How to Get Gengar in Pokemon GO (2026 Guide)

Gengar is one of the most powerful Ghost-type attackers in Pokemon GO. With a 261 Attack stat and a moveset that covers both Ghost and Poison types, it earns a spot on most raid teams. Whether you want one for raids, PvP, or just to complete your Pokedex, this guide walks you through every method to get Gengar in 2026.

How to Get Gengar in Pokemon GO

1. Evolve Haunter (Best Method)

Evolving Haunter is the most reliable way to add Gengar to your roster. Start by catching a Gastly, then follow the evolution line:

• Gastly to Haunter: 25 Gastly Candy
• Haunter to Gengar: 100 Gastly Candy

You need 125 Gastly Candy total if you start from scratch.

Trade Evolution Trick (0 Candy Cost)

Here is the trick most players miss. If a friend trades you a Haunter, you can evolve it into Gengar for free with zero candy. This is by far the fastest and most cost-efficient method if you have someone to trade with.

How to Farm Gastly Candy Fast

• Catch every Gastly you encounter
• Use Pinap Berries on every catch to double candy
• Set Gastly as your Buddy Pokemon
• Transfer duplicate Gastly for extra candy

Gastly spawns more often at night, during Ghost-type events, and in foggy weather. You can also grab them through certain research tasks.

2. Wild Spawns

Gengar does appear in the wild, but it is a rare encounter. Do not rely on this method as your primary strategy. Keep Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls ready for when it does show up, especially during Ghost-type events when spawn rates increase.

3. Raids

Raiding is the most direct way to encounter Gengar at higher CP values and with a shot at the shiny form.

Upcoming Event: The Pokemon GO Replay Bigger event runs on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and features Gigantamax Gengar raids from 2 to 5 PM local time. Mark your calendar and coordinate with your local group.

4. Special Research and Limited Events

Niantic regularly adds Gengar as a reward in event research tasks and limited-time encounters. Keep an eye on the in-game News tab and community hubs like The Silph Road and the Pokemon GO subreddit for real-time updates.

Trading Gengar: Stardust Costs

Trading is a solid option if you already have a friend with a spare Gengar or Haunter. Higher friendship levels cut Stardust costs dramatically.

Pro Tip: Trade a Haunter instead of a Gengar whenever possible. You save Stardust, and your friend can still evolve it for free after the trade.

Build friendship for several days before trading to drop into the Ultra or Best Friends tier. It saves thousands of Stardust.

Shiny Gengar: Is It Available?

Yes, shiny Gengar is available in Pokemon GO. Here are the odds:

• Raids: approximately 1 in 20
• Wild encounters: approximately 1 in 500

Shiny Gengar looks nearly identical to the standard form in its base version. The real payoff comes with Shiny Mega Gengar, which turns completely white and stands out in any raid lobby. Prioritize raids if you want to chase the shiny efficiently.

Mega Gengar and Gigantamax Gengar

Mega Gengar

Mega Evolving Gengar costs 200 Mega Gengar Energy. You earn this energy by defeating Mega Gengar in Mega Raids. Mega Gengar boosts Ghost and Poison-type moves for every trainer in the raid, making it a valuable asset during large raid groups.

Gigantamax Gengar

Defeat and catch the Gigantamax Gengar raid boss in a six-star Max Battle at a Power Spot. Once you catch it, you can toggle between Gengar and its Gigantamax form at any time.

Gengar Stats in Pokemon GO

Gengar hits hard but folds quickly. Think of it as a glass cannon. It works best when you drop it into a matchup where it can fire off charge moves fast.

Best Gengar Moveset in Pokemon GO

All Available Moves

Fast Attacks:

• Shadow Claw (Ghost)
• Hex (Ghost)
• Lick (Ghost) Legacy

Charged Attacks:

• Shadow Ball (Ghost)
• Sludge Bomb (Poison)
• Sludge Wave (Poison)
• Dark Pulse (Dark)
• Focus Blast (Fighting) Legacy

Moves marked as Legacy are only obtainable during special events or by using an Elite TM.

Best Moveset

Shadow Claw generates energy fast, and Shadow Ball hits Ghost-type targets for massive damage. Add Sludge Bomb as a second charged move in PvP to keep opponents guessing on shields.

Is Gengar Worth It in Pokemon GO Raids?

Yes. Gengar sits among the top Ghost-type attackers in the game and performs well in both raids and certain PvP formats. Its low Defense means you need to play it carefully, but its damage output justifies the investment.

Power it up if you plan to use it in raid groups where Ghost-type moves deal super-effective damage, or in PvP formats where its typing gives you a coverage advantage. Play Now!

FAQs: Gengar in Pokemon GO