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.
Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there.
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 43 partners from the Indeterminate egg group. Notable egg moves include Astonish, Clear Smog, Disable and 6 more.
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
Best Haunter Moveset
- Unknown
- Destiny Bond
Recommended Teammates
Without breeding, Haunter misses out on Astonish and Clear Smog. That's 9 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Poltergeist and Sludge Wave, with coverage across 9 types rounding things out.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
decent spawn rates across 4 locations for Haunter in mid-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Where To Catch Haunter in Sword & Shield
The path to Haunter starts with Gastly at Lv. 11-40 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch GastlyEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsShieldGrassLv.11-1430%EarlyBuildingOvercastMODERATEWatchtower RuinsSwordGrassLv.11-1410%EarlyBuildingOvercastMODERATENorth Lake MilochSwordGrassLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterOvercastMODERATENorth Lake MilochShieldGrassLv.14-1610%EarlyWaterOvercastEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2960%MidBuildingHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2960%MidBuildingSandstormEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2960%MidBuildingHeavy FogEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2960%MidBuildingSandstormEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2950%MidBuildingThunderstormEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2950%MidBuildingThunderstormEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2935%MidBuildingRainingEFFORTLESSWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2935%MidBuildingRainingEASYWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2925%MidBuildingOvercastEASYWatchtower RuinsSwordOverworldLv.26-2925%MidBuildingSnowstormEASYWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2925%MidBuildingOvercastEASYWatchtower RuinsShieldOverworldLv.26-2925%MidBuildingSnowstormMODERATEHammerlocke HillsSwordOverworldLv.29-3110%MidHeavy FogMODERATEHammerlocke HillsShieldOverworldLv.29-3110%MidHeavy FogEASYGiant's SeatShieldOverworldLv.33-3828%LateWaterOvercastEASYGiant's SeatSwordOverworldLv.33-3828%LateWaterOvercastEASYGiant's SeatSwordOverworldLv.33-3825%LateWaterIntense SunEASYGiant's SeatShieldOverworldLv.33-3825%LateWaterIntense SunMODERATEGiant's SeatShieldOverworldLv.33-3810%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEGiant's SeatSwordOverworldLv.33-3810%LateWaterRainingMODERATEGiant's SeatSwordOverworldLv.33-3810%LateWaterHeavy FogMODERATEGiant's SeatShieldOverworldLv.33-3810%LateWaterRaining
Step 2Haunter ✓EASYGiant's SeatShieldGrassLv.30-3515%MidWaterOvercastEASYGiant's SeatSwordGrassLv.30-3515%MidWaterOvercastMODERATERoute 8ShieldGrassLv.38-4010%LateRouteAll WeatherMODERATERoute 8SwordGrassLv.38-4010%LateRouteAll Weatheror 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