Do You Need to Trade to Evolve Haunter in Scarlet and Violet? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, generally you need to trade a Haunter to evolve it into Gengar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While there’s a workaround using an in-game NPC trade, this still technically constitutes a trade. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore all the nuances of evolving Haunter into the powerful Ghost/Poison-type Gengar in the Paldea region.
Understanding Haunter’s Evolution Mechanics
For decades, Haunter has been synonymous with trade evolution. This means that the only way to trigger its evolution into Gengar is by trading it to another player. Upon reaching another player’s game, the Haunter will automatically evolve. This mechanic remains largely consistent in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
However, the game offers a single exception that can be used to evolve Haunter without relying on a human player. This exception still involves trading, but in this case you are trading with an NPC. This makes it possible to add Gengar to your pokedex on your own without trading.
The NPC Trade Workaround
Pokémon Violet offers a workaround that allows you to evolve Haunter into Gengar solo. In the city of Levincia, you’ll find an NPC Trainer near the Gym. This trainer is looking to trade their Pincurchin for a Haunter, it must be level 25, opening the door to adding Gengar to your team without needing a friend, but technically still trading. This NPC trade offers a convenient solution if you don’t have friends playing Scarlet or Violet, or if you lack a Nintendo Online subscription for online trading.
How to Get a Haunter in Scarlet and Violet
Before you can evolve Haunter, you need to obtain one! Here are your options:
- Evolve Gastly: The most straightforward method is to catch a Gastly in the wild and level it up to level 25. At level 25 Gastly will evolve into a Haunter. Gastly are common in dark areas, especially at night.
- Catch a Haunter: You can also find Haunter in the wild. They tend to spawn in the northern areas of the Paldea region, but only at night. However, they’re rarer than Gastly.
- Trade with the NPC in Levincia: You can trade your Pincuchin for a level 25 Haunter that will evolve into Gengar!
Why Gengar is Worth the Effort
Gengar remains a fan-favorite Pokémon for good reason. It boasts an exceptionally high Special Attack stat and impressive Speed. It’s immune to Normal and Fighting-type attacks, and has resistance to Poison and Bug-type attacks. Gengar can also learn many powerful attacks, like Shadow Ball, Dark Pulse, and Dream Eater, making it a formidable force in battle. Acquiring one for your team is well worth the effort of trading.
The Broader Context of Trade Evolutions
Trade evolutions have been a staple of the Pokémon franchise since the very beginning. This mechanic encourages interaction between players, a core aspect of the Pokémon experience. While some players find it inconvenient, it reinforces the communal aspect that GameFreak intends for the games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Evolving Haunter in Scarlet and Violet
1. What level does Haunter evolve in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Haunter does not evolve based on level. It evolves immediately upon being traded to another player. The level of the Haunter is irrelevant.
2. Can I evolve Haunter without Nintendo Online?
Yes. While online trading requires a Nintendo Online subscription, you can use the NPC trade within Pokemon Violet to get Gengar.
3. Where can I find Gastly to evolve into Haunter?
Gastly can be found in dark areas, particularly at night, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Look in areas like caves, cemeteries, and forests.
4. What Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet need to be traded to evolve?
Beyond Haunter, several other Pokémon evolve through trading:
- Scyther (requires Metal Coat to evolve into Scizor)
- Slowpoke (requires King’s Rock to evolve into Slowking)
- Graveler
- Kadabra
- Machoke
- Poliwhirl (requires King’s Rock to evolve into Politoed)
- Feebas (evolves into Milotic when traded holding a Prism Scale)
- Gurdurr
- Phantump
- Dusclops (requires Reaper Cloth to evolve into Dusknoir)
5. Can I get Gengar in Scarlet without trading?
No. There is no NPC trade for Haunter in Pokémon Scarlet, meaning you must trade to get Gengar.
6. Is Gengar a good Pokémon to use in Scarlet and Violet?
Absolutely! Gengar’s high Special Attack and Speed make it a potent offensive threat. It’s also immune to Normal and Fighting-type moves, adding to its strategic value.
7. Can I trade Pokémon back after a trade evolution?
In the mainline Pokémon games like Scarlet and Violet, you can trade Pokémon back after a trade evolution. There are no restrictions preventing a second trade. However, in Pokémon GO, Pokémon cannot be traded more than once.
8. Where is the NPC that trades a Haunter for a Pincurchin in Pokémon Violet?
The NPC is located in Levincia, near the Gym battle arena.
9. Can I trade with strangers in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, using the Surprise Trade feature, you can trade with random players online. However, be aware that you have no control over what Pokémon you’ll receive.
10. Can I transfer a Gengar from another Pokémon game into Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, using Pokémon HOME, you can transfer Gengar from compatible games into Scarlet and Violet, assuming it exists in the Paldean Pokedex.
11. What happens if I get a hacked Gengar in Scarlet and Violet?
Using hacked Pokémon can lead to penalties, including restriction of online play and trading features. It’s best to obtain Pokémon legitimately.
12. Can you complete the Scarlet and Violet Pokédex without trading?
No, you can not. Because of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pokédex exclusives, players can’t complete the Pokédex without online play. Certain Pokémon are exclusive to each version, requiring trades to obtain them all.
13. Are there version-exclusive Pokémon that I need to trade for to complete the Pokédex?
Yes, there are many Pokémon exclusive to each version. Trading is essential for completing the Pokédex. Examples include Drifloon and Hydreigon (Scarlet exclusive) and Misdreavus and Dragapult (Violet exclusive).
14. What are some tips for safe trading in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
- Communicate with your trading partner beforehand to ensure you both know what you’re trading for.
- Avoid trading with unknown or suspicious individuals.
- Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
15. Can you trade Legendary Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can trade Legendary Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. This allows you to obtain version-exclusive Legendaries.
Conclusion
While the core mechanic of evolving Haunter through trading remains intact in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the introduction of an NPC trade in Violet offers a convenient workaround for solo players. Understanding these nuances allows you to strategically obtain this powerful Pokémon and add it to your team. Remember the importance of community and collaboration in the world of Pokémon, an important aspect highlighted by the Games Learning Society, a group dedicated to understanding how we can make a positive impact on the world through gaming.