Can You Evolve Gengar in Pokémon Scarlet? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can evolve Haunter into Gengar in Pokémon Scarlet! The evolution process, however, isn’t as straightforward as leveling up. Traditionally, Gengar has always been obtained through trading a Haunter to another player. But fear not, trainers! There are indeed ways to acquire this spectral powerhouse in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Let’s dive into the details and explore all the options.
Understanding the Traditional Trade Evolution
For long-time Pokémon fans, the name Gengar immediately conjures up the image of trading. This method, ingrained in the core mechanics of the series, involves connecting with another player and exchanging your Haunter. Upon receiving the Haunter, the receiving player will witness it evolve into the mischievous Gengar.
This system was put in place to encourage player interaction and add a unique element to collecting every Pokémon. While trading can be fun, it also relies on having a reliable friend or finding a trustworthy trading partner, which isn’t always easy.
Alternative Methods for Getting Gengar
Fortunately, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer alternative pathways to obtaining Gengar, catering to players who prefer solo play or lack trading partners:
1. The NPC Trade in Levincia
One of the most convenient methods is locating a specific NPC (Non-Player Character) in the city of Levincia. This NPC is willing to trade you a Haunter. What’s the catch? You’ll need to trade a Pinchurchin in exchange for it.
The best part is that the Haunter the NPC gives you immediately evolves into Gengar upon the trade completion. So, catching a Pinchurchin is your ticket to getting Gengar easily! She’s on the walkway around the gym battle arena.
2. Tera Raid Battles
Another exciting avenue for acquiring Gengar is through Tera Raid Battles. Keep an eye out for Tera Raid Dens that feature Gengar as the Pokémon being battled.
Winning a Tera Raid battle against Gengar gives you a chance to catch it directly, bypassing the need for trading or evolving. These battles can be challenging, so be sure to team up with other players online for a better chance of victory.
3. Finding Haunter in the Wild
While less common, you can also find Haunter in the wild. This spooky Pokémon typically dwells in dark areas at night. Search locations like caves, forests, and ruins after dark to increase your chances of encountering one. Once you catch a Haunter, you will have to trade with another player to make him evolve into Gengar.
Trading in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Despite the alternative methods, trading remains a viable way to obtain Gengar. If you have a friend willing to help, or find a trustworthy trading partner online, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription: Trading requires an active subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online service.
- Open the Poké Portal: Access the Poké Portal from the game’s main menu.
- Select “Link Trade”: Choose the “Link Trade” option.
- Set a Link Code (Optional): If trading with a specific friend, set a Link Code to ensure only they can connect to your trade.
- Begin Searching: Start searching for a trading partner.
- Confirm the Trade: Once connected, select the Haunter you wish to trade and confirm the trade offer.
Remember to communicate with your trading partner to ensure they understand you want to trade your Haunter for it to evolve into Gengar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about evolving Gengar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
1. At what level does Gastly evolve into Haunter?
Gastly evolves into Haunter at Level 25.
2. Can all Pokémon evolve in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No, not all Pokémon can evolve. Some Pokémon are the final stage of their evolutionary line and do not evolve further.
3. Which Pokémon evolve through trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
In addition to Haunter, other Pokémon that evolve through trade include:
- Scyther (into Scizor with the Metal Coat item)
- Slowpoke (into Slowking with the King’s Rock item)
- Onix (into Steelix with the Metal Coat item)
4. Can you evolve Haunter without trading in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading. The NPC trade in Levincia provides a Haunter that evolves immediately after the trade. Tera Raid Battles provide another way of obtaining Gengar without trade.
5. What is the Linking Cord in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The Linking Cord is an item from previous Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus, used to evolve trade-evolution Pokémon without actually trading. Sadly, the Linking Cord is not available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
6. Are there version-exclusive Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, there are version-exclusive Pokémon in both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. This encourages players to trade with each other to complete their Pokédexes.
7. What Pokémon cannot be caught in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Starter Pokémon, such as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, are not catchable in the wild.
8. How rare is Eevee in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Eevee and its evolutions can be difficult to find, but they are typically located in specific areas. Check areas near towns and cities to increase your chances of finding one.
9. Can Eevee breed in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, Eevee can breed with Ditto in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
10. What Pokémon evolve with a Fire Stone in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The Fire Stone is used to evolve Eevee (into Flareon), Growlithe (into Arcanine), and Capsakid (into Scovillain).
11. What Pokémon evolve with a Thunder Stone in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The Thunder Stone is used to evolve Tadbulb (into Bellibolt) and Magneton (into Magnezone).
12. What Pokémon evolve with a Water Stone in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
The Water Stone is used to evolve Shellder (into Cloyster) and Eevee (into Vaporeon).
13. Why aren’t my Pokémon evolving in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Several factors can prevent a Pokémon from evolving, including:
- Incorrect Level: Pokémon must reach the required level to evolve.
- Missing Items: Some Pokémon require specific items to evolve.
- Friendship Level: Some require high friendship.
- Time of Day: Some require being evolved at a certain time of the day.
- Specific Location: Some require to be at a specific location.
14. Are there any new evolutions in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced new evolutions for some existing Pokémon, such as Girafarig evolving into Farigiraf and Primeape evolving into Annihilape.
15. Is trading required to complete the Pokédex in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
While not strictly required (due to the NPC trade for Gengar), trading is highly recommended to obtain all version-exclusive Pokémon and complete the Pokédex efficiently.
Conclusion
Obtaining Gengar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is achievable through various means, whether you embrace the traditional trading method or opt for the convenient NPC trade. The inclusion of Tera Raid Battles also offers a unique and challenging way to add this iconic Pokémon to your team. As you explore the vast world of Paldea, keep these methods in mind to ensure you catch ’em all!
The complexities of evolving Pokémon, like Gengar, offer rich learning opportunities about game mechanics, collaboration, and problem-solving. To explore further how games foster learning and engagement, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful research and resources.
Happy hunting, trainers!