Gengar is a unique Pokémon because it can only be obtained by swapping Pokémon. This means, to get Gengar, you have to trade the Haunter to another player. The Haunter itself is Gengar's initial form before evolving. As difficult as it may seem, swapping Pokémon is a very important feature of any Pokémon game. Learning how to swap Pokémon will not only help you to get Gengar, but also master the game. Read this wikiHow to find out how to get Gengar in Pokémon FireRed.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Catching Gastly or Haunter
Gengar is an evolution of the Haunter so it cannot be found and captured in the game area. Therefore, to get Gengar, you must first capture Gastly or Haunter.
Step 1. Defeat Team Rocket in Celadon City
You will fight Team Rocket after defeating Ericka and earning your fourth Badge. After defeating Giovanni and Team Rocket, you'll get a Silph Scope that allows you to see Ghost-type Pokémon living in the Pokémon Tower in Lavender City.
Step 2. Enter the Pokémon Tower
Once you get the Silph Scope, you can enter the Pokémon Tower and fight Ghost-type Pokémon.
Step 3. Climb to the top floor of the Pokémon Tower
After entering the Pokémon Tower, walk north and then east until you find a ladder. Climb the stairs to enter the next floor.
Step 4. Defeat Gary
Head North to find Gary and fight him. The Pokémon team that Gary has can vary depending on the Pokémon he chooses at the start of the game. Here are some of the Pokémon teams he might have:
- Pidgeotto (Level 25), Kadabra (Level 20), Exeggcute (Level 22), Wartortle (Level 25), Growlithe (Level 23)
- Pidgeotto (Level 25), Kadabra (Level 20), Exeggcute (Level 23), Gyarados (Level 22), Charmeleon (Level 25)
- Pidgeotto (Level 25), Kadabra (Level 20), Ivysaur (Level 25), Gyarados (Level 23), Growlithe (Level 22)
Step 5. Keep going up the Pokémon Tower
After defeating Gary, walk east until you find another ladder. Climb the stairs to enter the next floor.
Step 6. Locate the Haunter
On the third floor of the Pokémon Tower, you'll find a wide variety of wild Pokémon. However, you only have a 1% to 15% chance of encountering a Haunter. Luckily, you can increase your chances of encountering a Haunter by continuing to climb the Pokémon Tower until you reach the highest floor. You have a better chance of meeting Gastly than Haunter. However, making Gastly evolve into Gengar would take more time.
- Apart from catching Haunters, you can also catch Ghastlys. Once you catch it, you can evolve it into a Haunter by leveling it up to level 25 and using rare Candy. Note that Ghastly and Haunter are Ghost type Pokémon, so they can't be countered with Normal, Fighting, and Ground types of attacks.
- After capturing Gastly, you must first evolve it into a Haunter.
Step 7. Catch the Haunter or Gastly
Attack Haunters or Gastlys until their hit points turn yellow or red. After that, throw a Poke Ball. Gastlys isn't a very strong Pokémon, so you shouldn't have much trouble catching it. However, you may have to throw a few Poke Balls until the Haunters are caught.
Part 2 of 2: Making the Haunter Evolved
Step 1. Get ready to swap Pokémon with other players
After catching a Haunter or evolving a Gastly, head to the nearest Pokémon Center and move up to the second floor.
If this is your first time entering the 2nd floor of the Pokémon Center, you will get an explanation on how to swap Pokémon
Step 2. Begin the Pokémon swap process
Talk to the third game character, select the “Trade Center” option, and save game data. Keep in mind that you'll need to exchange Pokémon via a GBA cable or wireless network. Make sure your console is connected to a GBA cable or wireless network before proceeding.
Step 3. Select the player you want to swap Pokémon with
You can be a group leader or join an existing group. Begin the Pokémon swap process and select the “OK” option. You will be led to a room containing other players.
The other players must choose the opposite option. For example, if you select the " Become Leader " option, other players must select the " Join Group " option
Step 4. Begin the Pokémon swap process
Sit on a chair and press the “A” button to start swapping Pokémon.
Step 5. Select the Haunter and exchange the Pokémon to a friend or another GBA console
Once swapped, the Haunter will immediately evolve into a Gengar. Ask a friend or use another GBA console to return Gengar to your console by repeating the Pokémon swap process.
