Gengar Build: Best Items & Moveset Guide | Pokemon UNITE

Gengar is a playable character in Pokemon Unite (Pokemon MOBA). Guide features Gengar's stats, best items, Gastly, Haunter, moveset, unite move, build & more!

Gengar Buffs, Nerfs, & Changes

Gengar Move Changes (September 28)

Move / Stat	Changes
Hex	Changes - Range decreased.

Gengar Move Changes (March 14)

Move / Stat	Changes
Basic Attack	Changes - Damage dealt to opposing Pokemon increased

Patch Notes: Balance Patch (March 14)

Gengar Move Changes (January 20)

Move / Stat	Changes
Shadow Ball	Changes - Level learned changed to Lv7 Shadow Bomb+ - Level learned changed to Lv13
Sludge Bomb	Changes - Level learned changed to Lv7 Sludge Bomb+ - Level learned changed to Lv13
Dream Eater	Changes - Level learned changed to Lv5 - KO-ing the Enemy Pokemon will now increase the cooldown time Dream Eater+ - Level learned changed to Lv11
Hex	Changes - Level learned changed to Lv5 - Damage has been decreased Hex+ - Level learned changed to Lv11

Patch Notes: Balance Patch (January 20)

Gengar Move Changes (December 9)

Move / Stat	Changes
Phantom Ambush	- Bug fix on Sneak effect.

Gengar received a minor bug fix on the December 9th Update wherein the stealth effects of its Unite Move have been fixed.

Patch Notes: Balance Patch (December 9)

Gengar Move Changes (October 20th)

Move / Stat	Changes
Stats	- After reaching level 5, Gengar heals HP when dealing Sp. Atk damage to enemies.

Gengar has received some adjustments on the Oct 20th Patch, featuring a new self-heal mechanic. It now heals HP once a Sp. Atk Move deals damage to an enemy. This is a nice boost to Gengar's overall sustain.

Comparison Of Old & New Self-Heal Mechanic Changes

↑ A comparison of Gengar, pre- and post-patch. Note the slight heal added on its moves.

Gengar Move Changes (September 22nd)

Move / Stat	Changes
Lick	- Fixed a bug when pulling the opposing Pokemon. - Fixed a bug related to the move's timing.

There was a minor fix to Gengar's Lick move during the September 22nd Patch. Though a slight change, it's possible this could help Gengar level up during the early stage of the match.

Changes In August Update

Move	Changes
Shadow Ball	- Damage dealt to opposing Pokémon increased. (About 27%)
Hex	- Damage dealt to opposing Pokemon decreased. (About -16%) - Window of invincibility on use decreased
Dream Eater	Speed of the move increased.

Gengar received a few adjustments to its moves in this past patch. Shadow Ball damage was increased roughly 27%, while Dream Eater saw a slight speed increase. The most significant nerf was to Hex, with a slight drop to damage.

Gengar Overview

Gengar Stats

Offense	(7)
Endurance	(4)
Mobility	(8)
Scoring	(6)
Support	(1)
Total	26

HP, Defense, & Sp. Defense

※ Listed stat values are at level 15

Gengar Evolution

First ↓	Gastly
Second (Lv. 5) ↓	Haunter
Final (Lv. 9)	Gengar

Gengar Best Builds

Share with us a build that you’re proud of with the form below! The build you share here may be featured on our website! (It will of course be properly attributed to you.)

Overview Of Builds

※ Click or tap to swap between different builds

Lane
Middle
Moves
Lv. 5	Sludge Bomb Hurls unsanitary sludge to the designated area, leaving opposing Pokemon poisoned when it hits. Cooldown: 8 seconds
Lv. 7	Hex Has the user disappear and then reappear at the designated location, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. If this hits an opposing Pokemon that is poisoned, it deals increased damage and its cooldown is reduced. Cooldown: 7.5 seconds
Held Items
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Wise Glasses	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases Sp. Atk by 3%
Sp. Atk Specs	・Sp. Atk +0.8 (+24) When the Pokemon scores a goal, its Sp. Atk is increased by 8.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 55s)

Sludge Bomb/Hex Combo Is Strong

Hex deals more damage to Pokemon that have a status condition, so Sludge Bomb's poison works to trigger this. After this, your Hex will have a 2 second cooldown, letting you pull off an incredibly strong combo.

Can Be Countered By Hiding In Grass

Gengar's devastating Hex attack can be countered by simply hiding inside the grasses scattered around the map. Gengar's Hex cannot trigger inside grasses so hiding inside them is a sure counter to Hex.

Lane
Bottom
Moves
Lv. 5	Shadow Ball Hurls a shadowy blob at the target, decreasing the movement speed and Sp. Def of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits. Cooldown: 4.5 seconds
Lv. 7	Dream Eater 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 Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb. Cooldown: 8 seconds
Held Items
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Wise Glasses	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases Sp. Atk by 3%
Buddy Barrier	・HP +20 (+600) When the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, that Pokemon and the nearby ally Pokemon with the lowest HP are each granted a shield equal to 20% of their max HP.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 55s)

Can Chase Down Enemies

With this build, Gengar can quickly dispatch escaping enemies without any trouble. Dream Eater inflicts a momentary stun to the enemy while allowing you to teleport directly beside the target at the press of a button.

Has Sustain & Good Defense

If you find yourself getting low on HP, you can use Dream Eater on Wild Pokemon to fill it up. After inflicting Sleep, press the skill's button again to trigger the teleport and the HP regeneration.\

Spam Those Skills!

This build boasts low cooldown skills that you can use most of the time. Use them to net you Wild Pokemon EXP or HP regeneration. You can also use Shadow Ball to ward off enemies while laning.

Lane
Middle
Moves
Lv. 5	Sludge Bomb Hurls unsanitary sludge to the designated area, leaving opposing Pokemon poisoned when it hits. Cooldown: 8 seconds
Lv. 7	Hex 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. Cooldown: 7.5 seconds
Held Items
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Wise Glasses	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases Sp. Atk by 3%
Score Shield	・HP +15 (+450) While Pokemon is attempting to score a goal, it is granted a shield equal to 5% of its max HP and its goals cannot be interrupted while it is shielded.
Battle Item
Eject Button	・Quickly moves your Pokemon in the designated location. (Cooldown: 70s)

Maximize Quick Cooldowns

The Sludge Bomb and Hex combo allows Gengar to rapidly and almost instantaneously deal damage. However, landing the Sludge Bomb may be a bit difficult especially against mobile enemies. Make sure to land Sludge Bomb first as it is critical to Gengar's damage output!

Lane
Bottom
Moves
Lv. 5	Shadow Ball Hurls a shadowy blob at the target, decreasing the movement speed and Sp. Def of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits. Cooldown: 4.5 seconds
Lv. 7	Hex 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. Cooldown: 7.5 seconds
Held Items
Choice Specs	・Sp. Atk +10 (+39) Increases the damage of moves by a minimum of 40 when they hit. The higher the Pokemon's Sp. Atk, the more the damage is increased.
Energy Amplifier	・Unite Move Charge Rate +0.4% (+6%) ・Move Cooldown -0.3% (-4.5%) After the Pokemon uses its Unite Move, the damage the Pokemon deals is increased by 7% for a short time.
Score Shield	・HP +15 (+450) While Pokemon is attempting to score a goal, it is granted a shield equal to 5% of its max HP and its goals cannot be interrupted while it is shielded.
Battle Item
X Attack	・Raises your Pokemon's Atk & Sp. Atk. for a short time. (Cooldown: 40s)

Shadow Ball Enemies

Gengar can emerge from the darkness and use Shadow Ball to slow down the movement speed of its unlucky targets while also lowering their Sp. Def when this move hits.

Use Hex Next

Gengar can disappear and change its location anywhere, dealing damage to anyone caught in the area of effect as it pops up. It deals increased damage to any Pokemon that is already inflicted with any status conditions. This move can also be an escape option should the situation call for it.

Which Moveset Do You Recommend?

Gengar - Basics & Advanced Tips

Gengar Basic Mechanics

This section has basic tips and tricks that you must know to effectively control Gengar. Treat this as a supplement to the Beginner's Guide.

Gengar Advanced Mechanics

This section has basic tips and tricks that you must know to effectively control Gengar. Treat this as a supplement to the Advanced Players Guide.

Gengar Strategy Guide

Gengar Strengths & Weaknesses

Recommended Lanes

The number of ★ shows the level on a particular route area.

Lane	Route Details
Top	Recommendation level: ★・・ Gastly has a weak role in the early stages and is often targeted due to its limited firepower. Getting constantly KO-ed may delay its progression and making it under-leveled compared to other Pokemon by the time it reaches level 7.
Middle	Recommendation level: ★★★ Gastly is best off focusing on jungling Wild Pokemon in the center lane to level up quickly to Gengar while also avoiding disadvantageous battles.
Bottom	Recommendation level: ★・・ Team battles often occur at the bottom lane and can get aggressive especially with battles involving Drednaw. Gastly tends to have low fighting ability until it evolves, so it is not recommended to take charge of this lane.

Gastly (Lv 1~) Strategy

Basic Game Play

The basic flow of Gengar's gameplay in battle is to use a combo that hits the opponent with moves like Sludge Bomb to add status ailments to targets accompanied by a rapid succession of Hex. Abnormal conditions given by other Pokemon are also subjected to shortening the cooldown of Hex, you can take a close look at these movements on the link below.

Pick Lick First

Although Will-O-Wisp is a great move that's easy to use as well, picking Lick first is often the better choice. This is because it has the effect of pulling foes toward you. This works wonders not only for enemies, but even for Wild Pokemon that might try to move away from you!

Prioritizing Jungle Clear

One full clear of the middle lane (jungle) will let you hit level 5. This is crucial, as it will give you access to another offensive move. It's not recommended to attempt ganking other lanes until you're at least 5!

Haunter (Lv 5~) Strategy

Offensive Skills Improve Substantially

Once you evolve into Haunter, you'll find your offensive capabilities improve significantly. You'll get two options for a powerful ranged ability that will make combat easier for you in general, allowing you to move more independently. Attempt a gank upon reaching 5, but don't overstay your welcome - go back into the jungle to get buffs as soon as you see them respawn!

Beware Of Multiple Situations

Gengar can excel at 1v1 battles but may struggle when stunned and attacked by multiple sources. Make sure not to force Gengar to fight alone if you are at a disadvantage, it's a good idea to keep applying pressure from a distance.

Adapt Your Build To The Situation At Hand

At level 5 you'll get a choice between Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball. Which one you choose will affect the direction of your build, so pick wisely. If your team is lacking in overall crowd control, try Shadow Ball. If your team needs damage more urgently, pick Sludge Bomb.

Your Moves Be Countered With Full Heal

An enemy can use the Battle Item Full Heal to remove both Sludge Bomb's and Dream Eater's status ailment. This tremendously neuters Gengar's offensive abilities, making it vulnerable to attacks.

Hex Can Help You Escape

Aside from getting you close to enemy Pokemon, Hex can be used to escape from enemy pursuers. Use this to teleport across walls or to gain significant distance from your pursuers. Take note as you must manually aim Hex to get to where you want to be.

If You Chose Sludge Bomb
Lv 7: HexDash Has the user disappear and then reappear at the designated location, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. If this hits an opposing Pokemon that is poisoned, it deals increased damage and its cooldown is reduced.
If You Chose Shadow Ball
Lv 7: Dream EaterRanged 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 Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb.

Gengar (Lv 9~) Strategy

Sludge Bomb + Hex Build

Poison enemies with Sludge Bomb and then hit them with a Hex to benefit from the extra damage. This will also reduce Hex's cooldown to 2 seconds, allowing you to use it again shortly after. Hex is a movement ability, which will allow you to catch up to fleeing enemies as well to finish them off.

TIP!	You can use Hex in quick succession to deal a massive amount of damage to your enemies. You can use it up to 4 times if done correctly. Spam it after you poison enemies with your Sludge Bomb!

Shadow Ball + Dream Eater Build

Although this build doesn't do as much damage as the Sludge Bomb/Hex one, you'll be able to play a bit safer from a distance, as well as lower the movement speed of enemies. Being able to put them to sleep and restore health can also be a great benefit for your team in some situations. Shadow Ball's cooldown will also be decreased after using Dream Eater!

Hex + Shadow Ball

When chasing out enemies use Hex to catch up with your target. This enables Gengar to disappear and move to any designated location, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon in the area of effect. Follow this with Shadow Ball which Gengar will hurl a shadowy blob at the target, decreasing the movement speed and Sp. Def of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits. Take advantage of this duration to barrage your enemies with normal and boosted attacks to take them down.

How To Use Unite Move: Phantom Ambush

Gengar's Unite Move can be used to either attack or defend. You can use it to quickly jump into the fray to assist your team or chase down enemy runners. Or you can use it to escape as it renders you invisible with increased movement speed.

Take Advantage Of Its Unite's Stealth

Phantom Ambush is also effective near the Final Stretch of the game to take advantage of the stealth condition and sneak up on the opponent's goal to score a goal.

Gengar - Timing Specific Guide

What To Do At Every Stage Of The Game

10:00~8:50

We recommend to choose Will-O-Wisp first, as its burn effect is quite useful. You can also move quickly over the wall by using the Eject Button.

8:50~7:00

On the bottom path support your allies from a distance with the Sludge Bomb. Since Gengar has low durability, avoid fighting your opponents. If you are running low on HP run back to the goal zone so you don't get KO'd.

7:00~ Until Defeating Drednaw's 1st Appearance

Use Sludge Bomb to your advantage to poison Drednaw, dealing damage over time. Then following up with Hex. You'll need to work on your timing, but this should help you secure the last hit on Drednaw!

After Defeating 1st Drednaw～End Of The Match

You can use the same method for Drednaw but make sure to go stealth mode (with your Unite Move) and target Zapdos. This should allow you to get the last hit (and hopefully thus win the game).

Gengar Counters

Pokemon Gengar Is Weak Against

Zeraora

Lucario

Absol

Alolan Ninetales

How To Play Against Gengar

Best Matchups For Gengar

Pokemon Gengar Is Strong Against

Absol

Zeraora

Eldegoss

Greninja

Best Teammates For Gengar

Slowbro

Mr. Mime

Crustle

Alolan Ninetales

Tips When Allied With Gengar

Gengar Moves & Unite Move

Basic Attack & Passive

Basic Attack
Range: Short Becomes a boosted attack with every third attack, lunging at an opposing Pokemon and dealing damage.
Passive
Levitate When the Pokemon iks not in combat, its movement speed is increased.

Level 1 or 3 Moves (Choose Order)

Will-O-Wisp Ranged Shoots multiple sinister flames, dealing damage to opposing Pokemon and leaving them burned when it hits. Cooldown: 5 seconds Damage: 357

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage	Burn x No. Of Times
1	142	54 × 3
2	154	58 × 3
3	168	63 × 3
4	184	69 × 3

Lick Area Attacks with the user's tongue and pulls opposing Pokemon toward the user. Cooldown: 7 seconds Damage: 233

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
1	196
2	213
3	233
4	254
5	313
6	341

Level 7 Moves (Choose One)

Shadow BallRanged Hurls a shadowy blob at the target, decreasing the movement speed and Sp. Def of opposing Pokemon for a short time when it hits. Cooldown: 4.5 seconds Damage: 1602

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage
5	1032
6	1085
7	1142
8	1205
9	1346
10	1421 /td>
11	1678
12	1785
13	1905
14	2042
15	2200

Sludge BombArea Hurls unsanitary sludge to the designated area, leaving opposing Pokemon poisoned when it hits. Cooldown: 8 seconds Damage: 13011

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damage of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Basic Attack	No. Of Times
5	390	10 times
6	415	10 times
7	445	10 times
8	479	10 times
9	585	10 times
10	631	10 times
11	686	12 times
12	750	12 times
13	826	12 times
14	916	12 times
15	1023	12 times

Poison Effects Based On Max HP & SP. Defense

▲Poison damage increases after Crustle uses Shell Smash

Gengar's Sludge Bomb poison effects varies with the opponents max HP & Special Defense. If your opponent have a higher Max HP & lower Sp. Defense, it will deal with higher poison damage.

Level 5 Moves (Choose One)

Dream EaterRanged 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 Shadow Ball or Sludge Bomb. The user's next basic attack after this move becomes a boosted attack. Cooldown: 8 seconds Damage: 2776

Detailed Move Damage & HP Recovered

These are the actual damages & recovery rate of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage	HP Recovered
7	1061	356
8	1143	373
9	1400	420
10	1510	442
11	1642	468
12	1797	498
13	2238	627
14	2483	673
15	2776	727

HexDash 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. Cooldown: 7.5 seconds Damage: 1371

Detailed Move Damage

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Lv	Damage	Additional Damage
7	444	888
8	480	960
9	593	1187
10	642	1284
11	700	1400
12	768	1536
13	945	1891
14	1049	2099
15	1173	2347

Unite Move (Level 9)

Phantom AmbushDash 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. Cooldown: 1 seconds Damage: 2487

Detailed Move Damage & HP Recovered

These are the actual damages of this move without any Held Items equipped.

Gengar Skins

Gengar - Space Style Gengar

Gengar - Masked Style Gengar

Gengar - Reporter Style

Other Pokemon Of The Same Role

Absol	Dodrio	Gengar	Talonflame
Zeraora	-	-	-

Pokemon Related Articles

All Playable Pokemon

List Of All Pokemon
Venusaur	Charizard	Pikachu
Machamp	Gengar	Snorlax
Lucario	Talonflame	Alolan Ninetales
Mr. Mime	Absol	Garchomp
Crustle	Cinderace	Eldegoss
Greninja	Slowbro	Wigglytuff
Cramorant	Zeraora	Gardevoir
Blissey	Blastoise	Mamoswine
Sylveon	Greedent	Decidueye
Tsareena	Dragonite	Trevenant
Aegislash	Hoopa	Duraludon
Azumarill	Espeon	Delphox
Glaceon	Tyranitar	Buzzwole
Mew	Dodrio	Scizor
Clefable	Zoroark	Sableye

Items

All Held Items
Leftovers	Muscle Band	Shell Bell
Focus Band	Score Shield	Sp. Atk Specs
Attack Weight	Aeos Cookie	Scope Lens
Exp. Share	Rocky Helmet	Assault Vest
Float Stone	Wise Glasses	Buddy Barrier
Energy Amplifier	Razor Claw	Choice Specs
Weakness Policy	-	-

List Of All Battle Items

All Battle Items
Eject Button	Potion	X-Attack
X-Speed	Full Heal	Goal-Getter
Fluffy Tail	Slow Smoke	-