Trading for Gengar: A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Masters

You want a Gengar, the mischievous Shadow Pokémon, but trading can be a bit of a pain. The good news is that in modern Pokémon games, particularly Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are more options than ever. The most reliable method is to trade a Haunter, which then evolves into Gengar upon completion of the trade. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can find an NPC in Levincia City who will trade you a Haunter. This Haunter isn’t holding an Everstone, so it will evolve into Gengar immediately after the trade.

Acquiring Gengar Through Trading

Traditionally, obtaining Gengar required trading a Haunter with another player. This meant coordinating with friends or using online trading features. The process is straightforward: evolve your Gastly into Haunter, then trade it. However, what if you don’t have anyone to trade with, or you lack a Nintendo Online subscription?

The Levincia City Solution: Blossom’s Trade

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer a fantastic solution for solo players. Head to Levincia City, known for its Electric-type Gym led by Iono. Look for an NPC named Blossom. She’s located in front of the battle court and is eager to trade her Haunter for a Pincurchin. This is the key to obtaining Gengar without needing a friend.

Why This Trade is Special

The magic of this trade lies in the fact that Blossom’s Haunter isn’t holding an Everstone. Everstones prevent Pokémon from evolving, so this ensures that the Haunter will transform into Gengar as soon as the trade is complete. It’s a hassle-free way to add Gengar to your team, even if you prefer to play offline.

Gathering Your Pincurchin

Before you can complete the trade with Blossom, you’ll need a Pincurchin. These Pokémon can be found just outside of Levincia’s city limits. They’re relatively common, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble catching one.

The Benefits of Using Gengar

Gengar is a powerful Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon with excellent stats. Its high Special Attack and Speed make it a formidable sweeper in battles. It’s also immune to Normal and Fighting-type moves, giving it a strategic advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trading for Gengar

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about obtaining Gengar through trading, offering further clarity and tips. The study of games and learning is a fascinating field. To learn more, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

1. Can I evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading?

Traditionally, no. Haunter evolves into Gengar only through trading. However, the NPC trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is essentially a way to evolve Haunter solo, as it achieves the same outcome.

2. What level should my Haunter be before trading?

The level of your Haunter doesn’t matter. As soon as the trade is completed, the evolution will occur regardless of level. However, it’s generally best to evolve it as soon as it evolves into Haunter, because Gengar has better stat growth, and they can/will learn the same moves.

3. What is an Everstone and why is it important?

An Everstone is an item that prevents a Pokémon from evolving. In the context of trading for Gengar, it’s crucial that the Haunter being traded isn’t holding an Everstone, otherwise it won’t evolve after the trade.

4. Can I trade Gengar back in Pokémon GO?

No, Pokémon GO doesn’t allow you to trade back Pokémon or trade a traded Pokémon more than once. Once a trade is completed, it’s final.

5. Is Gengar a good Pokémon to have on my team?

Yes, Gengar is an excellent Pokémon. It boasts high Special Attack and Speed, making it a powerful offensive threat. Its Ghost/Poison typing also provides useful resistances and immunities.

6. Will Gastly evolve into Gengar if traded?

No, Gastly cannot evolve directly into Gengar through trading. Gastly must first evolve into Haunter, and then Haunter can be traded to evolve into Gengar.

7. How do I get a Pincurchin for the trade in Levincia City?

Pincurchin can be found just outside of Levincia’s city limits. They are relatively common encounters in the coastal areas.

8. What are the best moves for Gengar to learn?

Gengar excels with Ghost and Poison-type moves. Popular choices include Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, Focus Blast, and Dark Pulse. The specific moveset will depend on your strategy and the format you’re playing in.

9. Is it better to use Gengar or Alakazam?

This depends on your team composition and strategy. Gengar has a better movepool and useful immunities. Alakazam has higher Special Attack and Speed. Both are excellent special attackers.

10. Why can’t I trade Gengar back?

In Pokémon GO, once a Pokémon is traded, it cannot be traded again. This is to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of the trading system.

11. What are some alternatives to trading to get Gengar?

Outside of the NPC trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the only other way to obtain Gengar is through traditional trading with another player. There are no alternative methods within the main series games.

12. Can you get Gengar in Pokémon Red without trading?

No, you cannot. In the original Pokémon Red and Blue games, trading was the only way to evolve Haunter into Gengar. The NPC trade mechanic wasn’t introduced until later installments.

13. What’s the best fast move for Gengar in Pokémon GO?

The best fast moves for Gengar in Pokémon GO are typically Lick or Shadow Claw, both of which are Ghost-type attacks. Lick provides faster energy generation, while Shadow Claw deals more damage.

14. Are there any special Gengar forms or variants?

Yes, Gengar has a Mega Evolution and a Gigantamax form in certain Pokémon games. These forms significantly boost Gengar’s stats and appearance.

15. Why is Gengar considered scary?

Gengar’s Pokédex entries often describe it as a mischievous and sometimes malevolent Pokémon. Some entries suggest it tries to replace humans, which adds to its unsettling reputation.

Conclusion

Trading for Gengar can be a rewarding experience, adding a powerful and iconic Pokémon to your team. Whether you choose to trade with a friend or take advantage of the NPC trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, understanding the process and the nuances involved will ensure a smooth and successful acquisition.