Historically, Ghost Gym Leaders and Elite Four Members have been predictably weak and repetitive, with the ‘soul’ exception being Shauntal’s rematch team. So if we had a powerful ghost master to battle, what would their team look like if we take the best Ghost Pokémon we can find? Let’s investigate!
1. Dhelmise
The sea creeper Dhelmise is an underrated but hard-hitting Alolan addition to the small pool of Ghost-Type Pokémon. With its high attack stat and access to STAB (Same-type attack bonus) for 3 types with its Steelworker ability, this dastardly anchor can take advantage of its typing while avoiding the dread of 4x super effectiveness the steel typing would bring. Its versatility brings an unexpected edge if trick room is exploited as well as the fact it can self-sustain by utilising synthesis.
2. Chandelure
Chandelure is nothing short of iconic, from its dramatic inclusion in Pokken Tournament to its eerie and foreboding appearance, this chandelier is far more than just ambiance. With a steep special attack stat and a high number of resistances (4 if you utilise an air balloon and stick Flash Fire on it), it can switch into virtually anything and save the day with its high number of move types it has access to. Fighting a Ground or Water type? No problem, energy ball will cause this lamp to laugh in the face of adversity and is a very welcome addition to the team.
3. Aegislash
The unique option here is the Royal Sword Aegislash, being able to switch forms to and from an attacking powerhouse into a defensive wall makes Aegislash ready for any foe. King’s Shield is a must but the option to choose whether this can be a special attacker or a physical sweeper gives Aegislash another level of unpredictability, plus a haunted sword gets cool points alone (don’t judge me I’m only human).
4. Zoroark
The newest Pokémon on this list is the Hisuian form of Zoroark, its hatred of every living thing creates an incredibly malicious beast that will rip and tear into its opponent so viciously it hurts itself in its frenzy. The illusions it creates are so horrifying it is known to even emotionally wound anyone that lays their eyes upon it. Known as the living embodiment of death, it is the only Ghost and Normal Type which gives it the unique distinction of being the only Ghost Type that is immune to Ghost-Type attacks as well as Fighting leaving only Dark moves capable of super effective damage. On top of having a special attack and speed stat edge over its Unovan predecessor, it has a wide variety of Ghost, Dark, and Ice moves that can and will hit hard to any Dragons or opposing Ghost or Psychic Types.
5. Marshadow
The mysterious gloomdweller Marshadow hides in shadows and tries to stay hidden wherever possible, but when encountered its fighting spirit allows it to transform into its Zenith form. Capable of performing its Soul Stealing 7-Star Strike in battle (when Z-Moves are accessible), its unique fighting typing allows it to use a plethora of Fighting moves as well as having the signature move Spectral Thief that steals the stat increases of the opposing Pokémon, Marshadow is a force to be reckoned with.
6. Banette
The obvious choice here was indeed, Gengar, with its insanely high special attack stat, the iconic design, and great movepool it would be silly not to use it. However, I feel like Mega Banette has an edge, most ghost-type Pokémon have high special attack stats, but with Banette’s access to prankster and it can burn quickly with will-o-wisp and then sucker punch or shadow sneak its opponents to dust with its very high attack stat. Mega Banette is the true wild card, and hopefully someday soon we can all use it in our teams again! (At least it’s coming to Pokémon GO soon)
And there we have it, those are the six Ghost-Type Pokémon I think would make the ultimate Elite Four member team! Obviously, I have missed some great Pokémon like Mimikyu, Froslass, and even Gengar, but what six would you choose? I’d love to see some different team compositions with this limitation!
Video game completionist and 3D platformer connoisseur, Riley is a fan of the whimsical frenzy of bright and colourful characters that blessed us in the late 90's. Their favourite game's are Spyro, Persona 5 and Super Mario Sunshine.
