How to Evolve Haunter into Gengar in Brilliant Diamond Without Trading: A Solitary Trainer’s Guide
Let’s cut to the chase. You cannot directly obtain a Gengar in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond without trading. Gengar is a trade evolution Pokémon, meaning it only evolves from Haunter when Haunter is traded to another player. However, there’s a crucial caveat: while you can’t evolve Haunter yourself without trading, there are ways to acquire a Gengar without relying on another human player. We’ll explore those methods and address the burning questions on every solo trainer’s mind.
Understanding the Gengar Conundrum: Trade Evolutions and Brilliant Diamond
Gengar’s evolution method has been a defining characteristic since the original Pokémon games. It’s part of a classic set of Pokémon, like Kadabra (evolving into Alakazam) and Machoke (evolving into Machamp), designed to encourage player interaction. Brilliant Diamond faithfully recreates this mechanic, meaning you’re stuck with the trade requirement… mostly.
Why is Trading Necessary?
The rationale behind trade evolutions in the Pokémon universe isn’t explicitly stated, but the implications are clear. It encourages socialization and player collaboration. It’s a mechanic rooted in the series’ multiplayer design, pushing players to connect and engage with others. For those who prefer a solitary experience, though, it presents a significant hurdle.
The Key to a Solitary Gengar: Pokémon HOME
Here’s the workaround many solo players have been waiting for: Pokémon HOME. Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices that allows you to store and transfer Pokémon across compatible games.
The Pokémon HOME Transfer Process
Transferring from Other Games: The most effective (though still involved) method is to transfer a Gengar or Haunter from another compatible Pokémon game where you already have one. Games like Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon GO can connect with Pokémon HOME.
Acquiring a Gengar in Other Games: If you don’t have a Gengar already, you’ll need to obtain one in one of these other compatible games.
- Pokémon GO: During certain events, Gengar may appear in raids or as a wild encounter. You can also evolve a Gastly into Haunter and then into Gengar in Pokémon GO, making it the easiest avenue to acquire one that can be transferred.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus: While there is no trading required to evolve Haunter into Gengar in this game, you can find Gengar in the wild in locations such as the Coronet Highlands after outbreaks and space-time distortions. This game is the quickest path to receiving a Gengar.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield: Raids are your best bet for catching Gengar and it can be found in the wild in the Wild Area after outbreaks and space-time distortions.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!: This option involves transferring from GO to Let’s Go, and from Let’s Go to HOME. The Gengar line can be found in the Pokémon Tower.
Transferring to Brilliant Diamond: Once you have a Gengar or Haunter in Pokémon HOME, you can transfer it to your Brilliant Diamond save file. Note: Pokémon HOME requires a paid subscription for certain features, including transferring Pokémon from Bank (3DS).
Why This Method Works (But Has Drawbacks)
Pokémon HOME is Nintendo’s sanctioned workaround for trading limitations. It bypasses the direct trading requirement within Brilliant Diamond itself. However, this method is clearly more convoluted than a simple in-game trade. It requires access to other Pokémon games and potentially a paid Pokémon HOME subscription.
FAQs: Addressing Your Gengar-Acquiring Concerns
Here are some frequently asked questions about acquiring Gengar in Brilliant Diamond without trading:
1. Can I Use Action Replay or Hacking Devices?
No. Using Action Replay devices or attempting to hack the game to force a trade evolution is strongly discouraged. It can corrupt your save file, potentially brick your game, and violates the game’s Terms of Service. Nintendo actively bans players found to be cheating.
2. Is there a Glitch or Exploit to Evolve Haunter Directly?
Currently, there are no confirmed, reliable glitches or exploits that allow you to evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading or using Pokémon HOME. Any information suggesting otherwise should be approached with extreme skepticism. Many alleged “glitches” are simply hoaxes or don’t function as described.
3. Can I Get a Gengar through Mystery Gift Events?
While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. Mystery Gift events typically feature specific Pokémon or items unrelated to trade evolutions. Nintendo has never distributed Gengar directly via Mystery Gift in Brilliant Diamond. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news for any unexpected events, but don’t hold your breath.
4. Can I Get a Gengar from NPCs in the Game?
No. There are no NPCs within Brilliant Diamond that will give you a Gengar directly. While some NPCs offer Pokémon trades, Gengar is not part of any of those in-game trades.
5. Is it Possible to Find a Wild Gengar in Brilliant Diamond?
No, Gengar does not appear in the wild in Brilliant Diamond. You can only find Gastly and Haunter in locations such as the Old Chateau and Turnback Cave. Gengar will never spawn naturally.
6. Is Pokémon HOME the Only Legitimate Way to Get a Gengar Without Trading?
Yes, Pokémon HOME is currently the only legitimate and officially supported method to acquire a Gengar in Brilliant Diamond without directly trading with another player.
7. Do I Need a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription to Use Pokémon HOME for Transfers?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to use Pokémon HOME for transfers between compatible games on the same console. However, to access certain features, like trading through the GTS on the Pokémon HOME mobile app, or transferring from Pokemon Bank from 3DS, a Premium subscription is required.
8. What Happens if I Trade a Haunter Holding an Everstone?
The Everstone prevents Pokémon from evolving, therefore the Haunter will not evolve during the trade regardless of it meeting the evolution requirements.
9. Are There Any Other Trade Evolution Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond Besides Gengar?
Yes. Several other Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond evolve through trading, including:
* Kadabra (evolves into Alakazam) * Machoke (evolves into Machamp) * Graveler (evolves into Golem) * Boldore (evolves into Gigalith) * Clamperl (evolves into Huntail or Gorebyss, depending on the held item) * Porygon (evolves into Porygon2, then Porygon-Z with specific items and trades) * Scyther (evolves into Scizor) * Onix (evolves into Steelix) * Rhydon (evolves into Rhyperior) * Electabuzz (evolves into Electivire) * Magmar (evolves into Magmortar) You will encounter the same limitations acquiring these Pokémon without trading. 10. Can I Transfer a Shiny Gengar from Pokémon GO to Brilliant Diamond?
Yes, you can transfer a Shiny Gengar (or Shiny Haunter) from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then to Brilliant Diamond, provided you have caught one in Pokémon GO. This is a popular method for obtaining rare Shiny Pokémon in the game.
11. Are Gengar’s Stats Affected by Being Transferred from Another Game?
No, a Gengar’s stats are not directly affected by being transferred from another game via Pokémon HOME. IVs and EVs will remain the same, but nature, held item, and other such qualities can be changed in Brilliant Diamond.
12. Is Trading Really That Bad? Are There Safe Ways to Trade Online?
Trading is not inherently “bad,” but it involves inherent risks when interacting with strangers online. Always be cautious when trading online. Use reputable online communities or forums where you can find trustworthy traders with established reputations. Before committing to a trade, discuss the terms clearly and ensure both parties are in agreement. Avoid trades that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams. A Discord server is a great place to trade in a community.
Conclusion: A Solitary Journey to Gengar Glory
While Brilliant Diamond remains faithful to the classic trade evolution mechanic, Pokémon HOME offers a viable, if somewhat circuitous, route to obtaining Gengar without relying on direct player interaction. It requires effort and potentially investment in other Pokémon games and services, but it’s the only legitimate way to add this Ghost/Poison type powerhouse to your team as a solo trainer. So, embrace the challenge, explore your options within the Pokémon universe, and prepare to welcome Gengar to your Brilliant Diamond adventure!
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