Ghost Type

The Ghost type (Japanese: ゴーストタイプ Ghost Type) is one of the eighteen Pokemon types. Ghost-type Pokemon are characterized by their supernatural, spectral nature and connection to the spirit world. Ghost is unique as the only type with two immunities (Normal and Fighting) and is one of only two types super effective against itself.[1]

Overview

AttributeDetails
IntroducedGeneration I
Number of Pokemon70+
Notable TrainersMorty, Phoebe, Fantina, Shauntal, Acerola, Allister, Ryme
Common HabitatsGraveyards, abandoned buildings, towers, haunted forests

Type Effectiveness

Offensive

EffectivenessAgainst Types
Super Effective (2x)Psychic, Ghost
Not Very Effective (0.5x)Dark
No Effect (0x)Normal

Defensive

EffectivenessFrom Types
Weak To (2x)Ghost, Dark
Resistant To (0.5x)Poison, Bug
Immune To (0x)Normal, Fighting

Key Note: Dual Immunities

Ghost is one of only three types with two immunities (alongside Normal and Fairy in specific circumstances).[2] The immunity to Normal and Fighting-type moves makes Ghost-types exceptional switch-ins against physical attackers, particularly those relying on moves like Extreme Speed, Close Combat, or Rapid Spin (prior to Generation VIII).

Characteristics

Common Traits

TraitDescription
AppearanceEthereal, dark, spectral features
AbilitiesLevitate, Cursed Body, Perish Body
HabitatSpooky locations, nighttime areas
BehaviorOften mischievous or ominous

Special Properties

PropertyEffect
Escape PreventionCan always flee/switch (except trapping)
Curse VariationCurse works differently for Ghost-types
SpinblockingBlocked Rapid Spin (Gens I-VII)
Shadow Tag ImmunityMost immune to Shadow Tag

Notable Ghost-Type Pokemon

Pseudo-Legendary

PokemonTypeGeneration
DragapultDragon/GhostVIII

Dragapult is the only Ghost-type pseudo-legendary, introduced in Generation VIII with a 600 base stat total. It evolves from Drakloak at level 60 and is renowned for its exceptional 142 base Speed stat.[3]

Legendary/Mythical

PokemonTypeGeneration
GiratinaGhost/DragonIV
Giratina-OriginGhost/DragonIV
LunalaPsychic/GhostVII
Calyrex-Shadow RiderPsychic/GhostVIII
SpectrierGhostVIII
MarshadowFighting/GhostVII

Mythical Ghost Types

PokemonTypeNotable For
MarshadowFighting/GhostUnique type combo, Technician ability
Hoopa-UnboundPsychic/Dark(Not Ghost despite appearance)

Iconic Ghost Types

PokemonTypeNotable For
GengarGhost/PoisonOriginal Ghost evolution line
HaunterGhost/PoisonIconic middle evolution
GastlyGhost/PoisonFirst Ghost in Pokedex
MisdreavusGhostGen II pure Ghost
SableyeDark/GhostNo weaknesses (Gen III-V)
SpiritombGhost/DarkNo weaknesses (Gen III-V)
ChandelureGhost/FireHigh Special Attack
AegislashSteel/GhostStance Change ability
MimikyuGhost/FairyDisguise ability
DecidueyeGrass/GhostGen VII starter final

Competitively Notable

PokemonNotable For
GholdengoGood as Gold ability, Gen IX meta
Flutter ManeProtosynthesis, special attacker
Dragapult142 Speed, versatile movepool
AnnihilapeRage Fist, Final Gambit
SkeledirgeUnaware, Torch Song
GengarMega Evolution, Shadow Tag (Mega)
AegislashKing's Shield, stance change
LunalaShadow Shield, special bulk
Calyrex-ShadowAs One ability, highest Sp. Atk
MarshadowSoul-Stealing 7-Star Strike

Regional Variants

PokemonOriginal TypeGhost Variant Type
Alolan MarowakGroundFire/Ghost
Hisuian TyphlosionFireFire/Ghost
Hisuian ZoruaDarkNormal/Ghost
Hisuian ZoroarkDarkNormal/Ghost

Common Ghost-Type Moves

Physical Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Shadow Claw70100%High crit ratio
Poltergeist11090%Fails if target has no item
Shadow Sneak40100%Priority move
Phantom Force90100%Vanishes turn 1, strikes turn 2
Shadow Punch60—Never misses
Last Respects50+100%+50 power per fainted ally
Spirit Shackle80100%Prevents switching
Spectral Thief90100%Steals stat boosts

Special Moves

MovePowerAccuracyEffect
Shadow Ball80100%May lower Sp. Def
Hex65100%Doubles power on statused target
Astral Barrage120100%Hits both foes (Calyrex-Shadow)
Infernal Parade60100%Doubles on status, may burn
Moongeist Beam100100%Ignores abilities (Lunala)
Shadow Force120100%Vanishes, ignores Protect
Night Shade—100%Damage = user's level
Bitter Malice75100%Always lowers Attack

Status Moves

MoveEffect
Will-O-WispBurns target (85% accuracy)
Destiny BondFaints foe if user faints
CurseGhost version: lose 50% HP, drain target
Trick-or-TreatAdds Ghost type to target
GrudgeDepletes PP of move that KOs user
SpiteReduces PP of last move used

Signature Moves

MovePokemonDetails
Astral BarrageCalyrex-Shadow120 power, hits both opponents
Last RespectsHoundstone+50 power per fainted ally
Rage FistAnnihilape+50 power per hit taken
Shadow ForceGiratina120 power, ignores protection
Spectral ThiefMarshadowSteals stat boosts before attacking

Ghost-Type Specialists

Gym Leaders

TrainerRegionSignature Pokemon
MortyJohtoGengar
FantinaSinnohMismagius
AllisterGalarGengar (Gigantamax)
RymePaldeaToxtricity (rematch has Ghost)

Elite Four/Champions

TrainerRegionNotable Pokemon
AgathaKantoGengar, Haunter, Arbok
PhoebeHoennDusclops, Sableye, Banette
ShauntalUnovaChandelure, Cofagrigus, Golurk
AcerolaAlolaPalossand, Dhelmise

Trial Captains

TrainerRegionNotable Pokemon
AcerolaAlolaPalossand (Totem)

Type Combinations

All Ghost-Type Combinations

Secondary TypeExample Pokemon
Pure GhostMisdreavus, Mismagius, Drifblim
Ghost/PoisonGengar, Haunter, Gastly
Ghost/DarkSableye, Spiritomb, Hoopa
Ghost/PsychicLunala, Calyrex-Shadow
Ghost/FireChandelure, Alolan Marowak
Ghost/WaterFrillish, Jellicent, Basculegion
Ghost/GrassDecidueye, Gourgeist
Ghost/GroundSandygast, Palossand
Ghost/SteelAegislash, Gimmighoul
Ghost/DragonGiratina, Dragapult
Ghost/FlyingDrifblim, Oricorio Sensu
Ghost/FairyMimikyu, Flutter Mane
Ghost/FightingMarshadow, Annihilape
Ghost/IceFroslass
Ghost/NormalHisuian Zoroark
Ghost/RockRunerigus, Spiritomb
Ghost/BugShedinja
Ghost/ElectricRotom

Unique Combinations

CombinationPokemonNote
Ghost/NormalHisuian ZoroarkOnly Pokemon with this combo
Ghost/BugShedinjaOnly Pokemon with this combo
Ghost/FightingMarshadow, AnnihilapeRare offensive combination
Bug/GhostShedinja1 HP, Wonder Guard

No Weaknesses (Gen III-V)

PokemonTypeNote
SableyeDark/GhostNo weaknesses before Fairy type
SpiritombGhost/DarkNo weaknesses before Fairy type

With the introduction of the Fairy type in Generation VI, both Sableye and Spiritomb gained a weakness to Fairy-type moves.[4]

Abilities

Ghost-Type Related Abilities

AbilityEffectPokemon
LevitateGround immunityHaunter, Mismagius, Rotom
Cursed Body30% chance to disable moveGengar, Froslass
Perish BodyPerish Song on contactCursola
InfiltratorBypasses screens/SubstituteSpiritomb, Noivern
Wandering SpiritSwaps abilities on contactRunerigus
Shadow TagPrevents switchingMega Gengar
DisguiseBlocks first hitMimikyu
Good as GoldImmune to status movesGholdengo
Soul-Heart+1 Sp. Atk when Pokemon faintsMagearna
Lingering AromaChanges foe's ability on contactDolliv

Exclusive Abilities

PokemonAbilityCompetitive Impact
AegislashStance ChangeChanges form when attacking
MimikyuDisguiseFree switch-in or setup turn
GholdengoGood as GoldImmune to status moves
ShedinjaWonder GuardOnly weak to super effective

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

StrengthDetails
Dual ImmunitiesNormal and Fighting immunity
Offensive TypingSuper effective vs Psychic, Ghost
Utility MovesWill-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, Trick
Spin BlockingBlocked Rapid Spin (Gen I-VII)
TrappingShadow Tag (Mega Gengar)

Weaknesses

WeaknessDetails
Two WeaknessesGhost and Dark are common types
Few ResistancesOnly resists Poison and Bug
Dark WeaknessDark is common offensive type
Pursuit WeaknessPre-Gen VIII vulnerability

Role in Metagame

RoleExamples
Spin BlockerGengar, Aegislash (Gen I-VII)
Status SpreaderWill-O-Wisp users
Revenge KillerShadow Sneak priority
WallbreakerGholdengo, Dragapult
Special AttackerCalyrex-Shadow, Flutter Mane
Physical WallDusclops (Eviolite)

Notable Strategies

StrategyPokemonDetails
SubDisableGengarSubstitute + Disable combo
Destiny BondGengar, DrifblimRevenge KO strategy
CurseCursola, SableyeSelf-damage to drain opponent
Last RespectsHoundstoneSnowball damage after KOs
Rage FistAnnihilapeBuilds power when hit

Special Mechanics

Spinblocking (Gen I-VII)

Prior to Generation VIII, Ghost-types were immune to Rapid Spin, making them essential for hazard-stacking teams:

AspectDetails
MechanicGhost immunity prevented Rapid Spin success
ImpactForced teams to carry Ghost-types or spinners
RemovalGeneration VIII made Rapid Spin hit Ghost-types
LegacyChanged hazard metagame significantly

This mechanic made Pokemon like Gengar invaluable in competitive play for preventing hazard removal.[5]

Curse Mechanic

Curse functions differently when used by Ghost-types:

User TypeEffect
Non-Ghost+1 Attack/Defense, -1 Speed
Ghost-typeLose 50% HP, target loses 25% HP per turn

The Ghost-type version of Curse is a trapping move that sacrifices the user's HP to continuously damage the opponent.[6]

Trapping Mechanics

Several Ghost-types have access to trapping mechanics:

Move/AbilityEffectPokemon
Shadow TagPrevents switchingMega Gengar
Spirit ShacklePrevents switchingDecidueye
Anchor ShotPrevents switchingDhelmise
Arena TrapGround-types can't flee(Not Ghost-specific)

Normal/Fighting Immunity

Ghost's immunity to Normal and Fighting-type moves provides several competitive advantages:

BenefitExample
Extreme Speed immunityBlocks priority STAB
Close Combat immunityWalls Fighting-types
U-turn immunityPrevents momentum shift
Fake Out immunitySetup opportunity

Historical Significance

Generation I

Ghost-types were poorly implemented in the original games:

  • Only three Ghost-types existed (Gastly line)
  • Ghost moves were programmed as physical despite being special attackers
  • Ghost was supposed to be super effective against Psychic but was bugged
  • The only Ghost-type move was Lick (30 power), Confuse Ray, and Night Shade

Generation II

Ghost-types received significant improvements:

  • New Ghost Pokemon added (Misdreavus, Shedinja's predecessor)
  • Shadow Ball introduced as a powerful special move
  • Curse added with unique Ghost mechanic
  • Spinblocking became strategically important

Generation III-V

Ghost-types became competitively viable:

  • Physical/Special split (Gen IV) benefited Ghost moves
  • Shadow Claw added as physical option
  • Sableye and Spiritomb had no weaknesses
  • Chandelure introduced as special attacking powerhouse

Generation VI-Present

Ghost-types evolved into top-tier threats:

  • Fairy type gave Sableye/Spiritomb a weakness
  • Aegislash dominated with Stance Change
  • Mimikyu's Disguise became iconic
  • Good as Gold (Gholdengo) redefined utility
  • Spinblocking removed (Gen VIII)

Notable Ghost-Type Moments

Competitive History

EventPokemonSignificance
Gen I OUGengarOnly viable Ghost despite bugs
Gen IV UbersGiratina-OriginDominant physical wall
Gen VI OUAegislashEventually banned to Ubers
Gen VII VGCMimikyuUbiquitous Disguise sweeper
Gen VIII OUDragapult#1 usage for months
Gen IX OUGholdengoGood as Gold dominated

Banned Pokemon

PokemonTier Banned ToReason
AegislashUbers (Gen VI)King's Shield + coverage
Mega GengarUbers (Gen VI-VII)Shadow Tag trapping
MarshadowUbersTechnician + movepool
Calyrex-ShadowAGAbsurd Special Attack
Flutter ManeUbers (Gen IX)Speed + Protosynthesis

Ghost-Type Paradox Pokemon

Generation IX introduced Ghost-type paradox Pokemon:

PokemonBased OnTypeEra
Flutter ManeMisdreavusGhost/FairyAncient
Iron ValiantGardevoir/GalladeFairy/FightingFuture (not Ghost)

Flutter Mane became the fastest special attacker with Protosynthesis, dominating early Gen IX metagames before being banned to Ubers.[7]

Legendary Signature Moves

Ghost-type legendaries have some of the most powerful signature moves:

PokemonMoveTypePowerEffect
GiratinaShadow ForceGhost120Vanishes, bypasses protection
LunalaMoongeist BeamGhost100Ignores abilities
MarshadowSpectral ThiefGhost90Steals stat boosts
Calyrex-ShadowAstral BarrageGhost120Hits both opponents

Cultural Significance

Ghost-types are among the most popular Pokemon types due to:

  • Halloween theming and spooky aesthetics
  • Unique immunity mechanics
  • Gengar's iconic status since Generation I
  • Mimikyu's tragic lore and competitive viability
  • Creative designs (Chandelure, Aegislash, Dragapult)

Type Distribution

GenerationNew Ghost Pokemon
I3 (Gastly line)
II1 (Misdreavus)
III8 (Shedinja, Sableye, Banette, etc.)
IV7 (Spiritomb, Giratina, Froslass, etc.)
V10 (Chandelure line, Cofagrigus, etc.)
VI6 (Aegislash line, Gourgeist, etc.)
VII14 (Decidueye, Mimikyu, Lunala, etc.)
VIII11 (Dragapult, Spectrier, Calyrex, etc.)
IX10+ (Gholdengo, Flutter Mane, etc.)

See Also

References

  1. ^Ghost (type) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  2. ^Ghost Type - Smogon University — Smogon University (2024)
  3. ^Dragapult (Pokemon) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  4. ^Fairy (type) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  5. ^Rapid Spin and Spinblocking — Smogon University (2024)
  6. ^Curse (move) — Bulbapedia (2024)
  7. ^Flutter Mane - Smogon Forums — Smogon University (2024)
  8. ^Pokemon Game Series — Game Freak / Nintendo (1996-2024)