Gym Leader Strategy: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver from Johto to Kanto
Gym Leader Strategy: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver from Johto to Kanto

 

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Johto Gyms


Falkner of Violet City

Type: Flying
Prizes: The Zephyr Badge, ¥1560, TM51 Roost, Usability of Rock Smash
Recommended: Rock


Pidgey
Pidgey @ None
Level 9
Ability: Keen Eye
- Tackle
- Sand-attack
Pidgeotto
Pidgeotto @ None
Level 13
Ability: Keen Eye
- Tackle
- Roost
- Gust

Rock is your best bet at beating Falkner, though he is not very difficult to overcome. Due to the inavailability to Ice-types, which are just as efficient against Flying-types as Rock-types, Rock is your best choice. There are two Rock-types near Violet City; Geodude, which can be found in Dark Cave or Onix, which has to be traded with a person in southern Violet City. Go find a Bellsprout and trade it for the Onix in the house at the southeast corner of Violet City. Onix is very sturdy and can use this agaisnt both Pidgey and Pidgeotto. Can't find Bellsprout? A Geodude will also suffice, absorbing Pidgey's Tackle and Pidgeotto's Gust sufficiently.

Bugsy of Azalea Town

Type: Bug
Prizes: The Hive Badge, ¥1800, TM89 U-Turn, Usability of Cut
Recommended: Rock, Flying, Fire
Scyther
Scyther @ Sitrus Berry
Level 17
Ability: Technician
- U-Turn
- Leer
- Quick Attack
- Focus Energy
Metapod
Metapod @ None
Level 15
Ability: Shed Skin
- Harden
Kakuna
Kakuna @ None
Level 15
Ability: Shed Skin
- Poison Sting

Bugsy is quite simple to beat. One of his Pokemon is useless, the other one is weak, and the last is rather strong, but not impossible to overcome. Bug-type Pokemon are naturally weak to Fire-, Rock- and Flying-type attacks. Quilava will not have a problem and neither will Croconaw. Bayleef may find it difficult to take Bugsy one. Onix takes on Scyther well since it has a double weakness to Rock. Metapod and Kakuna are minuscule problems.

Whitney of Goldenrod City

Type: Normal
Prize: The Plain Badge, ¥2280, TM45 Attract, Usability of Strength
Recommended: Fighting
Clefairy
Clefairy [F] @ None
level 17
Cute Charm
- Encore
- DoubleSlap
- Mimic
- Metronome
Miltank
Miltank [F] @ Lum Berry
level 19
Ability: Scrappy
- Rollout
- Attract
- Stomp
- Milk Drink

Whitney's Clefairy is easy to take out, since it abuses Metronome. Go with Machop, which you can be obtained by trading a Drowzee with someone who lives in southern Goldenrod. Machop's ability to learn Low Kick at a low level helps to counter both Clefairy and Miltank. Miltank is still a trooper, and will deal serious damage if Machop isn't trained enough. I would hope to get a female Machop, since Attract won't affect it.

Morty of Ecruteak City

Type: Ghost
Prizes: The Fog Badge, ¥2760, TM30 Shadow Ball, Usability of Strength
Recomended: Psychic, Dark

Gastly
Gastly @ None
level 21
Ability: Levitate
- Lick
- Spite
- Mean Look
- Curse

Haunter
Haunter @ None
level 21
Ability: Levitate
- Hypnosis
- Dream Eater
- Curse
- Nightmare

Haunter
Haunter @ None
level 23
Ability: Levitate
- Sucker Punch
- Curse
- Mean Look
- Night Shade

Gengar
Gengar @ Sitrus Berry
level 25
Ability: Levitate
- Shadow Ball
- Hypnosis
- Sucker Punch
- Mean Look

Drowzee will do a good job agaisnt them, though Shadow Ball will mean trouble. Croconaw should not have a problem if it still knows Bite, which is super-effective against all of Morty's Ghost-types. Quilava and Bayleef also won't have much difficulty. Morty's team revolves around trapping and hypnotizing. If you are wary of his strategies, you will be at an advantage from the start. Bring plenty of Awakenings and be willing to be patient. Steel-types are also pretty good, considering you find one.

Chuck of Cianwood City

Type: Fighting
Prizes: The Storm Badge, ¥3720, TM01 Focus Punch, Usability of Fly
Recomended: Psychic, Flying
Primeape
Primeape @ None
level 29
Ability: Vital Absorb
- Leer
- Focus Punch
- Double Team
- Rock Slide
Poliwrath
Poliwrath @ Sitrus Berry
level 31
Ability: Water Absorb
- Body Slam
- Surf
- Focus Punch
- Hypnosis

Chuck was always an easy trainer to beat. Sweep with Pidgeot or Noctowl, but be wary of Primeape's Rock Slide. Hypno and Kadabra also come in handy. Meganium won't have a problem, but Ty will with Poliwrath's Surf and Hypnosis combo.

Jasmine of Olivine City

Type: Steel
Prizes: The Mineral Badge, ¥4200, TM23 Iron Tail
Recomended: Fire, Water, Ground
Magnemite
Magnemite @ None
level 30
Ability: Magnet Pull
- Thunderbolt
- Sonicboom
- Supersonic
- Thunder Wave
Magnemite
Magnemite @ None
level 30
Ability: Sturdy
- Thunderbolt
- Sonicboom
- Supersonic
- Thunder Wave
Steelix
Steelix @ Sitrus Berry
level 35
Ability: Sturdy
- Sandstorm
- Screech
- Rock Throw
- Iron Tail

Both Magnemite will be easy to overcome. A modest Fire-type will suffice, but a Ground-type will also prove effective against Jasmine's team. Magnemite are doubly weak to Ground-type attacks, making Sandslash, Graveler and Onix excellent candidates. A Fire- or Water-type can easily overpower Steelix with a powerful Special-oriented attack.

Pryce of Mahogony Town

Type: Ice
Prize: The Glacier Badge, ¥3100, TM07 Hail, Usability of Whirlpool
Recommended: Fighting
Seel
Seel @ None
level 30
Ability: Thick Fat
- Snore
- Icy Wind
- Rest
- Hail
Dewgong
Dewgong @ None
level 32
Ability: Thick Fat
- Sleep Talk
- Aurora Beam
- Ice Shard
- Rest
Piloswine
Piloswine @ Sitrus Berry
level 34
Ability: Snow Cloak
- Hail
- Ice Fang
- Mud Bomb
- Blizzard

Meganium users beware! This gym will be challenging for you. I recommend using a strong Fighting-type Pokemon. Rock-types will suffice, but considering that most Rock-types are also dual Ground-types, it would be inadvisable to bring one along. Machoke or Heracross won't have a problem here at all. Dewgong is bulky, but it won't be able to withstand Close Combat or Cross Chop. Piloswine will also go down rather easily with a strong Fighting-type. Fire-type will also be fine here, considering only Piloswine can threaten them with Mud Bomb.

Clair of Blackthorn City

Type: Dragon
Prize: The Rising Badge, ¥4920, TM59 Dragon Pulse, Usability of Waterfall
Recommended: Ice, Electric
Gyarados
Gyarados @ None
level 38
Ability: Intimidate
- Twister
- Dragon Rage
- Dragon Pulse
- Bite
Dragonair
Dragonair @ None
level 38
Ability: Shed Skin
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Blast
- Slam
- Dragon Pulse
Dragonair
Dragonair @ None
level 38
Ability: Shed Skin
- Thunder Wave
- Aqua Tail
- Slam
- Dragon Pulse
Kingdra
Kingdra @ Sitrus Berry
level 41
Ability: Sniper
- Smokescreen
- Hydro Pump
- Hyper Beam
- Dragon Pulse

Dragon-types are notorious for their resilience and strength. Your starter Pokemon will likely not aid you in this battle, considering Dragon-types are resistant to Grass-, Fire- and Water-type attacks. Thus, you should try to plan effectively. Dragon is weak to itself, giving you an edge if you happen to have a Dragonite or Kingdra yourself. But due to their inaccessibility, another plausible route is to find and train an Ice-type from Ice Path. Your best bet is a Cloyster or Dewgong, since both are sturdy and able to take and throw a punch. Take Gyarados out with an Electric-type and use Ice Beam/Blizzard on the Dragonair. Ice Beam or Blizzard will take out the Dragonairs, leaving it between you and Kingdra. A war of attrition may suffice; Use Toxic on it, and protect until it dies. Hydro Pump doesn't have perfect accuracy and Hyper Beam will force it to rest, giving you a chance to snip away at its health. Or, bring along a Dragonite and smash it with Outrage. Your choice.

Congratulations! You've defeated all of the Johto Gym Leaders. But you're not done yet! You still have all of Kanto!

Kanto Gym Leaders


Brock of Pewter City

Type: Rock
Prizes: The Boulder Badge, ¥6240, TM80 Rock Slide
Recommended: Water, Grass,Fighting
Graveler
Graveler @ None
Level 51
Ability: Sturdy
- Defense Curl
- Rock Slide
- Rollout
- Earthquake
Rhyhorn
Rhyhorn @ None
level 51
Ability: Lightning Rod
- Scary Face
- Earthquake
- Horn Drill
- Sandstorm
Omastar
Omastar @ None
level 53
Ability: Shell Armor
- AncientPower
- Brine
- Protect
- Spike Cannon
Onix
Onix @ Sitrus Berry
level 54
Ability: Rock Head
- Iron Tail
- RockSlide
- Screech
- Sandstorm
Kabutops
Kabutops @ None
level 52
Ability: Battle Armor
- Rock Slide
- Aqua Jet
- Endure
- Giga Drain

Brock will be easy if you bring a Grass or Water Pokemon with you. Feraligatr won't have a problem, and neither will Meganium. However, Typhlosion will be okay if has Earthquake on it. If not, try Quagsire or Bellossom.

Misty of Cerulean City

Type: Water
Prizes: The Cascade Badge, ¥6480, TM03 Water Pulse
Recomended: Grass, Fighting
Golduck
Golduck @ None
level 49
Ability: Damp
- Water Pulse
- Disable
- Psych Up
- Psychic
Quagsire
Quagsire @ None
level 49
Ability: Water Absorb
- Water Pulse
- Amnesia
- Earthquake
- Rain Dance
Lapras
Lapras @ None
level 52
Ability: Water Absorb
- Sing
- Ice Beam
- Body Slam
- Water Pulse
Starmie
Starmie @ Sitrus Berry
level 54
Ability: Natural Cure
- Water Pulse
- Recover
- Ice Beam
- Confuse Ray

Use a Grass-type like Bellossom or Vileplume on her. I would stay away from Jumpluff, considering both Starmie and Lapras have Ice Beam. Bellossom's Solarbeam or Vileplume's Petal Dance will take care of both Golduck and Quagsire and start to weather down Starmie's HP. Use a Fighting type on Lapras.

Lt. Surge of Vermilion City

Type: Electric
Prizes: The Thunder Badge, ¥6360, TM34 Shock Wave
Recomended: Rock, Ground
Raichu
Raichu @ None
level 51
Ability: Static
- Thunder Wave
- Quick Attack
- Shock Wave
- Double Team
Electrode
Electrode @ None
level 47
Ability: Static
- Thunder Wave
- Double Team
- Shock Wave
- Light Screen
Electrode
Electrode @ None
level 47
Ability: Static
- Screech
- Selfdestruct
- Charge Beam
- Double Team
Magneton
Magneton
level 47
Ability: Magnet Pull
- Supersonic
- Double Teaam
- Shock Wave
- Mirror Shot
Electabuzz
Electabuzz @ Sitrus Berry
level 53
Ability: Static
- Quick Attack
- Shock Wave
- Low Kick
- Light Screen

Your best bet is to use sturdy and powerful Sandslash. Earthquake will clear the entire gym for you, and you won't be threatened by Magneton's Mirror Shot or Electabuzz's Low Kick as Golem/Graveler or Onix would be.

Erika of Celadon City

Type: Grass
Prizes: The Rainbow Badge, ¥6720, TM19 Giga Drain
Recommended: Flying, Ice
Jumpluff
Jumpluff @ None
level 51
Ability: Chlorophyll
- U-Turn
- Leech Seed
- Sunny Day
- Giga Drain
Victreebel
Victreebel @ None
level 56
Ability: Chrolophyll
- Sunny Day
- Synthesis
- Grass Knot
- Leaf Storm
Tangela
Tangela @ None
level 52
Ability: Chlorophyll
- AncientPower
- Wring Out
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
Bellossom
Bellossom @ Sitrus Berry
level 56
Ability: Chlorophyll
- Sunny Day
- Synthesis
- Giga Drain
- Solarbeam

Pidgeot or Fearow will have it easy here. Use Aerial Ace and Wing Attack to take down Jumpluff, Victreebel and Bellossom. Tangela's Defense is high, so hit it hard with Ice Beam or Blizzard from a local Water type.

Janine of Fuschia City

Type: Poison
Prizes: The Soul Badge, ¥6000, TM84 Poison Jab
Recommended: Psychic, Fire
Crobat
Crobat @ None
level 47
Ability: Inner Focus
- Screech
- Supersonic
- Confuse Ray
- Wing Attack
Weezing
Weezing @ None
level 44
Ability: Levitate
- Double Hit
- Sludge Bomb
- Toxic
- Explosion
Ariados
Ariados @ None
level 47
Ability: Insomnia
- Scary Face
- Poison Jab
- Pin Missile
- Psychic
Ariados
Ariados @ None
level 47
Ability: Swarm
- Pin Missile
- Poison Jab
- Swagger
- Night Shade
Venomoth
Venomoth @ Sitrus Berry
level 50
Ability: Shield Dust
- Sludge Bomb
- Double Team
- Signal Beam
- Psychic

Bring a strong and fast Psychic-type like Gardevoir or Alakazam and don't worry about. Blow through her team with Psychic.

Sabrina of Saffron City

Type: Psychic
Prizes: The Marsh Badge, ¥6600, TM48 Skill Swap
Recomended: Ghost, Dark
Espeon
Espeon @ None
level 53
Ability: Synchronize
- Shadow Ball
- Skill Swap
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
Mr. Mime
Mr. Mime
level 53
Ability: Filter
- Mimic
- Light Screen
- Skill Swap
- Psychic
Alakazam
Alakazam @ None
level 55
Ability: Synchronize
- Skill SWap
- Psychic
- Energy Ball
- Reflect

Basically, find a Houndour and evolve it. Sabrina's team is all Psychic-types, and they have mostly Psychic moves. Houndoom will have fun here, and will sweep with Crunch. Not even Alakazam can put a dent in it, with it's immunity to Psychic-type moves. If you're having trouble finding Houndoom, try Sneasel.

Blaine of the Seafoam Islands

Type: Fire
Prizes: The Volcano Badge, ¥7080, TM50 Overheat
Recommended: Water, Ground
Magcargo
Magcargo @ White Herb
level 54
Ability: Flame Armor
- Sunny Day
- Smog
- Overheat
- Rock Slide
Magmar
Magmar @ White Herb
level 54
Ability: Flame Body
- Thunderpunch
- Overheat
- Sunny Day
- Confuse Ray
Rapidash
Rapidash @ White Herb
level 59
- Quick Attack
- Bounce
- Overheat
- Flare Blitz

Catch a Quagsire or evolve a Wooper. Blaine's Pokemon lack any Grass-type attacks, which puts Quagsire in the clear. Magmar's Thunderpunch will not affect Quagsire, and it can sweep with Surf or Waterfall. Do NOT allow him to set up Sunny Day because that will lower Quagsire's Water-type attacks and power his own Pokemon's Fire-type attacks.

Blue of Viridian City

Type: Varied
Prizes: The Earth Badge, ¥9600, TM92 Trick Room
Recommended: Flying, Water, Electric
Pidgeot
Pidgeot @ Sitrus Berry
level 60
Ability: Keen Eye
- Return
- Whirlwind
- Air Slash
- Mirror Move
Rhydon
Rhydon @ None
level 58
Ability: Rock Head
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Thunder Fang
Machamp
Machamp @ None
level 56
Ability: No Guard
- DynamicPunch
- Earthquake
- Thunderpunch
- Stone Edge
Gyarados
Gyarados @ None
level 52
Ability: Intimidate
- Ice Fang
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Return
Exeggutor
Exeggutor @ None
level 55
Ability: Chlorophyll
- Leaf Storm
- Psychic
- Hypnosis
- Trick Room
Arcanine
Arcanine @ None
level 58
Ability: Flash Fire
- Roar
- Dragon Pulse
- Extremespeed
- Flare Blitz

Pidgeot: Use an Electric-type, like Electabuzz or Electrode.
Rhydon: Use Quagsire. Surf will take care of it.
Machamp: Use Yanmega and Air Slash. Yanmega is strong and fast, and it's Air Slash can take out Machamp with ease.
Gyarados: Same as Pidgeot.
Exeggutor: Same as Machamp.
Arcanine: Same as Rhydon.

 

 

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