Evolve Haunter into Gengar in Pokmon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, how to

Gengar is one of the Pokémon franchise’s most beloved creatures and it’s back in the Sinnoh remakes.

First Published December 7, 2021, 19:45

Since the original Pokémon Red and Blue came out in the late 90s, Gengar has been perhaps the most beloved Ghost-types in the entire franchise. It makes an appearance in pretty much every Pokémon game to date and that includes the new Sinnoh remakes of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. 

The one issue with Gengar is that it’s always been nearly impossible to acquire if players don’t have some outside help. The method to evolve Gengar hasn’t changed in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl but newer players might need some inside info on how to evolve it from a Haunter. 

Evolving Haunter to Gengar in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

The first thing players need to do is find a Haunter. This can be done in the Grand Underground or by evolving Gastly, which is also found in the Grand Underground. You can also look in the Lost Tower just before Solaceon Town. Although, perhaps the easiest way to acquire Haunter is by trading with an NPC in Snowpoint City. The NPC wants a Medicham in exchange, which is found in the grass just west of the city. 

Once you have your Haunter, the only way to evolve it into Gengar is by trading it. This requires you to have an extra Nintendo Switch and another copy of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl or a friend that’s willing to help you out. Gengar’s evolution method has never changed in the Pokémon franchise. 

You might ask why the Haunter wouldn’t evolve from the NPC trade in Snowpoint City, though. That’s because that Haunter, named Gaspar, is holding an Everstone, which prevents all evolutions. It’s a cruel trick that was implemented in the original Diamond and Pearl in 2007. 

Be sure to check out and follow our section dedicated to the Pokémon franchise to get the latest news, guides, leaks, update announcements and more about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

Featured image courtesy of Nintendo/The Pokémon Company.

Written by Joseph Carr

Joey Carr is a full-time writer for multiple esports and gaming websites. He has 6+ years of experience covering esports and traditional sporting events, including DreamHack Atlanta, Call of Duty Championships 2017, and Super Bowl 53.

Follow me on:  

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLXNsWWtrl%2Bau3C8zqScpqeeZLK3u8uvnGagkaq7tbHRZqCnrJ9itKa6xpqpZqGeYr2wt8Smpqdlkqe2rbjImqWtZZSerq67zZ1kmqaUYsCptc2ipaBloJqus7iMoaawZaSk