This page serves as an explanation on how to beat Team Star’s Dark Crew in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. We go into detail about where exactly you can find their base, the best way to reach the base and when you should take on the task of fighting the Team Star Dark Crew and their leader, Giancomo.

Where is the Dark Crew Located?¶

Team Star’s Dark Crew is located west from the massive, central crater. More precisely, their base is found a short distance south from the town of Cascarrafa, at the north-east corner of West Province (Area One).

Best Way to Reach the Dark Crew¶

To reach the Dark Crew’s base, we suggest venturing west from Mesagoza’s west gate. Make your way west through South Province (Area Two) towards the town of Cortondo. Halfway along, there’s a Pokémon Center you can use to rest.

From Cortondo, travel north-west, following the zigzagging trail, towards a bridge going across a river. Past the bridge, keep following the trail west to another Pokémon Center. Next, continue west for a short distance, then head north towards another bridge across a river.

After crossing this bridge, travel north-east, following the trail once more. There will be a Pokémon Center halfway between the bridge and the town of Cascarrafa. Before reaching Cascarrafa, there’s a trail going south-east that leads to the Dark Crew’s base.

When to Fight the Dark Crew?¶

We recommend attempting the Dark Crew when your Pokémon are above Level 20. Also, since your opponents will primarily use Dark type Pokémon, you’ll want at least one or two Dark-type counters in your team.

Recommended Pokémon for the Dark Crew¶

In general, Fighting , Bug and Fairy Pokémon are recommended. In particular, we highly encourage bringing a Fighting type.

Here are some suggestions:

• Makuhita is a common Fighting type found all across western and eastern Paldea.
• Mankey is another common Fighting type, found in western Paldea.
• Flamigo is a Flying and Fighting type found in the ponds east from Los Platos.
• Tarountula is a common Bug type found in southern Paldea.
• Nymble is a common Bug type found in western Paldea.
• Fidough is a Fairy type found around Los Platos and the western outskirts of Mesagoza.
• Tinkatink is a rare Fairy and Steel type found near ruins (one right near the Dark Crew base, another north-east from Cortondo).
• If you evolve Pawmi (found in southern Paldea) into Pawmo, it gains the Fighting type.

Attacking the Dark Crew’s Base¶

First things first, head straight for the barricade in front of the Dark Crew’s base. There will be two Grunts blocking the way. After some chit-chat, one of the Grunts will fight you.

Team Star Grunt¶

For this, Electric , Rock , Ice and Fairy Pokémon have an advantage.

After kicking her butt, ring the doorbell at the gates when you’re ready to begin the gauntlet.

Star Barrage¶

In a Star Barrage, you must take on opposing Pokémon by auto-battling with . Simply press the button to throw your Pokémon; it will then target whatever is in front. You can send out up to three Pokémon simultaneously.

If your Pokémon take damage, you can speak to Clarv… Clive to heal your Pokémon. If any get knocked out and you’ve ran out of Revives, look for a vending machine. Finally, if it’s not looking good, you can press to give up.

You’ll lose the Star Barrage if all of your Pokémon are KO’d or you run out of time before defeating the required amount of Pokémon. On this occasion, you have 10 minutes to defeat 30 Pokémon.

Team Star Grunts should send out their Pokémon when you’re somewhat near them. After beating up those Pokémon, keep moving, in search of other grunts. There should be more than enough Pokémon and more than enough time. We managed to clear within 2 minutes.

Here are the Pokémon we encountered:

If you’re up against Stunky, the common counters won’t be super-effective. But hopefully your Pokémon are strong enough. Otherwise, you could consider bringing a Ground type along.

Against Pawniard, of the common counters, only Fighting is super-effective. But these Pawniard aren’t exceptionally strong. Ground is also good here, if you’re uncertain.

Versus Murkrow, hopefully you remember their weakness, from when you fought one outside the gates. Bug and Fighting deal neutral damage, while Fairy remains super-effective.

Finally, if you’re combating Sableye, only Fairy is super-effective, while Fighting deals no damage.

After conquering the Star Barrage, you’ll jump straight into a battle with their head honcho…