Gengar in Pokémon GO: Acquisition, Moves, Strategies

In the vast universe of Pokémon GO, few creatures are as iconic and menacing as Gengar. Known for its eerie presence and deadly moveset, this Poison- and Ghost-type Pokémon has long been a favorite among trainers who appreciate both its aesthetic and battle prowess. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Gengar — from how to catch it, the best movesets, and strategies to maximize its effectiveness in combat.

Who is Gengar?

Gengar made its debut in Generation I and has remained a staple in the Pokémon world ever since. With its sharp quills, glowing red eyes, and sinister grin, Gengar may look like a mischievous ghost at first glance—but don’t be deceived. This Pokémon thrives in darkness, often hiding in shadows and striking fear into opponents with its supernatural abilities. Its Ghost typing allows it to avoid many common attacks, while its Poison type adds an extra layer of strategic depth in battles.

Where to Catch Gengar

There are several ways to add Gengar to your Pokédex. One of the most exciting methods is by participating in Raid Battles. These events not only offer a chance to catch a regular Gengar but also present the rare opportunity to obtain its Mega Evolution form—perfect for competitive players.

If Raids aren't your thing, you can still encounter Gengar in the wild. It tends to appear in abandoned or eerie locations, so keep an eye on your map for areas that feel particularly spooky. Alternatively, the simplest method is to evolve a Gastly. Start by catching Gastly during nighttime hours (after sunset or before sunrise), evolve it into Haunter, and then evolve it further into Gengar.

Tactics and Movesets

When it comes to battling, Gengar’s optimal fast move is Lick, and its best charged move is Shadow Ball. These two moves combine high damage output with energy efficiency, making them ideal for both Gym battles and PvP encounters. Gengar's performance improves significantly in foggy or cloudy weather conditions, giving you a slight edge when nature cooperates.

While Gengar struggles in Raids and Gym defenses due to its low bulk and poor matchup against top-tier attackers, it shines brightly in PvP formats—especially the Ultra League. When equipped with Shadow Punch, it becomes a strong counter to shielded opponents. Its wide type coverage also helps it maintain relevance in the current meta.

In the Great League, Gengar can still hold its own but must be used carefully due to its fragile stats. As for the Master League, its low CP severely limits its viability, making it a less-than-ideal choice for that format.

Keep in mind that Gengar has notable weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, Ground, and Psychic types. While this restricts its usage in certain situations, its offensive capabilities make it one of the top-tier attackers in its category. Additionally, its Mega Evolution dramatically boosts its attack power, making it one of the strongest forms available in-game.

Although Gengar isn’t the fastest Pokémon—falling behind speedsters like Raikou and Starmie—it more than compensates with its versatility and raw damage potential. If you're looking for a powerful attacker with unique type advantages, Gengar should definitely be part of your team.

Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive battler, Gengar brings a lot to the table in Pokémon GO. We hope this guide helped you better understand how to catch and use this legendary Pokémon effectively. Have you caught your Gengar yet? How has it performed in your battles? Let us know in the comments below!