Build Gengar as a fast special attacker: Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, a long-range coverage move and a defensive or utility option. Shadow Ball is the starting Ghost projectile and evolves into Phantom Force with Reflexes. Do not use Swords Dance; since 18 October it boosts physical attack, while Gengar’s special multiplier is the one that matters. Focus Sash or Assault Vest is easier for a first clear; Choice Band or Life Orb is for a run where you already avoid hits.
Stats and role
| Stat | Value | Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Typing | Ghost / Poison | Ghost and Poison coverage; Fairy and Ground are the main defensive concerns. |
| HP | 97 | Low enough that a bad pocket can end the run. |
| Speed | 124 | Fast repositioning; use it to leave warnings, not to tank. |
| Physical multiplier | ×1.06 | Physical moves lose most of Gengar’s damage. |
| Special multiplier | ×1.42 | The number to build around. |
| Defense / Sp. Def | 60 / 75 | Fragile; a defensive item covers more than a small stat card. |
| Rarity | 4★ | Kanto banner pull. |
Gengar is a damage dealer. Its speed gives room to reposition, but 97 HP means one bad collision or overlap can end the run. Treat speed as a way to avoid damage rather than a substitute for defense.
Starting move
Gengar starts with Shadow Ball, a Ghost projectile that pierces several foes. It is a sensible default because it is already the first move, it evolves with Reflexes, and it works at range while you move.
Shadow Ball is not a universal answer. Hex deals more damage to burned, poisoned or slowed targets; Poison moves cover Fairy; Normal moves fill a slot when the Ghost/Poison pool gives no good option. The active move should match the enemies in front of you.
Core moves
| Move | Type / kind | Why it fits | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Ball | Ghost / projectile | Starting move, pierces, evolves with Reflexes. | Default main damage. |
| Nasty Plot | Normal / buff | Builds special attack, matching Gengar’s 1.42 multiplier. | Use when you can stay active without losing a damage slot. |
| Hyper Beam | Normal / charge | Long-range piercing beam for bosses and lines. | Needs a safe charge window. |
| Ominous Wind | Ghost / vortex | Pulls and damages a group; useful when the horde surrounds you. | Short range; not a boss opener. |
| Hex | Ghost / chain | Extra damage against burned, poisoned or slowed targets. | Needs a status or slow source to be worth the slot. |
| Sludge / Sludge Bomb | Poison / projectile | Poison coverage for Fairy and Grass. | Trade-off: a slower projectile than Shadow Ball. |
A current three-minute community build uses Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, Hyper Beam and Ominous Wind with a Lucky Egg. That is a valid example of the special-attacker plan, not a claim that it is the only or strongest build. The build framework explains the slot logic.
Held items
| Item | Effect | Best use | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choice Band | +40% damage, cannot switch moves | Committed Shadow Ball damage | Loses coverage switching; risky in a rift |
| Life Orb | +30% damage, each attack costs HP | Glass-cannon run with strong avoidance | Punishes long fights and low HP |
| Quick Claw | −20% cooldown on all moves | Frequent Shadow Ball or Hex casts | No raw damage or defense |
| Focus Sash | Survive a lethal hit at 1 HP every 60 seconds | First rift or boss attempt | Only saves you once per minute |
| Assault Vest | +20% damage reduction | Learning a crowded wave | No offensive bonus |
| Shell Bell | Heal from damage dealt | Sustained damage with no Leftovers | Healing depends on hitting |
For a first clear, Focus Sash or Assault Vest is easier to use than a pure damage item. Life Orb and Choice Band are for runs where you already avoid hits and want more damage. The full item table covers the other five.
Shadow Ball evolution path
- Raise Shadow Ball to level 5.
- Take the Reflexes stat card at least once in the same run.
- Select the golden evolution card when it appears. Shadow Ball becomes Phantom Force.
The evolution is not automatic just because the conditions are met. If the golden card never appears, keep the maxed Shadow Ball and use the level-up for another slot. The move evolution guide lists every move and required card.
Alternatives and conditions
Hex status plan: use Hex with a poison, burn or slow source. This is more conditional than Shadow Ball and can be worse when the target is not statused. It is a valid second build, not a universal replacement.
Poison coverage plan: use Sludge Bomb or another Poison move when Fairy and Grass enemies are the problem. Keep Shadow Ball as the main Ghost damage.
Defensive plan: keep one ranged attack, add Assault Vest or Focus Sash, and spend permanent upgrades on Vitality and Stride before Strength. This sacrifices some damage for consistency.
The gacha guide explains how to obtain Gengar from the Kanto banner. The Pokédex has the full stat block.
Common mistakes
- Swords Dance on Gengar. It boosts physical attack, while Gengar’s physical multiplier is 1.06. Use Nasty Plot for special attack.
- Filling four slots with low-level attacks. A maxed Shadow Ball plus one coverage move is stronger than four scattered moves.
- Choice Band while needing to switch. The lock can leave you without an answer to a resistant enemy.
- Life Orb at low HP. The item turns every attack into a small self-damage cost; a defensive item is safer while learning.
- Ignoring the golden card condition. Level 5 alone is not enough; the reflex card must have been taken.
If the run is failing to load or the keyboard stops responding, use the troubleshooting guide and the controls guide rather than changing the build.
Quick answers
Is Gengar available in the current version?
Yes. Gengar is a 4★ Kanto partner in the current game data. It is not a starter, so it comes from the regional gacha.
Should Gengar use Swords Dance?
No. Swords Dance boosts physical attack. Gengar is a special attacker with a 1.42 special multiplier and a 1.06 physical multiplier. Nasty Plot is the matching buff.
How does Shadow Ball evolve?
Raise it to level 5, take at least one Reflexes card in the run, and choose the golden evolution card when it appears. It becomes Phantom Force.
Which item is best for Gengar?
There is no single best item. Focus Sash or Assault Vest is easier for a first clear; Choice Band or Life Orb is for a damage-focused run; Quick Claw suits frequent casts.
Sources and scope
These sources were checked on 22 October 2026. This is source-based guidance, not a claim that the site played every route. The live game can change after an update.
- Official Pokédex data (GitHub main) — Gengar’s HP, speed, physical/special multipliers and defenses.
- PokéSurvivor official moves page — Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, Hyper Beam, Ominous Wind, Hex and their evolutions.
- PokeSurvivorGuide Gengar build — Independent build page with the Shadow Ball evolution and item trade-offs; checked 22 October 2026.
- Community Gengar build video — Three-minute build example using Shadow Ball, Nasty Plot, Hyper Beam and Ominous Wind; creator observation, not a controlled test.