If you’re playing Pokémon Legends: Z-A and want to capture one of the most iconic Ghost-type Pokémon ever—Gengar (often referred to as Zengar)—you’ve come to the right place. Gengar is a classic powerhouse with incredible Special Attack and Speed stats, and in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it returns with some exciting new ways to catch and evolve it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from where to find Gengar, how to evolve it from Gastly or Haunter, and how to trigger Alpha Gengar spawns, to using Mega Evolution through Gengarite. Whether you’re a collector or a competitive trainer, this walkthrough will help you add this mischievous ghost to your team quickly.
💀 About Gengar (Zengar) in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Known to fans as the “Shadow Pokémon,” Gengar is a Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon with a legacy dating back to Generation I. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it retains its eerie charm, sinister grin, and battle prowess—yet with updated mechanics that fit the game’s new open-world and mission-based format.
Sometimes referred to as Zengar in the game’s fan discussions, this Pokémon can appear as both a wild Alpha encounter and a story mission Pokémon, making it one of the more flexible catches in the Legends: Z-A universe.
⚡ Key Gengar Stats
| Attribute | Base Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Ghost / Poison |
| HP | 60 |
| Attack | 65 |
| Defense | 60 |
| Special Attack | 130 |
| Special Defense | 75 |
| Speed | 110 |
These numbers make Gengar one of the most feared special attackers in Pokémon history. Its speed and attack power allow it to outspeed and destroy enemies before they can even move—a true nightmare on the battlefield.
🏙️ Gengar’s Role in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Gengar plays a key role not just as a fighter but as a story-linked Pokémon. You’ll encounter it:
- During specific missions involving haunted areas or ruins,
- As a high-level Alpha Pokémon in Wild Zone 20, and
- Potentially through side quests linked to ghostly phenomena in Lumiose City.
Its return ties into the game’s darker, more mysterious narrative elements—perfectly matching Gengar’s trickster personality.
👁️🗨️ Where to Find Gengar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Finding Gengar (Zengar) depends on how far you’ve progressed in the story. You can obtain it through three major methods—direct capture, evolution, or mission-based encounters.
Let’s break them down.
🏞️ 1. Catching Wild Gengar (Alpha Encounter)
Your most reliable method to catch Gengar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is through a wild Alpha spawn.
📍 Location: Wild Zone 20
- This zone unlocks around Main Mission 37–38, after major story progress.
- Gengar appears here as a large, glowing Alpha Pokémon, often surrounded by eerie fog or dark energy.
🎯 How to Catch Alpha Gengar
- Save your game before approaching—it’s a tough opponent.
- Sneak close using stealth sprays and crouch-walk to avoid detection.
- Use Timer Balls or Dusk Balls for a higher catch rate at night.
- If direct capture fails, battle it and lower its HP without fainting it.
- Inflict Sleep or Paralysis for best results.
If it doesn’t appear, reset the zone by leaving and re-entering or changing the time of day.
🕯️ 2. Story Mission Encounter (No Trade Needed)
If you’d rather get Gengar earlier without relying on Wild Zones, there’s a special main story encounter where Gengar appears naturally.
🗺️ Mission: “A Request From The Rust Syndicate” (Main Mission 20)
During this mission, you’ll explore a haunted or abandoned building. Inside, a Gengar appears as part of the storyline, giving you a one-time opportunity to catch it without trading or evolving.
Make sure to save your progress before this encounter, as it may flee or faint if you’re not careful.
This is the fastest way to get Gengar early in the game.
🪦 3. The Traditional Evolution Path
If you enjoy classic Pokémon evolution mechanics, you can also get Gengar the old-fashioned way—starting with Gastly.
Step 1: Catch Gastly
- Found in Wild Zone 4 (Cemetery Area).
- Appears primarily at night.
- Commonly found floating above gravestones or in misty patches.
Step 2: Evolve to Haunter
- Level up Gastly to Level 25.
- You’ll now have Haunter, Gengar’s middle form.
Step 3: Evolve Haunter into Gengar
Traditionally, Haunter evolves into Gengar when traded.
- Trade your Haunter with another player.
- As soon as the trade completes, Haunter will instantly evolve into Gengar.
- Ask your trading partner to trade it back so you can add Gengar to your team.
This method requires communication but ensures you get a guaranteed Gengar without depending on RNG (random spawn rates).
💎 Mega Gengar and the Gengarite Stone
One of the coolest features in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the return of Mega Evolution, and yes—Gengar can Mega Evolve!
🔮 How to Unlock Mega Gengar
- Obtain a Gengarite Stone.
- Can be purchased in Lumiose City shops once you’ve reached certain story progress.
- Sometimes offered as a reward for high-tier battles or missions.
- Equip your Gengar with the Gengarite.
- Activate Mega Evolution during battle to transform into Mega Gengar.
🧬 Mega Gengar Stats Boost
| Stat | Base | Mega Gengar |
|---|---|---|
| HP | 60 | 60 |
| Attack | 65 | 65 |
| Defense | 60 | 80 |
| Special Attack | 130 | 170 |
| Speed | 110 | 130 |
The form gains a massive Special Attack increase, making it one of the deadliest sweepers in the game.
🧠 Best Moveset for Gengar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Once you’ve caught or evolved your Gengar, it’s time to build it into a true battle monster.
🪞 Recommended Moveset
| Move | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow Ball | Ghost | High damage special move, great for STAB. |
| Sludge Bomb | Poison | Covers Fairy and Grass types efficiently. |
| Thunderbolt | Electric | Excellent for Flying or Water-type opponents. |
| Dazzling Gleam | Fairy | Great coverage against Dragon and Dark types. |
Optional moves include Destiny Bond, Hypnosis, or Focus Blast if you prefer strategic or mixed sets.
🧩 Tips for Catching and Training Gengar
- Save Often – Wild Alpha Gengar can easily knock out your party; saving before engagement prevents losses.
- Use Ghost or Dark Resistance Pokémon – Bring Pokémon resistant to Ghost moves, like Umbreon or Tyranitar.
- Battle at Night – Gengar’s catch rate improves in darker conditions with Dusk Balls.
- Boost Friendship Before Trading – Ensures smoother evolution if you’re using the trade method.
- Train Gengar’s Speed and Special Attack EVs – To maximize its sweeping potential in battles.
🌌 Gengar’s Role in Story and Lore
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Gengar isn’t just a battle Pokémon—it’s tied deeply to the lore. Known for its mischievous grin and shadowy movements, Gengar often appears during events involving mystery, fear, or supernatural energy.
Rumor within the in-game dialogue suggests that certain “haunted ruins” may be home to special Gengar encounters or side quests, adding another layer to its ghostly mystique.
Its design and storyline symbolize the “duality” between light and shadow—a recurring theme in the Z-A storyline.
🕹️ Summary: Best Ways to Get Gengar in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Here’s a quick recap of all your methods to add Gengar to your team:
| Method | Location / Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Gengar Encounter | Wild Zone 20 | High-level, rare spawn; save before engaging. |
| Story Mission Capture | “A Request from the Rust Syndicate” | Guaranteed encounter during mission. |
| Traditional Evolution | Catch Gastly → Level 25 → Trade Haunter | Classic method; requires trading partner. |
| Mega Evolution | Lumiose City (Gengarite Stone) | Unlocks late-game Mega Gengar. |
Each path offers a unique gameplay experience—so whether you prefer battling Alphas or trading with friends, there’s a route for you.
🎇 Why You Should Add Gengar to Your Team
- Incredible Speed & Special Attack – Perfect for quick eliminations.
- Versatile Move Pool – Counters multiple Pokémon types.
- Mega Evolution Potential – Becomes nearly unstoppable with Gengarite.
- Classic Fan Favorite – Gengar remains one of the most beloved Pokémon across generations.
Whether you’re playing competitively or casually, having Gengar in your team adds both power and personality to your adventure.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Catching Gengar (Zengar) in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is one of the most exciting challenges the game offers. From haunting city cafés to lurking in eerie Wild Zones, Gengar brings an unmatched thrill to every trainer’s journey.
To recap:
- You can catch Gengar as an Alpha Pokémon in Wild Zone 20,
- Encounter it during Main Mission 20, or
- Evolve it traditionally via Gastly and Haunter with a trade.
Once caught, train it well, unlock its Mega Evolution, and dominate the battlefield with its ghostly might.
Gengar is more than just another Pokémon—it’s a legacy of shadow, mischief, and raw magical power.
So grab your Timer Balls, prepare your stealth, and embark on your hunt for Zengar—the Ghost King of Lumiose!