The process of obtaining the Shadow Pokmon Gengar involves a specific method tied to trading. Specifically, a Haunter must be traded to another player to trigger its evolution into Gengar. This evolution is a direct consequence of the trade; upon completion, the Haunter will transform.
This evolution method has remained consistent across the core Pokmon game series. Trading has always been a core mechanic, promoting interaction and collaboration between players. Securing Gengar requires reliance on another individual, making it a potentially rewarding, if sometimes challenging, goal.