Active on the nights of the new moon. It possesses the ability "Bad Dreams," which lures people and Pokémon into a deep sleep and forces them to see nightmares; it uses this power to protect itself and its territory. In reality, Darkrai has a very gentle nature and does not seek to harm others without reason. However, as a side effect of its nightmare-inducing ability, a legend has been passed down that "on nights when the moon is not out, Darkrai shows terrifying dreams." Furthermore, this ability to cause nightmares seems to activate on its own regardless of its will, and it cannot be controlled or suppressed. Because of this, Darkrai, not wishing to make anyone suffer with nightmares, reportedly lives a life of self-imposed isolation, avoiding contact with anyone.