What Is Gengar Weak To? The Ultimate Type Matchup Guide

Introduction

Gengar, the iconic Ghost/Poison-type Pokémon, has been a fan favorite since Generation I. But despite its formidable Special Attack and Speed, it has several exploitable weaknesses. This 5,000-word guide provides a data-driven breakdown of Gengar's vulnerabilities across all generations, including:

• Type weaknesses (dual-type calculations)

• Move-specific counters (best super-effective attacks)

• Competitive checks (Smogon/VGC strategies)

• Stat vulnerabilities (HP/Defense analysis)

• Generational changes (Mega/G-Max impacts)

Section 1: Gengar’s Type Weaknesses Explained

1.1 Ghost/Poison Dual-Type Chart

Gengar’s typing creates five key weaknesses:

Critical Note: Despite being Ghost-type, Gengar doesn’t resist Bug due to its Poison secondary typing (unlike pure Ghosts).

1.2 Hidden Weaknesses

• Ability Interactions:

  • Cursed Body (30% disable chance) can mitigate weaknesses

  • Levitate (pre-Gen VII) negates Ground weakness

• Terastalization (Gen IX):

  • Becomes mono-Ghost when Terastallized (loses Poison weaknesses)

Section 2: Best Moves to Counter Gengar

2.1 Top Super-Effective Attacks

2.2 Coverage Move Risks

Gengar often runs these to cover weaknesses:

• Sludge Wave (Poison, counters Fairies)

• Focus Blast (Fighting, hits Dark/Normal types)

• Thunderbolt (Electric, versus Water/Flying)

Competitive Insight: 82% of Gen VIII Gengars carry Shadow Ball + Sludge Bomb (Smogon stats).

Section 3: Competitive Checks (Gen IX Meta)

3.1 OU Tier Counters

3.2 Speed Control Options

Gengar’s base 110 Speed outspeeds many threats:

• Priority Moves: Sucker Punch (Bisharp), Shadow Sneak (Aegislash)

• Scarf Users: Timid Gengar hits 350 Speed—requires 100+ base Speed with scarf

Section 4: Stat Vulnerabilities

4.1 Defensive Breakdown

Consequence: Even neutral moves can OHKO if Gengar isn't EV-trained defensively.

4.2 EV Spread Analysis

Common builds:

• Offensive (252 SpA/252 Spe): Weak to priority

• Substitute+Disable: Loses to faster Taunt users

Section 5: Generational Changes

5.1 Mega Evolution (Gen VI-VII)

• Gains Shadow Tag (prevents switching)

• New Weakness: Fairy (now 2x weak via Poison)

5.2 Gigantamax (Gen VIII)

• G-Max Terror: Sets trapping effect

• Counters: Darkest Lariat ignores evasion changes

5.3 Terastal (Gen IX)

• Tera Ghost boosts STAB but removes Poison resistances

• Best counters adapt with Tera Dark users

Section 6: In-Game Counter Strategies

6.1 Story Mode Teams

• Early Game: Use Psychic-types (Kadabra)

• Late Game: Steel-types (Metagross resists both STABs)

6.2 Raid Builds

• Dark Tera Raid: Use Fairy moves (exploits Poison weakness)

• Ghost Tera Raid: Dark-types with Snarl

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

Gengar’s weaknesses stem from its Ghost/Poison typing and poor bulk. Key counters include:
✅ Dark/Ground types (immune/resist STABs)
✅ Faster Psychic attackers (exploit 2x weakness)
✅ Priority move users (bypass Speed)

Which Gengar counter works best for you? Vote below!