Ghost-type Pokémon, often shrouded in mystery and wielding spectral powers, present a unique challenge and thrill for trainers. Embarking on a Ghost-type monotype run in any Pokémon game demands strategic team building and a deep understanding of type matchups. These ethereal creatures, while potent, often require careful planning to overcome their vulnerabilities and limited early-game availability. For trainers considering a spooky adventure, knowing which games and Pokémon maximize your chances of success is crucial. And for those curious about move coverage, questions like “Can Pumpkaboo Learn Dazzling Gleam?” become highly relevant when strategizing against Dark-type threats. Let’s delve into the best games for a Ghost-type journey and explore the strategic nuances of building a spectral dream team.
The Spectral Gauntlet: Rules for a Ghost-Type Monotype Run
Before we dive into game recommendations and team compositions, let’s solidify the ground rules for our Ghost-type challenge. These rules ensure a focused and thematic playthrough:
- Ghost-Type Exclusivity: Only Pokémon of the Ghost-type lineage are permitted in your party for battles and training.
- First Encounter Rule: If your starter Pokémon isn’t Ghost-type, you must catch the first Ghost-type Pokémon available in your journey and release your starter.
- Evolutionary Allowance: Pokémon that evolve into the Ghost-type are permissible, provided you prioritize their evolution as soon as possible.
- Trade Embargo: Trading with other players is forbidden to maintain the self-sufficient nature of the monotype run.
- Mega Evolution Clause: Mega Pokémon are allowed as long as they Mega Evolve into a Ghost-type or retain the Ghost-type upon Mega Evolution in battle.
- Pre-Elite Four Roster: Only Pokémon caught before challenging the Elite Four can be part of your final team composition.
Understanding Type Matchups: A crucial aspect of any Pokémon journey, especially a Monotype Run. Knowing strengths and weaknesses is key to victory.
Top Tier Games for Ghost-Type Domination
For trainers eager to command a legion of specters, the Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon series stand out as the pinnacle of Ghost-type monotype runs. Generation VII boasts the largest pool of Ghost-type Pokémon, with Sun and Moon offering 13 unique families and Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon expanding that to 16. This abundance isn’t just about quantity; the quality of Ghost-types available is exceptional, featuring powerhouses like Golurk, Gengar, Alolan Marowak, Palossand, Aegislash, and the Ghost/Grass starter evolution, Decidueye.
The Alola region is incredibly generous with early Ghost-type encounters. Hau’oli Cemetery on the first island provides immediate access to Ghost Pokémon, and Ten Carat Hill offers the dual Dark/Ghost Sableye. Furthermore, Rowlet, the Grass/Flying starter, evolves into the fantastic Grass/Ghost Decidueye, giving you a head start right from the beginning – a unique advantage no other starter Pokémon offers for a Ghost-type run. Notably, Generation VII games are also unique in allowing you to catch Gengar in the wild! In Thrifty Megamart, Haunter can call upon Gengar as an ally in SOS battles, although patience is key to this encounter as demonstrated in various trainer videos. These factors combined unequivocally position Sun and Moon, and their Ultra counterparts, as the definitive best choices for a Ghost-type monotype adventure.
However, the initial stages in Alola aren’t without peril. Common early-game Pokémon often wield Bite and Pursuit, Dark-type moves that pose a significant threat to frail Ghost-types. The first Totem Pokémon, Alolan Raticate, is also a Dark/Normal type, presenting an early hurdle. Thankfully, Rowlet’s evolution to Decidueye won’t be immediate, ensuring a more balanced challenge against early Dark-type encounters. The early game abundance of Dark Pokémon in general necessitates strategic play and careful team development.
Games with Viable, Yet Challenging, Ghostly Rosters
Stepping down from the top tier, Pokémon X and Y offer a solid “B-Tier” experience for Ghost-type runs. While XY provides good type coverage and diversity in Ghost Pokémon, your initial encounters, Nincada and Honedge, are delayed until after the first gym. Patience is required to assemble your spectral squad. Conversely, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) grant you early access to Nincada before the first gym, but Ghost-type Pokémon become scarce until later in the game. Omega Ruby further restricts options, as Sableye is exclusive to Alpha Sapphire. Pokémon Sword and Shield also present a compelling, though not flawless, option. The inclusion of Dragapult, a pseudo-legendary Dragon/Ghost type, is a significant draw, but both games leave you vulnerable to Ghost-type weaknesses. While Golett is available early in Sword and Shield, Sableye remains post-game content in Shield, hindering early Dark/Ghost resistance.
Games to Avoid for a Ghost-Type Monotype Nightmare
When it comes to Ghost-type monotype runs, some games are simply ill-advised. The original Red, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen games are unequivocally the worst. Your Ghost-type options are limited to the Gengar line, which is not available until Lavender Town, well after the third gym. Furthermore, evolving Haunter into Gengar requires trading, violating our monotype run rules. These games present an excruciatingly difficult, and frankly, unenjoyable Ghost-type experience.
The Johto games, Gold, Silver, and Crystal, are also best avoided. While Sprout Tower in Gold, Silver, and Crystal offers Gastly before the first gym (and Crystal adds nighttime Route 30 Gastly encounters), your team will likely be stagnant with just the Gastly line for a considerable duration. HeartGold and SoulSilver improve slightly with Misdreavus in the Safari Zone, but the overall Ghost-type selection remains sparse. Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 offer a decent selection of Ghost-types, but these are generally inaccessible until after the third gym. Finally, Ruby and Sapphire are inferior to their remakes, ORAS, due to version-exclusive Ghost Pokémon and a less robust overall Ghost-type roster.
Ghostly Lineups Across Generations
To give you a clearer picture of your spectral team-building options, here’s a breakdown of ideal Ghost-type teams and first obtainable Pokémon across different Pokémon game generations:
Pokémon RBY and FRLG
- Ideal Team: Haunter
- First available Pokémon: Gastly at Lavender Tower, after the third gym
- Weaknesses Covered? No, Ghost and Dark moves remain unaddressed.
Pokémon GSC and HGSS
- Ideal Team: Haunter, Misdreavus (HGSS via Safari Zone)
- First Pokémon: Gastly via Sprout Tower (or at night at Route 30 in Pokémon Crystal) before the first gym; Gastly can also be caught on the Pokewalker.
- Weaknesses Covered? No, Ghost and Dark weaknesses persist.
Pokémon RSE and ORAS
- Ideal Team: Shedinja, Sableye (S, E, AS)/Spiritomb (ORAS), Drifblim (ORAS), Trevenant (ORAS), Froslass (ORAS), Jellicent (ORAS)
- Optional Pokémon: Banette, Dusclops, Cofagrigus (ORAS), Mismagius (ORAS)
- First Pokémon: Nincada in Route 116 before the first gym
- Weaknesses Covered? Yes for Sapphire, Emerald, and ORAS. Ruby struggles to neutralize Ghost and Dark weaknesses.
Pokémon DPP
- Ideal Team: Haunter, Drifblim, Dusclops (Platinum)/Mismagius (Diamond), Rotom (Platinum), Froslass (Platinum)
- Optional Pokémon: Giratina (Platinum)
- First Pokémon: Drifloon on Fridays at the Valley Windworks before the second gym
- Weaknesses Covered? No, Ghost and Dark vulnerabilities remain.
Pokémon BW and B2W2
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BW Ideal Team: Cofagrigus, Chandelure, Jellicent, Golurk
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First Pokémon: Yamask via Relic Castle after the third gym
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Weaknesses Covered? No, Dark and Ghost moves are not neutralized.
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B2W2 Ideal Team: Cofagrigus, Chandelure, Banette, Drifblim, Jellicent, Golurk
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First Pokémon: Yamask via Relic Castle after the third gym
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Weaknesses Covered? No, Dark and Ghost moves are not neutralized.
Pokémon XY
- Ideal Team: Shedinja, Aegislash, Rotom, Golurk, Sableye, Chandelure
- Optional Pokémon: Haunter, Phantump/Pumpkaboo, Drifblim, Banette
- First Pokémon: Nincada and Honedge via Route 6 after the first gym.
- Weaknesses Covered? Yes
Pokémon SM and USUM
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SM Ideal Team: Decidueye, Sableye, Palossand, Aegislash(scan), Gengar (S.O.S. by Haunter in Thrifty Megamart after the Ula’ula Trials), Mimikyu
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Optional: Trevenant, Dhelmise, Froslass, Drifblim, Chandelure (scan), Mismagius, Alolan Marowak
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First Pokémon: Rowlett via Starter
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Weaknesses Covered? Yes
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USUM Ideal Team: Decidueye, Sableye, Palossand/Golurk (US), Aegislash(scan), Gengar (S.O.S. by Haunter in Thrifty Megamart after the Ula’ula Trials), Mimikyu
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Optional: Trevenant, Dhelmise, Froslass, Drifblim, Chandelure (scan), Mismagius, Banette, Jellicent, Alolan Marowak
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First Pokémon: Rowlett via Starter
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Weaknesses Covered? Yes
Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Ideal Team: Golurk, Dragapult, Dusknoir, Mimikyu, Gengar, Aegislash
- Optional Pokémon: Runerigus, Cofagrigus, Shedinja, Gourgeist, Froslass, Polteageist, Rotom, Cursola (Shield), Chandelure, Jellicent, Trevenant (Raid), Dhelmise, Drifblim, Eternatus
- First Pokémon: Watchtower Ruins offers Duskull, Drifloon, Gastly, or Golett through random encounters, regardless of weather. Nincada can be found at West Lake Axewell or South Lake Miloch during Sandstorms or Intense Sun. Ghosts also appear in Den 6/47 at Watchtower Ruins for Max Raid Battles.
- Weaknesses Covered? No, Ghost weaknesses remain. Sableye is only obtainable post-Championship in Shield.
Ghost-Type MVPs: Spectral Stars of Monotype Runs
Decidueye
Decidueye claims the top spot as a Ghost-type MVP. Its limited in-game appearances across only four titles highlight its exclusivity and desirability. As a starter Pokémon evolving into a Ghost/Grass type, Decidueye provides immediate offensive presence and strategic depth. It stands as one of the strongest non-Legendary, non-Mega Ghost-types, instantly making it a cornerstone of your team from the outset.
Decidueye’s movepool, while potent with strong and exclusive moves, might be considered less diverse typings-wise, perhaps influenced by its Grass typing. Availability remains a constraint, being a later generation starter. Dhelmise, another strong Ghost-type introduced in the same generation, deserves recognition but often remains overshadowed.
Available in: SM and USUM
Sableye (and Spiritomb)
Currently, no official Ghost/Normal Pokémon exists, a missed opportunity for a Pokémon completely immune to Ghost-type attacks. However, Sableye (and to a lesser extent, Spiritomb) step in to address both Ghost and Dark-type vulnerabilities. Spiritomb’s availability is significantly restricted, making Sableye the more practical choice. While Sableye’s base stats are admittedly mediocre, its unique Dark/Ghost typing offers invaluable defensive utility and crucial resistances.
Sableye compensates for its stat deficiencies with a surprisingly versatile movepool. Crucially, Sableye can learn Dazzling Gleam, a Fairy-type move that provides excellent coverage against Dark-types, a major threat to Ghost Pokémon. This answers our initial question: while Pumpkaboo itself cannot learn Dazzling Gleam naturally, other Ghost-types like Sableye utilize such moves to great effect. The combination of Dark/Ghost typing and Fairy-type coverage moves like Dazzling Gleam makes Sableye a strategic asset in Ghost-type monotype runs.
For those desiring both Spiritomb and Sableye, Alpha Sapphire is the game of choice, offering relatively accessible encounters for both before the Elite Four. Mega Sableye further enhances its defensive prowess, making it an exceptional wall capable of withstanding significant damage.
Available in: Ruby and Emerald (Sableye), XY (Sableye), OmegaRuby (Spiritomb), AlphaSapphire (Spiritomb and Sableye), SM and USUM (Sableye)
Aegislash
Aegislash’s introduction in Generation VI coincided with Steel losing its resistance to Dark and Ghost, an unfortunate timing but not a crippling blow. Aegislash boasts exceptional stats in both offensive and defensive configurations thanks to its unique Stance Change ability. Competitive players leverage this form shifting to maximize both attack power and defensive resilience. Its versatility and distinct design make it a highly sought-after Ghost-type.
Aegislash’s movepool is adequate, but its sheer offensive stats (150 Attack or Special Attack depending on Forme) overshadow any perceived limitations. STAB Iron Head and Shadow Ball, along with priority Shadow Sneak and coverage move Sacred Sword, deliver devastating blows. However, its low HP and Speed in Blade Forme demand strategic play. King’s Shield, its signature move, provides protection and Attack stat reduction to opponents, allowing for tactical form switching and counter-attacks.
Available in: XY, SM and USUM (Island Scan), SWSH
Chandelure
Chandelure is a consistently strong and surprisingly common Ghost/Fire type, making it a staple consideration for Ghost-type monotype runs. Its staggering 145 Special Attack stat is its defining attribute. STAB Shadow Ball and Flamethrower provide immediate offensive firepower. Will-O-Wisp and Hex synergy further amplify its damage output, with Hex doubling in power to 130 when the target is statused.
Chandelure’s abilities further enhance its utility. Flame Body offers a 30% chance to burn physical attackers, synergizing with Hex. Flash Fire grants immunity to Fire-type attacks and boosts Chandelure’s Fire moves, creating strategic switch-in opportunities, especially with Fire-weak teammates. Chandelure’s Speed and bulk are average, and its movepool, while solid, leans towards standard Ghost, Dark, Psychic, and Fire-type moves. Energy Ball offers Grass-type coverage, and Calm Mind further amplifies its already exceptional Special Attack.
Available in: BW, B2W2, XY, SM and USUM (Island Scan), SWSH
Golurk
Monotype runs often benefit from unconventional Pokémon that deviate from type stereotypes. Golurk embodies this perfectly, bucking the trend of frail, Special Attack-focused Ghost-types. It is a bulky, physically oriented powerhouse with a massive 124 base Attack stat, exceeding even Dhelmise and Aegislash in physical attack potential among non-Legendary Ghost Pokémon.
Golurk’s physical prowess is complemented by an exceptionally diverse movepool. Its Iron Fist ability boosts punching moves, enhancing Hammer Arm, Shadow Punch, Dynamic Punch, and Focus Punch learned through level-up or Move Tutors. It also gains access to Ground, Rock, and Steel-type physical moves like Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Heavy Slam, providing coverage options rarely seen on Ghost-types.
Available in: BW, B2W2, XY, US, SWSH
Gengar/Haunter
The Gengar line, while iconic and powerful, presents a unique challenge in monotype runs due to the traditional trade evolution requirement for Haunter to evolve into Gengar. Despite this, their early introduction and widespread availability across Pokémon games make them invaluable. Gengar’s line is the most consistently available Ghost-type family, appearing before the Elite Four in 21 games as of Sword and Shield. Early access is also a key advantage, with Gastly available before the first gym in Johto and Galar, and shortly after in Sinnoh and Alola.
Haunter and Gengar possess excellent Special Attack and Speed. Their movepool includes coverage options like Thunderbolt and Dazzling Gleam (though Pumpkaboo cannot learn it, Gengar can). Pre-Generation IV, they could learn elemental punches, further expanding their offensive capabilities. Sludge Bomb adds Poison-type STAB. Haunter, despite its frailty, is a formidable mid-stage Pokémon. For Gengar purists, wild Gengar encounters are possible in SM, USUM, and SWSH, albeit with varying degrees of difficulty.
Available in: RBY, GSC, FRLG, DPP, HGSS, XY, SM, USUM, SWSH
Mimikyu
Mimikyu has become a breakout star since its debut in Sun and Moon, consistently featured in merchandise and promotional materials. Its continued presence in SWSH solidifies its popularity and value in Ghost-type teams. Mimikyu’s unique Ghost/Fairy typing provides a crucial resistance to Dark-type attacks, a significant advantage in Ghost monotype runs, surpassing even Sableye in offensive Dark-type matchups.
Mimikyu’s decent Physical Attack stat allows effective use of moves like X-Scissor, Play Rough, Drain Punch, and Shadow Sneak, providing diverse coverage. Its Disguise ability, combined with solid bulk, offers strategic advantages in battle. While its Special Attack is low, other Ghost-types on the team can compensate. Mimikium Z (USUM) further enhances its offensive potential.
Available in: SM, USUM, SWSH
Conclusion: Embrace the Spectral Challenge
A Ghost-type monotype run presents a thrilling and strategic challenge for Pokémon trainers. While the question “can Pumpkaboo learn Dazzling Gleam?” might lead to discovering move coverage limitations for certain Ghost-types, exploring the broader Ghost-type roster reveals Pokémon like Sableye and Gengar that effectively utilize such moves. By carefully selecting your game, understanding type matchups, and strategically assembling your spectral team from MVPs like Decidueye, Sableye, Aegislash, Chandelure, Golurk, Gengar, and Mimikyu, you can conquer any Pokémon League with a hauntingly powerful force. Remember, strategic move coverage and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen Ghost Pokémon are key to success in this spectral adventure.
