Heracross Location in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Catching a Pokemon should be as easy as throwing a Poke Ball and hoping that it is caught.

However, there are some Pokemon who think they’re being cute when they require you to do a lot of stuff to obtain them. One of those Pokemon is the mighty Heracross.

Introduced in Gen 2 as a Bug/Fighting-type Pokemon, it is a fan favorite, to say the least.

It also appears in the Gen 2 remakes, which is why we will tell you Heracross’ location in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

Other topics that might interest you:

• All HM Locations in Pokemon Unbound 
• Pokemon Emerald Legendary Locations
• Gigantamax Locations Guide in Pokemon Sword and Shield
• Pokemon Emerald Move Deleter

How to Obtain Heracross

Finding a Heracross is a bit of a challenge. The Pokemon itself does not encounter you in the traditional way, like popping out in the wild.

The way to find one is to headbutt a tree. That’s right, you need to have a Pokemon with the Headbutt move.

When you have that, certain locations will have trees that you can headbutt, and a wild Pokemon encounter will happen. The problem is that it isn’t always a Heracross that you will encounter. This, in itself, is a challenge for some people.

You’re basically fighting against the RNG when trying to spawn a Heracross encounter. When you do, it becomes your standard battle where you just weaken it and catch it with a Poke Ball.

How to Obtain Headbutt

In order to obtain Headbutt, you need to progress a bit further into the story. You need to access the Ilex Forest and the Cut HM. This means that you also need to beat the second Gym Leader to do it. Once you can use Cut, head to Ilex Forest.

When you’re inside Ilex Forest, just head up and you’ll see the plant where you need to use Cut. You will see the Ilex Shrine after that. 

Just follow the path leading to the east and you’ll see the Move Tutor (image below). He’ll teach specific Pokemon the Headbutt move, and you can do it as much as you can for free.

Heracross Location in Pokemon HeartGold or SoulSilver

The following areas below are where Heracross can be found. Headbutt any trees in those areas, and you may encounter a Heracross along with the percentage of you encountering it.

Routes

• 7 (30%)
• 11 (30%)
• 16 (30%)
• 28 (50%)
• 33 (30%)
• 42 (30%)
• 44 (30%)
• 45 (15%)
• 46 (30%)
• 47 (15% for level 25 to 28/5% for level 27 to 30)

Other Locations

• Azalea Town (30%)
• Vermillion City (30%)
• Celadon City (30%)
• Mt. Silver (50%)
• Mt. Silver Cave (50%)

Tips for Catching Heracross

1. Azalea Town Farming

The earliest spot you can farm for a Heracross is Azalea Town. It has a 30% encounter rate, so it’s not that bad if you really want one right away. 

Here’s one thing you can do: if a tree does not have an encounter, then move on to another tree.

2. Wait for the High Encounter Areas

If you’re not interested in getting a Heracross right away, then wait until you access the areas where there is a 50% encounter rate. 

You have Route 28, which is the first one you encounter, and Mt. Silver and its cave. The downside to these areas is that they are encountered way late in the game, but if you’re in no rush, then a 50% chance farm is great.

3. Use False Swipe

You don’t want to knock out your Heracross. Remember to bring a Pokemon with False Swipe so that you won’t kill it. 

Don’t use moves that inflict damage over time or status ailments like poison or burn. Sleep and Paralysis are good tools, too.

Move and Item Suggestions for Your Heracross

These are just a couple of suggestions on how you can build and use your Heracross. It is weak to Flying, Fire, and Psychic.

Pure Damage

Moves:

• Close Combat (Fighting)
• Earthquake (Ground)
• Mega Horn (Bug)
• Stone Edge (Rock)

This build is mostly for pure attack and damage. A lot of the moves listed can utilize Heracross’ insane attack stat. A straight-up easy build for pure damage and not a lot of ailment-inflicting moves.

It’s also a good idea to make it hold a Choice Scarf to give it more speed, since Heracross’ speed is abysmal.

Anti-Air

Moves:

• Close Combat (Fighting)
• Mega Horn (Bug)
• Rock Slide (Rock)
• Endure (Normal)

You got Close Combat and Mega Horn for your standard damage moves. The Rock Slide is a perfect counter in case you have a Flying-type Pokemon encounter. 

Endure is there to help you at least survive in case Heracross is facing a tough enemy.

Psychic Killer

Moves:

• Mega Horn (Bug)
• Night Slash (Dark)
• Swords Dance (Normal)
• Earthquake (Ground) or Brick Break (Fighting)

Want to get rid of those overpowered Psychic Pokemon? This build will be perfect for that with Mega Horn, which has STAB and Night Slash. Swords Dance is there for attack buffs. 

The Earthquake or Brick Break are good moves when you’re not necessarily fighting against Psychic-type Pokemon. 

FAQs

In Closing

There you have it, a complete guide on where to find the Heracross location in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. 

It’s a great idea to get a Heracross early on. It’s a nice and strong Pokemon to have early in the game and even in the post-game.

It has the Bug and Fighting types down to a tee, so it has a role in your team to play. Build one to play offensively or as a secondary wave cleaner. 

You won’t go wrong with a Heracross in your team, as long as you’re willing to hunt one down.