The social phenom on mobile known as Pokemon GO has continued its momentum, thanks to its addictive gameplay and a steady stream of additions. One of the most appealing aspects of this journey is the ability to nab some truly awesome monsters, and there's plenty to be had when it comes to Ghost-types.
While these unique apparitions can be a mixed bag, many of the top-tier varieties are among the best in the game. A number of them come equipped with some highly powerful moves and damage output.
But which among this increasing list of ominous Ghosts are the best of the best in Pokemon Go?
Updated on October 25, 2021, by Reyadh Rahaman: What constitutes "best" can differ from trainer to trainer, however, it can unanimously be agreed upon that a Pokemon's battle capabilities reign supreme as a judging factor in Pokemon Go. Those seeking the best Ghost-type Pokemon should keep this in mind, as with all other types.
What determines a Pokemon's prowess in combat are its stats and its moves, which can be adjusted through training and using TMs. Be sure to power up one's spookiest pocket monsters appropriately, as, regardless of the species, at the end of the day, it is the trainer who is responsible for victory or defeat.
13 Spiritomb
This especially ethereal Ghost-type Pokemon is both Dark and Ghost-type, meaning it is only truly susceptible to Fairy-type attacks, making Spiritomb a solid wall in most cases. This combined with a base Defense stat of 199 means that players can rely on them to stand their ground.
Interestingly, Spiritomb only has Dark-type fast attacks and only Ghost-type charged attacks, meaning, that, while lacking variety, all of this Pokemon's potential moveset combinations will grant them STAB bonuses. They will excel at defeating adversaries who are weak to the more sinister types in Pokemon games.
12 Froslass
Chilly and fierce, this pale Ghost and Ice-type Pokemon can freeze foes until they faint with solid Ice-type attacks. Furthermore, Frosslass has a decent base Attack stat of 172, which allows it to use its Ice and Ghost-type attacks to great effect, though, it can also learn at least a single Dark-type move for balance (Crunch).
It should be noted that Froslass can only evolve from female Snorunts and with a Sinnoh Stone. In battle, Froslass should be used for offense instead of defense, as its stats are more geared toward taking down enemies like Flying-types and well as Psychic-type ones.
11 Jellicent
While arguably the least intimidating of the Ghost-type Pokemon, Jellicent can still be a decent spook to have on one's team. With mostly well-rounded stats, Jellicent truly shines because of its high base Stamina stat of 225.
One of the better charged moves, Shadow Ball, will benefit from a STAB bonus, which enhances its great 100 base power and 33 DPS. Players can evolve Jellicent from a Frillish with 50 Candy.
10 Cofagrigus
This Pokemon from the Unova region can inflict doom on those who cross them by enclosing and trapping unsuspecting prey inside its body, which fittingly resembles a coffin. Though strictly a Ghost-type, this odd monster boasts a range of attacks, including the swift Astonish and the potent Psychic move Zen Headbutt--Cofagrigus also wields a trio of powerful charged attacks of the Ghost, Psychic, and Dark variety; most notably the deadly move Shadow Ball.
Cofagrigus' total damage output (TDO) stands at a respectable 463.31. While mostly lukewarm statistically, this Pokemon's solid build gives it a defense of 237; well above average.
9 Runerigus
One of the more recent entries is this defensive Ghost-Ground apparition from the Galar region--Runerigus evolves from Yamask after being fed 50 candies and getting victories in ten raids as a Buddy Pokemon. While its fast attack is limited to Astonish, Runerigus can also inflict ample pain with Rock Tomb and especially Shadow Ball; which do a potent 70 and 100 damage respectively.
Runerigus' statistics and traits are near-identical to Cofagrigus, as they both mostly excel with their charged attacks and solid defense.
8 Drifblim
This balloon-like spirit from the Sinnoh region uses souls to power its flight, and fittingly takes the form of a Ghost and Flying-type; it evolves from Drifloon upon being given 50 candies. Its fast attack Hex can be deceptively effective, while its strong charged attacks, Shadow Ball and Ominous Wind can be mixed up with the chilling Icy Wind, which inflicts 60 damage or 18 damage-per-second (DPS).
Though vulnerable on the defensive side, Drifblim's stamina is second-to-none at 312, making them ideal for longer wars of attrition and gym battles. Its TDO is also fairly strong at 507.22.
7 (Shadow) Dusknoir
While the default form of this sizable spirit is solid, Dusknoirs bearing the Shadow aura truly excel. It evolves from Dusclops after consuming 100 candies and being given a Sinnoh Stone. The Ghost-type can pick up the signals of apparitions with its unique antenna, though it can also send some rather clear messages with a range of strong attacks.
Between the speedier Astonish and the variety of charge attacks — Dark Pulse, Ominous Wind, and Psychic — it can keep opponents on their heels. Dusknoir carries some great potential with a Max Combat Power (CP) of 2700, and a stellar defense of 254.
6 Golurk
This statuesque Ghost/Ground-type from Unova can crush many in its wake, especially when being coaxed into a rage when its chest seal is removed. Golurk evolves from Golett after consuming 50 candies. It comes equipped with the usual Astonish, but also notably the Ground move Mud-Slap, which does a solid 18 damage and 13 DPS.
On the charged attack front, Golurk's one-two punch of Eath Power and Dynamic Punch can devastate opponents, with 100 and 90 damage respectively. Golurk's CP reaches a whopping 3226, while it also boasts great attack and stamina at 222 and 205 respectively.
5 (Shadow) Mismagius
The normal form of this curse-inflicting spirit can still be a force to be reckoned with, though its darker Shadow counterpart wins out. This eerie apparition from Sinnoh evolves from Misdreavus upon eating 100 candies and being granted a Sinnoh Stone.
Shadow Mismagius thrive from its variety of unique attacks, most notably the excellent Fairy move Dazzling Gleam, which does a whopping 100 damage. But even its "weakest" charge attack, Dark Pulse, does a more-than-sufficient 80 damage.
This Pokemon's max CP is a solid 2957, and it really packs a punch with an attack of 211, while still being decent defensively at 187.
4 (Shadow) Banette
Though it may not look too menacing, this little Ghost-type from Hoenn can be deceptively tough, and not just because of its unique power to stick pins in its body to curse foes. This is especially true for the Shadow and Mega variants of this ghostly plush doll. Banette evolves from Shuppet after being given 50 candies.
While the fast attack Shadow Claw is sufficient enough, especially on the DPS front, it boasts a trio of charged attacks — all different types — which each deal 100 damage. With a barrage of Dazzling Gleam, Shadow Ball, and Thunder, opponents will have a tough time regrouping.
Naturally, Banette really excels offensively with a 218 attack, but this Pokemon also has solid stamina at 162. Its DPS is one of the best among Ghost-types, with a statistic well over 18.
3 Chandelure
It's tough to find a hotter combo of Pokemon types than Ghost and Fire, and this ghostly chandelier can truly burn opponents with a slew of potent Fire moves. Chandelure evolves from Lampent after being given 100 candies and an Unova Stone — an investment that's well worth it.
Notable moves include the powerful fast attack Incinerate and the absolutely devastating Overheat, which wallops foes with 160 damage and 40 DPS. But in staying true to its ghostly form, Chandelure can also mix in the similarly strong Shadow Ball and Hex.
Trainers with patience can really get a lot of value from this beast, as its max CP reaches a high ceiling of 4724. Offense, defense, and stamina are all solid across the board, but particularly on the attack front, with a statistic of 300. Chandelure's TDO of 592.68 is one of the highest among Ghost-types in their default forms.
2 (Mega) Gengar
This old-school spirit from Kanto is still top-tier even in its usual form, but the evolved Haunter truly dominates in the, even more, evolved Mega form. This can be achieved after Gengar is given 200 Mega Energy.
Though it likes to lurk in the shadows, Gengar makes its presence known with a potentially devastating moveset, especially on the charged front. Gengar's charged moves span several types and can range in damage from 40 (Shadow Punch) to an insane 140 (Focus Blast). Mix in the poison-laced Sludge Bomb, and enemies will quickly be worn down.
Mega Gengar has a sky-high max cp of 4902, and a superb attack statistic of 349. This doesn't even factor in stamina, which still stands at a solid 199.
1 Giratina (Origin)
Pound for pound, the Origin form of this monster from Sinnoh towers over all other Ghost-types in Pokemon GO. It's hard to beat a Legendary beast that takes the form of both Ghost and Dragon, especially with charged moves like the earth-shattering Ancient Power.
Origin Giratina's max CP reaches a high watermark of 4164, while its attack, defense, and stamina are all well over 180, with the latter really excelling at 284. But where Origin Giratina really lights it up is sheer damage output. It boasts a DPS of 16.98 and TDO of 1017; the most of any Ghost-type in Pokemon GO.
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.