Haunter Best Moveset
115 Sp. Atk at 95 Speed on Ghost/Poison with AbilityLevitate blocking Ground. The moveset has real offensive stats and pace for a middle-stage. Held ItemEviolite adds survivability since Gengar exists. But 130 Sp. Atk and 110 Speed on Gengar outclass this in every matchup.
Ghost/Poison with 115 Sp. Atk in Gen I (Red & Blue). In formats where Gengar was unavailable due to trade evolution, Haunter was the best Ghost-type.
Best Moves
Best Build
Utility Moveset
- Hypnosis
- Explosion
- Night Shade
- Thunderbolt
Recommended Teammates
Same Gengar-substitute niche in Gen II (Gold & Silver). Mean Look trapping plus Hypnosis was a nasty combo that Haunter could pull off almost as well.
Utility Moveset
- Explosion
- Thunder
- Giga Drain
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Gengar had Levitate now and was available in Gen III (Ruby & Sapphire). Haunter was strictly outclassed by its own evolution.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Destiny Bond
- Mean Look
- Thunderbolt
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Same issue in Gen IV (Diamond & Pearl). Gengar was better in every measurable way, and Haunter had no Eviolite to close the gap.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Shadow Ball
- Toxic
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Eviolite existed now but Ghost/Poison defenses were bad enough that even boosted bulk didn't save it in Gen V (Black & White).
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Destiny Bond
- Trick
Recommended Teammates
Eviolite sets saw some lower-tier use in Gen VI (X & Y). Haunter's 115 Sp. Atk was still decent for an offensive pivot.
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Psychic
- Poison Jab
Recommended Teammates
Fell further in Gen VII (Sun & Moon) as power creep continued. Not bulky enough with Eviolite, not strong enough without it.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power Fire
- Destiny Bond
- Pain Split
Recommended Teammates
Levitate gave it a Ground immunity that Gengar lost in Gen VII. One small edge over its evolution, but not enough to matter in Gen VIII (Sword & Shield).
Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Sludge Bomb
- Shadow Ball
- Dazzling Gleam
- Trick
Recommended Teammates
Haunter saw minimal competitive use in Gen IX (Scarlet & Violet / Legends Z-A). Haunter maintained its position from the previous generation. Its most popular set ran Levitate with Focus Sash, favoring a Timid nature.
Special Attacker Moveset
- Destiny Bond
- Mean Look
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
Recommended Teammates
Haunter Weakness
Ground, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark moves hit Haunter for super-effective damage. The upside? Normal and Fighting-type moves can't touch it at all. It resists 4 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Haunter leans toward special offense (base 115 Sp.Atk) instead of trying to wall anything.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Ground, Psychic, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fairy |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Poison, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Normal, Fighting |
What is Haunter Weak Against
GoodBest Pokemon Against Haunter
Gliscor's Earthquake also KOs at 112-132%.
S | ||
Recommended Build AbilityProtosynthesis ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves View Great Tusk builds →
| ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Haunter View Corviknight builds →U Turn9-11% | ||
B | ||
Recommended Build AbilityPoisonheal ItemToxic Orb NatureCareful Moves
Damage vs Haunter View Gliscor builds →Earthquake 2x112-132%KO Knock Off 2x73-86% | ||
 Garchomp DragonGround | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityRough Skin ItemRocky Helmet NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Haunter View Garchomp builds →Earthquake 2x266-313%KO | ||
 Alakazam Psychic | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityMagic Guard ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Haunter View Alakazam builds →Psychic 2x211-248%KO Shadow Ball 2x125-147%KO Dazzling Gleam31-37% | ||
Evolution
Haunter is partway through a three-stage line between Gastly and Gengar. The chain involves a trade, so it's not a straightforward grind. So far, Sp.Def got the biggest boost (+20 from Gastly). The final form adds another 95 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Haunter to get Gastly eggs easily using 63 partners from the Indeterminate egg group.
How to Get Haunter
A trade step sits in Haunter's 3-stage chain from Gastly. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Gastly shows up at decent rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Haunter in SV
The path to Haunter starts with Gastly at Lv. 2-60 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch GastlyEast Province (Area One) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightGlaseado MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightNorth Province (Area One) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightSouth Province (Area Five) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightSouth Province (Area Four) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightSouth Province (Area Six) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightSouth Province (Area Two) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightWest Province (Area One) - MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 25%NightEast Province (Area Three) - MineLv.2-24OverworldRate 15%NightApple HillsLv.7-60OverworldNightMossfell ConfluenceLv.7-60OverworldNightOni MountainLv.7-60OverworldNightParadise BarrensLv.7-60OverworldNightWistful FieldsLv.7-60OverworldNightAsado Desert - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%Casseroya Lake - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%East Province (Area Two) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%Glaseado MountainLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Five) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Four) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area One) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Six) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Three) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%South Province (Area Two) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area One) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%West Province (Area Three) - RuinsLv.2-24OverworldRate 8%North Province (Area One) - RuinsLv.25-54OverworldRate 15%NightNorth Province (Area One) - SnowLv.25-54OverworldRate 15%Night
Step 2Haunter ✓North Province (Area One) - RuinsLv.25-54OverworldRate 15%NightNorth Province (Area One) - SnowLv.25-54OverworldRate 15%NightNorth Province (Area One) - MountainLv.25-54OverworldRate 12%NightMossfell ConfluenceLv.25-60OverworldNightOni MountainLv.25-60OverworldNightor evolve from Gastly (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into GengarMossfell ConfluenceLv.25-60OverworldNightor evolve from Haunter (Step 2)
Haunter's 3-stage chain starts with Gastly, which appears at moderate 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 Haunter in LZA
Gastly is your first catch on the way to Haunter. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 9-64 across 4 total spots in the chain.
A trade step sits in Haunter's 3-stage chain from Gastly. The step cards below map each stage with catch locations and evolution methods. Gastly shows up at decent rates, so the starting catch is the easy part.
Where To Catch Haunter in PLA
The path to Haunter starts with Gastly at Lv. 17-62 via walking encounters. 3 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch GastlyGolden LowlandsLv.17-20GrassRate 15%NightShrouded RuinsLv.17-24FloorRate 15%NightGapejaw BogLv.19-24GrassRate 15%NightBolderoll RavineLv.21-24GrassRate 15%NightCelestica RuinsLv.21-24FloorRate 15%NightSacred PlazaLv.21-24FloorRate 15%NightScarlet BogLv.21-24GrassRate 15%Night
Step 2Haunter ✓Gapejaw BogLv.25-28GrassRate 15%NightScarlet BogLv.25-28GrassRate 15%NightShrouded RuinsLv.25-30FloorRate 15%NightCottonsedge PrairieLv.33-36GrassRate 15%NightCelestica RuinsLv.39-42FloorRate 15%NightSacred PlazaLv.39-56FloorRate 15%NightBolderoll RavineLv.43-56GrassRate 15%Nightor evolve from Gastly (Step 1)
Step 3Catch or Evolve into GengarSpace-Time Distortion - Coronet HighlandsLv.48-62CaveRate 5%or evolve from Haunter (Step 2)
The chain to Haunter 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.
Where To Catch Haunter in BDSP
To get Haunter, start by catching Gastly through walking encounters at Lv. 12-66. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch GastlyOld ChateauLv.12-16GrassRate 100%Old Chateau - 2F Room 2Lv.12-16GrassRate 100%Old Chateau - 2F Room 4Lv.12-16GrassRate 100%Lost Tower - 1FLv.16-18FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 2FLv.17-19FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 3FLv.18-20FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 4FLv.19-21FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 5FLv.20-22FloorRate 50%Morning/dayLost Tower - 1FLv.16-18FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 2FLv.17-19FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 3FLv.18-20FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 4FLv.19-21FloorRate 40%NightLost Tower - 5FLv.20-22FloorRate 40%NightDazzling CaveLv.16-20CaveRoute 209Lv.16GrassRate 10%NightStargleam CavernLv.16-20Cave
Step 2Haunter ✓Turnback Cave - Section 1Lv.44-46CaveRate 30%Turnback Cave - Section 2Lv.54-56CaveRate 30%Turnback Cave - Section 3Lv.64-66CaveRate 30%or evolve from Gastly (Step 1)
Step 3Evolve into Gengar
Base Stats
Haunter's built around special offense. Sp. Atk leads the charge, HP pays for it. Moderately hard to find, worth 2 Sp. Atk EVs. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Haunter Guide
Haunter isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Gengar to unlock its full potential. At 405 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground), Alakazam (Psychic), and Misdreavus (Ghost) when using Haunter. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Dark-type attackers are also a problem.
No. Haunter only evolves into Gengar through a real trade. There is no in-game alternative in . Trade needs a Game Boy Advance link cable and a second GBA running another Gen 3 game (FireRed, LeafGreen, Ruby, Sapphire, or Emerald). Trade Haunter to a friend, then have them trade it back. The 2026 Switch re-release supports the same trade through local wireless on the Pokemon Center 2F Wireless Club, with no cables required.
Run Levitate on Haunter. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche.
Haunter fills the pivot role. It's a special attacker with base 115 Sp. Atk. Base 95 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's fragile, can't afford to take many hits.
Game Availability
Haunter has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves