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Johto field journalPokémon HeartGold / SoulSilverGUIDES

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Walkthrough: All 16 Gyms, Team Rocket & Red

The whole adventure in 26 parts, from New Bark Town through the eight Johto Gyms, Team Rocket, the Kimono Girls and the Elite Four to Kanto’s eight Gyms, Red on Mt. Silver and the post-game legendaries. Each part links to the location pages for wild Pokémon, trainers and items.

Edition: the original Nintendo DS Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (English, 2010). Gold, Silver and Crystal differ in many details.

Parts
26
Badges
16
Elite Four
4 + Champion Lance
Starters
Chikorita · Cyndaquil · Totodile

Part 1 New Bark Town and Professor Elm

New Bark Town Route 29

Your journey begins in quiet New Bark Town, where your neighbour Lyra (or Ethan, if you play as the girl) has just been playing with her Marill and a red-haired boy is spying on Professor Elm’s lab. Elm hands you your first partner and sends you west on an errand, so this short opening part is all about choosing a starter and getting kitted out.

  1. Downstairs, your mum gives you your Bag and Trainer Card and reminds you that Professor Elm wanted a favour from you.
  2. Outside, Lyra’s (or Ethan’s) Marill mistakes you for its Trainer, and a red-haired boy lurking by the lab window shoves you away if you talk to him.
  3. In the lab, Elm explains that a man called Mr. Pokémon has emailed him about a discovery and asks you to go in his place; first you pick Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile, all at Lv5.
  4. On your way out, Elm’s aide hands you five Potions to keep your partner healthy.
  5. Show your new partner to your mum, who returns your repaired Pokégear with her number already saved in it.
  6. As you step onto Route 29, Elm runs up to give you his phone number too, so he can call you with news.
  7. Route 29 is a gentle introduction: the grass holds Pidgey and Sentret by day and Hoothoot at night, with Rattata at any hour.
  8. Pick up the Potion lying near the northeastern grass; the Green Apricorn tree on the hill can’t be harvested until you get an Apricorn Box on Route 30.

Worth catching: Pidgey Sentret Hoothoot Rattata

Your starter battles your rival at Lv5 very soon, so win a few fights on Route 29 to get it to Lv6 or Lv7 before you reach Cherrygrove City.

Part 2 Cherrygrove City and Mr. Pokémon

Cherrygrove City Route 30 New Bark Town

A friendly Guide Gent shows you around Cherrygrove City before you head north to Mr. Pokémon’s house, where Professor Oak himself gives you a Pokédex. On the way back the red-haired thief from New Bark Town ambushes you with a stolen Pokémon, and the police learn his name: Silver.

  1. In Cherrygrove City the Guide Gent tours you round the Pokémon Center, Poké Mart and seafront, then gives you the Running Shoes; he adds a Map Card for your Pokégear when you reach the exit to Route 30.
  2. On Route 30, Youngster Joey (Rattata Lv4) is the first Trainer to swap Pokégear numbers with you, and Youngster Mikey and Bug Catcher Don block the side paths.
  3. The man in the house south of the route gives you the Apricorn Box, which lets you collect Apricorns from trees like the ones on Routes 29 and 30.
  4. At the end of the route, Mr. Pokémon gives you the Mystery Egg he received from a friend in Ecruteak City, and Professor Oak, visiting him, gives you a Pokédex before heading off to his radio show in Goldenrod.
  5. Mr. Pokémon’s house also holds an Exp. Share for later: he trades it for the Red Scale you find at the Lake of Rage.
  6. Professor Elm calls in a panic, so head back south; at Cherrygrove the red-haired boy challenges you with the starter strong against yours: Cyndaquil Lv5 if you chose Chikorita, Totodile Lv5 if you chose Cyndaquil, or Chikorita Lv5 if you chose Totodile.
  7. After the battle he drops his Trainer Card, revealing his name, Silver, and you learn back at the lab that he stole the Pokémon from Elm.
  8. Elm takes the Mystery Egg to study, tells you the nearest Gym is in Violet City, and your mum offers to save part of your prize money for you.
  9. On Route 29, Lyra (or Ethan) shows you how to weaken and catch a wild Pokémon, then gives you five Poké Balls, which go on sale at Poké Marts from now on.

Worth catching: Pidgey Hoothoot Caterpie Weedle Ledyba Spinarak

Bug types differ by version: Caterpie and Spinarak appear on Route 30 in HeartGold, while SoulSilver has Weedle and Ledyba instead.

Part 3 Violet City, Sprout Tower and Falkner

Route 31 Violet City Sprout Tower

Route 31 leads to Violet City, an old town built around the swaying Sprout Tower. Climb the tower to test yourself against the Sages and Elder Li, then take on Falkner’s Flying-type Gym for your first Badge.

  1. On Route 31, Bug Catcher Wade (Caterpie and Weedle) gives you his number, and the dark cave beside the route is Dark Cave, which is easier to explore once you have Flash.
  2. At the Violet City gatehouse, Lyra (or Ethan) catches up with you and gives you the Vs. Recorder.
  3. In the house southwest of the Pokémon Center, a boy trades his Onix, nicknamed Rocky and holding a Persim Berry, for a Bellsprout from Route 31 or 32.
  4. Earl’s Pokémon Academy explains status conditions if you’re new to the series; it’s optional.
  5. Climb Sprout Tower, battling Sages whose teams are all Bellsprout (Lv3–7, with a Hoothoot Lv7 for Sage Troy); Rattata live inside by day and Gastly at night.
  6. At the top, Silver has just beaten Elder Li and storms off, after which Li battles you with Bellsprout Lv7, Bellsprout Lv7 and Hoothoot Lv10 and rewards you with TM70 Flash.
  7. Falkner, the Violet Gym Leader, uses Pidgey Lv9 and Pidgeotto Lv13; his Pidgeotto knows Gust and Roost, and his Gym Trainers are Bird Keepers Abe and Rod.
  8. Winning earns you the Zephyr Badge and TM51 Roost.
  9. Professor Elm calls as you leave: his aide is waiting in the Violet Pokémon Center to give you back the Mystery Egg, which hatches into Togepi.
Falkner

Worth catching: Bellsprout Gastly Geodude Zubat Dunsparce

Rock and Electric moves make short work of Falkner’s birds: catch a Geodude near the Dark Cave entrance or trade a Bellsprout for the Onix in Violet City.

Part 4 Route 32, Union Cave and Bugsy

Route 32 Ruins of Alph Union Cave Route 33 Azalea Town Slowpoke Well

South of Violet City, Route 32 runs past the mysterious Ruins of Alph to Union Cave and on to Azalea Town, where Team Rocket has resurfaced and is cutting the tails off Slowpoke. Help Kurt drive them out of the Slowpoke Well, then beat Bugsy’s Bug-type Gym.

  1. Detour west into the Ruins of Alph: solve the Kabuto tile puzzle in the first chamber and Unown appear in the underground hall, while a researcher hands you the UNOWN Report.
  2. At the Route 32 Pokémon Center, a fisherman gives you the Old Rod and an Apricorn fan gives you two Lure Balls; ignore the shady man trying to sell a SlowpokeTail for ₽1,000,000.
  3. Route 32 is a good place to fill your team, with Mareep, Wooper (at night) and Hoppip in the grass and Ekans in SoulSilver.
  4. Pass through Union Cave, where Geodude, Zubat and the odd Onix live, and Hiker Daniel uses an Onix Lv11; follow Route 33 to Azalea Town.
  5. A Rocket Grunt blocks the Slowpoke Well; after Kurt shouts at him he tumbles into the well, then Kurt hurts his back climbing down and asks you to finish the job.
  6. Defeat the three Grunts on B1F, then Executive Proton with Zubat Lv8 and Koffing Lv12, and Team Rocket clears out of town.
  7. Back home, Kurt gives you a Fast Ball and offers to turn Apricorns into special Poké Balls overnight, one colour at a time.
  8. Bugsy’s Gym has a cart-and-rail puzzle: ride across, flip the switches and battle Bug Catchers and Twins Amy & Mimi on the way.
  9. Bugsy uses Scyther Lv17, Kakuna Lv15 and Metapod Lv15, and beating him earns the Hive Badge, which lets you use Cut outside battle, plus TM89 U-turn.
  10. On the west edge of town Silver challenges you again with Gastly Lv14, Zubat Lv16 and the starter strong against yours: Quilava Lv18 if you chose Chikorita, Croconaw Lv18 if you chose Cyndaquil, or Bayleef Lv18 if you chose Totodile.
Bugsy

Worth catching: Mareep Wooper Hoppip Geodude Slowpoke Onix

Bugsy’s Scyther is the real threat; a Fire, Flying or Rock attack such as Geodude’s Rock Throw takes it down fast.

Part 5 Ilex Forest to the Goldenrod Gym

Ilex Forest Route 34 Goldenrod City Goldenrod Tunnel

Help the charcoal maker’s apprentice round up his runaway Farfetch’d in the gloomy Ilex Forest to earn HM01 Cut, then follow Route 34 past the Day-Care into Goldenrod City, Johto’s biggest city. It’s packed with shops, a Radio Tower and a Bike Shop, and it’s also home to Whitney and her infamous Miltank.

  1. At the Charcoal Kiln in Azalea Town you learn the apprentice lost the Farfetch’d that cuts wood in Ilex Forest; in the forest, walk round it so your footsteps scare it back towards him.
  2. Once both are reunited, the charcoal maker gives you HM01 Cut, and back at the kiln the apprentice hands over a Charcoal.
  3. Cut the small tree blocking the exit; the shrine in the forest is linked to Celebi, which only appears through an event.
  4. Route 34 leads past the Day-Care, which can raise two of your Pokémon and find Eggs; Drowzee, Abra and the occasional Ditto live in the grass here.
  5. In Goldenrod City, the Bike Shop owner lends you a Bicycle, and a quiz at the Radio Tower’s front desk earns you the Radio Card for your Pokégear; Whitney congratulates you and heads off to her Gym.
  6. On the Radio Tower’s second floor, Buena gives you the Blue Card for her password show, and in the Department Store a man on 5F trades his Machop, Muscle, holding a Macho Brace, for a Drowzee.
  7. The Goldenrod Tunnel under the city has a herb shop and a few Poké Maniacs and Super Nerds to battle; the Game Corner’s Voltorb Flip earns coins for prizes such as Abra (200 coins) and Dratini (2,100 coins).
  8. Whitney’s Gym is a maze of Lasses and Beauties; she uses Clefairy Lv17 and Miltank Lv19, and Miltank’s Rollout and Milk Drink can sweep an unprepared team.
  9. After losing, Whitney bursts into tears; talk to her again and she hands over the Plain Badge, which lets you use Strength outside battle, and TM45 Attract.
  10. With the Plain Badge, the Flower Shop in the northeast gives you the SquirtBottle, which you need on Route 36.
Whitney
Whitney · Normal · Plain Badge
ClefairyClefairy Lv. 17NormalMiltankMiltank Lv. 19Normal

Worth catching: Drowzee Abra Ditto Oddish Paras Machop

Fighting moves are the answer to Miltank, so the traded Machop is ideal; Miltank also knows Attract, so a female or genderless Pokémon won’t be infatuated by it.

Part 6 National Park, the Pokéathlon and Sudowoodo

Route 35 Pokéathlon Dome National Park Route 36 Route 37

North of Goldenrod, Route 35 leads to the Pokéathlon Dome and the National Park, home of the Bug-Catching Contest. Further on, a strange wobbling ‘tree’ blocks Route 36 until you soak it with the SquirtBottle.

  1. In the Route 35 gatehouse, a man asks you to deliver his Spearow, Kenya, and its Mail to a friend on Route 31; the friend rewards you with TM44 Rest, and the guard later gives you an HP Up.
  2. Between Routes 35 and 36, Magnus welcomes you to the Pokéathlon Dome, where Pokémon compete in Speed, Power, Skill, Stamina and Jump events, and the Aprijuice stand gives you an Apriblender.
  3. The National Park hosts the Bug-Catching Contest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; before the National Pokédex you can catch Caterpie, Weedle, Metapod, Kakuna, Butterfree, Beedrill, Venonat, Paras, Scyther and Pinsir with Sport Balls.
  4. The park also has a Quick Claw for you, and TM28 Dig, the Soothe Bell and a Shiny Stone lie on the grounds.
  5. On Route 36 a tree-like Pokémon blocks the way; spray it with the SquirtBottle and battle the Sudowoodo Lv20, catching it if you have room.
  6. With the path clear, a man on the east side of the route gives you HM06 Rock Smash, and Floria hands you the Berry Pots along with Oran and Pecha Berries.
  7. Route 36 also has a northern entrance to the Ruins of Alph, and Route 37 leads north to Ecruteak City past a pair of Beauties and Twins Tori & Til.
  8. Look out for Growlithe (HeartGold) or Vulpix (SoulSilver) and the rare Stantler in the grass on Routes 36 and 37.

Worth catching: Nidoran♀ Nidoran♂ Growlithe Vulpix Stantler Scyther

Save before watering Sudowoodo: it is a Rock type, so weaken it with Water, Grass or Fighting moves and you only get one chance to catch it.

Part 7 Ecruteak City, the Burned Tower and Morty

Ecruteak City Burned Tower Union Cave

Ecruteak City is steeped in legend, with the ruined Burned Tower on one side and the soaring Bell Tower on the other. You’ll earn HM03 Surf at the Dance Theater, wake the legendary beasts in the Burned Tower, and challenge Morty’s Ghost-type Gym.

  1. Bill, the inventor of the PC Storage System, is in the Pokémon Center; after you talk to him he heads home to Goldenrod City, where he has an Eevee (Lv5) waiting for you.
  2. A man in the southwest house gives you the Dowsing MCHN, which detects hidden items.
  3. In the Dance Theater, beat the Team Rocket Grunt (Koffing Lv12) who is pestering a Kimono Girl, and a Gentleman in the audience gives you HM03 Surf.
  4. Morty isn’t in his Gym yet; you’ll find him and Eusine, a man obsessed with Suicune, on the first floor of the Burned Tower.
  5. Silver ambushes you inside with Gastly Lv20, Magnemite Lv18, Zubat Lv20 and the starter strong against yours: Quilava Lv22 if you chose Chikorita, Croconaw Lv22 if you chose Cyndaquil, or Bayleef Lv22 if you chose Totodile.
  6. In the basement, Raikou, Entei and Suicune wake up; Raikou and Entei flee and start roaming Johto at Lv40, while Suicune studies you before dashing away.
  7. Morty returns to his Gym, where an invisible path crosses the darkness; one wrong step and you fall back to the entrance.
  8. Morty uses Gastly Lv21, Haunter Lv21, Gengar Lv25 and Haunter Lv23, and winning gives you the Fog Badge, which lets you use Surf outside battle, plus TM30 Shadow Ball.
  9. With Surf, you can visit Union Cave’s lowest floor, where a Lapras Lv20 appears on Fridays.
Morty

Worth catching: Koffing Magmar Eevee Lapras

Ghosts are immune to Normal and Fighting moves, so give your team Dark or Psychic attacks before you face Morty’s Gengar.

Part 8 Olivine City and the Cianwood Gym

Route 38 Route 39 Olivine City Glitter Lighthouse Route 40 Route 41 Cianwood City

West of Ecruteak, Moomoo Farm and Route 39 bring you to the port of Olivine City, whose Gym Leader Jasmine is nursing a sick Ampharos at the top of the Glitter Lighthouse. Her request sends you surfing across the sea to Cianwood City, where Chuck runs the Fighting-type Gym.

  1. On Route 39, help the farmer at Moomoo Farm by feeding Berries to his sick Miltank; he rewards you with TM83 Natural Gift, and the stable also holds the Seal Case.
  2. In Olivine City, Silver walks out of the Gym and sneers that the Leader is off caring for a sick Pokémon at the lighthouse.
  3. Visit the fisherman in the house south of the Gym for the Good Rod, and trade a Krabby for the Voltorb named Billy in a house to the north.
  4. Climb the Glitter Lighthouse past its Sailors and Gentlemen to find Jasmine with Amphy, the Ampharos that lights the harbour; she asks you to fetch medicine from the pharmacy in Cianwood City.
  5. Surf west across Routes 40 and 41, battling Swimmers; the gate north of Route 40 leads to the Battle Frontier, which hasn’t opened yet, and the Whirl Islands need Whirlpool.
  6. Chuck’s Gym has you climb past Black Belts and press a switch to stop the waterfall before you reach him.
  7. Chuck uses Primeape Lv29 and Poliwrath Lv31; beating him earns the Storm Badge and TM01 Focus Punch, and his wife gives you HM02 Fly as you leave.
  8. The Cianwood pharmacy owner gives you the SecretPotion for Amphy, and in a house nearby a man asks you to look after his Shuckle, Shuckie.
  9. On the northern beach Suicune appears and races off over the water, and Eusine challenges you with Drowzee Lv25, Haunter Lv25 and Electrode Lv27.
Chuck

Worth catching: Miltank Tauros Magnemite Farfetch’d Shuckle Corsola

Flying and Psychic attacks hit Chuck’s Pokémon hard, so a Pidgeotto, Noctowl, Togetic or the Drowzee from Route 34 all work well.

Part 9 Amphy and the Olivine Gym

Glitter Lighthouse Olivine City

Fly back to Olivine with the SecretPotion so Amphy can light the harbour again. With her partner well, Jasmine finally returns to her Gym and defends it with her Steel-type Pokémon.

  1. Fly to Olivine City and climb to the top of the Glitter Lighthouse, where you give Jasmine the SecretPotion.
  2. Amphy perks up immediately and the lighthouse shines again; Jasmine thanks you and promises to return to her Gym.
  3. Safari Zone Warden Baoba calls to say the Safari Zone has opened; it’s reached through the Cliff Edge Gate in Cianwood City and Routes 47 and 48.
  4. Grab the items you skipped on the lighthouse floors, including TM87 Swagger on 4F and a Super Potion in the light room.
  5. Jasmine’s Gym has no puzzle or Gym Trainers, so you face her straight away: she uses Magnemite Lv30, Magnemite Lv30 and Steelix Lv35.
  6. Winning earns you the Mineral Badge and TM23 Iron Tail.
Jasmine

Worth catching: Tentacool Krabby Staryu Corsola

Fire, Fighting and Ground moves are super effective on both Magnemite and Steelix, so a Geodude or Machop line can carry this battle.

Part 10 Lake of Rage, Team Rocket HQ and Pryce

Route 42 Mt. Mortar Mahogany Town Route 43 Lake of Rage Team Rocket HQ

East of Ecruteak, Route 42 runs past Mt. Mortar to Mahogany Town, where something is driving the Gyarados at the Lake of Rage into a frenzy. You’ll battle the famous red Gyarados, team up with Lance to raid Team Rocket’s hideout, and finally challenge Pryce’s Ice-type Gym.

  1. On Route 42, a Hiker running out of Mt. Mortar gives you HM04 Strength; Suicune also flits past near the Apricorn trees, and Mt. Mortar is mostly worth a return visit with Waterfall.
  2. In Mahogany Town, a man blocks the Gym and another sells RageCandyBars; head north instead, where Team Rocket Grunts charge a ₽1,000 toll in the Route 43 gate.
  3. At the Lake of Rage, Surf out to the red Gyarados Lv30 in the middle of the lake; it’s always shiny, and battling it gives you the Red Scale whether you catch it or not.
  4. Lance, the Dragon master, is on the shore and asks you to help him investigate a strange signal in Mahogany Town.
  5. The souvenir shop in Mahogany Town hides the entrance to Team Rocket HQ; inside, Persian statues trigger alarms that send Grunts at you until you switch them off.
  6. Beat the Grunts on B1F (including Drowzee Lv17 and Zubat Lv19, and Zubat Lv16, Grimer Lv17 and Rattata Lv18) and collect the two passwords on the lower floors.
  7. On B3F, Executive Petrel battles you with Zubat Lv22, Raticate Lv24 and Koffing Lv22, and a Murkrow helps open the door by mimicking the password.
  8. In the generator room, you and Lance team up in a Multi Battle against Executive Ariana and a Grunt, then defeat or catch the Electrode (Lv23) powering the machine.
  9. Lance gives you HM05 Whirlpool, and the gate guard on Route 43 later gives you TM36 Sludge Bomb.
  10. Pryce’s Gym is a slippery ice floor; he uses Seel Lv30, Dewgong Lv32 and Piloswine Lv34, and beating him earns the Glacier Badge, which lets you use Whirlpool outside battle, plus TM07 Hail.
Pryce

Worth catching: Gyarados Flaaffy Girafarig Machop Marill Electrode

Take the Red Scale to Mr. Pokémon on Route 30 and he swaps it for an Exp. Share, which is great for training weaker Pokémon.

Part 11 Team Rocket Takes the Radio Tower

Goldenrod City Radio Tower Goldenrod Tunnel

Right after your seventh Badge, Team Rocket seizes the Goldenrod Radio Tower to broadcast a call to their missing boss, Giovanni. Fight your way through the tower and the Underground Warehouse, rescue the real Director and send all four Executives packing.

  1. Fly to Goldenrod City, which is crawling with Grunts; in the Goldenrod Tunnel a Grunt mistakes you for a new recruit and gives you a Rocket uniform.
  2. Silver blows your cover on Radio Tower 1F, and the Grunt there battles you with Raticate Lv24 and Raticate Lv24 before running upstairs.
  3. Battle up the west side of the tower through floors full of Grunts and Scientists; a 4F Grunt uses Ekans Lv21, Oddish Lv23, Ekans Lv21 and Gloom Lv24.
  4. On 5F the ‘Director’ turns out to be Executive Petrel in disguise, with Koffing Lv30 ×5 and Weezing Lv32; he admits the real Director is locked in the Underground Warehouse and gives you the Basement Key.
  5. In the Goldenrod Tunnel’s access corridor, a Kimono Girl hints at a legendary Pokémon; unlock the door and head down to the warehouse.
  6. Silver catches up with you on B2F with Golbat Lv32, Magnemite Lv30, Haunter Lv32, Sneasel Lv34 and Quilava Lv34 if you chose Chikorita; Golbat Lv30, Magnemite Lv28, Haunter Lv30, Sneasel Lv32 and Feraligatr Lv32 if you chose Cyndaquil; or Golbat Lv32, Magnemite Lv30, Haunter Lv32, Sneasel Lv34 and Meganium Lv34 if you chose Totodile.
  7. Push through the Grunts and Burglars in the warehouse to the real Director, who gives you the Card Key; TM82 Sleep Talk is nearby.
  8. Back in the tower, the Card Key opens the 3F shutter, and further up you’ll meet Executive Proton (Golbat Lv28, Weezing Lv33) on 4F and Executive Ariana (Arbok Lv32, Vileplume Lv32, Murkrow Lv32) on 5F.
  9. On the Observation Deck, Executive Archer uses Houndour Lv35, Koffing Lv35 and Houndoom Lv38; after losing he announces that Team Rocket is disbanding again.
  10. The grateful Director gives you the Rainbow Wing in HeartGold or the Silver Wing in SoulSilver, and staff hand out TM11 Sunny Day on 3F and BrightPowder on 4F.

Worth catching: Eevee Dratini Abra Machop

There’s no healing inside the tower, so stock up on Super Potions, Hyper Potions and Full Heals at the Department Store before you start, and bring a Psychic type for all the Koffing and Weezing, whose Levitate ability makes them immune to Ground moves.

Part 12 Ice Path, Blackthorn City and Clair

Route 44 Ice Path Blackthorn City Dragon’s Den

With Team Rocket gone, the road east of Mahogany Town opens up to Route 44 and the frozen Ice Path. Beyond lies Blackthorn City, home of the dragon clan, where Clair refuses to hand over her Badge until you pass a test in the Dragon’s Den.

  1. The man blocking Mahogany Town’s east exit has gone, so follow Route 44, where Ace Trainers, Poké Maniac Zach (Rhyhorn Lv30) and Psychic Phil wait.
  2. In the Ice Path, slide across the frozen floors and push boulders with Strength; HM07 Waterfall sits on 1F, and TM72 Avalanche and NeverMeltIce are deeper inside.
  3. Blackthorn City has a Move Deleter and Move Tutors, and a girl in the east house trades her Dodrio, Doris, for a Dragonair.
  4. Clair’s Gym asks you to steer stone platforms over lava using switches before you can reach her.
  5. Clair uses Gyarados Lv38, Dragonair Lv38, Dragonair Lv38 and Kingdra Lv41, whose Hyper Beam is her biggest threat.
  6. Even after losing, she withholds the Rising Badge and sends you to the shrine in the Dragon’s Den behind her Gym, which you reach with Surf and Whirlpool.
  7. Inside, battle the Ace Trainers and Twins, collect the Dragon Fang, and answer the Elder’s five questions in the shrine.
  8. The Elder is impressed and Clair gives you the Rising Badge, which makes all Pokémon obey you and lets you use Waterfall outside battle, plus TM59 Dragon Pulse.
  9. Talk to the Elder again with a free slot in your party and he gives you a Dratini; if you answered every question as a caring Trainer, it knows ExtremeSpeed.
  10. As you leave, Professor Elm calls and asks you to come to his lab because he has something for you.
Clair

Worth catching: Swinub Jynx Delibird Dratini Lickitung Tangela

Ice moves are the best answer to Clair’s Dragonair, but her Kingdra is only weak to Dragon, so bring a hard-hitting Electric or Dragon attack for it.

Part 13 The Kimono Girls and Ho-Oh or Lugia

Route 45 Dark Cave Route 46 New Bark Town Ecruteak City Bell Tower Whirl Islands Mt. Mortar

Head south along Route 45 back to New Bark Town, where Professor Elm gives you a Master Ball. The five Kimono Girls of Ecruteak then test your skill before helping you summon the legendary guardian: Ho-Oh at the top of the Bell Tower in HeartGold, or Lugia deep in the Whirl Islands in SoulSilver.

  1. Route 45 is a steep one-way slope south of Blackthorn, full of Hikers and Ace Trainers; Gligar and Phanpy live here in HeartGold, Skarmory and Teddiursa in SoulSilver.
  2. The Dark Cave entrance off Route 45 holds Wobbuffet, TM54 False Swipe and the BlackGlasses, and Route 46 then drops you onto Route 29.
  3. In New Bark Town, Professor Elm notices your eight Badges and gives you the Master Ball, then tells you the Kimono Girls are waiting at the Ecruteak Dance Theater.
  4. Silver is leaving the theater after losing to them; inside, you battle all five in a row: Zuki’s Umbreon, Naoko’s Espeon, Miki’s Flareon, Sayo’s Jolteon and Kuni’s Vaporeon, all Lv38.
  5. Zuki gives you the Clear Bell in HeartGold or the Tidal Bell in SoulSilver, which together with your wing will summon the legendary Pokémon.
  6. HeartGold: take the Bellchime Trail to the Bell Tower, where the Rainbow Wing lets you past the Sage; climb the warp panels to the roof, where the Kimono Girls dance and Ho-Oh Lv45 descends.
  7. SoulSilver: Surf to the northeastern island of the Whirl Islands (Whirlpool and Strength needed, Flash helps) and work down to B3F, where the Kimono Girls dance and Lugia Lv45 rises from the water.
  8. False Swipe, a sleep move and Ultra Balls make catching it far easier, but you can always fall back on the Master Ball.
  9. Optional: with Surf, Strength and Waterfall you can now reach Black Belt Kiyo deep in Mt. Mortar; beat his Hitmonlee Lv34 and Hitmonchan Lv34 and he gives you a Tyrogue.

Worth catching: Ho-Oh Lugia Wobbuffet Gligar Skarmory Horsea

Save just before the legendary battle so you can reset if you knock it out; HeartGold’s Ho-Oh is weak to Water, Electric and Rock, SoulSilver’s Lugia to Electric, Rock, Ice, Ghost and Dark.

Part 14 Victory Road and the Pokémon League

Route 27 Tohjo Falls Route 26 Victory Road Indigo Plateau

Surf east from New Bark Town into Kanto, climb Tohjo Falls and march up Route 26 to Victory Road and the Indigo Plateau. Your rival is waiting on the way, and at the top the Elite Four and Champion Lance stand between you and the Hall of Fame.

  1. Surf east from New Bark Town to Route 27, where a man tells you you’ve crossed into Kanto; climb through Tohjo Falls with Waterfall.
  2. The old woman in the house outside Tohjo Falls gives you TM37 Sandstorm if your lead Pokémon is friendly enough, and Route 27 hides TM02 Dragon Claw (Surf and Whirlpool) and a Destiny Knot.
  3. Routes 26 and 27 are lined with Ace Trainers in the low 30s, and the Pokémon League Reception Gate checks your eight Badges before letting you into Victory Road.
  4. Victory Road holds TM26 Earthquake on 2F and TM79 Dark Pulse on 3F, where Silver battles you with Sneasel Lv36, Golbat Lv38, Magneton Lv37, Haunter Lv37, Kadabra Lv37 and the starter strong against yours: Typhlosion Lv40 if you chose Chikorita, Feraligatr Lv40 if you chose Cyndaquil, or Meganium Lv40 if you chose Totodile.
  5. Stock up at the Indigo Plateau Poké Mart, then face the Elite Four back to back; first, Will uses Xatu Lv40, Jynx Lv41, Exeggutor Lv41, Slowbro Lv41 and Xatu Lv42.
  6. Koga uses Ariados Lv40, Venomoth Lv41, Forretress Lv43, Muk Lv42 and Crobat Lv44; watch out for Forretress’s Explosion.
  7. Bruno uses Hitmontop Lv42, Hitmonlee Lv42, Hitmonchan Lv42, Onix Lv43 and Machamp Lv46, so Psychic and Flying attacks shine.
  8. Karen uses Umbreon Lv42, Vileplume Lv42, Gengar Lv45, Murkrow Lv44 and Houndoom Lv47.
  9. Champion Lance uses Gyarados Lv46, Dragonite Lv49, Dragonite Lv49, Aerodactyl Lv48, Charizard Lv48 and Dragonite Lv50; Ice attacks are your best weapon against his Dragonite.
  10. Beating Lance enters your team into the Hall of Fame and rolls the credits, but the adventure is far from over.
Lance

Worth catching: Ponyta Doduo Quagsire Donphan Ursaring Rhyhorn

Once you walk in, you face all five battles in a row, so bring plenty of Hyper Potions, Full Heals and Revives, and an Ice-type move for the three Dragonite.

Part 15 The S.S. Aqua and the Vermilion Gym

New Bark Town Olivine City S.S. Aqua Vermilion City

After the credits, Professor Elm gives you an S.S. Ticket and Professor Oak upgrades your Pokédex, opening the way to Kanto by sea. Track down a missing girl aboard the S.S. Aqua, then challenge Lt. Surge’s Electric-type Gym in Vermilion City.

  1. You wake up at home, and Professor Elm gives you the S.S. Ticket; the Battle Frontier on Route 40 is now open too.
  2. At Olivine Harbor, Professor Oak upgrades your Pokédex to the National Pokédex, which also lets the Hoenn and Sinnoh Sound radio shows draw new Pokémon into the grass.
  3. On board the S.S. Aqua, a Gentleman asks you to look for his missing granddaughter; the cabins and lower deck are full of strong Trainers.
  4. A Sailor guarding the engine room wants you to find his colleague Stanly, who is napping in a cabin and battles you with Machop Lv39, Machoke Lv41 and Psyduck Lv34.
  5. The girl turns up in the captain’s cabin and wants to play hide-and-seek; find her in the engine room area and return her to her grandfather for a Metal Coat.
  6. As you dock in Vermilion City, Suicune appears on the water before running off, with Eusine not far behind.
  7. The chairman of the Pokémon Fan Club gives you a Rare Candy after his long story about his Rapidash, and a sleeping Snorlax blocks Diglett’s Cave for now.
  8. Lt. Surge waits behind electric fences: search the trash cans for two switches, and checking a wrong can resets the puzzle.
  9. He uses Raichu Lv51, Electrode Lv47, Magneton Lv47, Electrode Lv47 and Electabuzz Lv53, and beating him earns the Thunder Badge and TM34 Shock Wave.
Lt. Surge

Worth catching: Diglett Shuckle Chinchou Wingull

Ground types are immune to Electric attacks and hit Surge’s whole team super-effectively, so a Quagsire, Donphan or Dugtrio is invaluable here.

Part 16 Saffron City and Sabrina

Route 6 Saffron City

North of Vermilion, Route 6 leads to Saffron City, the heart of Kanto. A blackout at the Power Plant has stopped the Magnet Train and Silph Co.’s elevator, but Sabrina’s Psychic-type Gym is still open for business.

  1. The Underground Path entrance on Route 6 is closed until the Power Plant problem is fixed, so walk the route past Camper Virgil, Picnicker Selina and Twins Day & Dani, picking up TM62 Silver Wind.
  2. In Saffron City, the Magnet Train Station is out of service, and the Silph Co. guard apologises for the broken elevator by giving you an Up-Grade.
  3. Mr. Psychic, in his house in the southeast, gives you TM29 Psychic.
  4. The Fighting Dojo is empty of its master, who is training in Mt. Mortar; it’s also where Gym Leaders wait for rematches after you register their numbers.
  5. Sabrina’s Gym is a network of warp panels; hop between rooms, battling Mediums and Psychics, until you reach the centre.
  6. Sabrina uses Espeon Lv53, Mr. Mime Lv53 and Alakazam Lv55, and her Alakazam holds a Sitrus Berry.
  7. Winning earns you the Marsh Badge and TM48 Skill Swap; step on the red warp tile to leave.
Sabrina

Worth catching: Abra Magnemite Bellsprout Oddish Meowth

Bug, Ghost and Dark moves beat Psychic types, and Sabrina’s team is frail on the physical side, so a strong Crunch, X-Scissor or Shadow Ball user does the job.

Part 17 Lavender Town, the Power Plant and Misty

Route 8 Lavender Town Route 10 Rock Tunnel Power Plant Route 9 Cerulean City Route 24 Route 25

East of Saffron, Route 8 leads to Lavender Town and Rock Tunnel, beyond which lies the silent Power Plant. A stolen Machine Part has shut it down, and the trail of the thief leads to Cerulean City, whose Gym Leader Misty has slipped away on a date.

  1. Route 8 is full of Bikers and Super Nerds and holds TM41 Torment; the Underground Path entrance here is locked.
  2. In Lavender Town, the Kanto Radio Tower now stands where the old Pokémon Tower was, but it has nothing to broadcast because of the power cut; the graves were moved to the House of Memories.
  3. Follow Route 10 north from Lavender and pass through the pitch-black Rock Tunnel, where Flash helps a lot; TM56 Fling is on 1F.
  4. At the Power Plant on Route 10, the manager explains that a vital Machine Part has been stolen and the generator can’t run without it.
  5. Take Route 9 west to Cerulean City; in the empty Gym, a man in a Team Rocket uniform bumps into you and tells you to forget you saw him.
  6. Find him on Nugget Bridge (Route 24), where he battles you with Golbat Lv39 and then admits he hid the Machine Part in Cerulean Gym.
  7. Search the pile of inflatable tubes at the back of the Gym to find the Machine Part, which the Dowsing MCHN can’t detect, and return it to the Power Plant manager for TM57 Charge Beam.
  8. Misty is on a date at the end of Route 25 (Cerulean Cape); interrupt it and she storms back to her Gym, while Route 25’s Trainers, including Ace Trainer Kevin (Rhyhorn Lv48, Charmeleon Lv46, Wartortle Lv46), give good experience.
  9. Misty uses Golduck Lv49, Quagsire Lv49, Lapras Lv52 and Starmie Lv54; beating her earns the Cascade Badge and TM03 Water Pulse.
Misty

Worth catching: Cubone Machop Voltorb Electabuzz Kangaskhan Venonat

Misty’s Quagsire is immune to Electric moves and only weak to Grass, so pair an Electric type with a Grass type to cover her whole team.

Part 18 The Magnet Train Pass and Erika

Saffron City Vermilion City Lavender Town Route 7 Celadon City

With the power back on, Kanto comes to life: return Copycat’s lost doll for a Magnet Train Pass, meet Steven Stone, and pick up the Expansion Card in Lavender Town. Then head west to Celadon City, with its huge Department Store, Game Corner and Erika’s Grass-type Gym.

  1. In Saffron City, Copycat tells you she lost her favourite Poké Doll in Vermilion City.
  2. At the Vermilion Pokémon Fan Club, a member hands over the Lost Item; outside, Steven Stone asks you about Latias and Latios, and afterwards Latias (HeartGold) or Latios (SoulSilver) starts roaming Kanto at Lv35.
  3. Return the doll to Copycat for the Pass, which lets you ride the Magnet Train between Saffron City and Goldenrod City.
  4. In Lavender Town, the Radio Tower manager gives you the Expansion Card, which adds the Poké Flute channel to your Pokégear radio.
  5. Route 7 leads west to Celadon City, with Growlithe (HeartGold) or Vulpix (SoulSilver) and night-time Murkrow and Houndour in the grass.
  6. The Celadon Department Store sells TMs such as TM76 Stealth Rock, TM79 Dark Pulse and TM55 Brine on 3F, and stat-boosting vitamins on 5F.
  7. The Prize Corner swaps Voltorb Flip coins for Mr. Mime (3,333), Eevee (6,666), Porygon (9,999) and TMs like TM29 Psychic and TM68 Giga Impact.
  8. Visit the Celadon Condominiums rooftop after dark and listen to a scary story to receive the Spell Tag.
  9. Erika uses Jumpluff Lv51, Tangela Lv52, Victreebel Lv56 and Bellossom Lv56; winning earns the Rainbow Badge and TM19 Giga Drain.
Erika

Worth catching: Growlithe Vulpix Murkrow Houndour Porygon Latias

Use the Pokégear map to track the roaming Latias or Latios, and lead with a fast Pokémon that knows Mean Look or a sleep move so it can’t flee.

Part 19 Cycling Road, Fuchsia City and Janine

Route 16 Route 17 Route 18 Fuchsia City Pal Park

From Celadon, ride your Bicycle down the long Cycling Road to Fuchsia City. The old Safari Zone has become Pal Park, and Koga’s daughter Janine now leads the Poison-type Gym in his place.

  1. From Celadon’s west exit, Route 16’s gatehouse leads onto Cycling Road, which you can only ride with your Bicycle; once you stop pedalling you keep rolling downhill.
  2. Route 17 is packed with Bikers using Poison and Fire types; Reese, Aiden and Ernest give you their numbers, and Max Ether and Max Elixir are hidden by the streetlights.
  3. Route 18 ends at Fuchsia City, where Bird Keepers Bob (Noctowl Lv48) and Boris wait.
  4. In Fuchsia City, the former Safari Zone is now Pal Park, where you can bring Pokémon over from the Game Boy Advance games once you have the National Pokédex.
  5. Janine’s Gym is full of invisible walls and Trainers disguised as Janine: Lass Linda (Bulbasaur Lv41, Ivysaur Lv43, Venusaur Lv45), Camper Barry (Nidoking Lv48), Lass Alice and Picnicker Cindy (Nidoqueen Lv48).
  6. The real Janine uses Crobat Lv47, Weezing Lv44, Ariados Lv47, Ariados Lv47 and Venomoth Lv50.
  7. Winning earns you the Soul Badge and TM84 Poison Jab.
Janine

Worth catching: Grimer Muk Slugma Fearow Murkrow

Psychic attacks hit Janine’s whole team hard; skip Ground moves against Weezing, whose Levitate ability makes it immune.

Part 20 Snorlax, Diglett’s Cave and Brock

Route 15 Route 14 Route 13 Route 12 Route 11 Diglett’s Cave Route 2 Viridian Forest Pewter City

East of Fuchsia, a chain of coastal routes leads back north towards Lavender Town and Vermilion City. Wake the Snorlax blocking Diglett’s Cave with the Poké Flute channel, tunnel through to Route 2, and challenge Brock in Pewter City.

  1. Head east and then north from Fuchsia along Routes 15, 14 and 13, home to School Kids, Teachers and Bird Keepers; Chansey is a rare find in the grass on all three.
  2. Suicune shows up on Route 14 before fleeing again, keeping its trail going.
  3. On Route 12, the Fishing Brother’s house gives you the Super Rod, and Route 12’s Fishermen use Gyarados, Qwilfish and Octillery.
  4. Follow Route 11 towards Vermilion City, where the Snorlax still sleeps by Diglett’s Cave; tune your Pokégear to the Poké Flute channel next to it and battle the Snorlax Lv50.
  5. Diglett’s Cave is full of Diglett and Dugtrio and leads straight to Route 2; Viridian Forest, south of Pewter City, is a short optional detour with surprisingly strong Bug Catchers.
  6. In Pewter City, the Museum of Science can revive fossils, and the Gym Trainers use Rhydon Lv50 and Golem Lv50.
  7. Brock uses Graveler Lv51, Rhyhorn Lv51, Omastar Lv53, Onix Lv54 and Kabutops Lv52, and beating him earns the Boulder Badge and TM80 Rock Slide.
Brock

Worth catching: Snorlax Chansey Nidorino Dugtrio Pikachu Relicanth

Grass moves are four times as effective against Omastar, Kabutops, Graveler, Rhyhorn and Onix, so a single strong Grass type can carry the whole Brock battle.

Part 21 Mt. Moon, Cinnabar Island and Blaine

Route 3 Mt. Moon Route 4 Viridian City Route 1 Pallet Town Route 21 Cinnabar Island Route 20 Seafoam Islands

East of Pewter, Route 3 leads into Mt. Moon, where Silver is training. Then it’s south to Professor Oak’s home in Pallet Town and across the sea to Cinnabar Island, where a volcanic eruption has forced Blaine to rebuild his Gym inside the Seafoam Islands.

  1. Route 3 is lined with strong Trainers such as Firebreather Otis (Camerupt Lv47) and Double Team Zac & Jen, and Jigglypuff lives in the grass.
  2. In Mt. Moon, Silver challenges you with Sneasel Lv46, Golbat Lv47, Magneton Lv46, Gengar Lv48, Alakazam Lv48 and the starter strong against yours: Typhlosion Lv50 if you chose Chikorita, Feraligatr Lv50 if you chose Cyndaquil, or Meganium Lv50 if you chose Totodile.
  3. Route 4 runs east from Mt. Moon to Cerulean City; Clefairy and Paras live in Mt. Moon itself.
  4. The Viridian City Gym is open but empty because its Leader is away, so continue down Route 1 to Pallet Town, where you can visit Professor Oak’s lab and Red’s house.
  5. Surf south down Route 21, where the grass is full of Tangela with the odd Mr. Mime, to Cinnabar Island.
  6. Cinnabar’s volcano has erupted and only the Pokémon Center has been rebuilt; Blue is standing nearby, and a sign says the Gym has moved to the Seafoam Islands.
  7. Surf east along Route 20 to the Seafoam Islands; Blaine’s Gym is inside the cave, staffed by Super Nerds (Torkoal, Numel and Magcargo Lv53) and Scientists (Arcanine, Magmar and Ninetales Lv50).
  8. Blaine uses Magcargo Lv54, Magmar Lv54 and Rapidash Lv59, and beating him earns the Volcano Badge and TM50 Overheat.
Blaine

Worth catching: Clefairy Jigglypuff Tangela Mr. Mime Seel Golduck

Water attacks cover Blaine’s whole team, and Magcargo takes four times damage from Water and Ground, so lead with a strong Surf user.

Part 22 Blue and the Viridian Gym

Cinnabar Island Viridian City Pallet Town Route 22

With seven Kanto Badges in hand, find Blue on Cinnabar Island and follow him back to Viridian City for the final Gym battle. Victory earns the Earth Badge and a call from Professor Oak, who opens the way to Mt. Silver.

  1. Talk to Blue on Cinnabar Island once you hold the other seven Kanto Badges, and he heads back to open his Gym in Viridian City.
  2. Viridian Gym is a maze of spinning arrow tiles guarded by Ace Trainers and Double Team Elan & Ida (Porygon2 Lv52, Azumarill Lv50).
  3. Blue has no single type: he uses Exeggutor Lv55, Arcanine Lv58, Rhydon Lv58, Gyarados Lv52, Machamp Lv56 and Pidgeot Lv60.
  4. Beating him earns the Earth Badge, your sixteenth, which lets you use Rock Climb outside battle, plus TM92 Trick Room.
  5. As you leave, Professor Oak calls; at his lab in Pallet Town he gives you HM08 Rock Climb and arranges for you to enter Mt. Silver.
  6. Route 22 leads west from Viridian City to the Pokémon League Reception Gate, where the guards now let you through the side passages.
  7. Rock Climb unlocks plenty of earlier items, and the Sound Designer in the Celadon Condominiums now gives you the GB Sounds.
Blue

Worth catching: Ponyta Doduo Spearow Poliwag

Blue’s team covers many types, so bring a balanced party; an Electric type handles Gyarados and Pidgeot, while Water or Grass moves deal with Rhydon.

Part 23 Mt. Silver and Red

Route 28 Mt. Silver

West of the Reception Gate, Route 28 climbs to Mt. Silver, the toughest dungeon in the game. At the snowy summit waits Red, the legendary Trainer from Kanto, with the strongest team in HeartGold and SoulSilver.

  1. Route 28 has Ponyta, Tangela, Sneasel at night and Donphan (HeartGold) or Ursaring (SoulSilver), plus TM35 Flamethrower; a house here gives you TM47 Steel Wing.
  2. Heal at the Pokémon Center at the foot of Mt. Silver, then head inside with Surf, Waterfall and Rock Climb on hand; Flash makes the dark caves easier.
  3. The caves hold Larvitar, Misdreavus at night, Sneasel, and Phanpy and Donphan (HeartGold) or Teddiursa and Ursaring (SoulSilver), plus TM76 Stealth Rock and the Expert Belt.
  4. One chamber deep in the cave holds Moltres Lv50; save before you approach it.
  5. At the summit, Red silently challenges you with Pikachu Lv88, Lapras Lv80, Snorlax Lv82, Venusaur Lv84, Charizard Lv84 and Blastoise Lv84.
  6. Beating him earns you the second credits roll, and Professor Oak and Steven Stone now have gifts waiting for you in Kanto.
Red

Worth catching: Larvitar Sneasel Misdreavus Moltres Donphan Ursaring

Red’s Pikachu is the fastest and hardest-hitting member of his team, so open with a bulky Ground type and heal often; levelling your team to the 70s helps a lot.

Part 24 Legendary Pokémon and Kanto Loose Ends

Route 10 Seafoam Islands Route 25 Cerulean Cave Pewter City Whirl Islands Bell Tower Pallet Town Saffron City Indigo Plateau

With all sixteen Badges, Kanto and Johto are full of legendary Pokémon to catch, from the three Kanto birds and Suicune to Mewtwo and the version mascot you didn’t catch earlier. Red’s defeat also unlocks the Kanto and Hoenn starters.

  1. Zapdos Lv50 waits outside the Power Plant on Route 10 once you have the Earth Badge.
  2. Articuno Lv50 lives on the lowest floor of the Seafoam Islands; use Strength to push boulders into the currents and reach it.
  3. After seeing Suicune at the Burned Tower, Cianwood City, Route 42, Vermilion City and Route 14, and beating Misty, you’ll find it waiting at the end of Route 25 at Lv40.
  4. Raikou and Entei still roam Johto at Lv40; check the Pokégear map and use Mean Look or a sleep move so they can’t run.
  5. Cerulean Cave, reached by Surfing from Route 24, opens once you hold all sixteen Badges; Mewtwo Lv70 is in its depths, along with TM24 Thunderbolt.
  6. An old man near the Route 3 exit of Pewter City gives you the Silver Wing in HeartGold or the Rainbow Wing in SoulSilver.
  7. HeartGold: take the Silver Wing to the Whirl Islands, enter from the northeastern island and meet Lugia Lv70 on B3F. SoulSilver: take the Rainbow Wing to the top of the Bell Tower for Ho-Oh Lv70.
  8. After you beat Red, Professor Oak lets you choose Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle at Lv5.
  9. Steven Stone in Saffron City’s Silph Co. building also offers Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip at Lv5 once Red is beaten.
  10. Gym Leaders give you their numbers for rematches at the Fighting Dojo, and Silver can be rematched at the Indigo Plateau with Sneasel Lv55, Crobat Lv58, Magneton Lv55, Gengar Lv56, Alakazam Lv56 and his starter at Lv60 (Typhlosion, Feraligatr or Meganium, the one strong against yours).

Worth catching: Zapdos Articuno Suicune Mewtwo Raikou Entei

If you knock out a legendary by accident, don’t panic: most of them, including Suicune, return after you enter the Hall of Fame again.

Part 25 The Embedded Tower and the Safari Zone

Cianwood City Route 47 Cliff Cave Embedded Tower Route 48 Safari Zone

West of Cianwood City, the Cliff Edge Gate leads to the rugged Route 47, the hidden Embedded Tower and the Johto Safari Zone. With the right orb you can awaken Kyogre or Groudon here, and eventually call down Rayquaza.

  1. Once you’ve picked a Kanto starter from Professor Oak, visit Mr. Pokémon on Route 30 for the Blue Orb (HeartGold) or Red Orb (SoulSilver).
  2. Head west through the Cliff Edge Gate in Cianwood City; you’ll need Rock Climb to reach the Embedded Tower, and Surf and Waterfall for Route 47’s lower areas.
  3. Route 47 winds across three levels of cliffs connected by Cliff Cave; Ditto, Miltank and Farfetch’d live in the grass, and Waterfall reaches the White Flute.
  4. On Route 47’s lower level, the Embedded Tower reacts to your orb: HeartGold players meet Kyogre Lv50 and SoulSilver players meet Groudon Lv50.
  5. Show Professor Oak both a Kyogre and a Groudon caught at the Embedded Tower (you’ll need to trade with the other version) and he gives you the Jade Orb.
  6. With the Jade Orb, return to the Embedded Tower and summon Rayquaza Lv50.
  7. Route 48 leads north to the Safari Zone Gate, which opened after Amphy was healed; Warden Baoba explains the rules and you catch Pokémon with Safari Balls.
  8. Baoba lets you choose and rearrange the Safari Zone’s areas, such as the Plains, Meadow, Wetland and Desert, and placing objects in them attracts rarer Pokémon over time.

Worth catching: Kyogre Groudon Rayquaza Ditto Tauros Miltank

Rayquaza needs both Kyogre and Groudon from the Embedded Tower, so arrange a trade with a friend who owns the other version before you head out.

Part 26 The Battle Frontier and the Pokéathlon

Route 40 Battle Frontier Pokéathlon Dome National Park Pal Park Sinjoh Ruins

For long-term challenges, HeartGold and SoulSilver offer the Battle Frontier west of Olivine City and the Pokéathlon Dome near Goldenrod. Both reward you with points you can spend on items, and the Bug-Catching Contest gains new Pokémon once you have the National Pokédex.

  1. The Battle Frontier, north of Route 40, opens after the Hall of Fame and is reached through the Frontier Access building, which has its own Pokémon Center and Poké Mart.
  2. Its five facilities are the Battle Tower, Battle Factory, Battle Hall, Battle Castle and Battle Arcade, each with its own rules and a Frontier Brain who appears during long winning streaks.
  3. Winning streaks earn Battle Points (BP), which you can trade for held items, vitamins and TMs, or spend on move tutors.
  4. In the Pokéathlon Dome, your Pokémon compete in Speed, Power, Skill, Stamina and Jump courses, each made up of three events played on the touch screen.
  5. Pokéathlon points buy items at the Dome’s shop, and Aprijuice made in the Apriblender raises your Pokémon’s Pokéathlon stats.
  6. After the National Pokédex, the Bug-Catching Contest changes its line-up: Thursday brings Wurmple, Silcoon, Nincada, Volbeat, Kricketot, Kricketune, Dustox and Combee, and Saturday brings Wurmple, Cascoon, Nincada, Illumise, Kricketot, Kricketune, Beautifly and Combee, with Scyther and Pinsir on both days.
  7. Pal Park in Fuchsia City lets you bring Pokémon over from Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen.
  8. The Sinjoh Ruins can only be visited with an event Arceus, which lets you receive Dialga, Palkia or Giratina at Lv1.

Worth catching: Nincada Combee Kricketot Volbeat Illumise Scyther

Before tackling the Battle Tower, train three or four strong Pokémon with different held items such as Leftovers or a Choice Scarf, since you can’t enter two of the same species or the same item.

FAQ

What is the Gym order in HeartGold and SoulSilver?

Johto: Falkner (Violet City), Bugsy (Azalea Town), Whitney (Goldenrod City), Morty (Ecruteak City), Chuck (Cianwood City), Jasmine (Olivine City), Pryce (Mahogany Town), Clair (Blackthorn City). Kanto (mostly any order, Blue last): Lt. Surge, Sabrina, Misty, Erika, Janine, Brock, Blaine, Blue.

Which starter should I pick in HeartGold or SoulSilver?

Cyndaquil has the easiest early game (it beats Bugsy and Jasmine’s Steel types, and Fire is rare in Johto); Totodile’s Feraligatr hits hard and handles Pryce and Blaine’s Fire types; Chikorita is the challenge pick, weak to Falkner, Bugsy and Morty but strong against Chuck’s Poliwrath line and Brock and Misty in Kanto.

What is new in HeartGold and SoulSilver compared with Gold and Silver?

A Pokémon follows you around, the Pokéathlon and the Battle Frontier are added, the Safari Zone returns west of Cianwood City, Kyogre, Groudon and Rayquaza appear in the new Embedded Tower, the Kimono Girls play a bigger role in the Ho-Oh and Lugia story, Gym Leaders have rematches by phone, and the Pokéwalker came in the box.

Sources & picture credits

Guide text is original retrogameindex writing, checked against Bulbapedia and the game data. Wild Pokémon and encounter chances, items, trainers, rematch teams, gifts and shops come from the pret/pokeheartgold decompilation, and the Pokémon sprites and dungeon entrance pictures are drawn from the game’s own graphics in it. The position maps are the Gold/Silver wiki’s Pokégear map renders. Location pictures and trainer sprites © Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK, archived from the Pokémon Wiki on Fandom (listed on the image gallery).