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Gengar(JP) is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a dual-type Ghost/Poison Pokémon that made its first appearance in the first generation games Red and Blue. It evolves from Haunter when traded or when exposed to a Linking Cord (LA).
Gengar has two other forms. A Mega Evolution using the Gengarite and a Gigantamax form.
Physiology and Behaviour[]
Gengar is a dark purple, bipedal Pokémon with a roundish body. It has red eyes, a wide mouth that is usually curled into a sinister grin, and pointed ears. On its back are numerous spikes and it has smaller spikes on top of its head similar to tufty fur. Its arms and legs are short with three digits on both its hands and feet. It also has a stubby tail.
Gengar has the ability to hide perfectly in the shadow of any object, granting it exceptional stealth. However, Gengar's body acts as a heat sink. Its presence cools the temperature of the surrounding area by nearly 10°F (5°C), because it absorbs the warmth. The anime has shown that Gengar can fly, possess people and other Pokémon, and extend its tongue by several meters. In Generation I, Night Shade was its signature move.
Gengar is very mischievous, and at times, malicious. It enjoys playing practical jokes and casting curses, such as pretending to be one's shadow, then behaving erratically. When the quarry notices, the Gengar takes delight in its victim's terror. However, Gengar has been known to be loyal to a Trainer who treats it well. Being the result of an evolution via trading, Gengar is rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in caves and dark places where shadows form. It is especially fond of urban areas such as cities and back alleys, but only during the night.
Mega Gengar[]
As Mega Gengar, it has a hot pink smoke around it, and it has a 3rd yellow eye, its hands are buried in the ground, it also got more spikes in its back and tail. The spikes on Mega Gengar's back are more numerous and pointed, and additional spikes appear on its hands and tail. Its ears are now considerably longer and tilt backward.
Mega Gengar has the ability to access other dimensions and has a vicious nature. Mega Gengar has no interest in opponents unless perceived as prey. Its relationships are warped due to Mega Evolution. It now desires to take and curse the life of anyone or anything in its path; it may even curse its own Trainer. Mega Gengar sinks into another dimension to wait for a chance to attack.
Gigantamax Gengar[]
As Gigantamax Gengar, it becomes larger, with portions of its body sinking into the ground, and only the head, tail, and arms remain. Its body changes from dark-purple to light-purple and its eyes become white with yellow sclera. The inside of its mouth changes to resemble a tunnel with a long purple tongue sticking out. Three red clouds surround the top of Gengar's head.
Gigantamax Gengar's mouth is rumored to not lead into its body. Due to the cursed energy, it is believed to instead lead into the afterlife. By laying a trap, it attempts to steal the lives of those it captures. Should someone stand near its mouth, they can hear the voices of their loved ones calling out to them.
Appearances[]
Main Pokémon games[]
Gengar fought Nidorino at the intro of Pokémon Red and Blue and their remakes, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Other Pokémon games[]
Pokémon Pinball: A Gengar appears in a bonus stage accessible from the Red Table. Once the player has knocked out the three Gastly and the pair of Haunter, a Gengar then appears and must be defeated to win.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team: Gengar is the leader of Team Meanies. While often accompanied by Ekans and Medicham, Gengar will often act alone and spends much of the game causing trouble, even convincing the village to exile the hero, blaming them for the natural disasters. However, it is later revealed that he is the cursed human. After Rayquaza destroys the star heading for the world, Gengar will post a request, asking to visit Ninetales in the hopes of bringing back Gardevoir. While she is rescued, she has no recollection of her times with her trainer, but Gengar is still satisfied to see her safe and leaves. In the anime special, they are the main antagonists.
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Gengar appears as a recruitable character and asks the player to deliver a letter to Banette. As he is connected to Team Charm's Gardevoir, it is implied that he is the same aforementioned Gengar from Red and Blue Rescue Team, and that Team Charm's Gardevoir is the same one.
Super Smash Bros. series[]
Gengar appears as a Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Trophy descriptions[]
Pokkén Tournament[]
Gengar is a character for Pokkén Tournament.
In the anime[]
Ash Ketchum owned a Gengar.
Two Gengar appeared in the Pokétoon short Help! I've Turned into a Gengar; one of them being a girl named Hilary who turned into a Gengar.
Gengar is a featured Pokémon in the music video for the song Ghost Dive, performed by Polkadot Stingray.
Origin and inspiration[]
Gengar seems to be based on general cartoonish ghosts, cats, or the Cheshire Cat, and possibly on a distorted shadow of a human being as well, like shadow people. Due to its horn-like ears, teeth, ability to float in the air, and dark nature, Gengar may also be based on the oni. Oni sometimes have a third eye in the center of their forehead, which could be the basis for Mega Gengar.
Gengar and Gangar may be derived from Doppelgänger (ghostly double of a living person). It may also involve 幻 gen (phantasm).
In-game information[]
Pokédex entries[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| First Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Red and Blue | Under a full moon, this Pokémon likes to mimic the shadows of people and laugh at their fright. |
| Pokémon Yellow | A Gengar is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you. |
| Pokémon Stadium | Appears to attack people who get lost in the mountains. Said to be the culprit behind shadows that laugh in the moonlight. |
| Second Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Gold | It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared. |
| Pokémon Silver | To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. |
| Pokémon Crystal | Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake. |
| Pokémon Stadium 2 | It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared. |
| Third Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Ruby | Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. |
| Pokémon Sapphire | Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. |
| Pokémon Emerald | Deep in the night, your shadow cast by a streetlight may suddenly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. |
| Pokémon FireRed | It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains. |
| Pokémon LeafGreen | On the night of the full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing. |
| Fourth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Diamond | It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees F. |
| Pokémon Pearl | Lurking in the shadowy corners of rooms, it awaits chances to steal its prey's life force. |
| Pokémon Platinum | The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. |
| Pokémon HeartGold | It steals heat from its surroundings. If you feel a sudden chill, it is certain that a Gengar appeared. |
| Pokémon SoulSilver | To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey's shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. |
| Fifth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Black | The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. |
| Pokémon White | The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. |
| Pokémon Black 2 | The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. |
| Pokémon White 2 | The leer that floats in darkness belongs to a Gengar delighting in casting curses on people. |
| Sixth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon X | It hides in shadows. It is said that if Gengar is hiding, it cools the area by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Pokémon Y | Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake. |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby | Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. |
| Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Sometimes, on a dark night, your shadow thrown by a streetlight will suddenly and startlingly overtake you. It is actually a Gengar running past you, pretending to be your shadow. |
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | Should you feel yourself attacked by a sudden chill, it is evidence of an approaching Gengar. There is no escaping it. Give up. |
| Pokémon Moon | It apparently wishes for a traveling companion. Since it was once human itself, it tries to create one by taking the lives of other humans. |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | You can hear tales told all over the world about how Gengar will pay a visit to children who are naughty. |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | Even your home isn't safe. Gengar will lurk in whatever dark corner of a room it can find and wait for its chance to catch its prey. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu |
A Gengar is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Eevee |
A Gengar is close by if you feel a sudden chill. It may be trying to lay a curse on you. |
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing. |
| Pokémon Shield | It is said to emerge from darkness to steal the lives of those who become lost in mountains. |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond | It hides in shadows. It is said that in rooms where Gengar is hiding, the temperature drops by nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Pokémon Shining Pearl | Lurking in the shadowy corners of rooms, it awaits chances to steal its prey's life-force. |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | Possesses potential victims' shadows in an effort to steal away the victims' lives. If your shadow begins to laugh, you must take hold of a protective charm posthaste! |
| Ninth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Scarlet | To steal the life of its target, it slips into the prey’s shadow and silently waits for an opportunity. |
| Pokémon Violet | Hiding in people's shadows at night, it absorbs their heat. The chill it causes makes the victims shake. |
Mega Gengar[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| Seventh Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sun | Gengar's relationships are warped. It has no interest in opponents unless it perceives them as prey. |
| Pokémon Moon | The energy of Mega Evolution awakened it. It sinks into another dimension, where it keeps a patient watch for its chance to attack. |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun | It tries to take the lives of anyone and everyone. It will even try to curse the Trainer who is its master! |
| Pokémon Ultra Moon | Mega Evolution has made it possible for Gengar to access other dimensions. Its entire body is brimming with strange power. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu |
It can pass through other dimensions and can appear anywhere. It caused a stir one time when it stuck just one leg out of a wall. |
| Pokémon Let's Go Eevee |
It can pass through other dimensions and can appear anywhere. It caused a stir one time when it stuck just one leg out of a wall. |
Gigantamax Gengar[]
| Title | Entry |
|---|---|
| Eighth Pokémon generation | |
| Pokémon Sword | Rumor has it that its gigantic mouth leads not into its body, filled with cursed energy, but instead directly to the afterlife. |
| Pokémon Shield | It lays traps, hoping to steal the lives of those it catches. If you stand in front of its mouth, you'll hear your loved ones' voices calling out to you. |
Game locations[]
| Title | Location(s) | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Red and Blue | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Yellow | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Second Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Gold | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Silver | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Crystal | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Ruby | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon FireRed | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon LeafGreen | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fourth Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Diamond | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Pearl | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Platinum | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon HeartGold | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon SoulSilver | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fifth Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Black | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon White | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sixth Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Y | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seventh Pokémon generation | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Sun | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pokémon Moon | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Evolution[]
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Form Changes[]
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Mega Form | ||
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Gigantamax Form | ||
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Base Stats[]
Normal[]
| HP | 60 |
| Attack | 65 |
| Defense | 60 |
| Sp. Attack | 130 |
| Sp. Defense | 75 |
| Speed | 110 |
| Total | 500 |
Mega[]
| HP | 60 |
| Attack | 65 |
| Defense | 80 |
| Sp. Attack | 170 |
| Sp. Defense | 95 |
| Speed | 130 |
| Total | 600 |
Moveset[]
Gallery[]
| Main article: Gengar/gallery |
Sprites[]
Trivia[]
- The Gengar family are the first Ghost-type Pokémon in the series.
- Despite Gengar and its evolutionary relatives all being part Poison-type, none of them were able to learn any Poison-type moves by leveling up until Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
- Gengar is Ken Sugimori's favorite Pokémon. The reason for this is because he finds that Gengar is the easiest Pokémon to draw.
- Gengar is the only Pokémon capable of Gigantamax and Mega Evolution that is not a First partner Pokémon in the Kanto region.
- Gengar is the only Ghost-type to have a Gigantamax form.
- When Gengar Gigantamaxes, it doesn't grow on screen. Instead, it pops out of the ground.
- Gengar is tied with Snorlax for the most anime Pokédex entries, with a total of 7.
External links[]
- Gengar at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Gengar at Pokémon Wiki, the Fandom wiki on Pokémon.
- Gengar (Pokémon) at Bulbapedia, the Pokémon wiki.