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.
This frightful, malevolent spirit can glide through walls, appearing wherever it likes. According to rumor, victims of a Haunter’s lick will wither to death day by day.
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. 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.
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 19 partners from the Indeterminate egg group.
Start with flexible EVs EVs. Naive nature gives Haunter the right fast mixed lean, Nothing adds extra utility, and Levitate works in the background.
Best Build
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Haunter's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball, and coverage across 7 types keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates for Haunter across 7 locations in mid-game routes. Nothing complicated. Check the sorted list below, compare the top few options, and head to whichever is closest.
Where To Catch Haunter in Legends: Arceus
The path to Haunter starts with Gastly at walking via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
- Step 1Catch GastlyEASYBolderoll RavineGrassUncommonNightEASYCelestica RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightEASYGapejaw BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYGolden LowlandsGrassUncommonNightEASYSacred PlazaGrassUncommonFacilityNightEASYScarlet BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNight
- Step 2Haunter ✓EASYBolderoll RavineGrassUncommonNightEASYCelestica RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightEASYCottonsedge PrairieGrassUncommonNightEASYGapejaw BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYSacred PlazaGrassUncommonFacilityNightEASYScarlet BogGrassUncommonSwampNightEASYShrouded RuinsGrassUncommonRuinsNightor 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 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.
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