Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon, is a fan favorite known for its spooky design and powerful Ghost/Poison typing. Getting your hands on this elusive Pokémon in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond requires a bit of effort, but it's definitely worth it! This guide will walk you through the steps needed to add Gengar to your team.
Evolving Haunter: The Key to Obtaining Gengar
Unlike some Pokémon that evolve through leveling up, Haunter requires a specific item to evolve into Gengar. This is the critical step many players miss. You cannot simply level up Haunter to obtain Gengar. You need a trade evolution.
Acquiring Haunter
First, you need to obtain Haunter. This Ghost-type Pokémon is found in several locations within the game:
- Mt. Coronet: Explore the deeper parts of Mt. Coronet. This is a challenging area, so make sure your team is adequately leveled.
- The Underground: Haunter can be found while exploring the Underground's various areas. Remember to bring your digging tools!
- Trading: You can always trade with other players to acquire a Haunter. This is a convenient method if you are struggling to find one yourself.
The Trading Evolution
Once you've caught a Haunter, you need to trade it to another player. After the trade is complete, Haunter will evolve into Gengar. You can then immediately trade it back to complete the process!
Trading Methods
There are several ways to trade:
- Local Wireless Trading: If you have a friend with a copy of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, this is the most straightforward option.
- Nintendo Switch Online: If you're connected to Nintendo Switch Online, you can utilize the online trading feature to find other players to trade with.
Alternative Methods (If you can't trade)
If for some reason you can't trade, your only remaining option is to play through the post-game and attempt to encounter a wild Gengar. This is much more challenging and relies on luck, making the trading method far more reliable.
Strategies for a Stronger Gengar
Once you've successfully obtained your Gengar, focus on boosting its stats and moveset. Gengar excels in special attacks, so focus on moves that leverage its high Special Attack. Consider teaching it moves like:
- Shadow Ball: A powerful Ghost-type move.
- Sludge Bomb: A strong Poison-type move.
- Focus Blast: A Fighting-type move for coverage against Dark and Steel types.
- Psychic: Another strong special move offering extra type coverage.
Remember to utilize TMs (Technical Machines) and HMs (Hidden Machines) to learn new attacks.
Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Gengar!
Following these steps, you'll successfully add the powerful Gengar to your Pokémon Brilliant Diamond team. Happy training! Remember to explore the many areas and utilize the trading feature; it's integral to obtaining some of the game's rarer Pokémon. Good luck and have fun catching 'em all!
