Mid-stage Pokemon like Haunter rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Gengar, which is where the real potential kicks in. Normal and Fighting moves can't touch it, which offsets the 4 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Gas Pokemon.
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.
In total darkness, where nothing is visible, HAUNTER lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
Haunter Weakness
GoodGround, Psychic, Ghost, and Dark-type moves hit Haunter for super-effective damage. The upside? Normal and Fighting-type moves can't touch it at all. 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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
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.
How to Evolve
Breed with Haunter to get Gastly eggs easily using 31 partners from the Indeterminate egg group. Notable egg moves include Astonish, Disable, Explosion and 8 more.
Timid nature gives Haunter the fast special lean it needs to trade hits effectively. Black Sludge adds Poison-type passive recovery, max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs split the difference, and utility options punishes anything trying to wall it.
Best Build
Best Haunter Moveset
- Shadow Ball
- Toxic
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Haunter misses out on Astonish and Disable. That's 11 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball, with coverage across 7 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Haunter is available from mid-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 2 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Haunter in HeartGold & SoulSilver
To get Haunter, 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 2Haunter ✓EFFORTLESSRoute 8SoulSilverGrassLv.19CommonMidRouteNightEFFORTLESSRoute 8HeartGoldGrassLv.19CommonMidRouteNightor evolve from Gastly (Step 1)
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.
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 cannon role. It's leaning toward the special side (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.
Haunter appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Haunter has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- 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 VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A