High risk, high reward with Gengar. The offense is outstanding but the bulk won't survive much — 60 base HP is the weak link. Normal and Fighting moves can't touch it, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Shadow Pokemon.
The stat budget goes to damage. Sp. Atk and Speed carry the offense, HP doesn't even come close. A Shadow Pokemon on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve, worth 3 Sp. Atk EVs per KO.
It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a GENGAR appeared.
To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey’s shadow and silently waits for an opportunity.
Gengar Weakness
GoodType-wise, Gengar takes extra damage from Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark. Normal and Fighting moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. At base 110 Speed, Gengar outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Getting Gengar requires a trade, not just grinding levels. The chain starts at Gastly. Breed this form to get Gastly eggs (average hatch time). Sp.Def grew the most through evolution (+40 over Gastly), and Gengar peaks at 500 total stats.
How to Evolve
Breed with Gengar to get Gastly eggs easily using 31 partners from the Indeterminate egg group. Notable egg moves include Astonish, Disable, Explosion and 8 more.
Normal coverage keeps opponents guessing about Gengar's real targets. Life Orb provides extra damage on every hit for a health trade while max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs and Timid nature handle the stat profile. Levitate ties it together.
Best Build
Best Gengar Moveset
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Substitute
- Explosion
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Astonish and Disable give Gengar options it can't learn any other way, and coverage across 8 types already covers a decent range on top of Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
The chain to Gengar requires a trade evolution through a trade. Catch Gastly at solid rates and level through the stages, but line up the trade first. The rest of the chain runs on levels alone.
How to Obtain Gengar in HeartGold & SoulSilver
To get Gengar, start by catching Gastly through walking encounters at Lv. 3-22. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch GastlyEFFORTLESSSprout TowerHeartGoldGrassLv.3-6CommonEarlyBuildingNightEFFORTLESSSprout TowerSoulSilverGrassLv.3-6CommonEarlyBuildingNightEFFORTLESSBell Tower - 2F-10FHeartGoldGrassLv.20-22CommonMidBuildingNightEFFORTLESSBell Tower - 2F-10FSoulSilverGrassLv.20-22CommonMidBuildingNight
Step 2Catch or Evolve HaunterEFFORTLESSRoute 8SoulSilverGrassLv.19CommonMidRouteNightEFFORTLESSRoute 8HeartGoldGrassLv.19CommonMidRouteNightor evolve from Gastly (Step 1)- Step 3Gengar ✓
We rate Gengar A-Tier — a strong competitive pick. At 500 BST, it fits the sweeper role. Base 130 Sp. Atk stands out.
Gengar's biggest threats include Golem (Ground), Starmie (Psychic), and Misdreavus (Ghost), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Dark-type attackers are also a problem. Gengar's base 110 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Cursed Body is the go-to ability for Gengar. It has a 30% chance of Disabling any move that hits the Pokémon. It's Gengar's only ability.
Base 110 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Gengar is a special attacker with base 130 Sp. Atk. Best used as a sweeper.
Gengar appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Gengar has appeared in 22 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Mega form in Generation 7 and a Gigantamax form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORASMega
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGigantamax
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A