It’s also possible to explore many areas outside of Johto in these games, and begin filling in the National Dex. So there’s a lot of Psychic options to say the least. With that said, I’ve scoured both games and ranked my picks for the top Psychic-type Pokémon found in HeartGold and SoulSilver – as well as how to catch them.
8. Xatu
Xatu is a dual Flying/Psychic type with a nice set of rounded stats, in particular its Special Attack and Speed. Its Synchronize ability passes on any burn, poison, or paralysis to its opponent. And that is ever useful against Pokémon that like to spam status-inducing attacks. But in terms of Xatu’s attacks, Psychic is a no brainer. You can also learn Giga Drain, Shadow Ball, and Silver Wind for some much needed type coverage. How to catch: get a Natu outside of the Ruins of Alph and level it up to 25 to evolve it to Xatu.
7. Jynx
Jynx has everything a special attacker needs: high Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Its dual Ice/Psychic typing gives it that all important STAB with moves like Psychic and Ice Beam. In fact, that’s pretty much all Jynx needs. Although Shadow Ball and Energy Ball remain decent options to round out the type coverage. So what’s Jynx’s major flaw? Those 6 type weaknesses. Coupled with its super low Defense, you don’t really want it getting hit too often with super effective physical moves. How to catch: can be caught in Ice Path. Or if you have a Smoochum you can evolve it at level 30.
6. Exeggutor
Other than its low Speed stat, Exeggutor is well-rounded in its stats and boasts high Attack and Special Attack, giving it several options to deal damage in battle. Its decent defenses are necessary due to 7 type weaknesses, including a 4x weakness to Bug. In terms of moves, once you’ve taught it Psychic, you could pick one of either Seed Bomb or Solar Beam – depending on whether you opt for a Physical or Special attacking load out. Explosion will absolutely decimate your opponent as a last resort. If you set up a Sunny Day moveset here, then its Chlorophyll ability will boost its Speed – saving you from eating so many super effective moves likely to come your way. How to catch: First, use Headbutt on trees to eventually catch Exeggcute. And then evolve it with a Leaf Stone(obtained in either Viridian Forest or Bill’s Cottage).
5. Starmie
Starmie really is a fantastic Pokémon that offers incredible utility in any team. A well-rounded bunch of stats, coupled with high Special Attack and Speed, makes Starmie a perfect option for a Special Sweeper. After learning Psychic and Surf, you still have many other move options for Type coverage. And really, Starmie’s movepool is extensive. Signal Beam and Power Gem are viable options, as are Flash Cannon and Thunderbolt. Starmie is a beast and fully deserves a place on any Pokémon team. How to catch: catch a Staryu by either fishing with a Good Rod at night in Cherrygrove City, or by surfing on Route 47. And then evolve it with a Water Stone.
4. Alakazam
Alakazam often leads the way in many Psychic-type Pokémon lists – and for good reason. Its superb Special Attack and Speeds means it’ll almost always attack first, and almost always instantly KOs its opponent. Alakazam is a Psychic wrecking ball in HGSS – and it has the potential to sweep through entire teams with ease. Once Psychic is learned for that all important STAB, you can then opt for Shadow Ball and even Shock Wave for type coverage. If you’re good at micromanaging your stats, then Hidden Power Fire or Ground are worthwhile additions. As long as you protect Alakazam’s frail defenses, you should easily be able to decimate most Pokémon you come across. How to catch: First, catch Abra on Route 34 or 35, level to 16 to evolve to Kadabra, and then trade to evolve to Alakazam.
3. Espeon
Espeon, just like others on this list, has its stats in all the right places to be a Special attacker. Although Alakazam is speedier, Espeon is still on the quick side. And with that high Special Attack, Special Defense, and passable stats elsewhere, Espeon is almost the full package. Aside from Psychic, you can round out its moveset with useful moves like Shadow Ball, Signal Beam, and Grass Knot. Or teaching it Calm Mind and using it on your first turn can allow Espeon to single handedly rip through enemy teams with little fuss. How to catch: get the Eevee from Bill in Goldenrod City and max out its happiness. Then level it up between 4:00 AM and 7:00 PM to evolve it to Espeon.
2. Lugia
Since Lugia is a legendary Pokémon, it benefits from an exceptional spread among its stats – especially in its Defense and Special Defense. Lugia is no slouch though, and still possesses high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. Its dual Flying/Psychic typing bumps its weaknesses up to 5. But honestly, with Lugia’s defenses, this shouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately there’s currently no legal way to obtain its hidden Multiscale ability in HGSS, which boosts its defenses at full HP. But since it isn’t really necessary. Lugia’s massive movepool gives you a ton of options to pick from, to the point where you can’t really go wrong. After Psychic and Aeroblast you could go for Earth Power, Dragon Pulse, Iron Head, Surf, or Ice Beam. For ultimate security in battle you can opt for Roost, allowing Lugia to outlast everything it comes against. How to catch: In SoulSilver you’ll find Lugia as a static encounter in the Whirl Islands. In HeartGold you need to get the Silver Wing item from the man next to the Mart in Pewter City during the post-game, then proceed to the Whirl Islands as normal.
1. Mewtwo
Quite simply the best Psychic type around. Its stats are all exceptional – especially its Special Attack. You might not get Mewtwo until very late in the game, but like all good things it’s very much worth the wait. As with all legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo benefits from an extensive movepool. For example: aside from the obligatory Psychic, you could give it Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, or Ice Beam for type coverage. Mewtwo can pretty much learn any TM. So by all means, go crazy and kit it out with any moveset of your choosing. How to catch: During the post-game, after defeating Red you’ll find Mewtwo at the end of Cerulean Cave in the Kanto region.
