Pokemon Gold and Silver has a few legendaries to contend with. Unlike in future versions, both box legendaries can be found in either game, though the methods for catching them are different.
The legendary birds in these games have different methods of capture compared to those in the last generation. Depending on the version, one will be encountered before the Elite Four at Level 40 and the other will be encountered after the Elite Four at Level 70.
| #249 Lugia |
Location: Whirl Islands
Method:
With the Silver Wing in hand, you will gain access to the Whirl Islands where Lugia awaits you. In Pokemon Gold, the Silver Wing is obtained from an old man in Pewter City, whereas in Silver, you get it as a prize for defeating Team Rocket in Goldenrod City. Only in Silver Version will Lugia know the prized signature move Aeroblast. Lugia has among the highest defenses in the game but can also function as an attacker due to its above average Attack and Special Attack stats. Try a Heavy Ball on it for an easier catch.
Gold
| Lugia |  |
| Level 70 |
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| OT: | Yours |
| ID: | Yours |
| Hold Item: | | None |
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Silver
| Lugia |  |
| Level 40 |
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| OT: | Yours |
| ID: | Yours |
| Hold Item: | | None |
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| #250 Ho-Oh |
Location: Tin Tower
Method:
With the Rainbow Wing in hand, you will gain access to the Tin Tower where Ho-oh roosts to accept your challenge. In Pokemon Gold, the Rainbow Wing is collected when you defeat Team Rocket in the Goldenrod City Radio Tower. In Silver, you'll need to go to Pewter City to get it from an old man. Ho-oh only gets its superpowerful signature move Sacred Fire in Gold Version, which inflicts severe damage coming off Ho-oh's Special Attack. It also has a 50/50 change of burning the enemy, so you better have Burn Heals for the showdown on the tower.
Ho-oh always carries the Sacred Ash as well, which fully heals your entire party. Use it if you need it in the Elite Four or against Trainer Red.
Gold
| Ho-Oh |  |
| Level 40 |
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Silver
| Ho-Oh |  |
| Level 70 |
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To unlock the legendary dog trio, you must go to Burnt Tower and take the stairs down into the basement. There, all three beasts lie dormant. Approach them, and they will be revived and run away: Raikou takes off west, Entei takes off north, and Suicune takes off east. You will now be able to encounter them randomly on any route in Johto. Be careful though; these beasts are much harder to catch than any other legendary in the games. They will flee on their first turn of battle or try to Roar you away if you use a trapping move like Spider Web. Thankfully, all damage and status you inflict will be there next time you encounter them. Don't knock them out though - if you do, you'll ruin your chance at catching the respective dog and will have to trade them in from another game. It is recommended you use your Master Ball to catch whichever one you like best. Fast Balls also work well on these Pokemon.
| #243 Raikou |
Location: Johto
Method:
This Electric-type legendary is an excellent choice for battle. With only one weakness and a great Special Attack stat, Raikou is ready to inflict serious damage with moves like Crunch and Thunder. For an interesting combo, try using Rain Dance to summon a storm on the first turn, then hit with never-missing Thunders on subsequent turns.
| Raikou |  |
| Level 40 |
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| OT: | Yours |
| ID: | Yours |
| Hold Item: | | None |
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| #244 Entei |
Location: Johto
Method:
The Fire-type Entei can be tricky to use. Although he has incredible HP and Attack, his physical move set is rather lacking and he cannot benefit from both his titanic power and his strong STAB move Fire Blast. Despite this, Entei does get moves like Iron Tail and Strength to dish out damage, and it doesn't have abysmal Attack. Entei gets Solarbeam so use that in conjunction with Sunny Day for decent coverage.
| Entei |  |
| Level 40 |
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| OT: | Yours |
| ID: | Yours |
| Hold Item: | | None |
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| #245 Suicune |
Location: Johto
Method:
Completing the trio is the Water-type Suicune, who is an awesome bulky Pokemon with high HP and defenses. Suicune is great for whittling down tough foes with Toxic or Roaring them away for later, but with moves like Surf and Blizzard it can also function as an excellent fighter.
| Suicune |  |
| Level 40 |
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| OT: | Yours |
| ID: | Yours |
| Hold Item: | | None |
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