Discover the best Dark-type Pals in Palworld 2026 and master elemental matchups to dominate Neutral types and optimize your base with powerful allies.
Listen up, fellow Pal tamers! Palworld in 2026 is still that wild, unpredictable sandbox where knowing your elemental matchups and having the right crew can mean the difference between thriving andā¦ well, let's just say an unplanned respawn. Among all the types, the Dark-type crew is a real game-changer, especially when dealing with those pesky, everywhere-you-look Neutral Pals. But watch out, they've got a real beef with Dragon-types ā it's like their kryptonite! Let's dive into the shadowy roster and see who's worth catching and who's justā¦ lurking.
First up, meet Tombat. This little guy is an absolute all-star for your base, and getting one or two early on is a pro move. Why? Check out its work suitabilities: Gathering Lv 2, Mining Lv 2, and Transporting Lv 3. Translation? It'll mine rocks and ore, gather your ripe harvests, and then haul it all away. Pair it with a planter and a waterer, and your base is basically on autopilot. Its Partner Skill, Ultrasonic Sensor, lets it scan and highlight nearby Pals at night. Just look for those spooky purple lights moving in the trees around the starting areas. Seriously, get this Pal ā your future self will thank you.
The Support Squad: Passive Power & Dream Armies
Now, let's talk about pals that buff you up without even breaking a sweat.
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Hoocrates: This Pal is all about that sweet, sweet passive buff. Its Dark Knowledge skill boosts the Dark damage of your active Partner Pal, and it works just by being in your party ā no deployment needed! The higher the skill level, the bigger the oomph. Imagine slotting a maxed-out Hoocrates behind your end-game beastā¦ the damage numbers will be nuts. Find it at night in starting areas, but keep your eyes peeled; unlike Tombat, it doesn't glow.
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Daedream: Want an army? Daedream's your Pal. Its Dream Chaser skill, unlocked via the Daedream Necklace (Tech Tier 8), lets you have up to five active Daedreams at once if you fill your party slots with them. It's like having your own personal shadow swarm. They're easy to find glowing at night on the Plateau of Beginnings. A bit of a one-trick pony for combat, but what a trick!
The Specialists: Farmers, Healers & Tanks
Some Pals have very specific, incredibly useful jobs.
| Pal | Key Role | Why They're Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Katress | Neutral Pal Farmer | Partner Skill, Grimoire Collector, increases drops from Neutral Pals. Saves so much farming time! Also has Lv 2 Handiwork & Medicine. |
| Lyleen Noct | Ultimate Healer & Medic | Skill provides instant healing. The real prize? Lv 3 in both Handiwork AND Medicine. Makes stocking meds a breeze. Find it in the Iceberg Mineshaft (be ready for a Lv 49 Alpha fight!). |
| Menasting | Electric Pal Farmer & Tank | Boosts drops from Electric Pals AND raises your defense. Plus, it's a Lv 3 Mining machine. Find it in the Dessicated Mineshaft as a Lv 44 Alpha boss. |
The Late-Game Legends: Sky Kings & Speed Demons
Alright, buckle up. These are the Pals you grind for when you're ready to dominate the late game.
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Shadowbeak: This is Victor's (the toughest tower boss) signature Pal for a reason. Its Modified DNA skill boosts Dark damage for both of you while you're mounted, and its attacks are brutal. It's a combat monster, though only Lv 1 Gathering for base work. Try your luck at the No. 3 Wildlife Sanctuary orā¦ consider breeding.
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Frostallion Noct: Talk about a grand finale. This flying mount has epic stats and is one of the only Pals with Lv 4 Gathering. Its Black Steed skill is top-tier. The catch? You basically get it when the game's almost over. It's a breeding-only Pal, requiring the elusive Frostallion as a parent.
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Necromus: Say hello to the fastest land mount in Palworld. Its Dark Knight of the Abyss skill gives insane speed and a double-jump while mounted. It's another end-game prize, hanging out at the peak of the desert island with Paladius, surrounded by Lv 50 Alphas. Good luck!
The Ultimate Multi-Tool: Astegon
Saving a special mention for Astegon. This dual Dark/Dragon-type is a beast in every sense. High stats, a useful typing (despite the Dragon weakness), and here's the kicker: Mining Lv 4. Its Black Ankylosaur Partner Skill also boosts your mining efficiency while mounted. You can catch it late-game as a Lv 48 Alpha boss in the Destroyed Mineshaft, but the real pro-tip? Breed one earlier. Having a Lv 4 mining machine for most of your playthrough? That's a game-changer, folks.
So there you have it! From your first base buddy Tombat to the legendary mount Necromus, the Dark-type roster in Palworld is packed with unique and powerful allies. Whether you're optimizing your base, farming specific materials, or just want to look cool riding the fastest creature on the planet, there's a shadowy friend waiting for you. Just rememberā¦ watch out for dragons!
Thinking about other elements? Check out our guides on the best Fire and Electric Pals to complete your ultimate team!