Gengar, the shadowy Ghost and Poison-type Pokemon, has haunted trainers and battled their way to the top of gyms and leagues in Pokemon GO. This fan-favorite Pokemon boasts high attack power, making it a nightmare for opponents. But to unleash its full potential, trainers need to equip Gengar with the right moves. So, what exactly is the best moveset for Gengar in Pokemon GO?
Fast Moves: The Shadowy Claw or the Lingering Lick?
Gengar has two main options for its fast move: Shadow Claw and Lick.
- Shadow Claw: This Ghost-type attack deals a significant amount of damage with each swipe. It also generates a decent amount of energy, allowing Gengar to unleash its charged attacks more frequently. Shadow Claw is considered the superior choice for maximizing damage output.
- Lick: This Normal-type attack may seem like an odd choice, but it has its advantages. Lick generates energy much faster than Shadow Claw. This allows Gengar to unleash its powerful charged attacks more often, even if the individual attacks from Lick are weaker.
Choosing the Right Fast Move Depends on Your Playstyle:
- For Raw Power: If you prioritize dealing the most damage possible, pick Shadow Claw.
- For Faster Charge Attacks: If you prefer to unleash charged attacks more frequently, Lick might be the better option.
The Devastating Duo: Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb
Gengar has a variety of charged attacks to choose from, but two rise above the rest: Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb.
- Shadow Ball: This Ghost-type attack is Gengar’s bread and butter. It deals massive damage and benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), meaning it receives a power boost because it’s the same type as Gengar. Shadow Ball is a must-have for any Gengar build.
- Sludge Bomb: This Poison-type attack is another powerful option. It also benefits from STAB and deals super effective damage to Grass and Fairy-type Pokemon. Sludge Bomb offers type coverage, making Gengar more versatile in battle.
The Ideal Combination: Shadow Claw and the Shadowy Duo
While both fast moves have merits, Shadow Claw remains the top pick for most trainers due to its high damage output. When paired with Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb, Gengar becomes a powerhouse.
- Shadow Claw offers a good balance of damage and energy generation.
- Shadow Ball delivers incredible Ghost-type damage, while Sludge Bomb provides valuable type coverage.
This combination allows Gengar to take down a wide range of opponents effectively.
Alternative Charged Moves: Niche Options for Strategic Trainers
For trainers who prefer a more strategic approach, Gengar has a few other charged attack options:
- Focus Blast: This Fighting-type attack deals super effective damage against Normal-type Pokemon, which can be helpful in specific situations. However, its overall use is limited.
- Dark Pulse (Elite TM): This Dark-type attack offers decent damage and lowers the opponent’s defense. It can be a good choice for trainers who want to weaken their opponent before unleashing a powerful attack. (Elite TMs are special items used to unlock specific charged moves on Pokemon)
- Psychic (Elite TM): This Psychic-type attack deals super effective damage against Fighting and Poison-type Pokemon. However, similar to Focus Blast, its use is situational.
- Shadow Punch (Elite TM): This Ghost-type attack is a low-energy cost option that can be useful for baiting out opponent’s shields in Player vs Player (PvP) battles. (Elite TMs are special items used to unlock specific charged moves on Pokemon)
- Sludge Wave (Elite TM): This Poison-type attack is a strong alternative to Sludge Bomb, but it has a higher energy cost. (Elite TMs are special items used to unlock specific charged moves on Pokemon)
Choosing the Right Charged Moves Depends on Your Needs:
- Focus Blast and Psychic: Useful against specific Pokemon types, but overall less effective than Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb.
- Dark Pulse: Good for strategic weakening of opponents.
- Shadow Punch: Primarily for PvP battles to bait shields.
- Sludge Wave: Stronger alternative to Sludge Bomb, but requires more energy.
Making the Most of Your Gengar: Additional Tips
- IVs (Individual Values): When choosing a Gengar, look for one with high Attack IVs. This will maximize its damage output.
- Power Up: Invest in powering up your Gengar with Candy and Stardust. The higher the CP (Combat Power), the stronger it will be.
- Mega Gengar: If you have the Mega Energy, consider Mega Evolving your Gengar. Mega Gengar boasts even higher Attack and Special Attack stats, making it an absolute powerhouse. However, Mega Evolution is temporary, so use it strategically during raids, tough gym battles, or important league matches.
- Team Composition: Gengar functions well alongside Pokemon that can cover its weaknesses. Here are some examples:
- Fairy-type counters: Since Gengar is weak to Fairy-type attacks, consider pairing it with a Steel-type Pokemon like Metagross or Dialga to counter these threats.
- Shieldbreakers: Since Gengar’s charged attacks are quite strong, having a teammate like Machamp or Heracross who can break opponents’ shields can be very helpful in PvP battles.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you battle with Gengar, the better you’ll understand its strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with different move combinations and team compositions to find what works best for you.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Gengar Strategies
For trainers who want to take their Gengar mastery to the next level, here are some advanced strategies to consider:
- Understanding Breakpoints: A breakpoint is a specific Attack stat value at which Gengar’s charged attack damage increases. By strategically powering up your Gengar to reach a breakpoint, you can maximize its damage output without unnecessary investment. You can find breakpoint information through online resources dedicated to Pokemon GO.
- Fast Move Reading: In PvP battles, experienced trainers can sometimes predict which fast move their opponent’s Gengar will use. This allows them to react accordingly, potentially baiting out shields or dodging charged attacks.
- Shielding Strategically: Gengar’s charged attacks are powerful, but they also require a significant amount of energy to unleash. In PvP battles, learn to shield strategically to protect yourself from Gengar’s most devastating attacks.
Conclusion: Gengar – A Hauntingly Powerful Pokemon
Gengar is a versatile and powerful Pokemon that can excel in various battle situations in Pokemon GO. By understanding its moveset options, strategic considerations, and additional tips, you can unleash its full potential and dominate gyms, leagues, and raids. Remember, the key to mastering Gengar lies in practice, strategic thinking, and choosing the right tools for the job. So, get out there, train your Gengar, and strike fear into the hearts of your opponents!
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