Gengar Best Moveset and Build

Gengar is a very fast Special Attacking Pokemon who can turn battles in your favor. Read on to find out the best build, the best moveset, basic information, stats and recommended partners for Gengar in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP).

Gengar Best Build and Moveset

Special Attacker

Pokemon	Ability	Item	Moves
Gengar	Cursed Body	Focus Sash	・Shadow Ball ・Sludge Bomb ・Destiny Bond ・Will-O-Wisp
Nature / EVs	Timid 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Final Stats	135 HP / 80 Def / 182 SpA / 96 SpD / 178 Spe

Using Gengar

Gengar is not the most defensive Pokemon, so it is best to bring it in after a teammate has been knocked out, or as a switch-in to a Normal-type or Fighting-type move. It is also decent as a lead at the start of a match. Focus Sash is essential for Gengar to have survivability, but opting for Life Orb is another reasonable option.

Knowing what Pokemon outspeed Gengar is also important for utilizing this Pokemon effectively.
Pokemon Speed Ranking

Other Viable Moves

Gengar Basic Information

Gengar - Type

Gengar Shadow Pokemon
Type 1	Type 2

Gengar Weaknesses and Resistances

	Type
Takes 4x damage	-
Takes 2x damage
Takes 0.5x damage
Takes 1/4x damage
Takes 0x damage

Gengar Abilities

Gengar Base Stats

Gengar's Strengths and Weaknesses

Gengar's Speed

There are not too many available Pokemon that outspeed Gengar so it will get to attack first most of the time. Gengar's amazing Speed and Special Attack stats make it a very potent Special Attacker. Its speed also lets it effectively use Destiny Bond.

Gengar as a Special Sweeper

Gengar's ability to land 2HKOs on most Pokemon make it very powerful mid-late game, where it can prey on Pokemon that have already sustained damage. Its offensive presence will naturally force switches, so Entry Hazards such as Stealth Rock or Spikes help whittle down teams for Gengar to pick off.

Counter Gengar with Priority Moves

Priority Moves such as Aqua Jet, Ice Shard, and Bullet Punch give Gengar a hard time as these will let opponents attack first and 2-shot it.
These Priority Moves invalidate Destiny Bond plays.

Pokemon	Description
Tyranitar	Ranking：★★★★★ ・Resists Gengar's Offense. ・Can hit Gengar for super-effective damage and break Gengar's Focus Sash with the Sandstorm that it naturally sets up with its Sand Stream Ability.
Weavile	Ranking：★★★★★ ・Outspeeds Gengar and can hit it for super-effective with a Dark-type move. ・Has access to Ice Shard, which can finish off a Gengar with 1 HP remaining.
Scizor	Ranking：★★★★★ ・Has access to Bullet Punch, a Priority Move which can 2HKO Gengar. ・Is immune to Gengar's Sludge Bomb.
Blissey	Ranking：★★★★ ・Completely walls Gengar. Fortunately, it is slower than Gengar, so it may be susceptible to a Destiny Bond KO.

Best Natures for Gengar

What are Natures?

Best Partners for Gengar

Pokemon	Ability	Item	Moves
Tyranitar	Sand Stream	Chople Berry	・Rock Slide ・Crunch ・Stomping Tantrum ・Dragon Dance
Nature / EVs	Adamant 252 HP / 200 Atk / 20 SpD / 36 Spe
Final Stats	207 HP / 196 Atk / 130 Def / 123 SpD / 86 Spe

Tyranitar can switch into Psychic-type or Dark-type moves intended for Gengar and threaten KOs of its own. But be careful with switching Gengar back in, as the Sand from Tyranitar's Sand Stream Ability may break Gengar's Focus Sash.

Pokemon	Ability	Item	Moves
Scizor	Technician	Lum Berry	・Bullet Punch ・X-Scissor ・Swords Dance ・Roost
Nature / EVs	Adamant 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Final Stats	177 HP / 200 Atk / 120 Def / 101 SpD / 85 Spe

While not the most defensive Pokemon, Scizor can comfortably switch into a Ground-type move for Gengar if it needs to and set up its own Offense. It is also resistant to Psychic-type moves. Scizor has a positive matchup against Pokemon that threaten Gengar such as Blissey, Weavile and Tyranitar.

Pokemon BDSP Related Guides

Tier List and Movesets for Competitive Battle

Strategies for Individual Pokemon

Competitive Pokemon Builds
Gyarados	Breloom	Gliscor
Scizor	Suicune	Latios
Garchomp	Gengar	Azumarill
Hippowdon	Mamoswine	Latias
Heatran	Blaziken	Wash Rotom
Metagross	Tyranitar	Dragonite
Togekiss	Cloyster	Salamence
Cresselia