[OVERVIEW]
Gastly is a fantastic Pokemon in the LC metagame thanks to its very good Speed stat, which allows it to offensively check tier titans such as fast Mienfoo and Snivy, and its top-tier Special Attack stat, which allows it to put enormous pressure on teams and reliably break down opposing walls. Its movepool leaves it with a plethora of coverage options that make it extremely difficult to switch into, and even includes reliable support moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Destiny Bond. Gastly's Ghost typing also comes with significant advantages, giving it an immunity to Fighting-type priority moves and allowing it to act as a risky spinblocker for hyper offensive teams. However, Gastly's poor defensive stats and weakness to the common Dark type leave it prone to being easily taken out by anything it doesn't KO.
[SET]
name: Hex
move 1: Hex
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Berry Juice
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 40 Def / 120 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
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 the 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. 200 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Gastly to reach 18 Speed, making it one of the fastest Will-O-Wisp users in the tier and allowing it to safely attack teams without taking hits. 120 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. 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 good 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.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Substitute / Destiny Bond
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
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 other Dark-type Pokemon. 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.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / Trick / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 36 Def / 196 SpA / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
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.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gastly has access to several other coverage options, including Giga Drain, Psychic, and Thunderbolt, which can be run on any set, but generally are only useful against specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Ground is especially notable, as it allows Gastly to lure in some of its typical checks, such as Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Stunky, and deal significant damage. Venoshock can be run on teams with a reliable method of poisoning the foe, such as Toxic Spikes, to give Gastly a move with much higher Base Power than Sludge Bomb. Taunt is an option with Berry Juice to prevent Gastly from being set up on by Pokemon it does not KO, but Gastly would usually rather either run a coverage move to hit these Pokemon or switch out. Lastly, Knock Off can be used to lure in bulkier Pokemon and remove their items, but Gastly has all the wallbreaking potential it will generally need with just the standard sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Alolan Grimer and Stunky**: Both Alolan Grimer and Stunky resist Gastly's STAB moves, have the bulk to handle any coverage move effectively, and remove Gastly from the battle with Pursuit. Hex variants are more difficult to trap, since Gastly can burn and escape from battle, but Stunky and Grimer will still be able to reliably counter it later in the battle.
**Priority Moves**: Gastly is very susceptible to priority, including Aqua Jet from Carvanha and Corphish and Sucker Punch from Pawniard and Croagunk.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to its enormous wallbreaking potential, the best way for offensive teams to handle Gastly is to revenge kill it. Pokemon with 19 Speed, such as Aipom and Abra, can outspeed and KO Gastly, as can Choice Scarf users such as Pawniard, which can trap Gastly with Pursuit. However, these Pokemon need to be wary of a surprise Choice Scarf Gastly, which will outspeed most other Choice Scarf Pokemon.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Extremely specially bulky Pokemon are required to handle Gastly defensively. Munchlax, Lickitung, Ferroseed, and Lileep all tank any hit from Gastly, but still take significant damage in doing so. None of them like being poisoned, either (with the exception of Ferroseed), so switching into a Sludge Bomb can cripple them.
**Bulletproof Users**: Chespin and Jangmo-o get an honorable mention as Gastly counters, as they both have the ability Bulletproof, making them completely immune to both Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb. However, both are generally useless otherwise and can become dead weight on teams. They also do not check the Hex set particularly well.
Gastly is a fantastic Pokemon in the LC metagame thanks to its very good Speed stat, which allows it to offensively check tier titans such as fast Mienfoo and Snivy, and its top-tier Special Attack stat, which allows it to put enormous pressure on teams and reliably break down opposing walls. Its movepool leaves it with a plethora of coverage options that make it extremely difficult to switch into, and even includes reliable support moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Destiny Bond. Gastly's Ghost typing also comes with significant advantages, giving it an immunity to Fighting-type priority moves and allowing it to act as a risky spinblocker for hyper offensive teams. However, Gastly's poor defensive stats and weakness to the common Dark type leave it prone to being easily taken out by anything it doesn't KO.
[SET]
name: Hex
move 1: Hex
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Berry Juice
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 40 Def / 120 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
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 the 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. 200 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Gastly to reach 18 Speed, making it one of the fastest Will-O-Wisp users in the tier and allowing it to safely attack teams without taking hits. 120 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. 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 good 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.
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting / Dazzling Gleam
move 4: Substitute / Destiny Bond
item: Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 200 SpA / 80 SpD / 200 Spe
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 other Dark-type Pokemon. 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.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / Trick / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 36 Def / 196 SpA / 76 SpD / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
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.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Gastly has access to several other coverage options, including Giga Drain, Psychic, and Thunderbolt, which can be run on any set, but generally are only useful against specific Pokemon. Hidden Power Ground is especially notable, as it allows Gastly to lure in some of its typical checks, such as Alolan Grimer, Pawniard, and Stunky, and deal significant damage. Venoshock can be run on teams with a reliable method of poisoning the foe, such as Toxic Spikes, to give Gastly a move with much higher Base Power than Sludge Bomb. Taunt is an option with Berry Juice to prevent Gastly from being set up on by Pokemon it does not KO, but Gastly would usually rather either run a coverage move to hit these Pokemon or switch out. Lastly, Knock Off can be used to lure in bulkier Pokemon and remove their items, but Gastly has all the wallbreaking potential it will generally need with just the standard sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Alolan Grimer and Stunky**: Both Alolan Grimer and Stunky resist Gastly's STAB moves, have the bulk to handle any coverage move effectively, and remove Gastly from the battle with Pursuit. Hex variants are more difficult to trap, since Gastly can burn and escape from battle, but Stunky and Grimer will still be able to reliably counter it later in the battle.
**Priority Moves**: Gastly is very susceptible to priority, including Aqua Jet from Carvanha and Corphish and Sucker Punch from Pawniard and Croagunk.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to its enormous wallbreaking potential, the best way for offensive teams to handle Gastly is to revenge kill it. Pokemon with 19 Speed, such as Aipom and Abra, can outspeed and KO Gastly, as can Choice Scarf users such as Pawniard, which can trap Gastly with Pursuit. However, these Pokemon need to be wary of a surprise Choice Scarf Gastly, which will outspeed most other Choice Scarf Pokemon.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Extremely specially bulky Pokemon are required to handle Gastly defensively. Munchlax, Lickitung, Ferroseed, and Lileep all tank any hit from Gastly, but still take significant damage in doing so. None of them like being poisoned, either (with the exception of Ferroseed), so switching into a Sludge Bomb can cripple them.
**Bulletproof Users**: Chespin and Jangmo-o get an honorable mention as Gastly counters, as they both have the ability Bulletproof, making them completely immune to both Shadow Ball and Sludge Bomb. However, both are generally useless otherwise and can become dead weight on teams. They also do not check the Hex set particularly well.
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