haunter
Generation I · #0093 — Gas Pokémon
Haunter, known as the Gas Pokémon, is a dual-type Ghost/Poison Pokémon that stands as the intermediate evolution in one of Generation I's most iconic evolutionary lines. As the National Pokédex entry #93, Haunter represents a significant step in the progression from the timid Gastly to the fearsome Gengar. This mysterious Pokémon has captivated trainers and researchers alike with its otherworldly abilities and sinister nature, earning a reputation as one of the most dangerous Ghost-type Pokémon inhabiting the Pokémon world. With a base stat total of 405 and exceptional special attack capabilities boasting 115 base power, Haunter excels in delivering devastating special moves while maintaining surprising speed with a base speed stat of 95. Its defining ability, Levitate, grants it immunity to ground-type moves, a crucial advantage that shapes its strategic role in competitive play.
Base Stats
Height
1.6m
Weight
0.1kg
Category
Gas Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
purple
Shape
arms
Habitat
cave
Abilities
Evades ground moves.
Haunter Biology & Physical Characteristics
Haunter is a remarkable gaseous Pokémon with a distinctly ethereal composition that makes it one of the lightest creatures in existence, weighing merely 0.1 kilograms despite standing 1.6 meters tall. Its body is predominantly purple with a rounded head crowned by three large, spiked protrusions flanking each side, giving it an intimidating silhouette even in darkness. The Pokémon possesses triangular eyes with small pupils and a distinctive mouth featuring a long, pink gaseous tongue that serves as its primary weapon for life-draining attacks. Most notably, Haunter has disembodied hands with three clawed fingers floating independently in front of its torso, capable of functioning at considerable distances from the main body. Its body tapers into a jagged tail that dissolves into the gaseous miasma surrounding it, and the very gases that compose its head curve inward to form pointed teeth within its mouth. This gaseous form is fundamental to Haunter's biology, allowing it to phase through solid matter, slip between dimensional barriers, and exist in states that defy conventional physical understanding.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Haunter Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Haunter exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male to 50% female, allowing for equal breeding opportunities regardless of the trainer's preference. The Pokémon belongs to the Amorphous egg group, a classification shared with other gaseous and gelatinous creatures that don't conform to typical biological structures. This egg group classification is thematically appropriate given Haunter's non-corporeal nature and its lack of clearly defined reproductive organs or biological systems. The breeding mechanics for Haunter follow standard Pokémon protocols, with eggs requiring 20 cycles to hatch, equating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel with the egg in the trainer's party. Haunter maintains a base friendship value of 70, indicating a moderate capacity for bonding with its trainer, though its naturally malevolent disposition may present psychological barriers to forming deep attachments. The medium-slow growth rate means that Haunter requires dedicated training to reach its maximum potential, rewarding trainers who invest time and effort into developing their Haunter into a powerful Gengar. Breeding strategies involving Haunter often leverage its excellent special attack inheritance and speed, making it an attractive choice for trainers seeking to produce competitively viable offspring.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
spell-tag
type-enhancement
Held: Ghost-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
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
+698 more TMs/HMs
haunter's Evolution Chain
Haunter Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Haunter occupies a crucial middle position in the Gastly evolutionary line, representing the natural progression from its pre-evolved form Gastly at level 25. This evolution marks a significant power spike in the Pokémon's development, with Haunter gaining improved stats across most categories, particularly in speed and special attack, making it a far more formidable combatant than its previous form. The transition from Haunter to its final evolution, Gengar, represents one of the most unique evolution mechanics in the entire Pokémon franchise, requiring a trade to another trainer to trigger the transformation. This trade-based evolution mechanism has been a defining characteristic since Generation I and emphasizes the social and cooperative aspects of Pokémon training, as it necessitates trust and interaction between trainers. The evolution to Gengar produces a Pokémon of significantly greater power, with improved special attack reaching 130 and overall stat totals jumping to 500, along with access to more powerful moves and competitive viability. The evolutionary line from Gastly through Haunter to Gengar represents a journey from shy, timid gas wisps to increasingly aggressive and dangerous entities, mirroring the corruption and malevolence that intensifies with each transformation.
Where to Find
pokemon tower
kanto
+63 more
kanto route 8
kanto
+4 more
rock tunnel
kanto
lost cave
kanto
+107 more
old chateau
sinnoh
+167 more
turnback cave
sinnoh
+73 more
johto safari zone
johto
+1 more
kalos victory road
kalos
+5 more
frost cavern
kalos
+22 more
kalos route 14
kalos
+1 more
kalos route 19
kalos
+3 more
thrifty megamart
alola
+1 more
Haunter Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Haunter is a creature of darkness that actively seeks out the shadowed places of the world, hiding in caves and other locations where light cannot penetrate. According to various Pokédex entries, in total darkness where nothing is visible, Haunter lurks with sinister intent, silently stalking its next victim with calculated patience. The Pokémon exhibits predatory behavior that is both methodical and terrifying—it will float near unsuspecting travelers and beckon them closer with an almost hypnotic allure, luring them toward their doom. Once a victim comes within range, Haunter deploys its most lethal weapon: a lick from its gaseous tongue that drains the life force from its target, inducing violent shaking that continues relentlessly until death claims the unfortunate soul. Haunter's behavior demonstrates a level of cunning and malevolence that sets it apart from many other Pokémon, as it appears to derive satisfaction from the hunt itself. The Pokémon is known to fear light and actively avoids bright environments, suggesting that its predatory nature is optimized for nighttime operations and subterranean hunting grounds. Its ability to float through walls and control its disembodied hands from considerable distances adds another layer of terror to its hunting methodology.
Pokedex Entries
Because of its ability to slip through block walls, it is said to be from an other dimension.
By licking, it saps the victim's life. It causes shaking that won't stop until the victim's demise.
In total darkness, where nothing is visible, HAUNTER lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death even tually comes.
It hides in the dark, planning to take the life of the next living thing that wanders close by.
HAUNTER is a dangerous POKéMON. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This POKéMON will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
If a HAUNTER beckons you while it is floating in darkness, don’t approach it. This POKéMON will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, HAUNTER is there.
Because of its ability to slip through block walls, it is said to be from another dimension.
It can slip through any obstacle. It lurks inside walls to keep an eye on its foes.
It licks with its gaseous tongue to steal the victim’s life force. It lurks in darkness for prey.
It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
In total darkness, where nothing is visible, HAUNTER lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there.
It licks with its gaseous tongue to steal the victim’s life force. It lurks in darkness for prey.
Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
It strikes at humans from total darkness. Those licked by its cold tongue grow weaker with each passing day until they die.
On moonless nights, Haunter searches for someone to curse, so it’s best not to go out walking around.
It fears the light and revels in the dark. It may be on the verge of extinction in cities that stay brightly lit at night.
It’s dangerous to go outside alone on nights when you’re feeling sad. Haunter will catch you, and you won’t be able to go back home.
By licking, it saps the victim’s life. It causes shaking that won’t stop until the victim’s demise.
Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there.
This frightful, malevolent spirit can glide through walls, appearing wherever it likes. According to rumor, victims of a Haunter's lick will wither to death day by day.
Haunter Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name 'Haunter' is derived from the English word 'haunt,' reflecting the Pokémon's spectral nature and its characteristic behavior of stalking and terrifying its victims. In Japanese, Haunter is called Gōsuto (ゴースト), which directly translates to 'Ghost,' emphasizing its supernatural classification and otherworldly essence. The design draws heavily from classical Western representations of ghosts and supernatural entities, incorporating ethereal floating hands reminiscent of poltergeist phenomena and the mischievous spirits of folklore. The purple coloration, spiked head protrusions, and malevolent expression combine to create a Pokémon that feels genuinely menacing while maintaining the stylized aesthetic of Generation I's artistic direction. The long, pink tongue represents a grotesque departure from biological normalcy, emphasizing the Pokémon's alien and supernatural origins while serving as a visual indicator of its life-draining attack method. The gaseous composition and dimensional nature suggested by its design reflect influences from science fiction and mystical traditions, positioning Haunter as a creature that exists partially outside conventional reality. The disembodied hands are particularly distinctive, evoking imagery from Japanese folklore and classic horror cinema, creating a design that feels both timeless and distinctly Pokémon in its execution.
Learnable Moves
Haunter can learn 83 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acid spray | poison | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| destiny bond | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| embargo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| 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 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow punch | ghost | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sludge bomb | poison | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| sludge wave | poison | Special | 95 | 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 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| 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 |
| venoshock | poison | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| wonder room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Haunter Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Haunter occupies a niche position as a fast special attacker with unique advantages and notable limitations. With a special attack base stat of 115 and speed base stat of 95, Haunter can outpace many standard threats and deliver powerful hits before opponents can respond, making it suitable for volatile offensive strategies. The Levitate ability serves as Haunter's cornerstone competitive asset, providing immunity to ground-type moves that would otherwise threaten its survival and eliminating the need for defensive investment against this common damage type. Haunter's movepool provides excellent coverage options, allowing it to learn moves like Shadow Ball for STAB ghost-type coverage, Focus Blast for powerful neutral damage, Sludge Bomb for poison-type coverage, and Trick to disrupt opponent strategies. However, Haunter's paper-thin defenses, with base defense and special defense stats of 45 and 55 respectively, mean that it cannot afford to take hits and must operate as a glass cannon that eliminates threats quickly before they retaliate. Most competitive players view Haunter as an inferior choice compared to its final evolution Gengar, which offers superior stats and greater move variety, though Haunter's lower usage can occasionally provide surprise value in unprepared matchups. Trading for Gengar generally provides better competitive results, as the evolved form's improved special attack and expanded movepool create a more reliable threat.
Commonly Asked Questions About Haunter
What type is Haunter?
Haunter is a ghost and poison type Pokemon.
What does Haunter evolve into?
Haunter evolves into gengar.
What are Haunter's weaknesses?
Haunter is weak to ground, ghost, psychic and dark type moves.
Where can I find Haunter?
Haunter can be found in pokemon tower (kanto), kanto route 8 (kanto) and rock tunnel (kanto) and 9 other locations.
Haunter Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Haunter has maintained significant cultural presence within the Pokémon franchise since its introduction in Generation I, appearing prominently in anime, manga, and trading card game adaptations. The Pokémon's most notable anime appearance features Sabrina's Haunter, which played a crucial role in Ash Ketchum's gym battle against the Saffron City leader, showcasing the Pokémon's otherworldly abilities and creating memorable moments that defined the early anime series. Haunter's menacing design and supernatural abilities have made it a fan favorite for players drawn to darker, more malevolent Pokémon, contributing to its lasting popularity across multiple generations and demographic groups. In trading card games, Haunter has received numerous card iterations throughout the decades, each reflecting the Pokémon's role as a dangerous ghost-type threat with unique mechanical representations of its life-draining abilities. The Pokémon appears in various Pokémon media including films, manga adaptations, and spin-off games, consistently portrayed as a genuinely threatening supernatural entity rather than a mere novelty creature. Cultural representations often emphasize Haunter's predatory nature and life-draining capabilities, using the Pokémon as a symbol of supernatural danger and otherworldly malevolence that resonates with audiences seeking darker Pokémon experiences. Haunter's inclusion in major game releases and its role as a stepping stone to the iconic Gengar has cemented its position as a culturally significant Pokémon that bridges the gap between approachable ghost-types and genuinely menacing supernatural forces.
Where to Find Haunter in Every Pokémon Game
Haunter's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon game generations and regions, though it remains obtainable in most major releases. In the original Generation I games (Red, Blue, Yellow), Haunter appears in locations such as Lavender Town and the Pokémon Tower, where players can encounter it through standard wild encounters or catch Gastly and raise it to level 25. Subsequent generations maintain Haunter's availability through various methods, including wild encounters in appropriate locations, breeding from Gengar or evolved Haunter specimens, or trading for Haunter directly from other players. In more recent generations including Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and Legends: Arceus, Haunter continues to appear in appropriate dungeons and caves, though its exact locations depend on the specific game's regional Pokédex organization. The trade requirement for evolving into Gengar has historically made Haunter valuable in multiplayer communities, as trainers sought trading partners to complete their evolutionary chains and achieve Gengar. Haunter's base catch rate of 90 indicates relatively easy capture once encountered, making it accessible to trainers at appropriate levels in the game progression. Online trading systems and contemporary multiplayer features have made obtaining Gengar through Haunter evolution significantly more convenient than during the original generations, where physical proximity to another Game Boy and trading cable was necessary. Haunter remains consistently available in Pokémon games released after Generation VII, demonstrating the developers' commitment to maintaining this significant evolutionary line's accessibility to new trainers.