gastly
Generation I · #0092 — Gas Pokémon
Gastly, the Gas Pokémon and National Pokédex entry #092, represents one of the most iconic Ghost-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. This dual-type Ghost/Poison Pokémon stands at a diminutive 1.3 meters in height and weighs a mere 0.1 kilograms, making it one of the lightest Pokémon in existence. With a base stat total of 310, Gastly's distribution heavily favors its Special Attack stat of 100, granting it formidable offensive capabilities in the special category, while its other stats remain modest at best. The Pokémon's ability, Levitate, allows it to evade ground-type moves entirely, a crucial advantage given its typings and frail defensive profile. As the first evolution in the Gastly evolutionary line, it serves as a gateway to the more powerful Haunter and the final evolution Gengar, making it a beloved staple in trainers' teams across the Kanto region and beyond.
Base Stats
Height
1.3m
Weight
0.1kg
Category
Gas Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
purple
Shape
ball
Habitat
cave
Abilities
Evades ground moves.
Gastly Biology & Physical Characteristics
Gastly's physiology is utterly alien compared to most Pokémon, as approximately 95% of its body composition consists of poisonous gas, with the remaining 5% theorized to be composed of the souls of those who perished from its toxic emissions. Despite lacking a true physical form, Gastly manifests as a spherical silhouette of deep purple haze surrounding a dark core, with a distinctive wide pink mouth featuring two prominent fangs and expressive eyes that extend beyond its body's apparent boundaries. The gaseous composition grants Gastly the ability to alter its shape and even form tangible appendages such as hands from its poisonous vapor, demonstrating remarkable control over its otherwise ethereal form. This toxic gas produces a faint, sweet aroma and possesses the capacity to induce both fainting and suffocation in those it envelops, making it dangerous despite its seemingly harmless appearance. The Pokémon's extremely light weight is a direct consequence of its gaseous nature, though this same attribute renders it vulnerable to strong winds that can disperse its body if it lacks shelter.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Gastly Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Gastly exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, making it equally viable for breeding purposes regardless of which gender a trainer possesses. The Pokémon belongs to the Amorphous egg group, a category that includes other unusual and formless Pokémon such as Grimer, Muk, and Ditto. This egg group classification allows Gastly to breed with a wide variety of other Pokémon, expanding the movepool possibilities for offspring and enabling the breeding of Gastly with compatible parents to pass down desirable moves or abilities. The species has a relatively quick hatch time of 20 cycles, translating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps before an egg produces a new Gastly. With a base happiness value of 70 and a medium-slow growth rate, Gastly represents a moderately rewarding breeding investment for trainers seeking to develop competitive specimens or build teams with specific move combinations. The balanced gender ratio ensures that trainers need not overly concern themselves with locating specific genders for breeding purposes.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
sword shield
tm04
sword shield
tm05
sword shield
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
tm06
firered leafgreen
tm06
diamond pearl
tm06
platinum
tm06
ruby sapphire
tm06
colosseum
+595 more TMs/HMs
gastly's Evolution Chain
Gastly Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Gastly represents the first stage of a three-stage evolutionary line that culminates in the formidable Gengar. At level 25, Gastly evolves into Haunter, which slightly improves upon its base stats while maintaining the same Ghost/Poison typing and Levitate ability. The evolution to Haunter marks an increase in overall bulk and special attack potential, preparing the Pokémon for more competitive engagements. The final evolution occurs when Haunter is traded to another trainer, or in more recent games when exposed to a Linking Cord, resulting in Gengar—a dramatically more powerful Pokémon with substantially higher Special Attack and Speed stats, along with improved defenses. This evolutionary chain demonstrates a clear progression from a mischievous prankster to a genuinely dangerous specter, with Gastly serving as the accessible entry point for trainers seeking to eventually obtain the mighty Gengar. The evolution mechanics involving trading emphasize the social nature of Pokémon training and have made this line particularly memorable in the franchise's history.
Where to Find
pokemon tower
kanto
+223 more
bell tower
johto
+177 more
sprout tower
johto
+53 more
johto route 31
johto
johto route 32
johto
johto route 36
johto
lost cave
kanto
+39 more
lost tower
sinnoh
+129 more
old chateau
sinnoh
+321 more
sinnoh route 209
sinnoh
eterna forest
sinnoh
turnback cave
sinnoh
+5 more
johto safari zone
johto
+1 more
memorial hill
alola
+1 more
hauoli cemetery
alola
+1 more
poke pelago
alola
+3 more
alola route 1
alola
trainers school
sinnoh
Gastly Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Gastly exhibits a notably playful personality, frequently engaging in pranks and deliberately frightening humans for entertainment rather than malice. According to various Pokédex entries and anime depictions, these Pokémon are drawn to decrepit and deserted buildings, old structures that provide perfect shelter for their gaseous forms. Ruby and Sapphire entries reveal that groups of Gastly cluster beneath the eaves of houses to escape powerful winds that could scatter their gaseous bodies across the landscape. Despite their spectral nature, Gastly demonstrates a capacity for preserving or passing on the memories of deceased humans, suggesting an emotional and spiritual dimension to their existence that transcends simple predatory behavior. These Pokémon can sneak into virtually any location due to their gaseous composition, making them both elusive in the wild and remarkably difficult to contain once captured. Their presence in such locations has led to countless ghost stories and local legends throughout the Pokémon world, though many supposed hauntings are likely nothing more than mischievous Gastly enjoying their pranks.
Pokedex Entries
Almost invisible, this gaseous POKéMON cloaks the target and puts it to sleep without notice.
Said to appear in decrepit, deserted buildings. It has no real shape as it appears to be made of a gas.
With its gas-like body, it can sneak into any place it desires. However, it can be blown away by wind.
Its thin body is made of gas. It can envelop an opponent of any size and cause suffocation.
It wraps its op ponent in its gas- like body, slowly weakening its prey by poisoning it through the skin.
GASTLY is largely composed of gaseous matter. When exposed to a strong wind, the gaseous body quickly dwindles away. Groups of this POKéMON cluster under the eaves of houses to escape the ravages of wind.
When exposed to a strong wind, a GASTLY’s gaseous body quickly dwindles away. They cluster under the eaves of houses to escape the ravages of wind.
A being that exists as a thin gas. It can topple an Indian elephant by enveloping the prey in two seconds.
Almost invisible, this gaseous POKéMON cloaks the target and puts it to sleep without notice.
This Pokémon’s body is 95% made up of gases, which are blown away by strong gusts of wind.
A Pokémon born from poison gases. It defeats even the largest foes by enveloping them in gas.
Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
With its gas-like body, it can sneak into any place it desires. However, it can be blown away by wind.
Its body is made of gas. Despite lacking substance, it can envelop an opponent of any size and cause suffocation.
Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
Its body is made of gas. Despite lacking substance, it can envelop an opponent of any size and cause suffocation.
Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
Gastly is largely composed of gaseous matter. When exposed to a strong wind, the gaseous body quickly dwindles away. Groups of this Pokémon cluster under the eaves of houses to escape the ravages of wind.
Should a strange light be seen flickering in an abandoned building, Gastly is lurking there.
It’s said that gas emanating from a graveyard was possessed by the grievances of the deceased and thus became a Pokémon.
Although Gastly is barely visible, when it’s near, a faint sweet smell lingers.
Poisonous gas comprises 95% of its body. It’s said that the remaining 5% is made up of the souls of those who died from the gas.
Said to appear in decrepit, deserted buildings. It has no real shape, as it appears to be made of a gas.
Born from gases, anyone would faint if engulfed by its gaseous body, which contains poison.
With its gas-like body, it can sneak into any place it desires. However, it can be blown away by wind.
Gaseous and completely impalpable. Also highly dangerous— inhaling part of its poisonous body will cause one to faint instantly.
Gastly Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Gastly is derived from the English word 'ghastly,' with the 'gh' sound replaced by 'gas' to reflect its gaseous composition—a clever linguistic marriage of its spectral nature and physical form. The Japanese name 'Ghos' (ゴース) similarly evokes the concept of a ghost while maintaining phonetic brevity. Visually, Gastly's design captures the essence of a classical phantom or specter, with its spherical shape and purple haze evoking imagery of smoke or fog that escapes containment. The wide grin and prominent fangs give it a mischievous, almost comedic appearance that belies its genuinely dangerous toxicity, making it approachable to younger audiences while retaining legitimate threat potential. The minimalist design—essentially a dark core surrounded by purple gas with minimal distinguishing features—allows Gastly to appear both otherworldly and somewhat endearing, contributing significantly to its enduring popularity. This design philosophy sets it apart from more elaborately detailed Pokémon and allows it to remain instantly recognizable across all media and generations.
Learnable Moves
Gastly can learn 68 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| explosion | normal | Physical | 250 | 100 | 5 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| grudge | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| haze | ice | Status | — | — | 30 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| ice punch | ice | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| lick | ghost | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| mean look | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| mega drain | grass | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| perish song | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| poison gas | poison | Status | — | 90 | 40 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psywave | psychic | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| self destruct | normal | Physical | 200 | 100 | 5 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| smog | poison | Special | 30 | 70 | 20 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Gastly Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive play, Gastly operates as a fragile but potent special attacker constrained by its abysmal base HP of 30 and weak defensive stats of 30 Defense and 35 Special Defense. Its exceptional base Special Attack of 100 combined with a respectable Speed tier of 80 makes it capable of dealing significant damage with Ghost and Poison-type moves, including moves like Shadow Ball, Sludge Bomb, and Focus Blast. The Levitate ability provides crucial protection against ground-type moves that would otherwise exploit its vulnerabilities, particularly in formats where bulky grounded threats abound. However, Gastly's extreme frailty means it functions best as a hit-and-run attacker or in faster-paced formats where it can eliminate threats before taking damage. It gains access to a diverse movepool including elemental coverage options and status moves, allowing creative trainers to construct unpredictable sets. In earlier generations and lower-tier competitive formats, Gastly remains a viable threat, though its vulnerability to stealth rock and priority moves limits its effectiveness in modern competitive environments where evolved forms like Gengar prove more reliable.
Commonly Asked Questions About Gastly
What type is Gastly?
Gastly is a ghost and poison type Pokemon.
What does Gastly evolve into?
Gastly evolves into haunter, then into gengar.
What are Gastly's weaknesses?
Gastly is weak to ground, ghost, psychic and dark type moves.
Where can I find Gastly?
Gastly can be found in pokemon tower (kanto), bell tower (johto) and sprout tower (johto) and 15 other locations.
Gastly Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Gastly holds a special place in Pokémon culture as one of the franchise's original ghost-type representatives and a fan-favorite since Generation I's debut. Its appearance in the anime episode 'The Tower of Terror' became iconic, showcasing Gastly's playful nature and establishing it as a mischievous but not inherently evil Pokémon in popular consciousness. The character has been featured prominently in numerous games, trading card sets, and merchandise, cementing its status as a recognizable symbol of the Pokémon franchise. Trainers fondly remember obtaining or evolving Gastly in their respective games, and its evolutionary line remains a rite of passage for many players seeking to complete their Pokédex. The Pokémon has inspired countless fan artworks, creative reinterpretations, and community discussions about its nature as a being composed of departed souls. Additionally, Gastly's design has influenced how other media portray digital ghosts and phantoms, with its distinctive appearance becoming synonymous with spectral Pokémon gameplay experiences and emotional storytelling about spirits and memories.
Where to Find Gastly in Every Pokémon Game
Gastly enjoys widespread availability across the main Pokémon series, though its specific encounter locations vary by generation and regional classification. In Kanto-based games including Red, Blue, and Yellow versions, as well as FireRed and LeafGreen, Gastly can be encountered in appropriate ghost-type locations early in the game, making it accessible to trainers progressing through the campaign. Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions place it with Johto dex number 0058, while subsequent generations assign it various local dex numbers depending on the region's organization scheme. The Pokémon appears in Pokémon Sword and Shield with Pokédex number 141, and maintains presence in recent titles including Scarlet and Violet. Its catch rate of 190 provides a reasonable chance of successful capture with standard Pokéballs, making it accessible to trainers of varying skill levels. Gastly can also be obtained through breeding once a Haunter or Gengar is acquired, and modern games often feature it in Pokémon Sword and Shield's wild areas or through similar expansive encounter systems. Base happiness values allow for relatively quick bonding with newly caught or hatched specimens, facilitating the development of competitive or team-building specimens for trainers seeking to utilize this classic Ghost-type Pokémon.