HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List: Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (HGSS) are widely celebrated for their depth, challenge, and nostalgia. For those who take on the additional difficulty of a Nuzlocke challenge, team building becomes a critical part of the experience. A Nuzlocke run imposes strict rules: catching only the first Pokémon encountered in each area, permanent fainting, and nicknaming Pokémon for emotional attachment. This tier list evaluates Pokémon based on their availability, stats, movepool, and effectiveness during key battles.
Table of Contents
S-Tier: The MVPs of a Nuzlocke Run In HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List
These Pokémon are the backbone of any successful Nuzlocke. Their utility, availability, and power make them invaluable.
Gyarados
- Location: Magikarp is easily obtainable early via fishing or the Goldenrod Game Corner.
- Strengths: Gyarados has excellent stats, the Intimidate ability, and access to Dragon Dance, making it a top-tier sweeper. Its Water/Flying typing covers several weaknesses and dominates opponents.
Ampharos
- Location: Mareep is found on Route 32.
- Strengths: Ampharos provides reliable bulk and Special Attack, excelling against Water- and Flying-types. Thunder Wave adds great utility.
Heracross
- Location: Obtainable via headbutt trees.
- Strengths: High Attack combined with powerful moves like Close Combat and Megahorn makes Heracross a key asset. It can handle Whitney’s Miltank and various Elite Four threats.
Crobat
- Location: Zubat is common in caves early in the game.
- Strengths: With its blazing Speed, decent Attack, and strong utility moves like Confuse Ray, Crobat is a versatile option.
Togekiss
- Location: Togepi egg is given in Violet City.
- Strengths: Once evolved, Togekiss becomes a powerhouse with great bulk, Air Slash, and Serene Grace. It’s excellent for late-game coverage.
A-Tier: Strong Contenders In HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List
These Pokémon are excellent choices but may lack the versatility or availability of S-tier options.
Starter Pokémon (Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Meganium)
- Location: Your starter choice.
- Strengths: All three starters provide reliable performance throughout the game. Feraligatr excels with physical moves, Typhlosion has solid Fire-type coverage, and Meganium offers great support.
Alakazam
- Location: Abra is found in various locations or via trade.
- Strengths: Alakazam’s Special Attack and Speed make it a glass cannon that can sweep teams. However, trade evolution is required for its full potential.
Mamoswine
- Location: Swinub can be found in Ice Path.
- Strengths: Mamoswine’s Ice/Ground typing and access to Earthquake and Ice Shard make it perfect for dealing with Dragon- and Electric-types.
Lapras
- Location: Found in Union Cave on Fridays.
- Strengths: Excellent bulk and access to Ice Beam and Surf make Lapras a solid Water/Ice-type option.
B-Tier: Solid Performers In HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List
B-tier Pokémon are dependable but come with limitations that hinder their full potential.
Slowbro/Slowking
- Location: Slowpoke is found in the Slowpoke Well.
- Strengths: Great bulk and movepool, with options for Surf, Psychic, and Ice Beam. Choosing between Slowbro and Slowking depends on your strategy.
Machamp
- Location: Machop is found on Route 42.
- Strengths: High Attack and access to strong moves like Dynamic Punch. Requires trade evolution for Machamp.
Arcanine
- Location: Growlithe on Route 36 (SoulSilver).
- Strengths: Solid stats and access to Flamethrower and Extreme Speed. However, it requires a Fire Stone for evolution.
Quagsire
- Location: Wooper on Route 32.
- Strengths: Water/Ground typing provides an Electric immunity and decent bulk. Limited offensive options hold it back.
C-Tier: Situational Choices In HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List
These Pokémon are serviceable but often require specific conditions or struggle against key opponents.
Noctowl
- Location: Hoothoot is common early in the game.
- Strengths: Decent bulk and early access to Hypnosis make it useful in the early game. However, its offensive presence is weak in later stages.
Butterfree
- Location: Caterpie is found early in the game.
- Strengths: Status moves like Sleep Powder and early-game utility are its primary strengths. Poor stats hinder its longevity.
Sudowoodo
- Location: Encountered on Route 36 as a static Pokémon.
- Strengths: Decent Attack and bulk, but limited by a shallow movepool and Speed.
D-Tier: Avoid If Possible In HGSS Nuzlocke Tier List
These Pokémon offer minimal value in a Nuzlocke and are best avoided unless you have no other options.
Unown
- Location: Ruins of Alph.
- Strengths: None. Its single move, Hidden Power, is situational at best.
Delibird
- Location: Ice Path.
- Strengths: None. Poor stats, typing, and movepool make Delibird one of the weakest choices.
Tips for Building a Balanced Nuzlocke Team
- Diversify Types: Cover as many type matchups as possible to minimize weaknesses.
- Plan for Key Battles: Identify major threats like Whitney’s Miltank or Lance’s Dragon-types and prepare counters.
- Utilize Utility Moves: Status moves like Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder, and Confuse Ray can turn battles in your favor.
- Grind Carefully: Leveling up Pokémon reduces risk but overleveling can diminish the challenge.
Final Thoughts
A successful Nuzlocke run in HeartGold and SoulSilver relies on strategy, adaptability, and a well-rounded team. Understanding which Pokémon provide the most value ensures you are prepared for any challenge. Whether you’re sweeping opponents with Gyarados or relying on the bulk of Ampharos, this tier list is a roadmap to success.
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