Can You Evolve Haunter Without Trading in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid Pokémon player and content creator, this is a question I see asked a lot, especially by players looking to complete their Pokédex in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP). The good news is – yes, you can evolve Haunter into Gengar without trading in BDSP! Keep reading as I break down everything you need to know.

Overview: Using the Linking Cord Item

The key to solo evolving trade-evolution Pokémon like Haunter is the Linking Cord item, introduced in BDSP. Here‘s how it works:

  • Purchase a Linking Cord for 1000 PokéDollars from the Outpost Trader in Jubilife Village
  • Give the Linking Cord held item to your Haunter
  • Level up Haunter and it will evolve into Gengar!

So with the Linking Cord equipped, you can trigger Haunter‘s evolution yourself without coordinating a trade. It‘s that easy!

In-Depth Guide to Evolving Haunter Solo

As a gaming guide creator, let me walk you through evolving Haunter step-by-step:

Step 1: Catch a Gastly & Evolve It

First, catch a Gastly from Route 209 or Lost Tower. You can find them in the wild or use honey to attract Horde Encounters.

Level up your Gastly to Lv. 25 to evolve it into a Haunter. I‘d recommend using the VS Seeker to rematch trainers for Exp Points.

Step 2: Purchase the Linking Cord

Next, purchase a Linking Cord from the Outpost Trader in Jubilife Village for 1000 PokéDollars. Here are some tips for getting cash quickly:

  • Repeatedly rematch Gentleman Logan on Route 209. Battling him is the fastest way to farm money.
  • Use the Amulet Coin held item to double battle payouts.
  • Plant Berry crops in the Berry Master‘s garden once per day.

Step 3: Give Haunter the Linking Cord

Now give your Haunter the Linking Cord to hold. Make sure it does not have an Everstone equipped, or that would prevent evolution.

Step 4: Level Up Your Haunter

Keep battling with Haunter as normal. The next time it gains a level, the Linking Cord will activate and it will evolve into Gengar!

And there you have it – a solo Haunter evolution without needing to trade or find friends. Enjoy your new Gengar!

Why Solo Evolve Haunter?

Here are some of the key benefits of using the Linking Cord method:

  • Convenience: Don‘t need to coordinate trading with friends or strangers.
  • Efficiency: Quicker to purchase an item than arrange trades.
  • Earlier Evolution: Get Gengar at the minimum Lv. 25 instead of delaying.
  • Competitive Viability: Solo method allows you to influence Gengar‘s nature and stats.

As you can see, this shortcut makes completing the Sinnoh Pokédex significantly easier compared to old-school trade evolutions.

Will This Work for Other Trade Evolutions?

Yes, the Linking Cord item allows you to solo evolve any Pokémon that previously needed trading to evolve, including:

  • Machoke → Machamp
  • Graveler → Golem
  • Kadabra → Alakazam

So if you‘re missing any of those Pokémon lines, grab a Linking Cord and evolve them on your own. No friends required!

I hope this detailed guide gives you what you need to add Gengar and other trade-evolution Pokémon to your Pokédex. Let me know if you have any other BDSP questions!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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