How To Defeat Red in Pokemon Heartgold and Soulsilver?

Learn which Pokemon you can use in order to defeat Red, the final boss of Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Red fighting Ethan on the top of Mt. Silver (Image via TPC)
Red fighting Ethan on the top of Mt. Silver (Image via TPC)

Red is the final boss of Pokemon HeartGold and Soulsilver. Far more powerful than the Elite 4 and Champion Lance of the game, Red brings a wide variety of Pokemon that is very difficult to counter. So, in this guide we will look at the best Pokemon to handle Pokemon Trainer Red when the player faces him at the summit of Mt. Silver.

Guide To Defeat Red in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Overview

Red on the summit of Mt. Silver (Image via TPC)
Red on the summit of Mt. Silver (Image via TPC)
PokemonLevelAbilityMoves
Pikachu88StaticVolt Tackle, Iron Tail, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt
Lapras80Shell ArmorBody Slam, Brine, Blizzard, Psychic
Snorlax82Thick FatShadow Ball, Crunch, Blizzard, Giga Impact
Venusaur84OvergrowFrenzy Plant, Giga Drain, Sludge Bomb, Sleep Powder
Charizard84BlazeBlast Burn, Air Slash, Fire Blitz, Dragon Pulse
Blastoise84TorrentHydro Cannon, Blizzard, Flash Cannon, Focus Blast

Before getting into Red’s team its important to know that Mt Silver is constantly under hail. Not only does this chip away at any Pokemon that aren’t Ice-types, but it removes any accuracy checks for the move Blizzard. As three of Red’s Pokemon know the move, it’s best to change the weather to either sunny or rainy for a few turns.

As for Red’s team, his ace Pikachu is holding a Light Ball, which gives it a boost to its offense. However, it remains frail and can be taken out with a neutral attack. His Lapras replaces his Espeon from Gold and Silver, and can be defeated similarly to his Blastoise. The remaining four members of Red’s team each have a move that needs a turn to recharge after using it. So always be ready to exploit those turns.

Best Team To Defeat Red in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Heracross using Megahorn in the anime (Image via TPC)
Heracross using Megahorn in the anime (Image via TPC)
PokemonRecommended MovesBest AbilityHeld ItemNature(s)
TyphlosionFlamethrower, Focus Blast, Eruption, Solar BeamBlazeChoice SpecsModest (+SpA, -Atk)
GyaradosDragon Dance, Waterfall, Ice Fang, EarthquakeIntimidateAdamant (+Atk, -SpA) or Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)
AmpharosThunderbolt, Power Gem, Signal Beam, Rock ClimbStaticShell BellModest (+SpA, -Atk)
HeracrossClose Combat, Megahorn, Brick Break, Night SlashGutsChoice ScarfAdamant (+Atk, -SpA) or Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)
MamoswineEarthquake, Ice Fang, Stealth Rock, Rock SlideSnow CloakLeftoversJolly (+Spe, -SpA)
SnorlaxReturn, Yawn, Rain Dance, CrunchThick FatImpish (+Def,-SpA)

How To Use The Best Team To Defeat Red in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

  • Typhlosion: At full health Typhlosion’s Eruption will destroy Red’s Venusaur. It can also use Choice Specs boosted Focus Blast against his Snorlax and Lapras, though there is a significant risk with the latter.
  • Gyarados: Gyarados can destroy Charizard with a Dragon Dance boosted Waterfall.
  • Ampharos: Ampharos takes on both Red’s Lapras and Blastoise with Thunderbolt. It can also deal with his Charizard with Power Gem.
  • Heracross: Heracross uses Close Combat to deal with Red’s Lapras and Snorlox. Its holding a Choice Scarf to outspeed them both.
  • Mamoswine: Mamoswine is the lead, setting up Stealth Rock and OHKOing Pikachu with an Earthquake.
  • Snorlax: Snorlax is here to remove the hail by setting up Rain Dance and putting Red’s Pokemon to sleep with Yawn.

Best IVs and EVs To Train For This Team

You would want as high IVs as possible for each of your Pokemon as there is no downside. As for EVs, all of your Pokemon except for Snorlax need high Speed EVs. Typhlosion and Ampharos should have a decent investment in Special Attack, while the rest should have some Attack EVs.

Tips and Tricks To Defeat Red in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

  • One of your Pokemon needs to use Rock Climb to get to Red. So Ampharos has Rock Climb instead of Thunder Wave or Discharge.

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