Evolving Haunter in Pokémon Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re itching to get your hands on a Gengar in Pokémon Violet? Excellent choice! This mischievous Ghost/Poison-type is a powerhouse and a fantastic addition to any team. The good news is there are a couple of ways to evolve your Haunter into a Gengar in this generation. The most common way is through trading. The second method requires trading with an in-game NPC.
Methods for Evolving Haunter into Gengar
The Classic Trade Evolution
The most traditional method, and still a viable option in Pokémon Violet, is the trade evolution. Here’s how it works:
- Catch or Evolve a Haunter: You can catch a Gastly and evolve it at Level 25 into a Haunter, or find a Haunter roaming in the wild at night, particularly in the northern regions of Paldea.
- Find a Trading Partner: This is crucial. You’ll need a friend or another player with a Nintendo Switch and a copy of Pokémon Violet or Scarlet. Make sure they are willing to trade back your Gengar if you want it back!
- Connect Online or Locally: Open the Poke Portal in your game. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for online trading. Select “Link Trade”. If you’re trading locally, ensure both players are in the same room.
- Set a Link Code: This is optional but recommended to ensure you trade with the correct person. Communicate the code to your trading partner.
- Select Haunter for Trade: Choose your Haunter as the Pokémon you want to trade.
- Trade and Witness the Evolution: Once the trade is complete, your Haunter will evolve into Gengar for the other player! If you want your Gengar back, trade it back with your partner.
The NPC Trade: A Solo Trainer’s Savior
Don’t have anyone to trade with? Fear not! Pokémon Violet offers a fantastic alternative: an NPC trade.
- Locate Blossom in Levincia: Head to Levincia City, located in the East Province. Find Blossom along the walkway around the gym battle arena.
- Catch a Pincurchin: You’ll need a Pincurchin to trade with her. You can find Pincurchin on beaches near the water.
- Speak to Blossom: Talk to Blossom, and she’ll offer to trade her Haunter, affectionately named “Hauntikins,” for your Pincurchin.
- Accept the Trade: Confirm that you want to trade your Pincurchin for her Haunter.
- Enjoy Your Gengar: After the trade is complete, Hauntikins will immediately evolve into Gengar. Congratulations, you now have a Gengar without needing another player!
Why Choose Gengar?
Gengar is a phenomenal Pokémon for many reasons:
- High Special Attack: Gengar boasts an impressive Special Attack stat of 130, making it a devastating offensive threat.
- Excellent Speed: With a Speed stat of 110, Gengar is faster than many Pokémon, allowing it to strike first in battle.
- Versatile Movepool: Gengar has access to a wide variety of powerful moves, including Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, Thunderbolt, and more.
- Type Advantage: As a Ghost/Poison-type, Gengar has useful resistances and immunities, making it a valuable asset in various battles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding Haunter and Gengar in Pokémon Violet:
1. What level does Gastly evolve into Haunter?
Gastly evolves into Haunter at Level 25.
2. Do I need an item to evolve Haunter into Gengar through trading in Pokémon Violet?
No, you do not need to give Haunter an item to evolve it into Gengar through trading.
3. Is Gengar a good Pokémon in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, Gengar is an excellent Pokémon in Pokémon Violet. Its high Special Attack and Speed make it a formidable offensive threat.
4. Can I evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, you can evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading with another player by trading with Blossom, an NPC in Levincia City. She will trade her Haunter, “Hauntikins,” for a Pincurchin.
5. Where can I find Blossom in Levincia City?
Blossom is located on the walkway around the gym battle arena in Levincia City.
6. Where can I catch a Pincurchin in Pokémon Violet?
Pincurchin can be found on beaches near the water in the Paldea region.
7. Is Haunter rare in Pokémon Violet?
While not incredibly rare, Haunter can be harder to find in the wild compared to Gastly. They are typically found at night in the northern areas of the map.
8. What are the trade codes for evolving Pokémon in Pokémon Violet?
For standard Link Trades, you can use any code. For Pokémon-specific trades, some communities use specific codes to ensure trades happen between the correct Pokémon evolutions. For Haunter, you can use a code such as 0093-0093 for a standard Haunter-for-Haunter trade.
9. What are the advantages of using Gengar in battles?
Gengar has high Special Attack and Speed, making it a strong special sweeper. Its Ghost/Poison typing provides useful resistances and immunities, allowing it to excel in various battles.
10. When can I start trading Pokémon in Pokémon Violet?
Trading Pokémon is unlocked as soon as you reach the first Pokémon Center at Los Platos (East) Pokémon Center. After using the Center, all online features, including trading, become available.
11. Are there any other Pokémon that evolve through trading in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, other Pokémon that evolve through trading in Pokémon Violet include Scyther (with Metal Coat) into Scizor, and Slowpoke (with King’s Rock) into Slowking. Some new additions from the Teal Mask DLC, such as Poliwhirl, Graveler, Gurdurr, and Dusclops also evolve through trading.
12. What level does Haunter need to be to evolve through trading?
Haunter evolves into Gengar at any level when traded. The level of Haunter does not matter for the trade evolution to occur.
13. Can I get Gengar offline in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, you can get Gengar offline by trading with Blossom, the NPC in Levincia City, without needing online connectivity.
14. Is Gengar worth using on my team in Pokémon Violet?
Absolutely! Gengar’s powerful Special Attack and Speed, combined with its versatile movepool, make it a valuable addition to any team in Pokémon Violet.
15. How do I connect to the internet for trading in Pokémon Violet?
To trade online, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Go to the Poke Portal in the game menu, select Link Trade, and ensure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet.
Evolving Haunter into Gengar in Pokémon Violet is a rewarding experience. Whether you choose the traditional trade method or take advantage of the NPC trade in Levincia, you’ll gain a powerful and versatile Pokémon for your team. Plus, understanding game dynamics and strategies aligns with the goals of organizations like the Games Learning Society, promoting learning through engaging gaming experiences. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how games can enhance education and skill development.