HeartGold and SoulSilver are among the richest games in legendaries of their generation: Ho-Oh and Lugia, the three legendary beasts, the Kanto birds, Mewtwo, Latios or Latias, and even the Hoenn trio. Here is where and how to get each of them.
Ho-Oh and Lugia
The legendary of your version is caught before the League, at Level 45: Ho-Oh at the top of the Bell Tower in HeartGold, Lugia at the bottom of the Whirl Islands in SoulSilver. The Kimono Girls of Ecruteak City play a key role in its arrival. The legendary of the other version is encountered after the League, at Level 70. Level 45 has an advantage: the Pokémon keeps moves it would have forgotten by Level 70, in addition to its exclusive move, Sacred Fire for Ho-Oh, Aeroblast for Lugia. See Legendary birds.
The legendary beasts
When you visit the basement of the Burned Tower in Ecruteak City, Raikou, Entei and Suicune run away. Raikou and Entei then roam Johto at random, at Level 40: block their escape, for example with Mean Look. Suicune follows a precise route: you meet it north of Cianwood City (where Eusine challenges you), on Route 42, then, in Kanto, in Vermilion City and on Route 14; after beating Misty, it waits for you at Cerulean Cape, on Route 25, at Level 40. See Roaming legendaries.
The Kanto legendaries
| Pokémon | Location | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Articuno | Seafoam Islands | After arriving in Kanto |
| Zapdos | Near the Power Plant, Route 10 | Catching it later lets you get Lt. Surge’s number |
| Moltres | Mt. Silver | After all sixteen Badges |
| Mewtwo | Cerulean Cave, north of Cerulean City | After all sixteen Badges, Level 70 |
| Latias (HeartGold) Latios (SoulSilver) | All over Kanto | It appears when you leave the Pokémon Fan Club in Vermilion City, then wanders at Level 35 |
The Hoenn trio
At the bottom of the Embedded Tower, a cave on Route 47 reachable with Rock Climb, rest the ancient Pokémon of Hoenn. Mr. Pokémon, on Route 30, gives you the Blue Orb or the Red Orb depending on your version. You can then battle Kyogre there in HeartGold or Groudon in SoulSilver. With both in your party, it becomes possible to meet Rayquaza there; you therefore need a trade with a player of the other version.
The events
- Dialga, Palkia or Giratina: bring an Arceus at the head of your party to the door of the laboratory in the Ruins of Alpha. A scenario lets you obtain the Egg of Dialga, Palkia or Giratina, your choice; the Pokémon hatches immediately while holding its Orb. The scene can be replayed with two other Arceus. Arceus could only be obtained through distribution.
- Celebi: Celebi does not appear in the wild. A distributed Celebi, brought to the shrine in Ilex Forest, takes you on a journey through time that ends in a battle against Giovanni. See Celebi.
- Spiky-eared Pichu: a distributed shiny Pichu, brought to the same shrine, lets you obtain a Spiky-eared Pichu.
Tips
- Save before each static legendary.
- Against roamers, a fast Pokémon that knows Mean Look or a sleep-inducing move will keep them from fleeing on the first turn. Quick Balls, made by Kurt in Azalea Town from Apricorns, are very useful.
- Ho-Oh and Lugia at Level 45 remain difficult: bring plenty of Ultra Balls and a status move.
