After the Leaks, Pokemon Legends: Z-A Can't Hang Gengar Out…

For several months now, discussion on Pokemon Legends: Z-A has primarily revolved around supposed leaks of dozens of new Mega Evolutions. While the 27 new Pokemon Legends: Z-A Mega Evolutions have not been officially confirmed by Game Freak or Nintendo, they were originally reported by previously credible sources.

Despite these supposed new forms taking over the spotlight, there are several existing concerns regarding pre-established Mega Evolutions and similar forms. The status of one Generation 1 Pokemon and their Mega Evolution form in particular is especially concerning with regard to Z-A’s single-player design: the Shadow Pokemon Gengar.

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By Joshua Duckworth

Gengar’s Mega Evolution and Other Forms Explained

In 2013’s Pokemon X and Y, numerous fan-favorite Pokemon from across Gens 1-6 received temporary Mega Evolutions that would boost their stats and lethality in battle. The many Pokemon anime and manga have depicted Pokemon achieving Mega Evolution by simply forming a strong bond with their trainer, yet Pokemon X and Y require the use of a Key Stone and Mega Stone to Mega Evolve. Trainers could acquire a Gengarite Mega Stone in Kalos’ Laverre City after previously logging a Gastly and its evolutions in the Pokedex. When Mega Evolved, Mega Gengar will retain its dual Ghost/Poison typing, unlike some other Mega Evolutions, but have its lower body sink into the ground.

Mega Gengar will temporarily boost Gengar’s Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed stats, with its Special Attack and Speed stats still being its highest stats at 170 and 130. While Gengar was already a popular Pokemon before receiving a Mega Evolution, Mega Gengar greatly increased its popularity, with select GameStop locations distributing free white shiny Mega Gengars in October 2014. Mega Gengar continued to be usable in Pokemon Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, but it did not return in Pokemon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, or Violet.

Gengar did receive a new temporary Gigantamax form in Pokemon Sword and Shield and Mega Gengar has already been confirmed to return in the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Mega Gengar’s Potential Role in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Aside from Mega Gengar, only two other Ghost-type Pokemon have received a Mega Evolution, those being Mega Banette and Mega Sableye, though Sableye’s Ghost typing is a secondary type alongside its primary Dark typing. With the Pokemon Legends: Z-A new Mega Evolution leak detailing only one new Mega Evolution Ghost type with Mega Chandelure—unless other leaked Mega Evolutions receive new Ghost secondary typings—Gengar may be used less compared to the similarly popular Chandelure. Z-A players may additionally face more hurdles in utilizing Mega Gengar compared to its fellow Ghost-type Mega Evolutions due to Z-A’s notable lack of multiplayer.

Similar to 2022’s Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is expected not to feature any kind of multiplayer. Due to the lack of multiplayer options, acquiring a Gengar in Z-A may be difficult compared to other mainline Pokemon games. Instead of simplifying trading over a Haunter to acquire a Gengar, players may have to complete side tasks to acquire a Linking Cord similar to Arceus. Plus, based on the original Game Boy Link Cable used to trade Pokemon in Pokemon Red and Blue, giving a Linking Cord to a Haunter in Arceus would immediately evolve it into a Gengar.

Where to Potentially Acquire a Gengarite in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

With Pokemon Legends: Z-A expected to take place solely in Lumiose City, it’s highly likely that the spooky Laverre City won’t be accessible in the game. However, if the Linking Cord does return in Z-A to easily evolve Haunter into Gengar, it could possibly be acquired in Professor Sycamore's laboratory alongside several Mega Stones.

Sycamore himself is currently unconfirmed in Z-A, though his lab still could appear, and it would be a perfect place to find the Linking Cord and Mega Stones due to his technological and Mega Evolution research. Sycamore’s lab could specifically be home to both the Alakazite and Gengarite Mega Stones as both Kadabra and Haunter needed the Linking Cord to evolve into Alakazam and Gengar in Arceus.

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