Gengar (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #093: Haunter	Pokémon	#095: Onix →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Gengar (disambiguation).

Gengar Shadow Pokémon ゲンガー Gangar #094 Gengar Mega Gengar Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Ghost Poison Unknown Unknown Mega Gengar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Cursed Body Gengar Cacophony Mega Gengar Cacophony Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Shadow Tag Mega Gengar Cacophony Levitate Gengar Gen. III-VI
Gender ratio Unknown 50% male, 50% female	Catch rate 45 (11.9%)
Breeding Egg Group Amorphous Hatch time 20 cycles
Height 4'11" 1.5 m Gengar 4'07" 1.4 m Mega Gengar 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 89.3 lbs. 40.5 kg Gengar 89.3 lbs. 40.5 kg Mega Gengar 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone Gengarite [[|]]
Base experience yield 190 Gen. I-IV Unknown IV 225 V+	Leveling rate Medium Slow
EV yield Total: 3 Gengar 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 3 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed Mega Gengar 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint Mega Gengar
Pokédex color   Purple	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Gengar (Japanese: ゲンガー Gangar) is a dual-type Ghost/Poison Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Haunter when traded. It is the final form of Gastly. It can Mega Evolve into Mega Gengar using the Gengarite.

Biology

Morty's Gengar floating through the air

Gengar is a dark purple, bipedal Pokémon with a roundish body. It has red eyes, a wide mouth that is usually curled into a sinister grin, and pointed ears. On its back are numerous spikes and it has smaller spikes on top of its head similar to tufty fur. Its arms and legs are short with three digits on both its hands and feet. It also has a stubby tail.

As Mega Gengar, a portion of its body sinks into the ground and its arms and tail lengthen. The lower portions turn a more reddish purple, and a third eye appears on its forehead. This new unblinking eye is oval, yellow, and allows it to see into other dimensions. The spikes on Mega Gengar's back are more numerous and pointed and additional spikes appear on its hands and tail. Its ears are now considerably longer and tilt backward. Mega Gengar has the ability to access other dimensions and has a vicious nature. It may even curse its own Trainer.

Gengar has the ability to hide perfectly in the shadow of any object, granting it exceptional stealth. However, Gengar's body acts as a heat sink. Its presence cools the temperature of the surrounding area by nearly 10°F (5°C), because it absorbs the warmth. The anime has shown that Gengar can fly and possess people and other Pokémon. In the past, Night Shade was its signature move.

Gengar is very mischievous, and at times, malicious. It enjoys playing practical jokes and casting curses, such as pretending to be one's shadow, then behaving erratically. When the quarry notices, the Gengar takes delight in its victim's terror. However, Gengar has been known to be loyal to a Trainer who treats it well. Gengar lives in caves and dark places where shadows form. It is especially fond of urban areas such as cities and back alleys, but only during the night.

In the anime

In the main series

Gengar in the anime

Mega Gengar in the anime

Shiny Gengar in the anime

Shiny Mega Gengar in the anime

Major appearances

Morty's Gengar

Gengar appeared under the ownership of Ecruteak City Gym Leader Morty in A Ghost Of A Chance, From Ghost to Ghost, and For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!. It was seen outside of its Poké Ball.

Agatha's Gengar

Agatha used a Gengar to battle Ash's Pikachu in The Scheme Team. The Ghost Pokémon defeated Pikachu with a combination of Hypnosis and Dream Eater.

Team Meanies

Gengar was the leader of Team Meanies in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate!.

Other

Ash first saw a Gengar in person in Lavender Town in The Tower of Terror while searching for a Ghost-type Pokémon to fight Sabrina with. Due to a close call, Ash got to spend some unexpected time with the ghostly trio, Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar. It, along with Haunter, seemed to have a fondness for Japanese stand-up, and unsuccessfully attempted to amuse Ash by acting as a pair of performers. It reappeared in a flashback in the following episode.

In The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis, a giant Gengar was awakened near the ancient city of Pokémopolis, where it battled an equally large Alakazam.

Drake, the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader, used a Gengar in his battle with Ash in Hello, Pummelo! and Enter The Dragonite. His Gengar managed to confuse Tauros before Ash recalled it and instead tried with Lapras. In the collision between Night Shade and Ice Beam, both Lapras and Gengar fainted.

A group of Gengar appeared in Illusion Confusion!, along with a group of Haunter. They were causing trouble for Ash and his friends while they were wandering through a deep forest, by creating a number of illusions that impeded their progress.

A Gengar appeared in PK15. It was one of the residents of a spooky house.

A Gengar appeared in a flashback in Playing the Leveling Field!, under the ownership of Fantina. Gengar physically reappeared in A Shield with a Twist, where it was used in the Gym battle against Ash; it was defeated by Buizel.

Three Gengar appeared in Celebrating the Hero's Comet! as some of the episode's antagonists. They were residents of an unnamed island in the Decolore Islands.

A Gengar appeared in Scary Hospitality!, under the ownership of Lon. It was used alongside Lon's Gastly and Haunter to scare visitors of the "Scary House". This included Ash, his friends, and later Team Rocket.

Three Gengar were used by the ninjas that attacked the Ninja Village in A Festival of Decisions!.

A Shiny Gengar that can Mega Evolve appeared in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, under the ownership of Alva. It was his main battling Pokémon. However, it eventually abandoned Alva immediately after the destruction of the Mega Wave crystal that controlled it.

A Gengar appeared in I Choose You!, under the ownership of Corey. It battled Neesha's Blastoise, dodging most of its attacks before ultimately being frozen by its Ice Beam.

A wild Gengar nicknamed "Greedy Rapooh" appeared in Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?. When Team Rocket destroyed a shrine, it went on a rampage, kidnapping Acerola and stealing people's items all across Ula'ula Island. It appeared again in Securing the Future!, where it joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its true form.

Minor appearances

Gengar debuted in the opening scene of the first episode, Pokémon - I Choose You!, where it and a Nidorino battled in a colosseum on TV as a reference to the original Pokémon Red and Green games. Thus, Gengar and Nidorino were the very first Pokémon to be seen in the anime, not counting the intro.

A Gengar appeared in the Japanese credits of Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.

A Trainer's Gengar appeared in Wired for Battle! as an image that came up in Shingo's laptop.

A Gengar appeared in Beauty and the Breeder, under the ownership of a Pokémon Breeder participating in a Pokémon breeding competition.

A Gengar appeared in Brock's fantasy in UnBEARable.

A Gengar appeared in a fantasy in Control Freak!.

Two Gengar appeared in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest. One was under the ownership of a Trainer, while the other appeared during the movie's intro, which was reused for Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.

A Gengar was partnered with two Team Rocket trainees in Training Daze.

A Gengar appeared in Who's Flying Now? as one of the Pokémon featured in the Fortree City Feather Festival.

A Gengar appeared in Ghoul Daze!.

A Gengar appeared in One Team, Two Team, Red Team, Blue Team!.

A Gengar that can Mega Evolve into Mega Gengar appeared in the opening of Mega Evolution Special I.

A Gengar appeared alongside a Gastly and Haunter in Loading the Dex!, during a fantasy that Meowth had after an encounter with a Mimikyu. They pretended to be a Lopunny, Glaceon, and Gardevoir.

A Trainer's Gengar appeared in Balloons, Brionne, and Belligerence!.

A Gengar appeared in a photo taken by Rotom in Alola, Kanto!.

A Trainer's Gengar appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!.

A Trainer's Gengar appeared in Turning the Other Mask!.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP023 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar. No information available. EP072 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar, a Shadow Pokémon. The evolved form of Haunter. Details about this Pokémon are unknown.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP182 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. The evolved form of Haunter. Details about Gengar are unknown.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry AG132 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. Gengar is the final evolved form of Gastly. It can absorb any surrounding heat, leaving a sudden chill.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP102 Gengar Dawn's Pokédex Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. Gengar hides in the shadows. If a Gengar is nearby, it is said to feel ten degrees colder than normal.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry XY072 Gengar Serena's Pokédex Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon and the evolved form of Haunter. Gengar is happy when it scares people, smiling wickedly in the dark.

Gengar in Pokémon Origins

In Pokémon Origins

Agatha's Gengar

Agatha used a Gengar against Red's Dodrio in File 4: Charizard and lost.

Other

A Gengar appeared in File 1: Red, battling a Nidorino.

Red's Gengar evolved from a Haunter sometime before File 4: Charizard.

Gengar in Pokémon Generations

In Pokémon Generations

Agatha's Gengar

Agatha used a Gengar against Blue's Rhydon in The Challenger, but it lost off-screen.

Other

A Gengar appeared in the game intro-like opening sequence for The Adventure, where it was battling a Nidorino.

In the manga

Gengar in Pokémon Adventures

Mega Gengar in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Main article: Agatha's Gengar

Gengar first appeared in Holy Moltres, under the ownership of a Team Rocket Grunt. It was used to battle Blaine's Arcanine and Rapidash, and almost attacked Red.

In Pokémon Adventures, Agatha has two Gengar on her team, and many in her Ghost-type army. Her first one and her Ghost army first appeared in Lapras Lazily. One of them was used to attack Blue and Koga from the shadows, draining the latter's life force as it possessed his shadow. Eventually, it was taken down when Koga used the tail that the old woman's Arbok bit off his own, distracting it long enough for Blue's Porygon to deal the finishing blow.

A Gengar appeared in The Last Battle XIII as one of the Pokémon sent to participate in the fight in Ilex Forest.

A Gengar was seen in Return to Pallet Town. It was used by a kid from Pallet Town in an attempt to catch a Nidorino, thus replicating the opening sequence of the Generation I video games and their remakes.

In Tying Trevenant, a Gengar belonging to Gurkinn appeared, stopping Celosia's Aegislash from killing X. He helped battle Team Flare to stop them from obtaining the tree form of Xerneas and was later given to X, where he was nicknamed Garma. He can Mega Evolve into Mega Gengar.

Pokédex entries

Manga Chapter Entry Pokémon Adventures PS077 Able to merge with and inhabit the shadow of another being.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Main article: Morty's Gengar

In A Promise Given to Miltank, Morty called out Gengar to stop a Spearow from stealing the satchel that contained Berries collected by Gold.

In the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team manga

The Gengar from Team Meanies appears as a major character and the main antagonist.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Main article: Agatha's Gengar

Main article: Morty's Gengar

Blue's Gengar debuted in Get Rid Of The Ghost Pokémon!! as a Haunter. There it evolved while battling Clefairy.

Green used a Gengar in the Pokémon League where it went up against Red.

Agatha's Gengar was shown in Panic on the Luxury Liner?!.

Morty's Gengar appeared in The Legendary Ho-Oh!!.

A Gengar was seen under the ownership of Karen in A Challenge to the Elite Four!.

In the Pokémon Zensho manga

Main article: Agatha's Gengar

Agatha's Gengar went up against Satoshi's Alakazam and lost in Indigo Plateau.

In the TCG

Main article: Gengar (TCG)

Other appearances

Gengar in Pokkén Tournament

Pokkén Tournament

Gengar is a playable character in the arcade fighting game. Moves it can use include Shadow Ball, Hypnosis, Shadow Punch, and Curse. Upon entering Burst form, it Mega Evolves and can use the Burst Attack Shadow Drop.

Detective Pikachu

Multiple Gengar appeared in Detective Pikachu. One of them was seen in an illegal fight club battle against a Blastoise, which it won. Also, one of the large Pokémon shaped balloons in the Pokémon parade was a Gengar.

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Pinball: A Gengar appears in a bonus stage accessible from the Red Table. Once the player has knocked out the three Gastly and the pair of Haunter, a Gengar then appears and must be defeated to win.
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team: Gengar is the leader of Team Meanies. While often accompanied by Ekans and Medicham, Gengar will often act alone and spends much of the game causing trouble, even convincing the village to exile the hero, blaming him or her for the natural disasters. However, it is later revealed that he is the cursed human. After Rayquaza destroys the star heading for the world, Gengar will post a request, asking to visit Ninetales in the hopes of bringing back Gardevoir. While she is rescued, she has no recollection of her times with her trainer, but Gengar is still satisfied to see her safe and leaves.
• Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Gengar appears as a recruitable character and asks the player to deliver a letter to Banette. As he is connected to Team Charm's Gardevoir, it is implied that he is the same aforementioned Gengar from Red and Blue Rescue Team, and that Team Charm's Gardevoir is the same one

Pokédex entries

Gengar

Generation I Kanto #094 Red(ENG) Under a full moon, this Pokémon likes to mimic the shadows of people and laugh at their fright. Blue Yellow A Gengar is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you. Stadium Appears to attack people who get lost in the mountains. Said to be the culprit behind shadows that laugh in the moonlight.

Generation II Johto #060 Gold It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared. Silver To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. Crystal Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake. Stadium 2 It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared.

Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #094 Ruby Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. Sapphire Emerald Deep in the night, your shadow cast by a streetlight may suddenly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. FireRed It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains. LeafGreen On the night of the full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing.

Generation IV Sinnoh #071 Johto #060 Diamond It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees F. Pearl Lurking in the shadowy corners of rooms, it awaits chances to steal its prey's life force. Platinum The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. HeartGold It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared. SoulSilver To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity.

Generation V Unova #— Black The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. White Black 2 The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. White 2

Generation VI Kalos Mountain #032 Hoenn #— X It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Y Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake. Omega Ruby Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. Alpha Sapphire

Generation VII Alola SM: #063 Alola USUM: #075 Kanto #094 Sun Should you feel yourself attacked by a sudden chill, it is evidence of an approaching Gengar. There is no escaping it. Give up. Moon It apparently wishes for a traveling companion. Since it was once human itself, it tries to create one by taking the lives of other humans. Ultra Sun You can hear tales told all over the world about how Gengar will pay a visit to children who are naughty. Ultra Moon Even your home isn't safe. Gengar will lurk in whatever dark corner of a room it can find and wait for its chance to catch its prey. Let's Go Pikachu A Gengar is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you. Let's Go Eevee

Mega Gengar

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
Generation VI Kalos Mountain #032 Hoenn #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VI.
Generation VII Alola SM: #063 Alola USUM: #075 Kanto #094 Sun Gengar's relationships are warped. It has no interest in opponents unless it perceives them as prey. Moon The energy of Mega Evolution awakened it. It sinks into another dimension, where it keeps a patient watch for its chance to attack. Ultra Sun It tries to take the lives of anyone and everyone. It will even try to curse the Trainer who is its master! Ultra Moon Mega Evolution has made it possible for Gengar to access other dimensions. Its entire body is brimming with strange power. Let's Go Pikachu It can pass through other dimensions and can appear anywhere. It caused a stir one time when it stuck just one leg out of a wall. Let's Go Eevee

Game locations

Generation I Red Blue Evolve Haunter Blue (Japan) Trade Machoke for Haunter in Cerulean City (evolves immediately) Yellow Evolve Haunter

Generation II Gold Silver Evolve Haunter Crystal Evolve Haunter

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Evolve Haunter Colosseum Trade XD Trade

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Old Chateau (Any Gen III game) Platinum Old Chateau (Any Gen III game) HeartGold SoulSilver Evolve Haunter Pal Park Forest

Generation V Black Trade White Evolve Haunter Black 2 White 2 Trade

Generation VI X Y Evolve Haunter Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Trade, Event

Generation VII Sun Moon Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site) (SOS Battle) Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site) (SOS Battle) Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Evolve Haunter

In side games

Generation I Pinball Evolve Haunter

Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.

Generation III Channel Ruins of Truth Trozei! Endless Level 68, Forever Level 18, Pair Battle, Mr. Who's Den MD Red MD Blue Evolve Haunter Ranger Fiore Temple

Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Sky Stairway (30F-49F) MD Sky Sky Stairway (30F-49F) Ranger: SoA Hippowdon Temple, Altru Building, Altru Tower Rumble Eternal Tower (Both Modes A & S) PokéPark Wii Haunted Zone Ranger: GS Oblivia Ruins, Dark Temple

Generation V Rumble Blast Hauntyard: Everspring Valley, World Axle - B1F Conquest Evolve Haunter Rumble U Toy Collection: Guided by Pichu (Boss)

Generation VI Battle Trozei Pitch-Black Cavern: Stage 3 Shuffle Castle Noapte: Stage 125 Prasino Woods: Stage 557 Event: A Great Chance a Day! (Spooky) Rumble World Starlight Islands: Halloween Village (Back Boss) Picross Area 08: Stage 06

In events

Games	Event	Region	Location	Level	Distribution period
XY	Pokémon Center Gengar	All	Japan	25	February 1 to 28, 2014
XY	Pokémon Center Battle Championship Gengar	All	Japan	50	June 2 to 8, 2014; July 7 to 21, 2014
XY	Halloween Gengar	All	Japan	25	September 13 to October 14, 2014
XY	October 2014 Gengar	American region	Online	25	October 9, 2014 to February 5, 2015
XY	October 2014 Gengar	PAL region	Online	25	October 9, 2014 to February 5, 2015
XY	Pre-ordering player Gengar	Korean region	Online	25	October 11 to December 7, 2014
XY	XY Gengar	Japanese region	Online	25	October 24 to 31, 2014
XY	XY Gengar	American region	Online	25	October 24 to 31, 2014
ORAS	Pokémon Center Hiroshima Gengar	All	Japan	25	March 1 to 31, 2016
XYORAS	Alva's Gengar	Japanese region	Online	50	July 9 to August 31, 2016
XYORAS	Alva's Gengar	Japanese region	Nintendo Zone	50	July 30 to August 31, 2016
XYORAS	XY&Z Gengar	Korean region	Online	100	October 19 to November 15, 2016

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Events*		Gengarite (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Gengar

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Defense: 60		58 - 123	112 - 240
Sp. Atk: 130		121 - 200	238 - 394
Sp. Def: 75		72 - 139	139 - 273
Speed: 110		103 - 178	202 - 350
Total: 500	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature. This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 130.

Mega Gengar

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 60		120 - 167	230 - 324
Attack: 65		63 - 128	121 - 251
Defense: 80		76 - 145	148 - 284
Sp. Atk: 170		157 - 244	310 - 482
Sp. Def: 95		90 - 161	175 - 317
Speed: 130		121 - 200	238 - 394
Total: 600	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 2/3 ★★☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 5/5 ★★★★★	Stamina 4/4 ★★★★
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 15/18 ★★★

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy ½× None

Weak to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy ½× None

Immune to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy ½× None

Resistant to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy ½× None

Notes: If Foresight or Odor Sleuth is used by an opponent, the opponent has Scrappy, or this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of  Normal-type  moves is 1× and the effectiveness of  Fighting-type  moves is ½×. If this Pokémon has Levitate, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 0×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Bug-type  moves is 1×.

• In addition, Mega Gengar is immune to the move Telekinesis.

Learnset

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

By leveling up

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Disable Normal Status 0000— 100100% 20 011 Haze Ice Status 0000— 00——% 30 011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 011 Lick Ghost Physical 03030 100100% 30 011 Smog Poison Special 03030 07070% 20 011 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 055 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 077 Poison Gas Poison Status 0000— 09090% 40 1212 Night Shade Ghost Special 0000— 100100% 15 1414 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 08585% 15 1919 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 07070 100100% 5 2121 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 09090% 10 3030 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100100% 15 3636 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100100% 15 4545 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM01 TM01 Headbutt Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM02 TM02 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM05 TM05 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM07 TM07 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM08 TM08 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM11 TM11 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM12 TM12 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM13 TM13 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM15 TM15 Seismic Toss Fighting Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM20 TM20 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM21 TM21 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100}}100% 15 TM23 TM23 Thunder Punch Electric Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM26 TM26 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TM27 TM27 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM31 TM31 Fire Punch Fire Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM32 TM32 Dazzling Gleam Fairy Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM35 TM35 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM36 TM36 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM38 TM38 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM40 TM40 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM42 TM42 Self-Destruct Normal Physical 200200 100}}100% 5 TM43 TM43 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM48 TM48 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM52 TM52 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM53 TM53 Mega Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10 TM59 TM59 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

By leveling up

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP Evo.Evo. Shadow Punch Ghost Physical 06060 00——% 20 011 Shadow Punch Ghost Physical 06060 00——% 20 011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 011 Lick Ghost Physical 03030 100100% 30 011 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 055 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 088 Mean Look Normal Status 0000— 00——% 5 1212 Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00——% 10 1515 Night Shade Ghost Special 0000— 100100% 15 1919 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 2222 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 07070 100100% 5 2828 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100100% 10 3333 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100100% 15 3939 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100100% 15 4444 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100100% 15 5050 Destiny Bond Ghost Status 0000— 00——% 5 5555 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100100% 10 6161 Nightmare Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM06 TM06 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM09 TM09 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM10 TM10 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM11 TM11 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM12 TM12 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM15 TM15 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM17 TM17 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM18 TM18 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM21 TM21 Frustration Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM24 TM24 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM25 TM25 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM27 TM27 Return Normal Physical 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM29 TM29 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM30 TM30 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM31 TM31 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM32 TM32 Double Team Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 15 TM36 TM36 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM41 TM41 Torment Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM42 TM42 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM44 TM44 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM45 TM45 Attract Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM46 TM46 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM48 TM48 Round Normal Special 06060 100}}100% 15 TM52 TM52 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 TM53 TM53 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM56 TM56 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM61 TM61 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM63 TM63 Embargo Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM64 TM64 Explosion Normal Physical 250250 100}}100% 5 TM65 TM65 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM66 TM66 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100}}100% 10 TM68 TM68 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM77 TM77 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM83 TM83 Infestation Bug Special 02020 100}}100% 20 TM84 TM84 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TM85 TM85 Dream Eater Psychic Special 100100 100}}100% 15 TM87 TM87 Swagger Normal Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM88 TM88 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM90 TM90 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM92 TM92 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM97 TM97 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM99 TM99 Dazzling Gleam Fairy Special 08080 100}}100% 10 XTM100 TM100 Confide Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Astonish Ghost Physical 30 100% 15 Clear Smog Poison Special 50 —% 15 Disable Normal Status — 100% 20 Fire Punch Fire Physical 75 100% 15 Grudge Ghost Status — —% 5 Haze Ice Status — —% 30 Ice Punch Ice Physical 75 100% 15 Perish Song Normal Status — —% 5 Psywave Psychic Special — 100% 15 Reflect Type* Normal Status — —% 15 Scary Face Normal Status — 100% 10 Smog Poison Special 30 70% 20 Thunder Punch Electric Physical 75 100% 15

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Gengar in Generation VII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Gengar in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  S M US UM Ally Switch Psychic Status — —% 15 S M US UM Drain Punch Fighting Physical 75 100% 10 S M US UM Fire Punch Fire Physical 75 100% 15 S M US UM Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150 100% 20 S M US UM Foul Play Dark Physical 95 100% 15 S M US UM Giga Drain Grass Special 75 100% 10 S M US UM Ice Punch Ice Physical 75 100% 15 S M US UM Icy Wind Ice Special 55 95% 15 S M US UM Knock Off Dark Physical 65 100% 20 S M US UM Laser Focus Normal Status — —% 30 S M US UM Pain Split Normal Status — —% 20 S M US UM Role Play Psychic Status — —% 10 S M US UM Skill Swap Psychic Status — —% 10 S M US UM Snatch Dark Status — —% 10 S M US UM Snore Normal Special 50 100% 15 S M US UM Spite Ghost Status — 100% 10 S M US UM Telekinesis Psychic Status — —% 15 S M US UM Thunder Punch Electric Physical 75 100% 15 S M US UM Trick Psychic Status — 100% 10 S M US UM Uproar Normal Special 90 100% 10 S M US UM Wonder Room Psychic Status — —% 10

A black or white abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Gengar can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Gengar cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation VII Other generations: I - II - III - IV - V - VI - VIII - IX

Stage   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon has no moves exclusive to prior Evolutions.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Gengar Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Gengar Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Anime-only moves

Move	Type	Episode
Confusion	Psychic	Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters Out of the Gate

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball Acquisition: Evolve			Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Darkness Ridge Phrases 51%-100% HP My red eyes aren't from lack of sleep! 26%-50% HP Confound it! My HP is already missing by half... 1%-25% HP This is my ruin... Even my shadow grows dim... Level up Very well! I've leveled! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP Kekeh! I'm counting on you! 26%-50% HP Kekeh? This is getting a bit rough... 1%-25% HP Gegeh! I'm about to faint! Oi! Heal me quick! Level up N/A
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -10% IQ group: G
Pokémon Ranger Group: Ghost Poké Assist: Ghost Field move: None Loops: 7 Min. exp.: 100 Max. exp.: 120 Browser entry R-096 Beware--Gengar abducts your Pokémon. It makes copies of itself to attack.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group: Ghost Poké Assist: Ghost Field move: (Psy Power ×3) Browser entry R-019 It attacks by spitting out eerie orbs and sinister ones imbued with loathing.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Ghost Poké Assist: (present) Ghost Field move: (present) (Psy Power ×3) Poké Assist: (past) Ghost Field move: (past) (Psy Power ×1) Browser entry R-166/N-185 It shoots out orbs imbued with loathsome emotions that make Pokémon Paused.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●●●●● Defense ●●● Speed ●●●●
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: Gengar appeared out of the painting in the Haunted Zone. Watch him take the lead at Dusknoir's Speed Slam and Rotom's Spooky Shoot-'em-Up.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond PokéPark Pad entry: He says spiteful things, but he came to the Tech Area to look for his missing friends. He cherishes his friendships.
Pokémon Conquest HP: ★★ Move: Shadow Ball Attack: ★★★★ Ability 1: Levitate Defense: ★★ Speed: ★★★★ Evolves from Haunter when it has a link of 60% or higher, after knocking out a Warrior's Pokémon in a manner that allows recruitment Range: 3 Perfect Links: Bokuzen, Hanzō, Saizō, and Yoshitatsu
Pokémon Battle Trozei Ghost Attack Power: ★★★★★
Pokémon Shuffle Ghost Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #114 Power of 5 Increases damage when you make a match of five. Swappable Skill(s): Spookify Mega Effects 1 Erases all Mega Gengar in the puzzle area.			Pokémon Shuffle Poison Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #114 Vitality Drain Damage varies depending on the opponent's remaining HP. Swappable Skill(s): Poison Mega Effects 7 Erases Pokémon (max 3) of the same type as Mega Gengar.
Pokémon Shuffle Ghost Attack Power: 70 - 110 5 #114 Blindside Sometimes erases two extra matching Pokémon elsewhere. Mega Effects 3 Erases a group of Pokémon in the middle at once.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 261 Base Defense: 149 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 3 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Sucker Punch, Hex* Shadow Claw*, Lick* Charged Attacks: Shadow Ball, Focus Blast*, Sludge Bomb* Sludge Wave*, Dark Pulse*, Psychic*
Pokémon: Magikarp Jump Friendship Item: Black Sludge (600) ★: 1 minute Skill: Boost JP by 50% for n minutes Recovery time: 11 hours

Evolution

Unevolved Gastly  Ghost  Poison

Level 25 →

First Evolution Haunter  Ghost  Poison

Trade →

Second Evolution Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Sprites

Generation I Red Green Red Blue Yellow Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back

Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back

Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back

Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back

For other sprites and images, please see Gengar images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

Promotional artwork of a Shiny Mega Gengar

• Gengar is the favorite Pokémon of Ken Sugimori.
• In the Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Gengar was originally known as "Phantom".
• Gengar, along with Nidorino, with whom it battles in the beginning of Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, FireRed, and LeafGreen, originate from the Capsule Monsters manga, the precursor to the Pokémon franchise.
  • Gengar and Nidorino are also the very first Pokémon to appear in the anime.
• In Pokémon X and Y, Gengar is the only Pokémon with the Ability Levitate that is not eligible for Sky Battles.
• No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Gengar and its evolutionary relatives.
  • Due to its unique type combination, Gengar and its evolutionary relatives are the only Poison-type Pokémon that are weak against Dark-type moves.
• Mega Gengar has the highest base Special Attack stat of all Ghost-type and Poison-type Pokémon. It also has the highest base Speed stat of all Ghost-type Pokémon.
• When viewing Mega Gengar's Pokédex entry, the camera's view can only be moved sideways.
• Gengar could be seen as a counterpart to Alakazam. They are both the last stage of a three-part evolutionary family, require trading to reach their final stage of evolution, and are capable of Mega Evolution. They are the same height, and both get shorter upon Mega Evolution. They share a base friendship of 70 and, since Generation VI, a base stat total of 500. Both are weak to the other's STAB, and they share weaknesses to the Ghost and Dark types. In the anime episode The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis, a Gengar and an Alakazam are put against each other.
• When being escorted through Mt. Freeze and Murky Cave in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, Gengar knows Leer, Scratch, and Quick Attack, although it cannot learn those moves by any means in any generation.
• In the core series games, Mega Gengar has small feet that can be seen by recalling it and sending it out. In Pokkén Tournament, however, Mega Gengar does not have feet. Instead, a portal appears beneath it whenever it is airborne. Its tail will disappear as well.

Origin

Gengar seems to be based on general cartoonish ghosts, cats, or the Cheshire Cat; and possibly on a distorted shadow of a human being as well, like shadow people.

Name origin

Gengar and Gangar are possibly a shortening of doppelgänger, a double of a person, which is fitting for a Pokémon with a habit of pretending to be a person's shadow. The kanji 幻 maboroshi can also be read as gen and is used in words meaning phantom or illusion. There is also a striking pronunciation similarity to the Danish word genganger, a term for ghosts found in Scandinavian folklore.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ゲンガー Gangar From doppelgänger French Ectoplasma From ectoplasm Spanish Gengar Same as English name German Gengar Same as English name Italian Gengar Same as English name Korean 팬텀 Penteom A transliteration of the English word phantom Mandarin Chinese 耿鬼 Gěngguǐ Transliteration of its Japanese name. Contains 鬼 Cantonese Chinese 耿鬼 Gánggwái Transliteration of its Japanese name. Contains 鬼

More languages Hindi गेंगार Gengar Transcription of English name Russian Генгар Gengar Transcription of English name

Related articles

• Agatha's Gengar
• Morty's Gengar
• Team Meanies

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

← #093: Haunter

Pokémon

#095: Onix →

This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.