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Learn which Pokemon to use in order to defeat the Elite 4, as well as the Champion Lance in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
The Generation 2 remakes, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, present the player with an updated version of the Johto Elite Four. While relatively low level compared to games like Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, these trainers and Champion Lance can still be quite a challenge. This is because of the relatively low variety of viable Pokemon that can compete at a serious level. So, let’s take a look at the best possible team to take on the Indigo Plateau challenge in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Guide To Defeat Elite Four and Champion in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Overview
How To Defeat Psychic-Type Elite Four Will in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Level | Ability | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xatu | 40 | Synchronize | Psychic, U-Turn, Me First, Confuse Ray |
| Jynx | 41 | Oblivious | Psychic, Lovely Kiss, Ice Punch, DoubleSlap |
| Slowbro | 41 | Own Tempo | Curse, Amnesia, Water Pulse, Psychic |
| Exeggutor | 41 | Chlorophyll | Reflect, Psychic, Egg Bomb, Hypnosis |
| Xatu | 42 | Early Bird | Psychic, Ominous Wind, Aerial Ace, Confuse Ray |
Will is the Psychic-type specialist. However, he does not have many defenses against Dark-types except for U-Turn on his first Xatu. A decent Dark-type or a Pokemon with a Ghost- or Dark-type move can sweep him.
How To Defeat Poison-Type Elite Four Koga in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Level | Ability | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ariados | 40 | Insomnia | Spider Web, Baton Pass, Giga Drain, Poison Jab |
| Forretress | 43 | Sturdy | Swift, Explosion, Protect, Toxic Spikes |
| Muk | 42 | Sticky Hold | Gunk Shot, Minimize, Screech, Toxic |
| Venomoth | 41 | Shield Dust | Psychic, Gust, Toxic, Supersonic |
| Crobat | 44 | Inner Focus | Quick Attack, Double Team, Wing Attack, Poison Fang |
Koga has been promoted to Elite Four member in the Johto games. While he is the designated Poison-type trainer, he prefers to use tricks like confusion and evasion as well. The best approach is to sweep through him with a fast Psychic-type, while a Fire-type handles Forretress.
How To Defeat Fighting-Type Elite Four Bruno in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Level | Ability | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitmontop | 42 | Technician | Dig, Quick Attack, Counter, Triple Kick |
| Hitmonlee | 42 | Reckless | Blaze Kick, Swagger, Hi Jump Kick, Focus Energy |
| Hitmonchan | 42 | Iron Fist | Bullet Punch, Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch |
| Onix | 43 | Sturdy | Sandstorm, Earthquake, Rock Slide, DragonBreath |
| Machamp | 46 | No Guard | Cross Chop, Rock Slide, Revenge, Foresight |
Bruno is back in Johto, and he is just as easy to handle. A fast Psychic-type should take care of his team, even his Onix, which is not weak to Psychic but has poor Special Defense.
How To Defeat Dark-Type Elite Four Karen in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Level | Ability | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umbreon | 42 | Synchronize | Double Team, Confuse Ray, Faint Attack, Payback |
| Vileplume | 42 | Chlorophyll | Stun Spore, Petal Dance, Acid, Moonlight |
| Murkrow | 44 | Super Luck | Sucker Punch, Faint Attack, Pluck, Whirlwind |
| Gengar | 45 | Levitate | Focus Blast, Destiny Bond, Spite, Lick |
| Houndoom | 47 | Flash Fire | Nasty Plot, Dark Pulse, Flamethrower, Crunch |
Karen is tricky like Koga. While she is the Dark-type specialist, she only has three Dark-types and focuses more on catching the player off guard with disruption. Consider bringing a setup sweeper to brute force your way through her team. Be cautious of her Gengar, which has Destiny Bond and can take out the Pokemon that KOs it.
How To Defeat Champion Lance in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Level | Ability | Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyarados | 46 | Intimidate | Dragon Pulse, Flail, Ice Fang, Waterfall |
| Dragonite | 49 | Inner Focus | Thunder Wave, Hyper Beam, Thunder, Dragon Rush |
| Dragonite | 49 | Inner Focus | Thunder Wave, Hyper Beam, Blizzard, Dragon Rush |
| Aerodactyl | 48 | Pressure | Thunder Fang, Rock Slide, Aerial Ace, Crunch |
| Charizard | 48 | Blaze | Air Slash, Fire Fang, Shadow Claw, Dragon Claw |
| Dragonite | 50 | Inner Focus | Safeguard, Outrage, Fire Blast, Hyper Beam |
Lance goes from being a member of the Elite Four in the Kanto games to the Champion in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. His main threats are his three Dragonites, which can hit hard with their powerful neutral Dragon STAB. However, his team has weaknesses to Ice (four Pokemon), Electric (three Pokemon), and Rock (all six), so he is not invincible by any means.
The Elite Four and Champion in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver lack the movepool diversity of the later games. However, they can still be difficult to face without the right Pokemon, as very few available before the League have strong moves to use. This makes team selection key for this Elite Four.
Best Team To Defeat the Elite Four and Champion Lance in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
| Pokemon | Recommended Moves | Best Ability | Held Item | Nature(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhlosion | Flamethrower, Focus Blast, Lava Plume, Solar Beam | Blaze | Choice Specs | Modest (+SpA, -Atk) |
| Gyarados | Dragon Dance, Waterfall, Ice Fang, Earthquake | Intimidate | – | Adamant (+Atk, -SpA) or Jolly (+Spe, -SpA) |
| Ampharos | Discharge, Power Gem, Signal Beam, Thunder Wave | Static | Shell Bell | Modest (+SpA, -Atk) |
| Steelix | Dig, Rock Tomb, Double Edge, Curse | Rock Head | – | Careful (+SpD,-SpA) |
| Espeon | Psybeam, Shadow Ball, Sunny Day, Swift | Synchronize | Choice Scarf | Modest (+SpA, -Atk) or Timid (+Spe, -Atk) |
| Heracross | Close Combat, Megahorn, Brick Break, Night Slash | Guts | – | Adamant (+Atk, -SpA) or Jolly (+Spe, -SpA) |
How To Use The Best Team To Defeat the Elite Four and Champion Lance in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Typhlosion: With a Choice Specs attached, Typhlosion’s Flamethrower burns through a significant portion of the Elite Four’s Pokemon. Examples include Will’s Exeggutor and Jynx, Koga’s Forretress and Venomoth, and Karen’s Vileplume.
- Gyarados: While any Gyarados will work, you can catch the shiny one at the Lake of Rage. Gyarados sets up a few Dragon Dances and sweeps. If done correctly, both Karen and Lance will not be an issue.
- Ampharos: Ampharos helps against Pokemon like Will’s Slowbro and Xatu, Karen’s Murkrow, and Lance’s entire team. It is unlikely to sweep but can secure a few quick KOs.
- Steelix: Steelix is a physical wall whose typing allows it to resist most attacks. Its moves are not great, but it can switch in to support a teammate in a pinch.
- Espeon: With a Choice Scarf, Espeon can use Shadow Ball and Psybeam to sweep Will and Bruno, as well as a good portion of Koga’s team.
- Heracross: Heracross uses its dual STABs to deal with Karen’s Umbreon and Houndoom. The latter is a Fire-type, so be careful.
Best IVs and EVs To Train For This Team
Try to get Pokemon with the highest IVs possible. Train Typhlosion, Ampharos, and Espeon in Special Attack. Gyarados and Heracross both benefit from Speed and Attack. Steelix should focus on its defenses.
Tips and Tricks To Defeat the Elite Four and Champion Lance in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Interestingly, Koga’s Muk is the only Pokemon besides the aces to hold an item. While the aces all have Sitrus Berries, Muk holds a Black Sludge, which heals it. This can be annoying if it increases its evasion since it will gradually heal every time it is hit.
- Ampharos learns Power Gem at Level 59, which can be helpful right before dealing with Lance.
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