Gastly Movesets & Competitive Sets

Gastly is powerful enough to threaten most slower targets, but being extremely frail makes it vulnerable to priority from bulky attackers like Piloswine and Thwackey. Gastly thus is best used breaking walls like Galarian Corsola and Tangela that are weak to its STAB attacks. Dazzling Gleam hits Dark- and Fighting-types, particularly Vullaby and Hakamo-o. Trick debilitates switch-ins to Gastly like Roselia, Klang, and Mareanie, while Destiny Bond takes advantage of its poor bulk to take down attackers like Machoke and Piloswine that it cannot OHKO. A Timid nature hardly affects the scope of Gastly’s Speed tier, only relevantly netting it niche revenge kill opportunities against Adamant Raboot, Choice-locked Thwackey, and opposing Gastly at the cost of wallbreaking power. Without any bulk to rely on in most cases, its best to preserve Gastly for safe switch-ins on the targets it preys on. This makes offensive pivots like Raboot, Thwackey, and Electabuzz great partners, as they bait in physical walls like Galarian Corsola and Tangela for Gastly to punish; the latter two additionally provide Knock Off support to soften up more targets like Vullaby and Koffing for Gastly to break. Sticky Web support from Charjabug broadens Gastly’s revenge kill opportunities to include faster threats like Drakloak and Abra, and its Volt Switch makes it an additional pivot for Gastly to enjoy as well. Other slow pivots, such as Volt Switch Klang and Teleport Clefairy, can also bring Gastly in safely whilst covering for their Psychic- and Dark-type weaknesses, respectively. Tangela and Ferroseed are walls Gastly relies on as a defensive backbone once its threatened by faster or priority attackers like Galarian Linoone, Thwackey, and Piloswine. In return, Gastly’s immunities to Toxic and Fighting-type attacks grant it an opportunity for it to come in unscathed if its wall teammates are targeted by these moves.

Moves Hex becomes an extremely powerful STAB move for Gastly if the opponent has been inflicted with a status ailment. Will-O-Wisp allows Gastly to cripple physical attackers that come in hoping to check it and boosts Hex's power. Substitute allows Gastly to capitalize on the switches it forces, force Sucker Punch Pawniard into mind games, and avoid the occasional status move from the likes of Foongus. Sludge Bomb gives Gastly a Poison-type STAB move and allows it to function as a powerful Fairy-type check. Dazzling Gleam and Hidden Power Fighting are options to hit the various Dark-type Pokemon that Gastly lures in, but Hex will usually hit them harder after a burn than either of these moves. Disable in conjunction with Substitute allows Gastly to take on most of the tier's Fighting-types one-on-one by Disabling their Knock Off and switch out more easily against Pursuit users. Set Details Gastly is given a very diverse EV spread. 196 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Gastly to reach 18 Speed, making it one of the faster Will-O-Wisp users in the tier and allowing it to safely attack teams without taking hits. 116 Special Attack EVs boost Gastly's Special Attack to a level where it can threaten opposing teams with Hex. The remaining EVs give Gastly enough bulk to take a Pursuit or a Knock Off after it consumes Berry Juice from any Dark-type in the metagame, and provides a chance for Foongus's Giga Drain to not break its substitute. Berry Juice allows Gastly to regenerate its health once in a battle, giving it a certain measure of longevity and the ability to use Substitute more times. Usage Tips Gastly should nearly always avoid switching into attacks, as most defensive Pokemon can cripple it with status moves and offensive Pokemon easily take advantage of its poor defenses. Gastly should use Will-O-Wisp to spread burns as much as possible, especially to cripple Dark-type attackers that are switching in, which allows Gastly to switch out without being KOed by Pursuit if necessary. Gastly can then use Hex or its coverage moves to act as a powerful wallbreaker. Gastly usually does not want to take even burn-weakened attacks, so stay on the attack when you know Gastly will deal significant damage. Substitute should be used to ease prediction when Gastly will force a switch, against Pokemon reliant on status moves such as Foongus, and to activate Berry Juice if Gastly needs to be at full health to take a hit. If running Disable, Gastly can use Substitute against Pokemon that rely on Knock Off or Pursuit to deal with it, especially Fighting-type Pokemon that cannot hit Gastly without Knock Off, and then Disable to gain a free turn. Team Options Toxic Spikes works extremely well in conjunction with Hex Gastly, allowing it to fire off powerful Hexes without having to rely on Will-O-Wisp. Pokemon such as Mareanie, Skrelp, and Trubbish can set up Toxic Spikes effectively and check the Fighting-types that can hit Gastly with Knock Off. Other forms of entry hazards, which can be set by the likes of Omanyte and Dwebble, also help Gastly wear down opposing teams, and Gastly acts as a spinblocker to keep the hazards its teammates set up. Pokemon that can handle Knock Off users are essential if Gastly is not using Disable, which makes Fighting-types such as Mienfoo and Timburr good partners. These Pokemon can also handle specially bulky Pokemon such as Munchlax that counter Gastly. Mienfoo also makes a good slow pivot, which works well with Gastly because of its ability to bring Gastly in safely and gain momentum. Other slow pivots work well with Gastly, including Chinchou and U-turn Vullaby. Opposing Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon can check Gastly offensively, so Pursuit users, including Pawniard, Alolan Grimer, and Stunky, make good partners.

Moves Dazzling Gleam is an excellent coverage move for Gastly, hitting Fighting- and Dark-types quite hard. However, the main function of Dazzling Gleam on this set is to give Gastly access to Twinkle Tackle, a powerful Z-Move that OHKOes Mienfoo, certain Timburr sets, and Vullaby after Stealth Rock damage. Thunder can be used instead to give Gastly a good chance to beat Alolan Grimer switchins in addition to taking out Vullaby. Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball are powerful STAB attacks with good coverage, especially against foes such as Snivy, Spritzee, and Pumpkaboo-XL. Substitute helps Gastly protect itself from a single move, lets it avoid Sucker Punch and status moves such as Foongus's Spore, and lets Gastly avoid having to predict a switch. Hidden Power Fighting can also be used to hit Pawniard, a Pokemon that otherwise walls Gastly. Set Details Fairium Z lets Gastly use Twinkle Tackle to surprise some of its checks, such as Vullaby, Mienfoo, and Timburr, and deal heavy damage. A Timid nature and 196 Speed EVs are used to maximize Gastly's Speed and let it outspeed Mienfoo, Snivy, and Cottonee. 196 Special Attack EVs let Gastly do a fair amount of damage. The rest of Gastly's EVs are put into its defenses to let it survive for as long as possible. Levitate gives Gastly an immunity to Ground-types moves, allowing it to switch in slightly easier against certain Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Mudbray and Hippopotas. If using Hidden Power Fighting, Gastly should use an EV spread of 40 Def / 200 SpA / 200 Spe to maximize Special Attack and Speed. Usage Tips To properly utilize Twinkle Tackle, it is a good idea to try and bait in threats Gastly can KO with it, namely Timburr, Mienfoo, and Vullaby. Before doing this, however, it is usually best to scout how your opponent will react to Gastly, as Twinkle Tackle can only be used once per battle. This usually consists of checking what usually switches into Gastly and what moves said Pokemon usually uses. It's best not to attack before using Twinkle Tackle, as this would reveal that Gastly lacks a Life Orb, leading your opponent to most likely believe it is either Choice Scarf or Fairium Z. This is especially important if the opponent has something Gastly can lure in. Don't be afraid to attack afterwards, however, as Gastly can still do a lot without the element of surprise. Due to Gastly's low bulk, it is generally good to not switch Gastly into unresisted attacks, and it's preferred to get Gastly in through a U-turn or Volt Switch or after one of its teammates has fallen. Substitute should be used on a predicted switch and against Sucker Punch users to safely protect Gastly. It can also be used to avoid status from certain Pokemon such as Spore Foongus. Be sure to always avoid being in against Pursuit trappers, such as Alolan Grimer. It is also best that Gastly is only used when it can ensure a KO on a foe, as it is too frail to take nearly any damage. Team Options Note that Twinkle Tackle Gastly should be used on teams that appreciate a lure to Timburr, Mienfoo, or Vullaby, as if teams don't need this, Life Orb Gastly would work better. Pokemon that appreciate the removal of Fighting-types and Vullaby, such as Scraggy and Carvanha, appreciate Gastly's ability to lure in and KO said threats. Abra in particular appreciates Twinkle Tackle's ability to remove Vullaby and severely weaken Alolan Grimer and Pawniard. Gastly greatly appreciates Stealth Rock support from setters such as Pawniard, Ferroseed, Onix, and Dwebble to help it break through more Pokemon, and in return, Gastly can block Rapid Spin for them. Fighting-types, namely Mienfoo and Timburr, are very useful to help Gastly beat Dark-types, Pawniard in particular, as well as many using Knock Off to cripple foes, and Gastly can deal with Fairy-types in return. Slow pivots, namely Mienfoo, Chinchou, and Vullaby, can help Gastly get onto the field without taking any damage from attacks.

Moves Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb are powerful STAB moves, especially when boosted by Life Orb, and can hit most of what doesn't resist them for solid damage. Gastly can choose to run either Hidden Power Fighting or Dazzling Gleam in the third moveslot to deal with Dark-types. Hidden Power Fighting hits Pawniard, which resists both of Gastly's STAB moves, for more damage, while Dazzling Gleam is more powerful against Vullaby. Psychic lets Gastly OHKO frailer variants of Eviolite Mienfoo more often than not, as well as consistently 2HKO Mareanie and OHKO Croagunk. Substitute allows Gastly to take advantage of the switches it forces, avoid stray status moves, and force Pawniard into mind games with Sucker Punch. Destiny Bond can be used instead to take advantage of Gastly's Speed to take out an opposing Pokemon when it is knocked out and still somewhat force Pawniard into mind games. Sucker Punch can be run as a surprise fourth move to take out opposing Gastly and Abra as well as severely weakened Pokemon that aim to revenge kill it, but Gastly's Attack stat is too low to make use of it otherwise. Set Details The EV spread on this set is simple, maximizing Gastly's Special Attack and Speed to allow it to hit as hard as possible and outspeed most of the metagame with a Timid nature, including Pokemon such as Mienfoo, Archen, and Drilbur, while Speed tying with Doduo. The remaining EVs go into Special Defense instead of HP to provide 19 HP, which minimizes both Life Orb recoil damage and the amount of HP it takes to make a Substitute. If Hidden Power Fighting isn't run, an EV spread of 36 Def / 196 SpA / 76 SpD / 196 Spe should be used instead. A Life Orb boosts Gastly's wallbreaking potential, assisted by Gastly's naturally high Special Attack stat. Usage Tips This Gastly set is fairly easy to use, working as a strong wallbreaker that uses its power and coverage to break down opposing teams. Gastly should avoid taking hits as much as it can, as it has low defenses. This means that generally Gastly should only be attacking when it can KO a Pokemon, which will be often due to its power. Scouting for opposing Choice Scarf users is important early in a match to ensure that Gastly isn't taken by surprise and revenge killed. Substitute should be used against opposing Sucker Punch users to force them into mind games until Gastly can get up a free Substitute and then attack. Be cautious when playing against Pursuit users, as they can come in and prevent Gastly from switching out. Team Options As with all wallbreakers, Gastly appreciates entry hazard support to break down opposing teams, with Omanyte, Pineco, and Dwebble all performing this role appropriately. Gastly can also spinblock for these Pokemon to support teammates that also take advantage of entry hazards. Fighting-types, such as Timburr, Croagunk, and Mienfoo, make fantastic partners due to their ability to use Knock Off to wear down defensive Pokemon, their ability to check bulky Normal- and Dark-types, and their potential to lure in Fairy-types that Gastly easily deals with. Offensive Ground-type Pokemon, including Drilbur, Mudbray, and Diglett, can take advantage of the Pokemon Gastly lures in, including Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Stunky. Other fast special attackers, including Elekid and Abra, put pressure on the same Pokemon that Gastly does, making them good partners to wear down these Pokemon to allow for a sweep. Pokemon that can give Gastly a free switch into the battle also make good partners, including slow pivots such as Mienfoo and U-turn Vullaby. Pursuit trappers, including Pawniard, Alolan Grimer, and Munchlax, work well due to their ability to eliminate Abra, which is a threat to this set.

Moves Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb are solid STAB moves for Gastly, and Sludge Bomb comes with a chance to poison. Thunderbolt allows Gastly to hit Water-type Pokemon for super effective damage, most notably OHKOing Shellder and Omanyte, the latter after a Shell Smash boost. It also does significant damage to Vullaby, coming close to a KO after Stealth Rock damage. Dazzling Gleam allows Gastly to take out opposing Scraggy, which Gastly can deal with even after a Dragon Dance boost due to its Choice Scarf, and deal significant damage to Vullaby. Alternatively, Trick allows Gastly to lock an opposing Pokemon into a status or setup move, ideally giving a teammate a chance to set up. Hidden Power Fighting can be used to hit Pawniard on the switch in. Set Details The given EV spread maximizes Gastly's Special Attack and Speed while giving a point each to Defense and Special Defense. If Hidden Power Fighting is run, Gastly should use a spread of 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe to make up for the IV drop. With maximum Speed investment, a Timid nature, and a Choice Scarf, Gastly hits 27 Speed, which allows it to reliably revenge kill nearly the entire metagame, most notably making it one of the only Pokemon to outspeed Shell Smash users. Usage Tips This Gastly set is designed to be used as a revenge killer that acts as a safety net for hyper offensive teams that are weak to certain setup Pokemon. As such, Gastly should be used as a revenge killer preserved to handle said Pokemon, and not switched into any attacks. If it is run, Trick should be used at any point in a match when Gastly's Choice Scarf is no longer needed in order to cripple a defensive Pokemon. Be aware that Choice Scarf Gastly doesn't have the immediate offensive potential of the Life Orb set, so it is far less effective at dealing with bulky Pokemon. However, when an opposing team has been worn down, Choice Scarf Gastly can function as an effective cleanup Pokemon in the late-game. Team Options Choice Scarf Gastly is designed for extremely offensive teams that need a last-ditch counter to setup sweepers. As such, it is a given that Gastly's team should provide it with entry hazard support, which allows it to put more pressure on opposing Pokemon. Dark-type Pokemon work well as partners for this set, as they are able to Knock Off opponents and set up on the Pokemon that come in on Gastly. Scraggy and either Nasty Plot or Z-Mirror Move Vullaby make good partners because of this. Fighting-type Pokemon, including Timburr and Mienfoo, also make good partners, as they are able to come in on the Dark-type Pokemon that Gastly has trouble breaking past and remove them.

Psychic is Gastly's most spammable attack, notably hitting opposing Poison-types like Koffing and Gastly super effectively while providing a strong hit against Diglett. Sludge Bomb deals decent damage to mixed bulky attacker Wailmer without activating Sitrus Berry, giving it high odds of being KOed by Thunderbolt afterwards. It also OHKOes Cacnea while having decent odds to do the same to Exeggcute, and it can possibly weaken other targets with its chance to poison. Shadow Ball is an alternative, also giving Gastly high, albeit slightly worse, odds of KOing mixed bulky attacker Wailmer when used before Thunderbolt. It's also Gastly's strongest move with no drawbacks against Duskull and Abra, KOing the former after Thunderbolt or Psychic and OHKOing the latter, though Gastly still loses one-on-one to them. Thunderbolt primarily hits Flying- and Water-types, damaging the aforementioned Wailmer and OHKOing foes like Doduo and Staryu. Thief is an alternative to let Gastly steal a foe's Sitrus Berry after Gastly has used up its own, notably preventing Porygon from using Recycle to stay healthy. Explosion lets Gastly sacrifice itself to OHKO most targets, including extremely bulky ones like Wailmer and Porygon. The given EV spread alongside a Hasty nature maximizes Gastly's Speed while providing enough Attack to OHKO Porygon. 76 Special Defense EVs let Gastly never be OHKOed by mixed bulky attacker Wailmer's Surf, with this matchup also being why Hasty is chosen over Naive. Of what is left over, 36 EVs are used to augment Gastly's Special Attack as much as possible, while the remainder is put into its Defense. Gastly is a natural fit on teams looking for a switch-in to Choice Band Doduo's Normal-type moves and Self-Destruct and Explosion users such as Wailmer, Koffing, and opposing Gastly, on teams that prefer Gastly's explosive offensive power over Duskull's better defenses. Essentially the entire metagame appreciates this support, with teammates unable to outspeed and OHKO these foes like Wailmer and Chinchou especially appreciating Gastly as a teammate. It is recommended that Gastly not reveal itself too early but instead switch in when it's clear the mentioned examples are committing to their Normal-type move. Either way, if the foe sacrifices itself for nothing or Doduo locks itself into a move that does no damage, Gastly will almost always get a KO in those situations. Gastly is also an effective answer to Porygon, as being able to KO it with Explosion is usually an advantageous trade, though players must be wary of not being too predictable and risking the opponent switching in their own Ghost-type. Beyond switching into Self-Destruct, Gastly also reliably handles Wailmer, helping Pokemon that struggle against it like Diglett, Elekid, and Koffing. Gastly primarily struggles with foes that are faster than it, such as Staryu, making a teammate like Chinchou useful at checking it. Gastly has an abhorrent matchup against Abra, being outsped and OHKOed by its STAB Psychic, with Abra even able to switch into many of Gastly's moves. Gastly is generally best off staying in to stop Abra from setting up, and once it's KOed, it can let in a faster teammate, like Elekid or Diglett, or a priority user, like Doduo, to revenge kill Abra.