In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, not all previously featured Pokemon have made a comeback. However, players now have the opportunity to easily obtain the beloved Gengar. Normally, acquiring Gengar requires trading with another player for a Haunter, which then evolves into Gengar after the trade.
Unfortunately, the Pokemon Diamond & Pearl remakes reintroduced the frustrating experience of interacting with Mindy, an NPC who offers a Haunter holding an Everstone, preventing its evolution. Thankfully, Scarlet & Violet avoids such deceptive tactics, providing a fair trade scenario. Let's delve into the step-by-step process of obtaining Gengar in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet without the need for a second player.
Head to Levincia City
In Scarlet & Violet, players embark on a journey to acquire a Gengar, which takes them to Levincia, a city famous for its Electric-type Gym overseen by the mysterious Iono. During their visit, players will come across Blossom, an enthusiastic NPC who is willing to trade her Haunter for a Pincurchin.
The Pokémon in the vicinity of the city are typically between level 22 and 28, enabling players to acquire this formidable Pokémon early on in their Scarlet & Violet adventure.
Find and Catch a Pincurchin
Pincurchin, a small sea urchin Pokemon, can be found exclusively on Paldea's beaches in several locations across Scarlet & Violet. To save time on travel, it is advised to search for Pincurchin on the beaches in the East Province (Area Two), just outside of Levincia City. These beaches, located directly south of Levincia, are abundant with Pokemon such as Wiglett, Slowpoke, Marrill, and, most importantly, Pincurchin.
Catching a Pincurchin, typically at level 23, may require some patience. Paldea's beaches offer a diverse range of species that can be found in these areas. Once the player successfully captures a Pincurchin, they can return to Levincia City.
Speak to Blossom in Levincia
After ensuring that Pincurchin is safely in the player's party or storage, return to Levincia. Seek out Blossom, a young girl who is interested in trading Pokémon. She can be located near the battle court in the city's center, where players might have previously engaged in battle with Nemona.
Blossom, identified by her tank top and sunglasses, can be spotted standing next to the wall. Above her head, a yellow text bubble exclaims, "I would love to have a Pincurchin!"
Trade Pincurchin for Haunter
Engage in a conversation with Blossom and agree to trade her Haunter, which she lovingly calls "Hauntikins," for a Pincurchin. Once the player selects the Pincurchin they wish to trade, the process of exchanging the Pokémon commences.
Upon a successful trade, Hauntikins will promptly evolve into Gengar. Unfortunately, as per the usual in the Pokémon series, the player is unable to rename traded Pokémon. Nevertheless, despite its unique nickname, this Ghost / Poison type equipped with the Cursed Body ability is a valuable asset to any team.