So, you’re embarking on a journey through the captivating regions of Johto and Kanto in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver? Whether you’ve just hatched a new Pokémon, are aiming to conquer the Elite Four, or simply want to evolve your team members, efficient training is key. Forget relying solely on EXP Share or the Switch Mode – for trainers who relish the hands-on approach, this guide unveils the optimal locations to level up your Pokémon in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
This guide is meticulously crafted, analyzing each location based on the levels of wild Pokémon and the average experience points gained per 100 encounters. The suggested training spots are designed to provide the perfect EXP yield for your Pokémon’s current strength, ensuring a balanced and effective leveling experience.
The level ranges indicated below are approximations for your Pokémon’s level, guiding you on when to progress to the next training stage. Remember, the ideal location also depends on your Pokémon’s type matchups and movepool. If battles feel too easy or challenging, don’t hesitate to adjust to the next or previous stage to maintain an optimal training pace.
Level 1-3: Early Steps to Power
For the freshest recruits to your team, the initial levels are crucial.
- Dark Cave (Violet City Entrance): If you have access to the Hoenn Sound on your PokéGear’s radio, the Violet City entrance of Dark Cave becomes an experience goldmine. Swarming Dunsparce amplify the EXP gains significantly.
- Route 30: For SoulSilver players or if your Pokémon struggles against Geodude and Zubat in Dark Cave, Route 30 is a solid alternative. Even without Hoenn Sound or swarms, Route 30 edges out Dark Cave in SoulSilver due to the presence of Level 3 Ledyba, offering slightly better EXP than the Level 2 Pidgey found in HeartGold’s Dark Cave. In HeartGold, both locations are comparable, making your Pokémon preference the deciding factor.
Image of a Geodude battling in the dimly lit Dark Cave, a prime early-game training location in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Level 4-5: Branching Out for Growth
As your Pokémon gains a bit of battle experience, it’s time to explore slightly more challenging areas.
- Ilex Forest: Ilex Forest shines as the top choice at night, boasting nocturnal Pokémon that offer good experience.
- Route 32: During morning or day, Route 32 presents a more suitable training ground with different Pokémon encounters.
- Ruins of Alph: If your Pokémon needs gentler training, the Ruins of Alph offer a less experience-rich but safer environment.
Image depicting a Pokemon trainer navigating through the lush Ilex Forest in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, a great location for nighttime training.
Level 6-7: Stepping Up the Challenge
With a few levels under their belt, your Pokémon are ready to take on slightly tougher foes.
- Route 33: Route 33 is particularly advantageous in SoulSilver, featuring slightly higher-level Pokémon for faster experience gains.
- Union Cave 1F: In HeartGold, Union Cave 1F becomes a more appealing option. SoulSilver players can also utilize Union Cave if Route 33 proves too difficult.
- Viridian Forest: For trainers seeking lower-level encounters, especially at night, Viridian Forest in Kanto (accessible later in the game) provides a fallback option.
Level 8-11: Union Cave’s Experience Bonanza
- Union Cave B1F: Union Cave B1F is an exceptional training location during this level range. The experience yield here is significant. Even if the Pokémon types aren’t perfectly aligned with your training goals, persevering in Union Cave B1F is highly recommended for its superior EXP output.
Screenshot showcasing the underground environment of Union Cave B1F in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, renowned for its excellent experience points.
Level 11-12: Route 34’s Level Jump
- Route 34: As soon as your Pokémon reaches Level 11 and can handle it, migrate to Route 34. This route provides a noticeable jump in experience compared to previous locations.
- Rock Tunnel 1F: If your Pokémon is vulnerable to Psychic-type moves, Rock Tunnel 1F offers an alternative, especially with Hoenn Sound activated, which significantly boosts experience gains.
- Route 25: Route 25 is a less rewarding option if both Route 34 and Rock Tunnel prove unsuitable.
Level 12-13: Routes 35 and 6 Beckon
- Route 35: Route 35 becomes attractive if you have the patience for Hoenn sounds or if Yanma are swarming, further enhancing experience gains.
- Route 6: If you can manage slightly stronger Pokémon, Route 6 in Kanto offers better experience than Route 35 under normal conditions.
Level 14-15: Route 11 Takes Center Stage
- Route 11: Route 11 in Kanto is the undisputed best training location in this level range. Focus your efforts here.
- Route 37 & 38: If the Pokémon encounters on Route 11 (primarily Drowzee) are inconvenient for your training, consider Route 37 or Route 38, especially in SoulSilver if you can handle the higher levels on Route 38.
Level 16-20: Nighttime Route 10 or Route 43
- Route 10: Route 10 in Kanto is excellent at night, offering boosted experience.
- Route 43: During the day or if you prefer Johto locations, Route 43 is the prime choice.
- Route 11 (Morning): In the morning, if Route 43 isn’t accessible or preferred, sticking with Route 11 remains more efficient than switching to Route 10 during daytime.
Level 21-22: Version-Specific Hotspots
- Route 47 (Inside Cave) (HeartGold): For HeartGold players, Route 47 (inside cave) is the absolute best location at this level range. Make your way here as soon as possible.
- Ice Path 1F & B1F (SoulSilver & HeartGold): In SoulSilver, Ice Path 1F and B1F (or even B2F and B3F for higher levels and more challenge) surpasses Route 47 in experience yield. Ice Path is still a strong second option for HeartGold players.
Image of a Pokemon trainer traversing the slippery Ice Path B1F in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, a top-tier training spot for levels 21-29.
Level 23-29: Route 44 or Ice Path/Route 48 Alternatives
- Route 44: Route 44 is the definitive location if you can handle the Pokémon levels. Prioritize training here.
- Ice Path (SoulSilver): If Route 44 is too challenging in SoulSilver, continue training in Ice Path.
- Route 48 (HeartGold): For HeartGold players seeking an alternative to Route 44, Route 48 offers a suitable training environment.
Level 30-31: Mt. Mortar or Route 27/26
- Mt. Mortar Upper Cave (Morning/Day): Mt. Mortar upper cave, while less easily accessible, provides the highest experience in the morning or day.
- Route 27 (Night): At night, Route 27 becomes the preferred choice due to better accessibility and even greater experience yield than Mt. Mortar in SoulSilver, and only slightly less in HeartGold.
- Route 26 (HeartGold): If Mt. Mortar or Route 27 aren’t ideal, Route 26 in HeartGold serves as a fallback location. SoulSilver players can continue training in previous locations if needed.
Level 32-34: Seafoam Islands B1F
- Seafoam Islands B1F: Seafoam Islands B1F is an excellent training ground, albeit somewhat inaccessible.
- Seafoam Islands B2F: If your Pokémon can handle slightly higher levels, B2F within Seafoam Islands offers even better experience gains. Otherwise, remain in B1F or previous locations.
Level 35-38: Deeper into Seafoam or Victory Road
- Seafoam Islands B3F: Seafoam Islands B3F continues the trend of increasing experience within Seafoam Islands.
- Victory Road: Victory Road emerges as a more accessible and closely competitive alternative to Seafoam Islands B3F, potentially preferable if its Pokémon types are more convenient for your team.
Level 39-40: Seafoam Islands B4F Dominance
- Seafoam Islands B4F: Seafoam Islands B4F reigns supreme in experience output at this level range. Despite its inaccessibility, the superior experience makes the journey likely worthwhile.
- Victory Road (Alternative): If the trek to Seafoam Islands B4F is too cumbersome, Victory Road remains a viable alternative.
Level 41-42: Route 28 or Cerulean Cave 2F
- Route 28: Route 28 becomes the clear frontrunner for training, offering significantly more experience than other options.
- Cerulean Cave 2F: While also not easily accessible, Cerulean Cave 2F is arguably slightly more convenient than Seafoam Islands B4F and provides slightly better experience at night.
Level 43-45: Mt. Silver (Outside) Upgrade
- Mt. Silver (Outside): Mt Silver (outside) acts as a higher-level version of Route 28. Transition your training here.
Level 46+: Mt. Silver 2F and Beyond
- Mt. Silver (2F): Mt. Silver (2F) is the ultimate training spot in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, boasting the highest experience yield in the wild.
- Gym Leader Rematches & Elite Four: Once you outgrow Mt. Silver 2F, rebattling Gym Leaders and challenging the Elite Four become the most effective methods for further leveling and fine-tuning your team for endgame content.
Action shot of a Pokemon battle occurring on Mt. Silver 2F in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the highest experience training location in the game.
This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge to optimize your Pokémon training in HeartGold and SoulSilver. By strategically utilizing these locations, you can efficiently level up your team and conquer every challenge that awaits in Johto and Kanto!
