Gengar (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #0093: Haunter	Pokémon	#0095: Onix →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Gengar (disambiguation).

Gengar Shadow Pokémon ゲンガー Gengar #0094 Gengar Mega Gengar Gigantamax Gengar Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Ghost Poison Unknown Unknown Mega Gengar Unknown Unknown Gigantamax Gengar Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abilities Cursed BodyGen VII+ Gengar Cacophony Mega Gengar Cacophony Gigantamax Gengar Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Shadow Tag Mega Gengar Cacophony Gigantamax Gengar 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 65'07"+ 20.0+ m Gigantamax Gengar 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 89.3 lbs. 40.5 kg Gengar 89.3 lbs. 40.5 kg Mega Gengar ??? lbs. ??? kg Gigantamax Gengar 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 Gigantamax 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
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 Gengar) is a dual-type Ghost/Poison Pokémon introduced in Generation I.

It evolves from Haunter when traded or when exposed to a Linking Cord. It is the final form of Gastly.

(Refer to Game data→Evolution data for more details.)

Additionally, Gengar has two forms: Mega Gengar and Gigantamax Gengar. It can Mega Evolve into Mega Gengar using the Gengarite, and can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Gengar if it has the Gigantamax Factor.

Biology

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.

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, possess people and other Pokémon, create illusions and extend its tongue by several meters. In Generation I, 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. Being the result of an evolution via trading, Gengar is rarely found in the wild, though they can be found 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.

• 

  Gengar floating in the air

• 

  Gengar in Ash's shadow

• 

  Gengar extending its tongue

Forms

Gengar has two forms: Mega Gengar and Gigantamax Gengar.

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. Mega Gengar has no interest in opponents unless perceived as prey. Its relationships are warped due to Mega Evolution. It now desires to take and curse the life of anyone or anything in its path; it may even curse its own Trainer. Mega Gengar sinks into another dimension to wait for a chance to attack.

As Gigantamax Gengar, it becomes larger, with portions of its body sinking into the ground, and only the head, tail, and arms remain. Its body changes from dark-purple to light-purple and its eyes become white with yellow sclera. The inside of its mouth changes to resemble a tunnel with a long purple tongue sticking out. Three red clouds surround the top of Gengar's head.

Gigantamax Gengar's mouth is rumored to not lead into its body. Due to the cursed energy, it is believed to instead lead into the afterlife. By laying a trap, it attempts to steal the lives of those it captures. Should someone stand near its mouth, they can hear the voices of their loved ones calling out to them.

Gigantamax Gengar is the only known Pokémon capable of using the G-Max Move G-Max Terror.

Mega Gengar

Gigantamax Gengar

Evolution

Gengar evolves from Haunter and is the final form of Gastly.

(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)

Unevolved Gastly  Ghost  Poison

→

First Evolution Haunter  Ghost  Poison

→

Second Evolution Gengar  Ghost  Poison

In the anime

Main series

Gengar in the anime

Shiny Gengar in the anime

Major appearances

Ash's Gengar

First appearing in Best Friend...Worst Nightmare!, this Gengar caused trouble at the Cerise Laboratory. In A Chilling Curse!, Ash eventually caught it when he learned a Trainer had abandoned it out of fear. Ash's Gengar has a substantially lighter color than any other Gengar in the anime, though it is not a Shiny Pokémon. In The Winding Path to Greatness!, it became capable of Gigantamaxing after drinking the Max Soup made by Allister.

Morty's Gengar

A Gengar appeared under the ownership of Morty in A Ghost Of A Chance, From Ghost to Ghost, and For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!. It was never recalled to its Poké Ball.

Agatha's Gengar

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

Team Meanies

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

Other

Alternately colored Gengar in the anime

Gigantamax Gengar in the anime

In The Tower of Terror, Ash encountered a Gengar in Lavender Town while searching for a Ghost-type Pokémon to use against Sabrina. Due to a close call, Ash got to spend some unexpected time with the ghostly trio, Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar. It and 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. There, it battled an equally large Alakazam before being quelled by the affected Jigglypuff.

In Hello, Pummelo! and Enter The Dragonite, Drake used a Gengar in his battle with Ash. It managed to confuse Tauros before Ash recalled it and instead tried with Lapras. As a result of the collision between Night Shade and Ice Beam, both Lapras and Gengar fainted.

In Illusion Confusion!, multiple Gengar, along with a group of Haunter, 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.

In PK15, a Gengar lived in the spooky house.

Fantina's Gengar first appeared in a flashback in Playing the Leveling Field!. In A Shield with a Twist, it was used in Fantina's Gym battle against Ash and was defeated by Buizel.

In Celebrating the Hero's Comet!, three Gengar lived on an unnamed island in the Decolore Islands.

In Scary Hospitality!, Lon used a Gengar to scare visitors of the "Scary House". This included Ash, his friends, and later Team Rocket.

In A Festival of Decisions!, three Gengar belonging to the ninja army participated in the attack on Ninja Village.

In Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel, a Shiny Gengar that can Mega Evolve was Alva's main battling Pokémon. However, it would abandon Alva immediately after the destruction of the Mega Wave crystal that controlled it.

In I Choose You!, Corey's Gengar battled Neesha's Blastoise, dodging most of its attacks before ultimately being frozen by its Ice Beam.

In Why Not Give Me a Z-Ring Sometime?, a wild Totem-sized Gengar nicknamed "the Greedy Rapooh" was accidentally released from a stone it had been sealed in by Team Rocket, and went on to kidnap Acerola and steal various items across Ula'ula Island. In Securing the Future!, it joined the rest of Alola in showering Necrozma with light so it could return to its true form. In The Battlefield of Truth and Love!, Acerola was revealed to have recently caught it. It battled Kiawe's Marowak at the Manalo Conference, but it was eventually defeated by Shadow Bone.

Minor appearances

Mega Gengar in the anime

Shiny Mega Gengar in the anime

Gengar made its debut in Pokémon - I Choose You!, where it battled a Nidorino 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.

In Beauty and the Breeder, a Pokémon Breeder's Gengar participated 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.

In Training Daze, Gengar was partnered with two Team Rocket trainees.

In Who's Flying Now?, a Gengar was 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.

In Loading the Dex!, a Gengar appeared with its evolutionary relatives 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!.

In Alola, Kanto!, Rotom took a photo of a Gengar.

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

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

In Legend? Go! Friends? Go!, a Trainer's Gengar participated in a Raid Battle against a Lugia.

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.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN011 Gengar Goh's Rotom Phone Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. A Ghost and Poison type. Gengar can pass through dimensions and appear almost anywhere. Since Gengar absorbs any warmth around it, the temperature suddenly drops wherever it appears.

Pokémon Origins

Gengar in Pokémon Origins

Agatha's Gengar

In File 4: Charizard, Agatha used a Gengar during a battle against Red. It went up against Red's Dodrio and lost.

Other

In File 1: Red, a Gengar battled a Nidorino.

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

Pokémon Generations

Gengar in Pokémon Generations

Agatha's Gengar

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

Other

In the game intro-like opening sequence for The Adventure, a Gengar battled a Nidorino.

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

A Gengar appeared in Assistant, under the ownership of Allister. It reappeared in Moonlight, Sky, and The Gathering of Stars.

GOTCHA!

A Gengar briefly appeared in GOTCHA!, under the ownership of either Agatha or Morty.

POKÉTOON

Two Gengar appeared in Help! I've Turned into a Gengar; one of them being a girl named Hilary who turned into a Gengar.

Pokémon Evolutions

Gengar in Pokémon Evolutions

Morty's Gengar

A Gengar appeared in The Show, under the ownership of Morty. They sat together watching the Kimono Girls' show, which Gengar sobbed at.

Other

A Gengar appeared in The Discovery, under the ownership of Green. She used it alongside her Kangaskhan in her battle against the Trainers of Nugget Bridge and won easily.

Bidoof's Big Stand

Gengar in Bidoof's Big Stand

A Gengar appeared in Bidoof's Big Stand.

Ghost Dive

Gengar in Ghost Dive

Gengar is a featured Pokémon in the music video for the song Ghost Dive, performed by Polkadot Stingray.

Biri-Biri

A Gengar appeared in the music video for Biri-Biri, under the ownership of Anna.

Pokémon: Paldean Winds

A Gengar appeared in Breathe Together, under the ownership of Raifort.

In the manga

Gengar in Pokémon Adventures

Mega Gengar in Pokémon Adventures

Gigantamax Gengar in Pokémon Adventures

Ash & Pikachu

A Gengar appeared in Treasure Hunting?! Try The Maze!.

Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters

A Gengar appeared in Daisuki ♥ Pocket Monsters.

Darkrai Mission Story: Pokémon Ranger Vatonage - the Comic

A Gengar appeared in Team Dim Sun as one of the Pokémon Heath controlled.

Magical Pokémon Journey

A Gengar appeared in How Do You Do, Pikachu?.

A Gengar appeared in Wh-Who's Sc-Scared?!.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Main article: Ash's Gengar

Ash's Gengar debuted in Caring for a Mystery!.

Pocket Monsters DP

A Gengar appeared in PMDP16.

A Gengar appeared in PMDP60, under the ownership of Charon.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

Main article: Morty's Gengar

Morty owns a Gengar, which first appeared in JBA2. It reappeared in a flashback in JBA5.

Pokémon Adventures

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.

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.

In The Last Battle XIII, a Gengar was 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.

Allister's Gengar first appeared in Glittering!! The Tapestry in the Vault. It is capable of Gigantamaxing.

Pokédex entries

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

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

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.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

A Gengar appeared in GDZ31, under the ownership of Rei.

A Gengar appeared in GDZ56, where it was seen in a game at a game center.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team

The Gengar from Team Meanies appears as a major character and the main antagonist of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ginji's Rescue Team.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Main article: Agatha's Gengar

Main article: Morty's Gengar

A Gengar appeared in Big Battle in the Viridian Forest!!.

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

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

A Gengar appeared in Squirtle, the Crybaby Pokémon, under the ownership of Giovanni.

Green was revealed to have a Gengar in The Pokémon Banana League (Part 2), where it went up against Red during the Pokémon League.

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

A Gengar appeared in A Challenge to the Elite Four!, under the ownership of Karen.

Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission

A Gengar appeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Two as one of the Pokémon that Solana captured with her Capture Styler. It reappeared in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Four and was released in Pokémon Ranger the Comic: Double Mission Episode Five.

Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire

A Gengar appeared in I Won't Let You Lead!!.

Pokémon Zensho

A Gengar appeared in PZ05.

Main article: Agatha's Gengar

Agatha's Gengar went up against Satoshi's Alakazam and lost in PZ10.

In the TCG

Main article: Gengar (TCG)

Other appearances

Gengar in Pokkén Tournament

Pokkén Tournament

Main article: Gengar (Pokkén)

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

A Gengar appears in the first Detective Pikachu game.

POKÉMON Detective Pikachu

Multiple Gengar appeared in POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. One of them was seen in an illegal fight club battle against a Blastoise, where it won.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Gengar appears as a Spirit.

Gengar in Pokémon UNITE

Pokémon UNITE

Main article: Gengar (UNITE)

Gengar is playable through obtaining a Unite License. It is a melee speedster that starts as Gastly and evolves into Haunter at level 5, which evolves into Gengar at level 9.

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 them 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

Generation I Kanto #094 Red(JPN) (This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.) Green 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 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

Generation VIII Galar #143 Sinnoh #071 Hisui #138 Sword On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing. Shield It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains. Brilliant Diamond It hides in shadows. It is said that in rooms where Gengar is hiding, the temperature drops by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Shining Pearl Lurking in the shadowy corners of rooms, it awaits chances to steal its prey's life-force. Legends: Arceus Possesses potential victims' shadows in an effort to steal away the victims' lives. If your shadow begins to laugh, you must take hold of a protective charm posthaste! Gigantamax Gengar Sword Rumor has it that its gigantic mouth leads not into its body, filled with cursed energy, but instead directly to the afterlife. Shield It lays traps, hoping to steal the lives of those it catches. If you stand in front of its mouth, you'll hear your loved ones' voices calling out to you.

Generation IX Paldea #70 Kitakami #120 Blueberry #— Scarlet To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey’s shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. Violet Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake.

Gengar in the Alola Pokédex Mega Gengar in the Alola Pokédex

Gengar in the Paldea Pokédex Gengar in the Kitakami Pokédex

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

Generation VIII Sword Giant's Cap (Wanderer) Giant's Mirror, South Lake Miloch, Stony Wilderness (Max Raid Battle) Shield Giant's Cap (Wanderer) Giant's Mirror, South Lake Miloch, Stony Wilderness (Max Raid Battle) Stony Wilderness (Max Raid Battle) (Gigantamax Factor) Sword Expansion Pass Slippery Slope, Old Cemetery, Giant's Foot, Frigid Sea, Ballimere Lake (Max Raid Battle) Shield Expansion Pass Slippery Slope, Old Cemetery, Giant's Foot, Frigid Sea, Ballimere Lake (Max Raid Battle) (Gigantamax Factor) Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Evolve Haunter Legends: Arceus Obsidian Fieldlands: Space-time distortions Crimson Mirelands: massive mass outbreaks Coronet Highlands: massive mass outbreaks Alabaster Icelands: massive mass outbreaks

Generation IX Scarlet Violet Trade Pincurchin for Haunter in Levincia (evolves immediately) Tera Raid Battles (5★, 6★) The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Mossfell Confluence

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 PokéPark 2 Tech Area Conquest Evolve Haunter Rumble U Toy Collection: Guided by Pichu (Boss)

Generation VI Battle Trozei Pitch-Black Cavern: Stage 3 Rumble World Starlight Islands: Halloween Village (Back Boss) Picross Area 08: Stage 06

Generation VII Rumble Rush Dragonite Sea, Gengar Sea, Mimikyu Sea, Mewtwo Sea, Rowlet Sea, Buzzwole Sea, Bulbasaur Sea, Rayquaza Sea, Mimikyu SeaFinal, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal, Buzzwole SeaFinal

Generation VIII MD DX Darknight Relic (12F-14F) New Snap Outaway Cave

Cross-Generation Shuffle Castle Noapte: Stage 125 Prasino Woods: Stage 557 Event: A Great Chance a Day! (Spooky) Café ReMix Special Delivery Event (Mix), Complete Ribombee Chocolate Cake recipe (ReMix) March Goals premium pass: Level 30 (Flower Power) Masters EX Sync pair scout: Agatha & Gengar (Mega Gengar), Allister & Gengar (Gigantamax) Evolution: Scottie/Bettie & HaunterEgg UNITE Purchase for 10,000 Aeos Coins/575 Aeos Gems

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
SwSh	Ash's Gigantamax Gengar	All	Online	80	September 2 to 15, 2022

Wild Area News

Games	Event	Gigantamax	Location	Level	Distribution period
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	40, 50SwSh 60Sh	March 9 to 18, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	40, 50SwSh 60Sh	March 9 to 18, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	40, 50SwSh 60Sh	March 19 to 25, 2020
Sw	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	60	June 2 to 29, 2020
Sw	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	60	June 17 to 28, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	30, 40, 50, 60	October 1 to 31, 2020
SwSh	Wild Area News	No	hide	40, 50, 60	August 20 to 22, 2021
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	60	August 20 to 22, 2021
SwSh	Wild Area News	Yes	hide	60	November 1, 2022, to End-of-life

Held items

Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.

Games		Held items
Red	Blue	Bitter Berry (100%)
Yellow
Legends: Arceus		Normal Chesto Berry (35%) Spoiled Apricorn (15%) Grit items by level Alpha Exp. Candy L (100%) Seed of Mastery (40%) Grit items by level

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

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Shadow Punch Ghost Physical 06060 00——% 20 011 Perish Song Normal Status 0000— 00——% 5 011 Reflect Type Normal Status 0000— 00——% 15 011 Lick Ghost Physical 03030 100100% 30 011 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 011 Hypnosis Psychic Status 0000— 06060% 20 011 Mean Look Normal Status 0000— 00——% 5 1212 Payback Dark Physical 05050 100100% 10 1616 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100100% 10 2020 Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00——% 10 2424 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100100% 10 3030 Night Shade Ghost Special 0000— 100100% 15 3636 Sucker Punch Dark Physical 07070 100100% 5 4242 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100100% 15 4848 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100100% 15 5454 Destiny Bond Ghost Status 0000— 00——% 5 6060 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

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

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  TM006 TM006 Scary Face Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM007 TM007 Protect Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM013 TM013 Acid Spray Poison Special 04040 100}}100% 20 TM017 TM017 Confuse Ray Ghost Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM018 TM018 Thief Dark Physical 06060 100}}100% 25 TM025 TM025 Facade Normal Physical 07070 100}}100% 20 TM029 TM029 Hex Ghost Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM034 TM034 Icy Wind Ice Special 05555 095}}95% 15 TM042 TM042 Night Shade Ghost Special 0000— 100}}100% 15 TM043 TM043 Fling Dark Physical 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM045 TM045 Venoshock Poison Special 06565 100}}100% 10 TM047 TM047 Endure Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM049 TM049 Sunny Day Fire Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM050 TM050 Rain Dance Water Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM058 TM058 Brick Break Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM061 TM061 Shadow Claw Ghost Physical 07070 100}}100% 15 TM062 TM062 Foul Play Dark Physical 09595 100}}100% 15 TM066 TM066 Body Slam Normal Physical 08585 100}}100% 15 TM067 TM067 Fire Punch Fire Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM068 TM068 Thunder Punch Electric Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM069 TM069 Ice Punch Ice Physical 07575 100}}100% 15 TM070 TM070 Sleep Talk Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM073 TM073 Drain Punch Fighting Physical 07575 100}}100% 10 TM079 TM079 Dazzling Gleam Fairy Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM080 TM080 Metronome Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM082 TM082 Thunder Wave Electric Status 0000— 090}}90% 20 TM083 TM083 Poison Jab Poison Physical 08080 100}}100% 20 TM085 TM085 Rest Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM087 TM087 Taunt Dark Status 0000— 100}}100% 20 TM091 TM091 Toxic Spikes Poison Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM092 TM092 Imprison Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM094 TM094 Dark Pulse Dark Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM098 TM098 Skill Swap Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM102 TM102 Gunk Shot Poison Physical 120120 080}}80% 5 TM103 TM103 Substitute Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM107 TM107 Will-O-Wisp Fire Status 0000— 085}}85% 15 TM109 TM109 Trick Psychic Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM111 TM111 Giga Drain Grass Special 07575 100}}100% 10 TM114 TM114 Shadow Ball Ghost Special 08080 100}}100% 15 TM119 TM119 Energy Ball Grass Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM120 TM120 Psychic Psychic Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM122 TM122 Encore Normal Status 0000— 100}}100% 5 TM126 TM126 Thunderbolt Electric Special 09090 100}}100% 15 TM140 TM140 Nasty Plot Dark Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM148 TM148 Sludge Bomb Poison Special 09090 100}}100% 10 TM151 TM151 Phantom Force Ghost Physical 09090 100}}100% 10 TM152 TM152 Giga Impact Normal Physical 150150 090}}90% 5 TM158 TM158 Focus Blast Fighting Special 120120 070}}70% 5 TM161 TM161 Trick Room Psychic Status 0000— 00—}}—% 5 TM163 TM163 Hyper Beam Normal Special 150150 090}}90% 5 TM166 TM166 Thunder Electric Special 110110 070}}70% 10 TM171 TM171 Tera Blast Normal Special 08080 100}}100% 10 TM174 TM174 Haze Ice Status 0000— 00—}}—% 30 TM175 TM175 Toxic Poison Status 0000— 090}}90% 10 TM177 TM177 Spite Ghost Status 0000— 100}}100% 10 TM181 TM181 Knock Off Dark Physical 06565 100}}100% 20 TM192 TM192 Focus Punch Fighting Physical 150150 100}}100% 20 TM198 TM198 Poltergeist Ghost Physical 110110 090}}90% 5 TM202 TM202 Pain Split Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 20 TM203 TM203 Psych Up Normal Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM214 TM214 Sludge Wave Poison Special 09595 100}}100% 10 TM219 TM219 Skitter Smack Bug Physical 07070 090}}90% 10 TM224 TM224 Curse Ghost Status 0000— 00—}}—% 10 TM228 TM228 Psychic Noise Psychic Special 07575 100}}100% 10

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

By breeding

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

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  Astonish Ghost Physical 30 100% 15 Clear Smog Poison Special 50 —% 15 Disable Normal Status — 100% 20 Haze Ice Status — —% 30 Perish Song Normal Status — —% 5 Reflect Type Normal Status — —% 15 Smog Poison Special 30 70% 20 Toxic Poison Status — 90% 10

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Gengar 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 a prior evolution

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

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

Gengar

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 Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Deliver a letter from Gengar in Baram Town to Banette in Capim Town Connected to: Ekans, Noctowl, Gardevoir, Banette, Talonflame, Phantump, Trevenant, Gourgeist Connection Orb Set: 3 Phrases Normal My name is Gengar! Good to see you, hee-hee! Low HP (< 50%) I'm getting a bit tired, hee-hee!
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 ●●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 1.42 seconds Base HP: 51 Base Attack: 80 Base Defense: 52 Base Speed: 70
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: 200/40/20/10 Fast Attacks: Sucker Punch, Hex*, Shadow Claw*, Lick† Charged Attacks: Shadow Ball, Focus Blast*, Sludge Bomb*, Sludge Wave†, Dark Pulse†, Psychic†, Shadow Punch†, Frustration, Return
Pokémon: Magikarp Jump Friendship Item: Black Sludge (600) ★: 1 minute Skill: Boost JP by 50% for n minutes Recovery time: 11 hours
New Pokémon Snap Photodex entry #187 In Lental, picture books warn that Gengar will pay a visit to children who are naughty. It loves to use its powers to slip through walls and other objects so it can play tricks on people.

Costumes in Pokémon GO
Party hat	Mega Banette costume	Spooky Festival	Tricks & Treats

Mega Gengar

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Body size: Standard (1 tile) How to Recruit: Deliver a letter from Gengar in Baram Town to Banette in Capim Town Connected to: Ekans, Noctowl, Gardevoir, Banette, Talonflame, Phantump, Trevenant, Gourgeist Connection Orb Set: 3 Phrases Normal My name is Gengar! Good to see you, hee-hee! Low HP (< 50%) I'm getting a bit tired, hee-hee!

Pokémon GO Base HP: 155 Base Attack: 349 Base Defense: 199 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†, Shadow Punch†, Return

Form data

Mega Evolution

Default Gengar Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Gengarite ↔

Held Gengarite Mega Gengar Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Gigantamax

Gigantamax Factor Gengar Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Dynamax Band ↔

Lasts for three turns Gigantamax Gengar Gengar  Ghost  Poison

Evolution data

Gengar evolves from Haunter when traded. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Gengar can also evolve from Haunter when exposed to a Linking Cord.

Unevolved Gastly  Ghost  Poison

Level 25 →

First Evolution Haunter  Ghost  Poison

Trade → Linking CordLA →

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 Let's Go, Pikachu! Let's Go, Eevee!

Generation VIII Sword Shield Legends: Arceus

Cross-Generation HOME

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

Trivia

Promotional artwork of a Shiny Mega Gengar

• In the English Pokémon Red and Blue beta, Gengar's prototype name was "Phantom". This is similar to Gengar's Korean name, which is 팬텀 Phantom.
• Gengar is Ken Sugimori's favorite Pokémon. The reason for this is because he finds that Gengar is the easiest Pokémon to draw.
• Despite Gengar and its evolutionary relatives all being part Poison-type, none of them were able to learn any Poison-type moves by leveling up until Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
• Gengar is one of the first two Pokémon to appear in a Pokémon battle both in the anime and in the games, the other being Nidorino. This is due to their appearance in the opening animation of Pokémon Red and Green, on which the beginning of the first anime episode was based on, as well as the remakes.
• Gengar, along with Nidorino (and possibly other Pokémon), originate from the Capsule Monsters game design pitch, which would eventually become the Pokémon series.
• In Pokémon X and Y, Gengar is the only Pokémon with the Ability Levitate that is not eligible for Sky Battles.
• Mega Gengar has the highest base Special Attack stat of all Ghost-type and Poison-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.
  • Gengar could also be seen as a counterpart to Machamp. They are, like Alakazam, the last stage of a three-part evolutionary family, can both be obtained through evolution induced by trade, and are capable of Gigantamaxing in Generation VIII. Both Gengar and Machamp also share a base friendship of 70. While both are weak against Psychic-type Pokémon, as Gengar is part Poison-type and Machamp is a Fighting-type, Gengar can counter it with its Ghost typing.
• 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. These are the exact same moves Absol has when joining the player's team during this point in the main story. It's likely the data was unintentionally copied over, as escort Pokémon are uniquely coded from normal Pokémon. In the Rescue Team remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Gengar's moves were changed to Hypnosis, Dream Eater, Shadow Ball, and Sucker Punch.
  • Gengar's identity as a former human, as described by the Pokédex in Generation VII, may have been inspired by its portrayal in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, which was released 11 years before Pokémon Sun and Moon.
• In Pokémon Shuffle, Gengar's Shiny coloration is significantly lighter than in the core series. Instead, it resembles Alva's Gengar from Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel.
• In the core series games, Mega Gengar has small feet that can be seen by recalling it and sending it out. A glitch in Pokémon GO also allows Mega Gengar's feet to be seen. 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.
• When Gengar Gigantamaxes, it doesn't grow on screen. Instead, it pops out of the ground.
• Gengar is the only Pokémon capable of both Gigantamax and Mega Evolution that is not one of the Kanto first partner Pokémon.
• Gigantamax Gengar and its Shiny form were designed by James Turner.
• Gengar is the only Ghost-type to have a Gigantamax form.
• In Generation VI, due to a glitch, on the first turn of becoming Mega Gengar, it can still be affected by Telekinesis.
• Gengar is tied with Snorlax for the most anime Pokédex entries, with a total of 7.

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. Due to its horn-like ears, teeth, ability to float in the air, and dark nature, Gengar may also be based on the oni. Oni sometimes have a third eye in the center of their forehead, which could be the basis for Mega Gengar.

Name origin

Gengar may be derived from Doppelgänger (ghostly double of a living person). It may also involve 幻 gen (phantasm).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ゲンガー Gengar From Doppelgänger French Ectoplasma From ectoplasme Spanish Gengar Same as English name German Gengar Same as English name Italian Gengar Same as English name Korean 팬텀 Penteom From phantom Mandarin Chinese 耿鬼 Gěngguǐ From the transcription of Japanese name and 鬼 guǐ Cantonese Chinese 耿鬼 Gánggwái From the transcription of Japanese name and 鬼 gwái

More languages Hindi गेंगार Gengar Transcription of English name Russian Генгар Gengar Transcription of English name Thai เก็งกา Kengka Transcription of Japanese name

See also

• Ash's Gengar
• Agatha's Gengar
• Morty's Gengar
• Gengar (Pokkén)
• Gengar (UNITE)
• Team Meanies
• Mega Evolution
• Gigantamax

External links

← #0093: Haunter

Pokémon

#0095: 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.