Gengar
#094 Ghost/Poison / Shadow Pokemon
#094 Ghost/Poison / Shadow Pokemon
| Gengar | |
|---|---|
| National Dex | #094 |
| Type | GhostPoison |
| Species | Shadow Pokemon |
| Height | 1.5 m (4'11") |
| Weight | 40.5 kg (89.3 lbs) |
| Abilities | Cursed Body (Hidden: Shadow Tag (removed in Gen 8+)) |
| Generation | Gen 1 (Kanto) |
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Gengar is a Ghost/Poison-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 1 in the Kanto region. It evolves from Haunter when traded, which evolves from Gastly starting at level 25. Known as the Shadow Pokemon, Gengar is infamous for its mischievous nature and ability to hide in shadows and curse unsuspecting victims.
Gengar has a dark purple, round body with a wide grin and pointed ears. Its design is inspired by the concept of a shadow given form. Gengar gained a Mega Evolution in Generation 6, which turns it pure Ghost-type and gives it the devastating Shadow Tag ability, preventing opponents from switching out. In Generation 8, Gengar also received a Gigantamax form with G-Max Terror.
Gengar's base 130 Special Attack and 110 Speed make it a premier special attacker. Its Ghost/Poison typing gives it three immunities (Normal, Fighting, Ground via Levitate in earlier generations). Standard sets run Shadow Ball as STAB, Sludge Wave as Poison STAB, and coverage moves like Focus Blast, Thunderbolt, or Dazzling Gleam.
Mega Gengar with Shadow Tag was so powerful that it was banned to Ubers in Generation 6. The ability to trap and eliminate bulky walls like Chansey and Toxapex made it a dominant force. Gengar can run a Choice Specs set for immediate power, a Life Orb set for flexibility, or a Substitute+Nasty Plot set to break through slower teams.
Gengar's Cursed Body ability gives a 30% chance to disable an opponent's move when hit, which can provide setup opportunities or force awkward switches. In Dynamax formats, Gengar's Max Ooze boosts the Special Attack of its allies, making it a valuable team player.
Gengar
Current form
Gengar has been a staple of competitive Pokemon since Generation 1. In Smogon, Gengar was a top-tier OU threat for generations, though the removal of Levitate in Generation 7 and the loss of Shadow Tag on Mega Gengar in Generation 8 have reduced its dominance. Gengar now sits in UU in Generation 9, where it functions as a fast and powerful wallbreaker and cleaner. Its typing gives it useful resistances and immunities, and its movepool offers enough coverage to threaten most of the tier. Common checks include Tyranitar, Blissey, and specially-defensive Dark-types.
