Base Stats
Abilities
Type Matchups
View full type chart →Damage multipliers vs. ghost / poison typing. Ability-based immunities (e.g. Levitate) are not included.
Forms · 3 variations
Evolution Line
Battle & Lore Hub
Battle Strategy
Gengar functions as a classic glass cannon offensive pivot or revenge killer, utilizing its high Special Attack and Speed to pressure opponents. It relies on its wide movepool to inflict status or land super-effective hits before an opponent can exploit its low defensive bulk.
Best Used In
Gengar excels in Gen 9 UU (UnderUsed) as a premier special attacker and in VGC as a niche disruption piece using Icy Wind and Will-O-Wisp.
Strengths
- ›High base 130 Special Attack and 110 Speed
- ›Immune to Normal and Fighting types
- ›Extremely versatile movepool including utility and coverage
- ›Strong offensive STAB combination in Ghost and Poison
Weaknesses
- ›Very low HP and Defense stats (glass cannon)
- ›Weak to common Dark, Ghost, Psychic, and Ground moves
- ›Loss of Levitate (now Cursed Body) makes it vulnerable to Spikes and Earthquake
- ›Struggles against faster Choice Scarf users
Competitive Tips
- ›Equip a Focus Sash to guarantee at least one hit or the use of Nasty Plot/Destiny Bond.
- ›Utilize Shadow Ball as the primary STAB move for consistent neutral damage across the board.
- ›Run Sludge Bomb to punish Fairy-type switch-ins and fish for the 30% poison chance.
- ›Use Encore or Taunt to disrupt defensive walls and setup sweepers that Gengar cannot OHKO.
- ›Consider Choice Specs for immediate wall-breaking power, especially in lower tiers like UU.
Recommended Teammates
Hydreigon
Forms a 'Dark-Ghost' offensive core and resists the Dark and Ghost moves Gengar fears.
Ting-Lu
Provides entry hazard support and high physical bulk to switch into Ground and Psychic attacks.
Corviknight
Resists Psychic and Ground and can slow-pivot Gengar into the field using U-turn.
Kingambit
Benefits from Gengar's ability to pressure Fairy types while providing a safe switch into Dark moves.
Garchomp
Handles the Electric and Steel types Gengar might struggle to break through directly.
Game History
Introduced in Generation I as the final form of the only Ghost-type line, Gengar has remained a competitive staple for decades. It famously received a Mega Evolution in Gen VI and a Gigantamax form in Gen VIII, though it lost its defining Levitate ability in Gen VII.
Trivia
- ◆Gengar's design is heavily rumored to be a shadow or doppelgänger of Clefable.
- ◆Its name is derived from 'doppelgänger', reflecting its nature as a shadow-dwelling entity.
- ◆In the early anime, Gengar was shown to have the ability to enter and travel through human shadows.
- ◆Gengar is one of the few Pokémon to have a Mega Evolution, a Gigantamax form, and a unique Z-Move (via its pre-evolution).
- ◆Its Red/Blue sprite originally featured a series of spikes down its back that were smoothed out in later generations.
- ◆According to various Pokédex entries, Gengar's presence causes the surrounding temperature to drop by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Moves · 125 total
Level-Up
5 movesTM / HM
38 movesMove Tutor
6 movesOther
76 movesWhere to find· 33 games
Red
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Blue
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Yellow
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Gold
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Silver
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Crystal
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Emerald
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
FireRed
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
LeafGreen
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Diamond
1 spot- •Old Chateau 2f Right Room
Pearl
1 spot- •Old Chateau 2f Right Room
Platinum
1 spot- •Old Chateau 2f Right Room
HeartGold
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
SoulSilver
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Black 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
White 2
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
X
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Y
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Omega Ruby
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Alpha Sapphire
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sun
1 spot- •Thrifty Megamart Abandoned Site
Moon
1 spot- •Thrifty Megamart Abandoned Site
Ultra Sun
1 spot- •Thrifty Megamart Abandoned Site
Ultra Moon
1 spot- •Thrifty Megamart Abandoned Site
Let's Go, Pikachu!
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Let's Go, Eevee!
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Sword
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Shield
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.
Legends: Arceus
PokédexIn this game's Pokédex — wild location data unavailable.