Gengar or Espeon for single battles?

Question

I can't pick! I need someone else's opinion I have been looking at this over and over for a few hours and at this point it's in one ear and out the other please help!

No mega evolving Gengar, already thought of that, and it doesn't work with my set. No, my set isn't important to this they play the same role and I already have a set. (haven't really been able to pick out items and natures yet so just moves and you can also suggest your items and natures.)

Espeon

-Future Sight
-Shadow Ball
-Psychic
-Dazzling Gleam

(Keep in mind I'm playing ORAS so I will have Gengar with Levitate)

Gengar

-Thunderbolt
-Shadow Ball
-Sludge Bomb
-Dark Pulse

Is it just me or are these sets scary alike? Espeon has 25 more base stats, but Gengar has been OU for years. Gengar has better typing, but Espeon has less predictability.

Comments

You can't really choose one or the other because they're hardly the same. And if you are playing ORAS, how can you play OU if tiers are only in PokemonShowdown!?

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not playing OU just saying he's held that title for years anf that definitely means something

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And hardly the same? they have the exact same stats except Espeon has 25 more in special defense. One of the only moves they don't share is thunderbolt or Future Sight it's like Espeon went and died and Gengar was left.

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Stats isn't everything. Espeon and Gengar have different typings and abilities, and there niches in competitive.

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but joltemon, genera used to be a person.

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Gengar is much better than Espeon for using against most of the steel type and fairy type threats. It can also cover the many psychic Pokemon using a STAB attack. If you're sure a psychic Pokemon would be better for you than a Gengar, then use Starmie or Latios instead.
Also why dark pulse on Gengar when everything it covers is already covered by shadow ball?

Answer 1

Gengar

Pros:

• Super effective on Fairy, one of if not the best types in Gen6.
• Levitate ability eliminates ground weakness, a powerful offensive type
• Access to Taunt, shutting down stall
• Hits steel for neutral damage thanks to the steel type nerf
• Good spinblocker
• Unpredictable thanks to many viable sets, and can even run Destiny Bond
• Extremely powerful mega evolution you might want to consider using (learn more about that here)

Cons:

• Exceptionally frail
• Walled by Assault Vest Users
• Shut down by priority users

Note: Espeon isn't necessarily less predictable than Gengar. Gengar has many different sets, so if anything, Gengar is rather unpredictable.

Sample Movesets:

Your movesets could use editing, so here are some Smogon recommended sets.

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA, 252 Spe, 4 SpD
IVs: 29 HP, 0 Atk
-Shadow Ball
-Sludge Wave
-Focus Blast
-Taunt

However, Mega Gengar is just a better version of Gengar, so I reccomend using this set:

Gengar @ Gengarite
Ability: Levitate >>> Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 SpA, 252 Spe, 4 SpD
-Destiny Bond
-Shadow Ball
-Sludge Bomb
-Taunt

Espeon

Pros:

• A great ability in Magic Bounce
• Psychic typing is super effective on fighting, which is somewhat popular
• Can take a few Special Attacks after Calm Mind
• Access to Morning Sun for recovery
• Access to Trick allows it to choice lock opposing Pokemon

Cons:

• Shallow Offensive Movepool; has trouble against Steel
• Weak to the common dark and ghost types
• Lackluster defense hinders its ability to switch in against some Pokemon

Sample Movesets:

Espeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 164 HP, 92 Def, 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
-Calm Mind
-Psychic / Stored Power
-Dazzling Gleam
-Morning Sun

Espeon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 SpA, 252 Spe, 4 SpD
IVs: 0 Atk
-Psychic
-Shadow Ball
-Dazzling Gleam
-Trick

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Gengar is better than Espeon. It is in a higher Smogon tier, has a much better typing, and a powerful Mega Evolution. However, Espeon does have a niche in BSS as a Magic Bouncer and Calm Mind sweeper. Both are good Pokemon to use.

For more BSS set alternatives, go here and here.