-evolution form, with Attack rising to 100 and Defense and Special Defense both reaching 135, making it significantly bulkier. The base stat total of 525 represents a meaningful jump from Dusclops, though the Speed stat remains problematically low at 45, indicating that Dusknoir is designed as a slow, defensive Pokémon that should move later in turn order during battle. Dusknoir does not have a Mega Evolution form, which is consistent with the Pokémon introduced in Generation IV that generally lack Mega Evolution options. The evolution is exclusive to the Sinnoh region's mythology and mechanics, though it has been made available in subsequent generations through various remakes and expansions. Players seeking to obtain Dusknoir must engage in the multiplayer trade system, fostering community interaction and emphasizing the role of connection in achieving this spiritual transformation.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Dusknoir Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Dusknoir occupies a unique ecological and spiritual niche, serving as a guide and shepherd of souls rather than inhabiting a traditional physical habitat. According to various Pokédex entries, Dusknoir appears to those whose lives have come to an end, arriving to escort their souls to the afterlife in worlds unknown. The antenna on its head receives transmissions from the spirit world that compel it to abduct people and Pokémon, though the extent of Dusknoir's own willpower in these actions remains shrouded in mystery. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it is noted that Dusknoir rarely makes mistakes in identifying the deceased, though it has been known to mistakenly claim the souls of those who still possess life within them—a haunting detail that suggests even spiritual entities can err in their cosmic duties. Dusknoir is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them toward their destined rest, acting as a living conduit between the mortal realm and whatever lies beyond. Its feared reputation spans cultures within the Pokémon world, with trainers and civilians alike recognizing it as a harbinger of the transition between life and death. This Pokémon typically remains hidden from the living world, only manifesting when spiritual circumstances demand its presence, making encounters with Dusknoir exceptionally rare and deeply unsettling.
Pokedex Entries
The antenna on its head captures radio waves from the world of spirits that command it to take people there.
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
This feared Pokémon is said to travel to worlds unknown. Some even believe that it takes lost spirits along with it.
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
The antenna on its head captures radio waves from the world of spirits that command it to take people there.
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
The antenna on its head captures radio waves from the world of spirits that command it to take people there.
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.
With the mouth on its belly, Dusknoir swallows its target whole. The soul is the only thing eaten— Dusknoir disgorges the body before departing.
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 Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Dusknoir's name in English combines 'dusk,' referring to the twilight hours when the boundary between day and night blurs, with 'noir,' a French word for black that evokes mystery and darkness. This nomenclature perfectly encapsulates the Pokémon's role as a creature of liminal spaces—existing between life and death, light and shadow. The Japanese name Yonoir derives from the word 'yōrō' (妖老), meaning ghostly and aged, reflecting its position as an ancient spirit entity guiding souls. The design itself draws inspiration from traditional reaper imagery and spectral mythology, with the antenna functioning as a mystical receiver reminiscent of radio towers or lightning rods, but receiving signals from the supernatural rather than the electromagnetic spectrum. The single eye and cyclops-like appearance may reference mythological one-eyed creatures, while the mouth on its belly suggests influences from various folk traditions depicting entities that consume in unconventional ways. The color scheme of black with gray and yellow accents creates a distinctly spectral appearance that distinguishes Dusknoir from other Ghost-types, making it immediately recognizable as a Pokémon of significant supernatural power and otherworldly origin. The collar-like projections around its neck may be inspired by official or noble attire, suggesting Dusknoir's role as a dignified, if terrifying, conductor of souls.
Learnable Moves
Dusknoir can learn 103 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absorb | grass | Special | 20 | 100 | 25 |
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| astonish | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bind | normal | Physical | 15 | 85 | 20 |
| blizzard | ice | Special | 110 | 70 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charge beam | electric | Special | 50 | 90 | 10 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| darkest lariat | dark | Physical | 85 | 100 | 10 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| foresight | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gravity | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| hard press | steel | Physical | 0 | 100 | 10 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| ice beam | ice | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| infestation | bug | Special | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leech life | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| memento | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| phantom force | ghost | Physical | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| poltergeist | ghost | Physical | 110 | 90 | 5 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| revenge | fighting | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow punch | ghost | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| shadow sneak | ghost | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| skitter smack | bug | Physical | 70 | 90 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| wonder room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
Dusknoir Competitive Battle Guide
Dusknoir occupies a defensive niche in competitive Pokémon battles, leveraging its exceptional Defense and Special Defense stats of 135 each to function as a reliable wall capable of absorbing substantial damage from both physical and special attackers. With an Attack stat of 100, Dusknoir can deal respectable damage despite not being an offensive powerhouse, and it benefits from a diverse movepool that includes strong Ghost-type attacks like Shadow Punch and Shadow Ball, as well as utility moves like Will-O-Wisp, Trick Room, and Stealth Rock. The Pressure ability is Dusknoir's signature trait in competitive play, increasing the PP cost of moves targeting it by one, which can be invaluable in stall or defensive strategies that aim to outlast opponents through careful resource management. The hidden ability Frisk, available through special distributions or breeding, reveals an opponent's held item upon Dusknoir's entry to battle, providing crucial information for strategic planning. Dusknoir's critical weakness lies in its abysmal Speed stat of 45, making it one of the slowest Pokémon in competitive tiers, requiring trainers to embrace its slow nature through strategies like Trick Room or by using it as a defensive check against specific threats. Its Ghost typing grants useful immunities to Normal and Fighting attacks while resisting Poison, making it a solid answer to physical attackers. However, Dusknoir's relatively low HP of 45 means that despite excellent defenses, it can still be overwhelmed by concentrated attacks or special threats that bypass its defensive stats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Dusknoir
What type is Dusknoir?
Dusknoir is a ghost type Pokemon.
What does Dusknoir evolve from?
Dusknoir evolved from dusclops that evolved from duskull.
What are Dusknoir's weaknesses?
Dusknoir is weak to ghost and dark type moves.
Dusknoir Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Dusknoir has established itself as a memorable and beloved Ghost-type Pokémon within the franchise, particularly among fans of the Sinnoh region and Generation IV. The Pokémon featured prominently in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky games, where it appeared as a significant character, gaining widespread recognition through this narrative context. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Dusknoir has received several card prints that showcase its spiritual nature and defensive capabilities, making it a valued inclusion in Ghost-type and control-focused deck strategies. The anime has featured Dusknoir in various appearances, with the most notable being its role in the main series, where its supernatural abilities and mysterious demeanor contributed to the show's exploration of Pokémon with connections to the spirit world. Dusknoir's unique design and lore have made it a favorite subject for fan art and creative interpretations exploring themes of death, spirituality, and the relationship between the living and spiritual realms. The Pokémon has also influenced subsequent Ghost-type designs in later generations, as its success demonstrated the appeal of Ghost-types that embrace their supernatural origins rather than simply being spectral versions of existing creatures. In competitive communities, Dusknoir has maintained a loyal following despite not being tier-defining, with players appreciating its distinct defensive profile and the strategic depth afforded by its movepool and abilities.
Where to Find Dusknoir in Every Pokémon Game
Dusknoir's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon games, reflecting its status as a Generation IV addition with limited distribution in some earlier generations. In the core games of Generation IV, namely Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, Dusknoir can be obtained by trading Dusclops holding a Reaper Cloth, with Dusclops itself available in the Sinnoh region's post-game areas. In Generation V Black and White games, Dusknoir was not available in the regional Pokédex but could be transferred from previous generations using Poké Transfer or the Dream World. Generation VI's X and Y games included Dusknoir in the National Pokédex with availability in the post-game, while Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire provided improved accessibility through the Dex Nav system. In Generation VII's Sun and Moon games, Dusknoir was not available in the base games but could be transferred through the Pokébank service, and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon similarly required transfer or breeding to obtain. Generation VIII's Sword and Shield included Dusknoir in the Pokédex with availability through the base game or DLC expansions, with the Shining Pearl remake providing Generation IV availability mirroring the originals. Generation IX's Scarlet and Violet currently do not feature Dusknoir in their regional Pokédex, though it remains obtainable through Pokémon Home transfer from previous generations. Pokémon Legends: Arceus, set in ancient Sinnoh, featured Dusknoir with a special role in the narrative, allowing trainers in that game to obtain it through the main story progression or post-game activities, making it particularly accessible in that title.