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.
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!
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. 4 resistances help offset the weaknesses. At base 110 Speed, Gengar outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
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 19 partners from the Indeterminate egg group.
utility options gives Gengar answers even while choice-locked. Choice Scarf provides speed patching through item lock, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs with Cursedbody mean every prediction that lands hits hard.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
A solid spread overall. Gengar gets Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball for same-type damage alongside coverage across 9 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Gengar's 3-stage chain starts with Gastly, which appears at decent rates in the locations below. Level through 3 stages while you find a trade partner. Everything except the trade step is solo.
Where To Catch Gengar in Legends: Arceus
Gastly is your first catch on the way to Gengar. You'll find walking encounters from walking across 15 total spots in the chain.
- Step 1Catch GastlyEASYBolderoll RavineGrassUncommonNightEASYCelestica RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightEASYGapejaw BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYGolden LowlandsGrassUncommonNightEASYSacred PlazaGrassUncommonFacilityNightEASYScarlet BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNight
- Step 2Catch or Evolve HaunterEASYBolderoll RavineGrassUncommonNightEASYCelestica RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightEASYCottonsedge PrairieGrassUncommonNightEASYGapejaw BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYSacred PlazaGrassUncommonFacilityNightEASYScarlet BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightor evolve from Gastly (Step 1)
- Step 3Gengar ✓CHALLENGINGSpace-Time Distortion - Coronet HighlandsGrassRareDistortionor evolve from Haunter (Step 2)
We rate Gengar B-Tier — a solid choice for the right team. 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 leaning toward the special side (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