Gengar (Pokémon)

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Pokémon

#095: Onix →

Gengar ゲンガー Gangar #094
Artwork from FR/LG
Type Ghost Poison Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Shadow Pokémon
Ability Levitate Blue-Striped -----	Exp. at Lv. 100 1,059,860
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #094 Johto #060 Hoenn #264 Sinnoh #071 Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R— Almia R— Oblivia
Height 4'11" Imperial 1.5 m Metric 4'11"/1.5 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 89.3 lbs. Imperial 40.5 kg Metric 89.3 lbs./40.5 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Purple	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Indeterminate group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 3 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 190 Battle Exp.: 1901*
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.

It evolves from Haunter when traded. It is Gastly's final form.

Biology

Physiology

Gengar is a dark-purple Pokémon with a roundish body. Gengar's hands now connect to the rest of its body and it now has a pair of legs. Gengar has a spike-covered back. Upon evolution, Gengar's eyes are now red. Also, its mouth is usually curled into a sinister grin. When Gengar makes noise, its mouth does not open, so it always flashes its evil grin.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

File:Morty's Gengar.jpg

Morty's Gengar floating through the air

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. In addition, Gengar possesses the ability to fly through the air, as demonstrated by Morty's Gengar. Since Gengar is a fully evolved Pokémon, it can use Hyper Beam and Giga Impact.

Behavior

Gengars are very mischievous, and at some times, malicious. They enjoy playing practical jokes, such as pretending to be one's shadow, then behaving erratically. When the quarry notices, the Gengar takes delight in its victim's terror. Gengar may also cast curses.

Habitat

File:Cave.gif

Cave Pokémon

Gengar live in shadows of rooms, caves, and dark places where shadows form, especially in urban areas such as cities and back alleys but only during the night. Gengar are also known to live in mountains.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

Gengar drains the life force from its victims. It may also also eat its victim's dreams.

In the anime

File:Fantina's Gengar.png

Gengar in the anime

Major appearances

Gengar first appeared in the opening of the first episode, Pokémon - I Choose You!, where it and a Nidorino battled in a Colosseum on TV.

Ash first saw a Gengar in person in Lavender Town in The Tower of Terror while searching for a Template:Type2 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 attempt to (unsuccessfully) amuse Ash by acting as a pair of performers.

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 of the Orange Islands used a Gengar in his battle with Ash in Hello, Pummelo! and Enter The Dragonite. His Gengar managed to confuse Ash's Tauros before he returned it and instead tried with Ash's Lapras. In the collision between Night Shade and Ice Beam, both Lapras and Gengar fainted.

A 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!.

Agatha used a Gengar to battle Ash's Pikachu in The Scheme Team. The Ghost Pokémon defeated Pikachu.

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

A Gengar appeared in Ghoul Daze! together with its pre-evolutions, Gastly and Haunter.

Minor appearances

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

A Gengar under the ownership of Hearthome City's Gym Leader Fantina appeared in a flashback in Playing the Leveling Field! and appeared in A Shield with a Twist where it was defeated by Ash's Buizel.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP023 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar. No information available. EP072 Gengar Ash's Pokédex Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. The evolved form of Haunter. Details about this Pokémon are unknown. Original series entries continue below.

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.

In the manga

In Pokémon Adventures, Agatha has two Gengar on her team. One of them was used to attack Blue and Koga from the shadows, draining the latter's life force as it possessed his shadow.

Another Gengar was seen at the beginning of the FireRed and LeafGreen saga in Volume 23. It was used by a kid from Pallet Town in an attempt to capture a Nidorino, thus replicating the opening sequence of the Generation I video games.

Pokédex entries

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

In the TCG

Main article: Gengar (TCG)

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: 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.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red 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 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 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 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. 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 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 Black {{{blackdex}}} White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue None Evolve Haunter Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Evolve Haunter
Generation II Gold Silver None Evolve Haunter Crystal None Evolve Haunter
Generation III Ruby Sapphire None Trade Emerald None Trade FireRed LeafGreen None Evolve Haunter Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Dongle Old Chateau (Any Gen III game) Platinum Dongle Old Chateau (Any Gen III game) HeartGold SoulSilver None Evolve Haunter Pal Park Forest Pokéwalker None
Generation V Black White None Trade Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World None
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 68 Forever Level 18 Pair Battle Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve from Haunter
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Sky Stairway (1F-49F)
Pokémon Ranger	Fiore Temple
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Hippowdon Temple Altru Building Altru Tower
Pokémon Rumble	Tower of Eternity

Stats

Base stats

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.

Pokéthlon 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 V, this Pokémon is:

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

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

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

Resistant to: Normal 0× Fighting 0× Flying 1× Poison ¼× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug ¼× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass ½× Electric 1× Psychic 2× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× 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×. In Generations I and II, or if Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the opponent has the Ability Mold Breaker, Turboblaze or Teravolt, or this Pokémon is affected by Gastro Acid, or this Pokémon's Ability is replaced, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 2×. In Generation I, the effectiveness of  Bug-type  moves is 2×.

Learnset

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | ghost | style="background:#9141CB" |  poison 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Gengar | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By tutoring

|- style="background:#A284A2" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an Evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available. |} |}

Evolution

Unevolved Gastly  Ghost  Poison

Level 25 →

First Evolution Haunter  Ghost  Poison

Trade →

Second Evolution Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

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

Trivia

• "Phantom" was the original English name for Gengar.
• Gengar, along with Nidorino, who it battles in the beginning of Red, Blue, Green, FireRed and LeafGreen, and probably a couple of other Pokémon, originate from the old manga, Capsule Monsters, which is considered pre-cursor to the Pokémon franchise.
• Gengar can be caught in the wild in Generation IV through the dongle method, as can another Pokémon previously obtainable only via trading, Steelix, though Steelix can be battled normally.
• Even though Gengar is part Template:Type2, like its pre-evolutions, it cannot learn any Poison-type moves via level up.
• Gengar is tied with Froslass for the fastest Template:Type2 Pokémon, with a base Speed of 110, and has the highest base Special Attack stat of any Ghost-type or Template:Type2 Pokémon at 130.
  • Oddly, Special Attack was its highest stat, even though the Ghost-type was previously an all-physical type.
• Despite its ability to hide in shadows, Gengar is unable to learn Shadow Sneak.
• Originally, its shiny color in the games was actually closer to that of the Sugimori artwork than the non-shiny color. This was corrected in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
• Gengar received a new back sprite in Platinum.

Origin

It seems to be simply based on general cartoonish ghosts, and possibly on a distorted shadow of a human being like shadow people. The overall appearance could also be an homage to the Cheshire Cat. Gengar also has some similarities to Gremlins with both looks and personality (violent, rude, and wild).

Name origin

Gengar's name is possibly a shortening of doppelgänger - a ghostly double of a person, which would be a fitting name for a Pokémon with a habit of pretending to be a person's shadow. The kanji 幻, which can be read "gen", can be used for words meaning "phantom" or "illusion".

There is also a striking pronouncation similarity between Gengar's name and the Danish word "genganger", which simply is a spirit that after its death chose not to go to the other world but to return to the world of humans in the shape of a ghost. "Gen" is translated as "again" or simply "re" and "ganger" is an old-fashioned word meaning "walker" or "someone that walks".

In other languages

• German: Gengar
• French: Ectoplasma - From ectoplasm, the substance that supposedly emanates from the body of a spiritualistic medium when contacting the dead.
• Korean: 팬텀 Paenteom - A transliteration of the English word phantom.

Notes

← #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.