Shadow Punch Gengar: A Ghostly Force to Be Reckoned With?
Shadow Punch Gengar is an exceptionally valuable asset in Pokémon GO, particularly in PvP battles and some raid scenarios. The move itself grants Gengar superior shield pressure due to its low energy cost, allowing for frequent use and strategic shield baiting. While Gengar might be fragile, this move allows it to apply significant pressure and control the flow of battle, making Shadow Punch a highly desirable legacy move.
Why Shadow Punch Matters on Gengar
The Power of a Legacy Move
Legacy moves are attacks that Pokémon can only learn during specific events or through the use of Elite TMs. This exclusivity makes them highly sought after, and Shadow Punch on Gengar is no exception. Shadow Punch grants Gengar an advantage in both PvP and PvE scenarios. The move’s ability to be acquired only during specific times, like the Community Day, makes it precious to the player base.
Shield Pressure and Baiting
In Pokémon GO’s PvP battles, shield usage is crucial. Shadow Punch’s low energy cost allows Gengar to force opponents to use their shields early, or risk taking significant damage. This “shield pressure” can create opportunities for Gengar to land a more powerful charged move, like Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb, later in the battle. The strategy of using weaker, fast-charging moves to make your opponent waste the shields, and then hitting them with something bigger is known as shield baiting.
Coverage and STAB
Shadow Punch is a Ghost-type move, and Gengar is a Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon. This means Gengar receives a Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) when using Shadow Punch, increasing its damage output. While the raw damage of Shadow Punch might not be overwhelming, the STAB bonus combined with its frequency of use makes it a potent weapon.
Gengar’s Glass Cannon Nature
Gengar is known as a glass cannon due to its high attack stats but relatively low defense. While Gengar cannot take many hits, Shadow Punch helps mitigate this by allowing it to deal consistent damage and apply pressure without relying solely on slower, more powerful charged moves. Shadow Punch enables Gengar to be much more than a one-hit wonder.
Comparing Shadow Punch to Other Moves
While Shadow Ball provides a more powerful, higher-energy Ghost-type attack, Shadow Punch offers a faster, more strategic option. Other moves like Sludge Bomb or Focus Blast might offer better type coverage, but they are often too slow and risky for Gengar to use effectively. The low cost of Shadow Punch lets Gengar be much more consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shadow Punch Gengar
1. Can Gengar still learn Shadow Punch?
No, Gengar can only learn Shadow Punch during specific events, such as Community Days, or by using an Elite Charged TM. Keep an eye out for announcements from Niantic regarding opportunities to obtain this valuable move.
2. What is the best moveset for Gengar with Shadow Punch?
A popular and effective moveset is Shadow Claw (Fast Move) and Shadow Punch & Shadow Ball (Charged Moves). Shadow Claw provides excellent energy generation, while Shadow Punch allows for shield pressure and Shadow Ball provides significant damage output. A combination of Lick (Fast Move) and Shadow Ball (Charged Move) is also a viable and elite TM alternative.
3. Is Shadow Punch better than Shadow Ball?
Not always, Shadow Ball has a much higher damage output, but it is a much slower attack. Shadow Punch is better for shield pressure and baiting, while Shadow Ball is better for dealing significant damage when shields are down. The optimal strategy often involves using both moves.
4. Is Shadow Punch a physical or special attack?
In previous generations of Pokémon games, Ghost-type moves were physical attacks. However, in Pokémon GO, all moves are categorized by type and their stats, and there is no physical/special distinction.
5. How does Shadow Punch compare to Night Shade?
Shadow Punch is generally superior to Night Shade in competitive play. Night Shade deals a fixed amount of damage, while Shadow Punch’s damage scales with Gengar’s attack stat. Shadow Punch’s low energy cost is what makes it so much better than Shadow Sneak.
6. Is Gengar a good Pokémon in general?
Yes, Gengar is a fantastic attacker in Pokémon GO, boasting high attack stats and access to powerful moves. Its glass cannon nature requires careful play, but its offensive capabilities are undeniable.
7. What are Gengar’s weaknesses?
Gengar is weak to Ghost, Dark, Ground, and Psychic-type moves. Its low defense stats make it susceptible to being one-shotted by powerful attacks.
8. What is the best league for using Gengar in PvP?
Gengar can be effective in all leagues, but it generally shines in the Ultra League and Master League. Its high attack and access to Shadow Punch allow it to compete with the powerful Pokémon found in these leagues.
9. Is Gengar a good Ghost-type attacker in raids?
Yes, Gengar is a strong Ghost-type attacker in raids. Its high attack stat and access to moves like Shadow Ball and Shadow Punch make it a valuable asset against raid bosses weak to Ghost-type attacks.
10. Why is Gengar so popular?
Gengar’s popularity stems from its cool and mischievous design, its strong performance in battles, and its iconic status in the Pokémon franchise. It is one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon.
11. What makes Gengar a “glass cannon”?
Gengar’s “glass cannon” status is due to its high attack stats coupled with low defense and stamina. It can deal significant damage quickly but cannot withstand many hits.
12. Is Shadow Gengar better than regular Gengar?
Yes, Shadow Gengar typically deals more damage than regular Gengar, but it also takes more damage. This makes Shadow Gengar an even more extreme glass cannon.
13. What are the best counters to Gengar in PvP?
Good counters to Gengar include Dark-type Pokémon like Umbreon or Mandibuzz and Ghost-type Pokémon like Giratina. Pokémon with high defense stats and resistances to Ghost and Poison-type moves can also be effective.
14. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategy?
You can find valuable information and resources about Pokémon GO strategy on websites like GamePress and PvPoke. Engaging with the community through online forums and social media groups is also a great way to learn. Consider researching the use of games in educational settings, and resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ can provide insights. GamesLearningSociety.org has resources about using games and game-based techniques to improve education.
15. What is the rarest Gengar card?
The Gengar H9 — Skyridge card is considered one of the rarest and most valuable Gengar cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Its rarity and unique design make it a highly sought-after collectible.