In Pokémon Legends: Z‑A, Haunter evolves into Gengar only by trading. There’s no in‑game item that replaces a trade for this line. Once Haunter is traded to another player, it evolves immediately; have your trading partner send the newly evolved Gengar back to you if you want to keep it.

Online trading requires an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. You can start or manage a membership on Nintendo’s official page at nintendo.com/switch/online. You can match with others online or share a link code with a friend to coordinate the trade.

Don’t expect a Linking Cord shortcut

The Linking Cord item used in past spin-offs is not available in Legends: Z‑A. For Haunter specifically, the only path to Gengar is trading; using an item on Haunter will not trigger evolution.

Where to get Haunter (and Gengar if you can’t trade)

  • Haunter: found at night in Wild Zone 15.
  • Gengar alternatives:
    • Alpha Gengar appears in Wild Zone 20 near the end of the game.
    • Gengar can also be encountered at level 42 in the Old House late in the story.

If you’re worried about trading away a rare or shiny Haunter, catching a Gengar directly in these later areas is a viable alternative.

Leveling into Haunter first (manual evolution)

Gastly evolves into Haunter at level 25. Legends: Z‑A uses manual evolutions for level‑ups: when evolution is available, an up‑arrow appears on the Pokémon’s icon in your party. Open the menu, select the Pokémon, and choose Evolve to confirm.

Quick reference: Gastly line in Legends Z‑A

Pre‑evolution Evolution Method
Gastly Haunter Level 25 (manual evolve via menu)
Haunter Gengar Trade with another player

Safer tradebacks

Trade with a trusted partner and agree on a link code ahead of time. If you’re coordinating with a stranger, set expectations clearly: trade Haunter, let it evolve, then trade Gengar back immediately.

The bottom line: there’s no item workaround in Z‑A. If you want your Haunter to become Gengar, arrange a trade. If that’s not feasible, plan a late‑game detour to the Old House or Wild Zone 20 to catch Gengar outright.