poke.study

No. 0094

Gengar

Shadow Pokémon

Gengar
Official art
GhostPoison
Height
1.5 m 4′11″
Weight
40.5 kg 89.3 lbs
Base stat total
500 top 30%
Introduced
Gen I
Abilities
Pokédex entryLegends: Arceus
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!
See all 18 entries

Base stats

HP60120–167230–324
Atk6563–128121–251
Def6058–123112–240
SpA130121–200238–394
SpD7572–139139–273
Spe110103–178202–350
Total500Higher than 70% of all Pokémon
HP60Atk65Def60Spe110SpD75SpA130

Ranges: 0 IV/EV with a hindering nature to 31 IV/252 EV with a helpful nature. EV yield: 3 SpA.

Stat calculatorChampions Stat Points & Stat Alignment, or EVs, IVs & nature

Speed tiers

Speed at Lv 50 in Pokémon Champions (base 110). Scarf and Tailwind use the Max+ value.

Max+178Max162No SP130Min117Scarf267Tailwind356

At max Speed, Gengar outspeeds 23 of the 30 most used Pokémon in Champions VGC, and ties 2.

  1. 203Mega Garchomp ZModest · 32 SP · #21 in usage
  2. 200Mega GengarTimid · 32 SP · #26 in usage
  3. 190Mega Raichu YTimid · 23 SP · #13 in usage
  4. 189Mega SalamenceTimid · 32 SP · #4 in usage
  5. 184WhimsicottTimid · 32 SP · #23 in usage
  6. 178Gengar · Max+32 SP, Speed-raising alignment
  7. 178Mega MetagrossJolly · 32 SP · #28 in usage
  8. 178Mega StaraptorJolly · 32 SP · #29 in usage
  9. 172SneaslerAdamant · 32 SP · #2 in usage
  10. 169Mega FloetteTimid · 32 SP · #17 in usage
  11. 169GarchompJolly · 32 SP · #19 in usage
  12. 167Mega Charizard YTimid · 32 SP · #14 in usage
  13. 167Mega GardevoirTimid · 32 SP · #20 in usage
  14. 162Gengar · Max32 SP, neutral alignment
  15. 161IndeedeeTimid · 32 SP · #30 in usage
  16. 156Hisuian ArcanineJolly · 32 SP · #16 in usage
  17. 150ArchaludonTimid · 32 SP · #9 in usage
  18. 149GholdengoTimid · 32 SP · #8 in usage
  19. 143BasculegionJolly · 32 SP · #6 in usage
  20. 130Gengar · No SP0 SP, neutral alignment
  21. 128PelipperTimid · 32 SP · #12 in usage
  22. 120VolcaronaBold · 0 SP · #25 in usage
  23. 105RillaboomAdamant · 0 SP · #1 in usage
  24. 101MiloticCalm · 0 SP · #15 in usage
  25. 95SylveonModest · 15 SP · #18 in usage
  26. 94Female IndeedeeRelaxed · 0 SP · #7 in usage
  27. 90PolitoedCalm · 0 SP · #22 in usage
  28. 90SinistchaBold · 0 SP · #24 in usage
  29. 85ArmarougeQuiet · 0 SP · #27 in usage
  30. 80IncineroarCareful · 0 SP · #3 in usage
  31. 80FarigirafBold · 0 SP · #11 in usage
  32. 70KingambitAdamant · 0 SP · #5 in usage
  33. 60Mega GolisopodAdamant · 0 SP · #10 in usage

Others at their most common Speed investment in Champions VGC (Reg M-C · Doubles, Sep 2026); Pokémon holding a Mega Stone are shown as their Mega.

Type matchups

Weak to

Dark2×Ghost2×Ground2×Psychic2×

Resists

Bug¼×Poison¼×Fairy½×Grass½×

Immune to

Fighting0×Normal0×
Takes normal damage from 8 types
FlyingRockSteelFireWaterElectricIceDragon

Abilities

  • Cursed Body

    Has a 30% chance of Disabling any move that hits the Pokémon.

Competitive

SV SinglesRUSV Doubles(DUU)National DexRUBL

Ranked ladder · in-game

Doubles

#39 of 262 used

▲ 2 places since Oct 22
Oct 22Oct 28
▲ 2 places since Oct 21
Oct 21Oct 28

Gengarite (86.2%) · Cursed Body (100%) · Timid (49.8%) · HP 2 / SpA 32 / Spe 32 (22.2%)

Moves Shadow Ball, Protect, Sludge Bomb, Perish Song

Singles

#23 of 262 used

Same as Oct 22
Oct 22Oct 28
Same as Oct 21
Oct 21Oct 28

Gengarite (67.2%) · Cursed Body (100%) · Timid (88.4%) · HP 2 / SpA 32 / Spe 32 (41.5%)

Moves Shadow Ball, Sludge Wave, Icy Wind, Destiny Bond

Daily usage rank on the Pokémon Champions ladder, updated Oct 28. Battle data provided by Pokémon Champions Battle Data.

12.6% of teams · rank #13 · Singles · 1630+ rating · 20,763 battles · Sep 2026

Most common build

Item
Choice Scarf
Ability
Cursed Body
Nature
Timid
EVs
4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Tera Type
Ghost
  1. Shadow Ball
  2. Sludge Wave
  3. Nasty Plot
  4. Trick

Each part is the most used on its own, so not every team runs this exact set.

Usage by rating

  • All players12.58%
  • Rated 1500+12.79%
  • Rated 1630+12.6%
  • Rated 1760+10.36%

Usage by month

Oct 202512.6%

Moves

  • Shadow Ball86.1%
  • Sludge Wave80.3%
  • Nasty Plot43.9%
  • Trick28.8%
  • Destiny Bond25.5%
  • Toxic Spikes23.1%
  • Focus Blast23%
  • Dazzling Gleam14.9%
  • Hex13.9%
  • Will-O-Wisp12%

Items

  • Choice Scarf20.1%
  • Focus Sash17.2%
  • Heavy-Duty Boots13.5%
  • Choice Specs11.8%
  • Life Orb9.9%
  • Air Balloon7.9%

Abilities

  • 100%

EV spreads

  • Timid 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe39.5%
  • Timid 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe30.1%
  • Timid 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe29.2%
  • Timid 252 SpA / 252 Spe0.3%
  • Hasty 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe0.3%

Tera types

  • Ghost48.2%
  • Fairy22.9%
  • Normal9.6%
  • Dark6.3%

Common teammates

Checks & counters

Replica Team codes

  • Sash Gengarby SplashPlate · Reg M-A · shared Apr 2026
    GengarGarchompClefableMeowscaradaDelphoxCorviknight
    PTVY9BE1V3Source

In Pokémon Champions: Training → Replica Teams → enter the code. You need the Pokémon and items yourself. Codes from older regulations can include Pokémon that aren’t allowed now.

Evolution

  1. #0092GastlyGhostPoison
    1. Level 25#0093HaunterGhostPoison
      1. Trade#0094GengarGhostPoison

Moves

Level up 17

1Confuse RayConfuses the target.GhostStatus—100%10
1HypnosisPuts the target to sleep.PsychicStatus—60%20
1LickHas a 30% chance to paralyze the target.GhostPhys30100%30
1Mean LookPrevents the target from leaving battle.NormalStatus——5
1Perish SongUser and target both faint after three turns.NormalStatus——5
1Reflect TypeUser becomes the target’s type.NormalStatus——15
1Shadow PunchNever misses.GhostPhys60—20
12PaybackPower is doubled if the target has already moved this turn.DarkPhys50100%10
16SpiteLowers the PP of the target’s last used move by 4.GhostStatus—100%10
20CurseGhosts pay half their max HP to hurt the target every turn. Others decrease Speed but raise Attack and Defense.GhostStatus——10
24HexHas double power if the target has a major status ailment.GhostSpec65100%10
30Night ShadeInflicts damage equal to the user’s level.GhostSpec—100%15
36Sucker PunchOnly works if the target is about to use a damaging move.DarkPhys70100%5
42Dark PulseHas a 20% chance to make the target flinch.DarkSpec80100%15
48Shadow BallHas a 20% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GhostSpec80100%15
54Destiny BondIf the user faints this turn, the target automatically will, too.GhostStatus——5
60Dream EaterOnly works on sleeping Pokémon. Drains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.PsychicSpec100100%15

TM / HM / TR 64

TM06Scary FaceLowers the target’s Speed by two stages.NormalStatus—100%10
TM07ProtectPrevents any moves from hitting the user this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM13Acid SprayLowers the target’s Special Defense by two stages.PoisonSpec40100%20
TM17Confuse RayConfuses the target.GhostStatus—100%10
TM18ThiefTakes the target’s item.DarkPhys60100%25
TM25FacadePower doubles if user is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned.NormalPhys70100%20
TM29HexHas double power if the target has a major status ailment.GhostSpec65100%10
TM34Icy WindHas a 100% chance to lower the target’s Speed by one stage.IceSpec5595%15
TM42Night ShadeInflicts damage equal to the user’s level.GhostSpec—100%15
TM43FlingThrows held item at the target; power depends on the item.DarkPhys—100%10
TM45VenoshockInflicts double damage if the target is Poisoned.PoisonSpec65100%10
TM47EndurePrevents the user’s HP from lowering below 1 this turn.NormalStatus——10
TM49Sunny DayChanges the weather to sunny for five turns.FireStatus——5
TM50Rain DanceChanges the weather to rain for five turns.WaterStatus——5
TM58Brick BreakDestroys Reflect and Light Screen.FightingPhys75100%15
TM61Shadow ClawHas an increased chance for a critical hit.GhostPhys70100%15
TM62Foul PlayCalculates damage with the target’s attacking stat.DarkPhys95100%15
TM66Body SlamHas a 30% chance to paralyze the target.NormalPhys85100%15
TM67Fire PunchHas a 10% chance to burn the target.FirePhys75100%15
TM68Thunder PunchHas a 10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricPhys75100%15
TM69Ice PunchHas a 10% chance to freeze the target.IcePhys75100%15
TM70Sleep TalkRandomly uses one of the user’s other three moves. Only works if the user is sleeping.NormalStatus——10
TM73Drain PunchDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.FightingPhys75100%10
TM79Dazzling GleamInflicts regular damage with no additional effect.FairySpec80100%10
TM80MetronomeRandomly selects and uses any move in the game.NormalStatus——10
TM82Thunder WaveParalyzes the target.ElectricStatus—90%20
TM83Poison JabHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys80100%20
TM85RestUser sleeps for two turns, completely healing itself.PsychicStatus——5
TM87TauntFor the next few turns, the target can only use damaging moves.DarkStatus—100%20
TM91Toxic SpikesScatters poisoned spikes, poisoning opposing Pokémon that switch in.PoisonStatus——20
TM92ImprisonPrevents the target from using any moves that the user also knows.PsychicStatus——10
TM94Dark PulseHas a 20% chance to make the target flinch.DarkSpec80100%15
TM98Skill SwapUser and target swap abilities.PsychicStatus——10
TM102Gunk ShotHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonPhys12080%5
TM103SubstituteTransfers 1/4 of the user’s max HP into a doll, protecting the user from further damage or status changes until it breaks.NormalStatus——10
TM107Will-O-WispBurns the target.FireStatus—85%15
TM109TrickUser and target swap items.PsychicStatus—100%10
TM111Giga DrainDrains half the damage inflicted to heal the user.GrassSpec75100%10
TM114Shadow BallHas a 20% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GhostSpec80100%15
TM119Energy BallHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.GrassSpec90100%10
TM120PsychicHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.PsychicSpec90100%10
TM122EncoreForces the target to repeat its last used move every turn for 2 to 6 turns.NormalStatus—100%5
TM126ThunderboltHas a 10% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec90100%15
TM140Nasty PlotRaises the user’s Special Attack by two stages.DarkStatus——20
TM148Sludge BombHas a 30% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec90100%10
TM151Phantom ForceUser vanishes, dodging all attacks, and hits next turn. Hits through Protect and Detect.GhostPhys90100%10
TM152Giga ImpactUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalPhys15090%5
TM158Focus BlastHas a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense by one stage.FightingSpec12070%5
TM161Trick RoomFor five turns, slower Pokémon will act before faster Pokémon.PsychicStatus——5
TM163Hyper BeamUser foregoes its next turn to recharge.NormalSpec15090%5
TM166ThunderHas a 30% chance to paralyze the target.ElectricSpec11070%10
TM171Tera BlastIf the user has Terastallized, it unleashes energy of its Tera Type. This move inflicts damage using the Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever is higher for the user.NormalSpec80100%10
TM174HazeResets all Pokémon’s stats, accuracy, and evasion.IceStatus——30
TM175ToxicBadly poisons the target, inflicting more damage every turn.PoisonStatus—90%10
TM177SpiteLowers the PP of the target’s last used move by 4.GhostStatus—100%10
TM181Knock OffTarget drops its held item.DarkPhys65100%20
TM192Focus PunchIf the user takes damage before attacking, the attack is canceled.FightingPhys150100%20
TM198PoltergeistFails if the target has no held item.GhostPhys11090%5
TM202Pain SplitSets the user’s and targets’s HP to the average of their current HP.NormalStatus——20
TM203Psych UpDiscards the user’s stat changes and copies the target’s.NormalStatus——10
TM214Sludge WaveHas a 10% chance to poison the target.PoisonSpec95100%10
TM219Skitter SmackLowers the target’s Special Attack by one stage.BugPhys7090%10
TM224CurseGhosts pay half their max HP to hurt the target every turn. Others decrease Speed but raise Attack and Defense.GhostStatus——10
TM228Psychic NoiseThe user attacks the target with unpleasant sound waves. For two turns, the target is prevented from recovering HP through moves, Abilities, or held items.PsychicSpec75100%10

Pokédex entries

Category
Shadow Pokémon
Debut
Kanto · Red & Green (JP)
Color
Purple
Shape
Habitat
Cave
Pal Park area
Forest
Kanto#094Original Johto#060Original Sinnoh#071Extended Sinnoh#071Updated Johto#060Mountain Kalos#032Original Alola#063Original Melemele#063Original Akala#025Original Ula’ula#034Updated Alola#075Updated Melemele#075Updated Akala#025Updated Ula’ula#034Let’s Go Kanto#094Galar#143Hisui#138Paldea#070Kitakami#120Lumiose#067

  1. 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!

    Legends: Arceus

  2. Even your home isn’t safe. Gengar will lurk in whatever dark corner of a room it can find and wait for its chance to catch its prey.

    Ultra Moon

  3. You can hear tales told all over the world about how Gengar will pay a visit to children who are naughty.

    Ultra Sun

  4. It apparently wishes for a traveling companion. Since it was once human itself, it tries to create one by taking the lives of other humans.

    Moon

  5. Should you feel yourself attacked by a sudden chill, it is evidence of an approaching Gengar. There is no escaping it. Give up.

    Sun

  6. It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

    X

  7. The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a GENGAR delighting in casting curses on people.

    Platinum · Black · White · Black 2 · White 2

  8. Lurking in the shadowy corners of rooms, it awaits chances to steal its prey’s life force.

    Pearl

  9. It hides in shadows. It is said that if GENGAR is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees F.

    Diamond

  10. On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be GENGAR’s doing.

    LeafGreen · Sword

  11. It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains.

    FireRed · Shield

  12. Deep in the night, your shadow cast by a streetlight may suddenly overtake you. It is actually a GENGAR running past you, pretending to be your shadow.

    Emerald

  13. Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a GENGAR running past you, pretending to be your shadow.

    Ruby · Sapphire · Omega Ruby · Alpha Sapphire

  14. Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake.

    Crystal · Y

  15. To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity.

    Silver · SoulSilver

  16. It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a GENGAR appeared.

    Gold · HeartGold

  17. A GENGAR is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you.

    Yellow · Let’s Go, Pikachu! · Let’s Go, Eevee!

  18. Under a full moon, this Pokémon likes to mimic the shadows of people and laugh at their fright.

    Red · Blue

Names around the world

Japanese
ゲンガー
Japanese (romaji)
Gangar
Korean
팬텀
Chinese (Traditional)
耿鬼
Chinese (Simplified)
耿鬼
French
Ectoplasma
German
Gengar
Spanish
Gengar
Italian
Gengar

Sprites

Tap any sprite to show it on the Pokédex above. ▶ marks official animations; Gen VIII–IX models are large, so they load only when you tap them.

Official artwork

3D models

Generation I

Generation II

Generation III

Generation IV

Generation V

Generation VI

Generation VII

Generation VIII · animated models

Generation IX · animated models

Training

EV yield
3 SpA
Catch rate
45 ≈5.9% with a Poké Ball at full HP
Base friendship
70
Base experience
225
Growth rate
Medium Slow

Breeding

Egg groups
Amorphous
Gender
♂ 50%♀ 50%
Hatch time
20 egg cycles ≈5,355 steps (Gen IV–VII)

Where to find

Sword: The Crown Tundra 5 areas
  • Ballimere Lake (Max Den P)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Frigid Sea (Max Den H)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Giant's Foot (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Old Cemetery (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Slippery Slope (Max Den E)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
Shield 4 areas
  • Giant's Cap (Main Area)Special overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 60
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • South Lake Miloch (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
Sword 4 areas
  • Giant's Cap (Main Area)Special overworld spawn in a fixed location. · Lv 60
  • Giant's Mirror (Max Den A)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • South Lake Miloch (Max Den B)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
  • Stony Wilderness (Max Den F)Catch a wild Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon in a Max Raid battle. · Lv 55–60
Ultra Moon 1 area
  • Royal AvenueSOS Battle · Lv 31–34
Ultra Sun 1 area
  • Royal AvenueSOS Battle · Lv 31–34
Moon 1 area
  • Royal AvenueSOS Battle · Lv 29–32
Sun 1 area
  • Royal AvenueSOS Battle · Lv 29–32
Platinum 1 area
  • Old Chateau (2F right room)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 17
Pearl 1 area
  • Old Chateau (2F right room)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16
Diamond 1 area
  • Old Chateau (2F right room)Walking in tall grass or a cave · Lv 16