Want to evolve Haunter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? Discover how to get Gengar using a Linking Cord solo or through classic trading at the Trading Post.
If you have been playing Pokémon games for a while, you probably remember the frustration of trying to get a Gengar. Historically, getting this powerful Ghost and Poison-type meant you had to find a friend willing to trade with you. If you were playing completely solo, or simply didn’t have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership, you were often out of luck, leading many to wonder, can you get Gengar solo in Legends: Arceus?
Fortunately, you have more options when exploring the Hisui region. If you want to know how to evolve Haunter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you will be thrilled to discover that a trade is no longer mandatory. When you set out to evolve Haunter, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers incredibly flexible methods. Whether you use the internet, rely on Pokémon HOME for roster management, or prefer to play entirely on your own, learning how to get Gengar in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is easier than ever.
Here is everything you need to know about tracking down a Haunter, preparing your inventory, and triggering its final evolution.
Where to Catch Haunter (and Gastly) in the Hisui Region
Before you can focus on how to get Gengar, you need to catch its previous forms. You won’t find Gastly or Haunter in the starting area of the Obsidian Fieldlands, so you will need to progress the story just a bit.
Once you calm the frenzied noble Pokémon Kleavor, you will unlock the Crimson Mirelands. This is the earliest area where you can start your ghost hunt. Make sure your Arc Phone is handy and your satchel is stocked with enough Poké Balls and stealth items like Smoke Bombs, as these Pokémon can be skittish or aggressive.
If you are wondering where to catch Gastly at night in Legends: Arceus, keep in mind that these spooky Pokémon only spawn when the sun goes down, though the in-game weather conditions will not affect their appearance. For trainers specifically looking for where to catch Haunter in the Crimson Mirelands, you can find both Pokémon in the following locations:
- Gapejaw Bog
- Golden Lowlands
- Scarlet Bog
- Shrouded Ruins
If you are already further ahead in your playthrough, you can also catch these Pokémon in the Coronet Highlands and the Alabaster Icelands.
How to Evolve Haunter Without Trading (The Solo Method)
For players figuring out how to evolve Haunter without trading, Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces a revolutionary new item called the Linking Cord.
Instead of initiating a trade, you simply use the Linking Cord exactly like you would use a Fire Stone or Water Stone. It triggers the evolution immediately. This is the perfect solution if you don’t have Wi-Fi access on your Switch or simply prefer to build your team independently using Pokémon Legends: Arceus trade evolution items. Better yet, this same item works on other classic trade-locked Pokémon, meaning you can also use it to secure an Alakazam, Machamp, or Golem.
If you are not sure where to get a Linking Cord in Legends: Arceus, there are three ways you can get your hands on one in the game:
- Purchase it at Simona’s Shop: You can buy a Linking Cord directly from the Trading Post in Jubilife Village. It costs 1,000 Merit Points (MP).
- Go digging with Ursaluna: While riding your Ursaluna mount, pay attention to its treasure-hunting signals. Linking Cords will occasionally drop as random loot when digging up hidden items in the earth.
- Break shaking ores: As you explore the overworld, throw your Pokémon at shaking mineral deposits. Along with standard crafting materials like Tumblestones, these rocks sometimes drop evolution items, including the Linking Cord.
Steps to Use the Linking Cord
Once you have obtained the item and are wondering how to use a Linking Cord on Haunter, evolving your Pokémon is incredibly simple. Just treat it like any standard consumable item:
- Open your in-game satchel menu.
- Select the Linking Cord.
- Choose your Haunter to apply the item and watch it evolve into Gengar!
How to Farm Merit Points Quickly
If you don’t want to rely on the random luck of shaking ores or Ursaluna digging, purchasing the Linking Cord from Simona’s shop is your most reliable option. To do this, you will need to understand how to get Merit Points in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
The fastest way to accumulate MP is by finding lost satchels. This asynchronous multiplayer feature works a bit like retrieving dropped loot in games like Death Stranding, where you help out other real-world players.
As you explore the different regions of Hisui, open your map and look for small satchel icons. These represent items dropped by other players who fainted in the wild. Simply travel to those locations and pick up the bags. Every time you return a lost satchel through the game’s menu, you are rewarded with Merit Points. Gather a few of these, and you will hit your 1,000 MP goal in no time.
Pro Tip: Make sure your Nintendo Switch is connected to the internet so the game can populate your map with fresh satchels from players around the globe.
How to Evolve Haunter Through Trading (The Classic Method)
If you happen to have a friend to play with, you can still evolve your Haunter the old-fashioned way. This is a great choice if you want to save your hard-earned Merit Points to buy other expensive evolution items, like an Electirizer or a Magmarizer.
To initiate a trade, head over to Simona’s shop in Jubilife Village. Speak to her to access the Trading Post menu. You can choose to trade locally with a friend in the same room via Local Communication (which does not require a subscription), or you can connect with players globally over the internet (which does require Switch Online).
When trading online with a friend, always remember to set an 8-digit Link Code so you don’t accidentally match with a random player. Just trade your Haunter away, and it will evolve into Gengar upon reaching the other player’s console. Have them trade it right back, and your team will be set!
Conclusion
Getting Gengar has never been this accessible. Whether you prefer hunting for lost satchels to buy a Linking Cord or you enjoy the classic trading experience at the Jubilife Village Trading Post, you have full control over how you complete your Pokédex.
Gengar’s fantastic speed and special attack make it an excellent addition to any Hisui team. Which method are you using to evolve your Haunter? Did you get lucky and dig up a Linking Cord with Ursaluna, or did you farm the Merit Points? Let us know in the comments below!
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