Haunter is possibly based on the dila, a spirit that passes through walls then licks certain humans to death according to Filipino mythology. It also appears to be based on a generic sort of cartoonish ghost.
Haunter is derived from haunt, as ghosts are known to do. It could also be a corruption of “hunter”.
Ghost is literally ghost.
No: 093
English Name: Haunter
Japanese Name: Gosuto
Generation: 1
Type: Ghost, Poison
Species: Gas Pokémon
Abilities: Levitate
Evolution: Gastly > Haunter > Gengar
Haunter is a purple Pokémon with a gaseous body. It has a round head with a pair of disembodied hands. Each hand has three pointed fingers. Its head is flanked by three large, spiked protrusions on either side, and its eyes are large and triangular with small pupils. The gases composing its head curve down to form several pointed teeth framing a pink mouth and a long tongue. Its body tapers into a jagged tail.
Haunter hides in very dark places, where it plots to take the life of the next living thing that comes near it. It silently stalks its victim and steals its life force with a lick from its gaseous tongue, which inflicts convulsions that persists until the victim dies. It has the ability to float through solid walls. Despite its predatory nature, it has been known to entertain and prank people in the anime. Additionally, it has even been shown to feel intense loyalty to a deceased Trainer. Haunter lives in dark, abandoned caves.
POKEDEX ENTRIES
Pokemon Red: Because of its ability to slip through block walls, it is said to be from another dimension.
Pokemon Blue: Because of its ability to slip through block walls, it is said to be from another dimension.
Pokemon Yellow: By licking, it saps the victim’s life. It causes shaking that won’t stop until the victim’s demise.
Pokemon Stadium: If you trip and fall for no apparent reason or hear a sound when no one is around, it may be a Haunter.
Pokemon Gold: In total darkness, where nothing is visible, Haunter lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Pokemon Silver: Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
Pokemon Crystal: It hides in the dark, planning to take the life of the next living thing that wanders close by.
Pokemon Stadium 2: In total darkness, where nothing is visible, Haunter lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Pokemon Ruby: Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
Pokemon Sapphire: Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
Pokemon Emerald: If a Haunter beckons you while it is floating in darkness, don’t approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
Pokemon FireRed: If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there.
Pokemon LeafGreen: Because of its ability to slip through block walls, it is said to be from another dimension.
Pokemon Diamond: It can slip through any obstacle. It lurks inside walls to keep an eye on its foes.
Pokemon Pearl: It licks with its gaseous tongue to steal the victim’s life force. It lurks in darkness for prey.
Pokemon Platinum: It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Pokemon HeartGold: In total darkness, where nothing is visible, Haunter lurks, silently stalking its next victim.
Pokemon SoulSilver: Its tongue is made of gas. If licked, its victim starts shaking constantly until death eventually comes.
Pokemon Black: It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Pokemon White: It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Pokemon Black 2: It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
pokemon White 2: It likes to lurk in the dark and tap shoulders with a gaseous hand. Its touch causes endless shuddering.
Pokemon X: If you get the feeling of being watched in darkness when nobody is around, Haunter is there.
Pokemon Y: It licks with its gaseous tongue to steal the victim’s life force. It lurks in darkness for prey.
Pokemon Omega Ruby: Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
Pokemon Alpha Sapphire: Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon. If one beckons you while floating in darkness, you must never approach it. This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away.
Pokemon SUN: It strikes at humans from total darkness. Those licked by its cold tongue grow weaker with each passing day until they die.
Pokemon MOON: It fears the light and revels in the dark. It may be on the verge of extinction in cities that stay brightly lit at night.
