Gengar Guide: Builds and Best Items | Pokemon UNITE

The best guide on how to play Gengar in Pokemon UNITE for Nintendo Switch and Mobile. Check here for the best builds, Held and Battle items, movesets, as well as the latest nerfs, buffs, counters, matchups, and more!

Gengar Latest Nerfs & Buffs (03/14)

March 14 Update (Version 1.4.1.7)

Gengar Move Changes (3/14)
Gengar	Standard Attack • Boosted Attack damage increased from 731 to 859 (+18%)
	Increased Sp Atk. Scaling Per Level • With Gengars's Sp. Atk. Stat values increased per level, its moves now scale in damage when leveling up.
Move	Pre-Patch Damage (Final)	Post-Patch Damage (Final)	% Increase
Will-O-Wisp	525	603	+15%
Lick	233	267	+15%
Dream Eater	2776	2864	+3%
Shadow Ball	2200	2238	+2%
Sludge Bomb	1023 (On Hit)	1054 (On Hit)	+3%
Hex	1092	1129	+3%
Phantom Ambush	2487	2566	+3%

Gengar Basic Info

Gengar
	Tier Rating: Role: Speedster Attack Type: Melee Damage Type: Special Difficulty: Expert Cost: 10000 / 575
"Gengar, a Pokémon that lurks in the shadows, is a master of surprise attacks."

Pokemon Unite Tier List

Gengar Best Lanes

Top	Jungle	Bottom

Tips & Strategies for Every Lane

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths	Weaknesses
✔︎ Status inducing moves ✔︎ Good range despite being a melee attacker ✔︎ Good damage bursts	✖︎ Fragile ✖︎ Can only shine mid to late game

Best Builds for Gengar

Gengar Builds
Sludge-Hex Build
Dream Eater Build	Lane-Scorer Build

The Best Build for Gengar is the one with the gold crown!

Sludge-Hex Build

Sludge-Hex Build
Moveset			Held Items
Sludge Bomb Hex			Wise Glasses Choice Specs Shell Bell
Battle Item
Fluffy Tail
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Sp. Atk: +102 Cooldown: -4.50%
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This build takes advantage of Gengar's near-endless Hex and Sludge Bomb combo. While classified as a Speedster, Gengar can function more as an Attacker with this build and is excellent for quickly bursting down enemies.

Wise Glasses, Choice Specs, and Shell Bell make your Hex-Sludge Bomb combo deadlier. Shell Bell also compensates for Gengar's fragility due to its healing effect.

Fluffy Tail is the best battle item for this build since you'll most likely be a jungler. X Attack can be an alternative battle item if you want more damage.

Dream Eater Build

Dream Eater Build
Moveset			Held Items
Shadow Ball Dream Eater			Wise Glasses Choice Specs Focus Band
Battle Item
Eject Button
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Sp. Atk: +78 Defense: +30 Sp. Def: +30
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This build focuses on weakening targets with Shadow Ball, then damaging and disabling them using Dream Eater.

Choice Specs and Wise Glasses are staple damage boosters for Gengar. Focus Band increases your durability via bonus defenses and gives you a survivability tool to work.

Eject Button makes up for the reduced mobility you have since the build uses Dream Eater instead of Hex. You can use it defensively or offensively.

Lane-Scorer Build

Lane-Scorer Build
Moveset			Held Items
Sludge Bomb Hex			Sp. Atk. Specs Choice Specs Score Shield
Battle Item
X Speed
Item Effects (at Level 30)
Sp. Atk: +63 HP: +450
Recommended Lane
Top Lane		Jungle		Bot Lane

This build allows Gengar to be used in lanes instead of the jungle. By default, you'll be using Sludge Bomb and Hex as your moveset. However, you can be flexible in choosing which combination of moves you want.

Sp. Atk. Specs and Choice Specs should provide ample firepower to your moves, especially when Sp. Atk. Specs is fully stacked. Score Shield helps you in stacking Sp. Atk. Specs more efficiently. However, if you're used to scoring points without the need for Score Shield, equip either Focus Band or Buddy Barrier instead, giving you durability and survivability.

X Speed is a low-cooldown mobility tool that you can use early on to sneak past enemies and score goals. However, you can also use Eject Button instead.

Gengar Best Items & Moveset

Best Held Items

Item	Explanation
Sp. Atk. Specs	Each stack of Sp. Atk. Spec's bonus increases Gengar's overall damage output. This allows the Pokemon to easily burst down its targets when it gets to combo off.
Buddy Barrier	Buddy Barrier helps Gengar stay in the fight longer as it surprises opponents with its Unite Move. Also, the bonus HP increases Gengar's survivability in the early game.
Wise Glasses	Wise Glasses drastically increases Gengar's Special Attack stat. This allows it to deal more damage when its moves hit.
Shell Bell	Shell Bell gives adds more HP recovery when its moves hit on top of Gengars innate healing.
Choice Specs	Choice Specs adds more damage for every move hit. It also increases Gengar's Special Attack stat by a decent amount.

List of Held Items

Best Battle Items

Item	Explanation
Eject Button	Eject Button gives Gengar more mobility to reach flee opponents. It also allows it to disengage in fights if it misses its combos.
Fluffy Tail	Fluffy Tail gives Gengar and edge when teams are securing Wild Pokemon and objectives.

List of Battle Items

Best Moveset

Move	Explanation
Hex	Hex gives Gengar more mobility and a chance to easily knock down its target when it gets to continously inflict status effects on it.
Sludge Bomb	Sludge Bomb is a great debilitating tool which Gengar can throw at enemies to continously slow them down and deal damage. It is usually paired with Hex so it can keep the combo online.

The lethality of Gengar's combos depends on the moves it learns. While Shadow Ball and Dream Eater do tend to do higher damage, Hex and Sludge Bomb's heavy burst and chase potential can take down even the toughest of enemies on its own. Successfully hitting an opponent when it is inflicted with a debuff will allow you to bombard them with Hex.

Which Moveset Do You Think is Best For Gengar?

Let us know why in the comments!

Previous Poll Result

How to Play Gengar

Gengar excels at chipping away at opponents from range before teleporting in to finish the job. Prioritize those positioned at the back line as much as possible to easily swing the clash to your team's favor.

Farm Wild Pokemon in Early Game

In the early stages, it is crucial to hunt down Wild Pokemon to get Gengar's more advanced moves. If you can cooperate with your friends via voice chat, then Level 5 will be sufficient enough for fights with your teammates. If you're solo, going as high as Level 7 unlocks Hex allowing Gengar to be an attacking force.

Help Lanes Push

Once you get Sludge Bomb, you may begin assisting top or bottom lanes. However, choose the lane that will give you an advantage in numbers (3 vs 2), otherwise, Gengar will fall prey to team attacks. If there is no distinct advantage, continue hunting Wild Pokemon.

Score Goals when the Opportunity Arises

If you happen to go to a lane with a numerical advantage, use that to get a quick goal once all enemies are defeated. Getting quick early goals is also a good way of earning EXP and leveling up.

Hunt Solo Targets

Once fully evolved, Gengar can begin hunting down solitary enemies and create a favorable situation for the team. At Level 13, you unlock Hex+, which allows you to burst down most enemies 1-on-1 with the Sludge Bomb-Hex combo.

Use Hex Effectively

Hex is only effectively used when the opposing Pokemon has a hindrance as it reduces Hex's cooldown. If you missed hitting Sludge Bomb or Dream Eater, don't use Hex! It would not reset Hex's cooldown, leaving you with no option but to auto attack!

Use Unite Move to Teleport to or Away from Opponent's Goal

Gengar's Unite Move makes it disappear once and when ZR is pressed again, it unleashes a ranged attack. However, Gengar's regular moves in itself has high enough power that you can let go of the Unite Move for attacking purposes.

Instead, you may use it to teleport yourself to the final goal area to score huge points especially when you have defeated Zapdos. Also, when in a pinch, you may use your Unite Move to escape difficult situations, such as making a quick escape after scoring a goal.

Progression and Leveling Guide

Top or Bottom Lane Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 6	• Secure as many Wild Pokemon as you can and get EXP. Steal camps with a ranged attack Will-O-Wisp or a pull from Lick. • Steer clear from the enemy Attackers as they can easily pressure Absol's HP from afar. Likewise, do not engage All-Rounder opponents as Gengar's damage at this point may not be able to keep up with them. • Once you learn either Sludge Bomb or Shadow Ball, you can face off against easy matchups and potentially knock them down to leave their goal zone open. Otherwise, focus on using them to farm Wild Pokemon camps to reach higher levels.
7 - 9	• Once Gengar reaches level 7, it will get to learn either Hex or Dream Eater. Depending on the move you pick at level 5, one upgrade will be more fitting for achieving maximum value. This drastically increases the Pokemon's damage output. • When the first objectives spawn, rally your teammates and initiate the fight. Because of Gengar's high burst capabilities and innate HP recovery, you will be able to solo objectives if the situation demands it. Otherwise, it is better to have teammates present. • Use Phantom Ambush to seek out isolated targets to disengage from a losing fight.
10+	• Once you reach level 10, you can face off against even matchups using your move combos. Make sure you land your moves properly as completely missing them will likely result in a loss. • The next objective spawns are much easier to contest thanks to the increase in damage output you received from move upgrades. Rally your teammates to lead the charge towards securing Drednaw or Rotom. • During the final stretch, focus on knocking down opponents instead of Zapdos.

Jungle Guide

Level	Objectives
1 - 5	• Clear the first wave of jungle camps and level up to level 5. Use Lick to disrupt the charge attack from Buff Pokemon. Then, transition to the lane that is closest to you. • Hide in the tall grass and wait for the opposing team to over-extend. Use Lick to pull the target near your side for a better chance of knocking them down. When the target dashes away, shoot them down with a Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb. When the gank fails, however, do not chase targets towards goal zones. • Help the lane secure the Vespiquen and Combee. • If the opportunity presents itself, score your accumulated Aeos Energy.
6 - 9	• Clear the second wave of jungle camps to reach level 7 and get both of your primary moveset. Once you have assembled your move combos, you can now seek out easy matchups to assassinate. • Transition back to a lane and help secure its respective objective. • Use Phantom Ambush to seek out isolated targets to disengage from a losing fight. It is also a great mobility move for quickly getting in position.
10+	• Continue farming Wild Pokemon to maintain your level advantage. While Gengar is capable of bursting down single targets, try not to get aggressive too much as opponents have, at this point, access to their move upgrades and Unite Move. • During the final stretch, focus on knocking down opponents instead of Zapdos.

Gengar Combos

Sludge Hex Burst Combo

Sludge Hex Burst Combo
► ~
Sludge Bomb ► Hex ~
This combo penalizes anyone that has Debuffs. Hex's countdown timer is reduced for every successful hit on an enemy with a Debuff. With this combo, even when Gengar is in a team without debuffing skills, it can apply the debuff on its own via Sludge Bomb. After that, hit the enemy with Hex again and again as its cooldown has been drastically reduced to the point that you can basically use it every second.

Hex Nerfed

Note that in the recent 1.1.1.4 Patch, Hex's damage has been decreased so take extra precaution when using this particular combo. Hit an opponent with Sludge Bomb then use Hex twice and then quickly get out of the way unless you are sure you can finish off the opponent.

Dream Eater Combos

Multi-Strike Combo
► ► or
Shadow Ball ► Dream Eater ► Shadow Ball or Phantom Ambush
This combo uses both debuffing skills of Gengar in a row to setup an insane damaging follow up with Phantom Ambush. This can affect two targets at once if Shadow Ball and Dream Eater hits two different targets. Otherwise, this is a severely punishing move for one target.

High-Burst Combo
► ► ► ► ►
Shadow Ball ► Dream Eater ► Shadow Ball or Phantom Ambush
This combo makes use of Gengar's boosted attack to maximize the mechanic from Dream Eater. Initiate with Dream Eater and Shadow Ball. Get in range for a boosted attack, then cast Dream Eater again to teleport you to your target, granting you another boosted attack. Perform the second boosted attack, then finish with another Shadow Ball.

Matchups & Counters for Gengar

Gengar Matchups

Matchup Notes
Hard Counter	Even Matchup	Easy Matchup
1. The chart is based on our own experience playing Gengar. 2. Pokemon within each tier are unordered 3. Any Pokemon not shown here are still under investigation.

Hard Counter With Recovery Moves

Gengar struggles with those that can interrupt its Hex-Sludge Bomb combo or those that hinder the damage it can deal.

Best Counters

Pokemon	Explanation
Blissey	Rating: ★★★★★ • Can counter Sludge Bomb and Dream Eater with Safeguard, negating all of its combos completely. • Can easily heal off damage from Gengar.
Slowbro	Rating: ★★★★ • Telekinesis instantly takes Gengar out of the fight, making it an easy target for its teammates. • Slowbro can easily tank Gengar's offense.
Wigglytuff	Rating: ★★★★ • Difficult to approach because its passive ability leaves Gengar exposed to getting knocked out by Wigglytuff and its teammates

Even Matchups for Gengar

Even matchups are always a matter of skill, luck and timing. Here are some tips to help push Gengar ahead against other Pokemon on equal footing.

Catch Off-Guard

Pokemon with High Damage but are Fragile
How to Beat
• Use Sludge Bomb-Hex combo to burst them down. • Use Phantom Ambush to get close, then finish them off with your high burst damage moves.

Avoid Direct Fights

Pokemon with High Durability
How to Beat
• Avoid fighting these Pokemon directly because they can tank Gengar's offense and have disabling moves. • Target these Pokemon when they are alone, or target more fragile Pokemon instead.

Disengage and Out Maneuver

Pokemon that can Fight Head-On
How to Beat
• Use Gengar's mobility to avoid skirmishes with these high-damage Pokemon. • Fight these Pokemon with teammates, or when they are alone and vulnerable.

Easy Matchups for Gengar

Low Defense and Mobility

Low Defense and Mobility
How to Beat
• Utilize Gengar's Sp. Atk bursts to take down these Pokemon. • Use Gengar's Hex and Phantom Ambush to pressure and knock them out.

Dodgable Moves

Dodgable Moves
How to Beat
• Use Gengar's superior mobility to dodge their high damage moves and pelt them with continuous damage.

Best Teammates for Gengar

Pokemon	Explanation
Crustle	Trap enemies with Rock Tomb
	The best counter to Gengar's amazing Sludge Bomb-Hex Combo is to escape Gengar's range. However, with Crustle's Rock Tomb, that is essentially rendered useless (save for teleporting moves and Eject Button) allowing Gengar to maximize the damage from this combo.
Pikachu	Has excellent stun moves for deadly setups
	Same thing with Crustle, Pikachu's stun moves allows Gengar to beat out the opponents before they could even attempt to escape. And with Gengar and Pikachu's insane damage output, it will almost ensure an enemy KO.
Gardevoir	Moonblast-Psyshock combo is extremely deadly
	Similar to Pikachu, Moonblast OR Fairy Singularity basically locks opponents in place, allowing Gengar to abuse its Sludge Bomb-Hex combo to its maximum output.

Looking for teammates to synergize with you? Head over to our Friend Request Board to find other trainers to join you in your grind or just to hang out with!

Friend Request Board

Gengar Moves

Move Slot 1 (R)

Will-O-Wisp (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 5s Total Damage: 167 per projectile, 62 DPS / 273 per projectile, 99 DPS
Shoots multiple sinister flames, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and leaving them burned when it hits.
Sludge Bomb (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Area Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 8s Total Damage: 390 / 1023
Hurls unsanitary sludge to the designated area, leaving opposing Pokemon poisoned when it hits. Upgrade: Increases the poison effect's duration
Shadow Ball (Lv. 5) Upgrade Lv. 11	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 4.5s Total Damage: 1032 / 2200
Hurls a shadowy blob at the target, decreasing the movement speed and Sp. Def of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits. Upgrade: Increase damage dealt by this moves

Move Slot 2 (ZR)

Lick (Lv. 1 or 3)	Move Type: Area Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7s Total Damage: 230 / 288
Attacks with the user's tongue and pulls opposing Pokemon toward the user.
Hex (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 7.5s Total Damage: 297 / 1092
Has the user disappear and move to the designated location, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. If this hits an opposing Pokemon, that is afflicted by a status condition, it deals increased damage and its cooldown is reduced. The user's next basic attack after this move becomes a boosted attack. Upgrade: Increases damage dealt by this move.
Dream Eater (Lv. 7) Upgrade Lv. 13	Move Type: Ranged Damage Type: Status Cooldown: 8s
Puts opposing Pokemon to sleep when it hits. If used again while the opposing Pokemon is asleep, the user appears behind the sleeping Pokemon and attacks, restoring the user's HP and reducing the cooldown of Will-O-Wisp, Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb. The user's next basic attack after this move becomes a boosted attack. If this move knocks out a Pokemon from the opposing team, its cooldown is reset. Upgrade: Increases the amount of damage dealt and HP restored by this move.

Unite Moves (ZL)

Phantom Ambush (Lv. 9)	Move Type: Dash Damage Type: Special Cooldown: 133s Total Damage: 50% of enemy HP / 50% of enemy HP
Has the user jump to the designated area and start sneaking with increased movement speed. If the Unite Move is used again, it deals damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect and decrease their movement speed for a short time.

Standard Attack

Standard Attack	Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, lunging at an opposing Pokemon and dealing damage.

Ability (Passive)

Levitate	All Evolution Stages When the Pokemon is not in combat, its movement speed is increased

Gengar Stats & Evolutions

Gengar Evolutions

1st Evolution	2nd Evolution	Final Evolution
Gastly (Lv. 1)	Haunter (Lv. 5)	Gengar (Lv. 9)

Gengar Stats

Level	HP	Defense	Special Defense	Attack Damage
1	3456	52	38	167
2	3510	55	40	170
3	3574	59	43	173
4	3651	63	46	177
5	3931	79	57	192
6	4043	85	62	198
7	4177	92	67	205
8	4338	101	74	213
9	4905	133	97	243
10	5136	146	106	255
11	5414	161	117	270
12	5747	179	131	288
13	6162	201	147	209
14	6625	228	166	334
15	7200	260	189	364

Attack Damage is the damage of the Basic Attack as tested against the Training Dummy.

Gengar In-Game Stats Listing

Offense	Endurance	Mobility	Scoring	Support

Gengar Skins (Holowear)

Holowear
Space Style Event: Season 2 Battle Pass	Masked Style Zirco Trading: 1200
Reporter Style Zirco Trading: 400	Theater Style Event: UNITE in the Spotlight

All Pokemon Skins (Holowear)

Pokemon UNITE Related Guides

List of All Pokemon

All Pokemon Guides and Builds

Best Build for Each Pokemon

Pokemon Roster
Absol	Aegislash	Alolan Ninetales	Azumarill
Blastoise	Blissey	Charizard	Cinderace
Cramorant	Crustle	Decidueye	Delphox
Dragonite	Duraludon	Eldegoss	Espeon
Garchomp	Gardevoir	Gengar	Greedent
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Machamp
Mamoswine	Mr. Mime	Pikachu	Slowbro
Snorlax	Sylveon	Talonflame	Trevenant
Tsareena	Venusaur	Wigglytuff	Zeraora
Upcoming Pokemon
No new CONFIRMED Pokemon

Top 5 Master Rank Picks & Win Rate

All data is based on Season 04 Master Rank Top 100. Last Updated: June 14, 2022

Pokemon	Tier	Most Played %	Average Win %
Hoopa		24%	73.4%
Lucario		16%	72.8%
Blissey		12%	80.8%
Greninja		12%	74.8%
Tsareena		4%	71%

Top Picked Pokemon Per Role

Attacker	Supporter	All- Rounder	Defender	Speedster
Greninja	Hoopa	Lucario	Greedent	Talonflame

Master Rank: Top Ranked Win Rates

Pokemon by Role

All Pokemon Roles
Attackers		All-Rounders		Defenders
Speedsters			Supporters

Pokemon by Characteristics

Attack Type
Melee Pokemon	Ranged Pokemon
Physical Pokemon	Special Pokemon
Stat Rankings
HP Ranking	Defense Ranking
Sp. Def. Ranking	Basic Attack Ranking