Ghost Pokémon are one of the best types in the entire franchise, and that's a hill I'm willing to defend to the bitter end. Gengar has long proven why these ethereal creatures are cool as well as powerful, but with so many to choose from, we're here to help narrow down the best Ghost Pokémon in Pokémon Go. You only have three slots on your team in the mobile game, so you need to make the most out of them.
If ghosts aren't for you, you can always check out our complete Pokédex guide, where you can discover every single creature in the game across all types. We even have guides that go into detail on each individual 'mon, too.
Here are the best ghost Pokémon:
Mega Gengar
Fast attack: Lick
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Mega Gengar is one of the best ghost Pokémon in Pokémon Go by a considerable margin, boasting a max CP of 4902 and an attack stat of 349, meaning it hits like a freight train. Mega Gengar's defense and stamina aren't too shabby either, coming in at 199 and 155, respectively. Regarding its attacks, lick is undoubtedly the best fast attack, while shadow ball deals high damage if you have it as your charged maneuver.
While Mega Gengar is by far one of the best ghost Pokémon you can get, period, Shadow Gengar is also a fine option in Pokémon Go, as that nice boost in damage can make a huge difference. The standard version of Gengar, while effective, doesn't stand tall among the greats, unfortunately.
Origin Forme Giratina
Fast attack: Shadow claw
Charged attack: Shadow force
We discuss Giratina in our dragon Pokémon list, and that's because this legendary beast is powerful in every sense of the word and just happens to be so evil that Arceus banished it from our realms. Even if you choose to take the ghost approach with its build, we guarantee this Pokémon is going to cause some problems for your rivals.
However, while Giratina is powerful regardless of its form, we strongly suggest you pursue Origin Forme Giratina, as its stats are even more impressive than the normal variant. This form can reach 4,164 CP with an impressive 284 HP supporting it. Furthermore, it has a 225 attack stat, allowing it to both cause and withstand damage.
In terms of its attack, if you purely want it as a ghost Pokémon, it's best to give Origin Forme Giratina shadow claw for its fast attack and Shadow Force for its charged attack. However, if you want some variety, you can make dragon tail its fast attack instead.
We have to admit that this legendary beast isn't easy to get, so make sure you read our Pokémon Go Giratina guide, where we explain how to catch, use, and counter it.
Mismagius
Fast attack: Hex
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Now, this is a ghost Pokémon with some oomph. Mismagius is one of the best ghost-types for a reason, and that's because it has access to some powerful moves that can decimate the health bar of a range of opponents.
Allow us to give you a little bit more information on Mismagius. This ghostly being is number 429 in the Pokédex and is unfortunately known for being known to torment people who can hear its cries. However, on rare occasions, you might find that the Mismagius is actually trying to give you happiness. It's like a game of chance if you hear the incantations of this creature, though most people do lose.
Trevenant
Fast attack: Shadow claw
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Trees are dangerous, and you should stay away from them, especially if it's an opposing Trevenant. However, if this grass and ghost-type hybrid is on your team, it's a different story, as its unique blend can lend itself to some powerful combinations that result in a lot of damage to your foe thanks to its slightly higher attack stat. Still, we suggest you lean into its ghostly powers instead of giving it grass attacks - trust us.
However, we do need to point out that with a speed stat of 56, Trevenant is considerably slower than some of the other Pokémon on this list, meaning that it might not land the first strike. We also feel the need to give you a word of caution about Trevenant; it despises people who harm forests and is likely to trap you within one and never let you leave should you be one of those people.
Shadow Chandelure
Fast attack: Hex
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Shadow Chandelure can reach 3695 CP and boasts an attack stat of 271, making it a good offensive Pokémon, while the 182 defense stat helps to keep it in the fight a little bit longer - though there are some other entries on this list that have better defenses. In terms of moves, the best fast attack is actually fire spin, but if you want Shadow Chandelure to go all in on ghost-type attacks, use hex. As for its charged attack, shadow ball is the best option.
Gholdengo
Fast attack: Hex
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Gholdengo. I hate looking at this Pokémon, but there's no denying that it is one of the strongest Pokémon in the entire franchise, and not just in Pokémon Go. This steel and ghost-type can reach a CP of 3,976, which may seem low in comparison to other 'mon, but it can still hit hard with a 252 attack stat.
For its attacks, we recommend you equip it with hex and shadow ball, both of which are ghost-type moves with good damage output.
Dawn Wings Necrozma
Fast attack: Psycho cut
Charged attack: Moongeist beam
Arguably, the best ghost Pokémon in Pokémon Go is Dawn Wings Necrozma, the epic legendary from generation seven. It's not easy getting your hands on this beast, but it's more than worth the effort for an impressive ghost- and psychic-type.
Dawn Wings Necrozma can reach a max CP of 4,634 CP, which is pretty damn high, and when you miss that with a 277 attack stat, 220 defense, and 200 stamina, you have a true force of nature on your hands. Regarding its attacks, moongeist beam is its best charged attack, which is handy given it's a ghost-type attack.
However, while there is a ghost-type fast attack on offer for Dawn Wings Necrozma, shadow claw, that isn't the best fast move it has access to. That honor goes to psycho cut. So, if you want this legendary purely for its ghostly half, go ahead and have shadow claw. But, if you ask us, it's best to give it the psychic-type fast attack instead.
Mega Banette
Fast attack: Shadow claw
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Banette is one mean ghost, and that's especially true for its mega evolution. Mega Banette is a great choice if you need a solid ghost Pokémon on your team, with the potential to reach 4063 CP. Its attack stat is its shining star, being 312, while its defense and stamina stats sit at 160 and 162, respectively, which isn't too shabby either. To make the most out of Mega Banette, make sure it has the shadow claw and shadow ball attacks, as both can cause great damage.
Hoopa
Fast attack: Astonish
Charged attack: Shadow ball
Of course, Hoopa is on this list. You can't discuss ghost Pokémon and not bring this one into the conversation. We love Hoopa at PT, but it's conflicting in the sense that we love the attack capabilities of its confined form, but we can't deny how badass we think its Unbound form looks.
As you might expect, the combat power potential of Hoopa is good, regardless of which form it's in, though that is where we have to give the edge to the Unbound version. For pure strength, you want Unbound. For the moveset, give Confined a go.
Shadow Annihilape
Fast attack: Counter
Charged Attack: Shadow ball
In generation nine, Primeape gets a long-awaited evolution. Not that's anything wrong with what was once a two-stage evolution line, it's just Annihilape shows that there was room for growth with the fighting-type, and who would have thought that would be in the form of a ghost Pokémon.
As a dual ghost- and fighting-type, Annihilape has access to a variety of moves, though there's no denying that shadow ball is its most powerful charge attack, and given its potential combat power, it's a no-brainer that you want this 'mon on your team.
Dragapult
You have no idea how happy the entire PT was when the Dreepy evolution line finally arrived in Pokémon Go. It came as very little surprise to see Dragapult continue to be a dominant force. Though not quite as powerful as it is in the main games, the pseudo-legendary is still worth having on your team if you're in need of a ghost-type, or even a dragon, for that matter.
If you want a pure ghost approach for Dragapult, make sure you use astonish as its fast attack, though we maintain that dragon tail is its best overall attack of this type. However, its CP maxes out at just below 4,000, so there are some other ghost Pokémon that can hit harder. We just love this Pokémon and will always find a spot for it.
Lunala
Lunala is a legendary worth having if you want a powerhouse ghost Pokémon on your team, as it can reach 4,570 CP, boasting impressive attack and stamina stats with 255 and 264, respectively. Regarding its attacks, while shadow ball is undoubtedly its best charged attack, confusion and air slash are actually its best fast moves.