Gengar had Levitate in Pokémon Generations III through VI. Beginning in Generation VII, its ability changed to Cursed Body, removing the Ground-type immunity Levitate provided. The sources documenting the change do not give an official reason for it.
When did Gengar lose Levitate?
Gengar’s ability history breaks at the start of Generation VII—not in Generation VI. Pokémon Database identifies Levitate as Gengar’s ability in Generations III, IV, V and VI, while Bulbapedia says Gengar had Levitate before Generation VII. Both references list Cursed Body from Generation VII onward. (Pokémon Database; Bulbapedia)
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The official Pokémon Pokédex currently lists Cursed Body for Gengar. That listing confirms the ability shown on that Pokédex page; it is not a guarantee about every spin-off, special event, ROM hack or fan game. For a specific game, check that game’s own data. (Official Pokémon Pokédex)
What changed in battle?
| Ability | When Gengar had it | Battle effect |
|---|---|---|
| Levitate | Generations III–VI | Immunity to damaging Ground-type moves, with exceptions and conditions that can remove the immunity. Bulbapedia’s Levitate entry describes the mechanics. |
| Cursed Body | Generation VII onward in the cited ability history | Can disable a move used on the Pokémon; it does not provide Levitate’s Ground-type immunity. Pokémon Database’s Cursed Body entry summarizes the effect. |
In practical terms, the change meant Gengar no longer had Levitate’s standard protection from damaging Ground-type moves through its listed ability. Cursed Body offers a different effect rather than a replacement Ground immunity.
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Why did Gengar lose Levitate?
No official explanation for the change is established by the sources cited here. Claims that it was done for balance, because Gengar was too strong, or for a particular design reason are speculation unless supported by an attributable official statement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you get Levitate Gengar back?
The generation history and current Pokédex listing do not establish whether any item, transfer route or game-specific exception can restore Levitate in a particular title. Check the relevant game’s current ability data before relying on an Ability Capsule, Ability Patch or other method. The documented main-series change does not by itself settle edge cases in every game.
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