Cresselia transfers from Sinnoh to HeartGold and SoulSilver. Levitate and massive defenses at A-Tier, with Moonlight recovery and Calm Mind slowly overwhelming opponents.
Ability 1LevitateAbility 1Evades ground moves.
600HP120Attack70Defense120Speed85Sp.Def130Sp.Atk75
Weak to
Special
Wall
85Speed · Above Avg

Is Cresselia Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Transfer only. Psychic with AbilityLevitate. If imported, enormous bulk and special Defense. Battle Frontier defender. No story contribution.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGEGGEGGSGEGGTEGEGGEGFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16CresseliaTradeWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Falkner's team.

You Win
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Even
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Bugsy's team.

Risky
Scyther
Lv 17
BugFlying
Technician
Quick AttackLeerU TurnFocus Energy
Easy KO
Kakuna
Lv 15
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison Sting
You Win
Metapod
Lv 15
Bug
Shed Skin
Tackle
Whitney
Gym 3
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Whitney's team.

You Win
Clefairy
Lv 17
Normal
Cute Charm
Double SlapMimicEncoreMetronome
Even
Miltank
Lv 19
Normal
Scrappy
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Morty's team.

Easy KO
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
You Win
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
Levitate
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
Even
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
Levitate
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
You Win
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
Levitate
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Chuck's team.

You Win
Primeape
Lv 29
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerDouble TeamFocus PunchRock Slide
You Win
Poliwrath
Lv 31
WaterFighting
Water Absorb
HypnosisSurfFocus PunchBody Slam
Jasmine
Gym 6
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Jasmine's team.

Even
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Even
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
ThunderboltSupersonicSonic BoomThunder Wave
Even
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Sturdy
ScreechSandstormRock ThrowIron Tail
Pryce
Gym 7
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Pryce's team.

You Win
Seel
Lv 30
Water
Thick Fat
SnoreHailIcy WindRest
You Win
Dewgong
Lv 32
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Sleep TalkIce ShardAurora BeamRest
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Snow Cloak
HailIce FangMud BombBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Clair's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterDragon RageBiteDragon Pulse
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveFire BlastSlamDragon Pulse
You Win
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveAqua TailSlamDragon Pulse
Even
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Sniper
SmokescreenHydro PumpHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Strong

Cresselia resists most of Brock's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Graveler
Lv 51
RockGround
Sturdy
Defense CurlRock SlideRolloutEarthquake
Easy KO
Rhyhorn
Lv 51
GroundRock
Rock Head
SandstormScary FaceEarthquakeHorn Drill
Easy KO
Omastar
Lv 53
RockWater
Shell Armor
Ancient PowerBrineProtectSpike Cannon
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Sturdy
Iron TailRock SlideScreechSandstorm
Easy KO
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Battle Armor
Rock SlideAqua JetEndureGiga Drain
Misty
Gym 10
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Misty's team.

You Win
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
Easy KO
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Water Absorb
Water PulseAmnesiaEarthquakeRain Dance
You Win
Lapras
Lv 52
WaterIce
Shell Armor
Water PulseSingIce BeamBody Slam
Risky
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Raichu
Lv 51
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveQuick AttackShock WaveDouble Team
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveDouble TeamShock WaveLight Screen
Risky
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
ScreechDouble TeamSelf DestructCharge Beam
Even
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Erika's team.

Easy KO
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
Easy KO
Tangela
Lv 52
Grass
Chlorophyll
Ancient PowerWring OutGiga DrainSleep Powder
You Win
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGrass KnotLeaf Storm
You Win
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGiga DrainSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 13
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Janine's team.

You Win
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
You Win
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
Levitate
Double HitSludge BombToxicExplosion
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Scary FacePoison JabPin MissilePsychic
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Pin MissilePoison JabSwaggerNight Shade
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Tough

Sabrina's team hits Cresselia's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Espeon
Lv 53
Psychic
Synchronize
Shadow BallSkill SwapCalm MindPsychic
Even
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Filter
MimicLight ScreenSkill SwapPsychic
Risky
Alakazam
Lv 55
Psychic
Inner Focus
Skill SwapPsychicEnergy BallReflect
Blaine
Gym 15
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Blaine's team.

You Win
Magcargo
Lv 54
FireRock
Flame Body
Sunny DaySmogOverheatRock Slide
Even
Magmar
Lv 54
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchOverheatSunny DayConfuse Ray
Even
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Flash Fire
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Blue's team.

Even
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
Even
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
Easy KO
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Rock Head
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 52
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Ice FangWaterfallDragon DanceReturn
Easy KO
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
No Guard
Dynamic PunchEarthquakeStone EdgeThunder Punch
You Win
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Will's team.

Risky
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
U TurnMe FirstConfuse RayPsychic
Risky
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapLovely KissIce PunchPsychic
Even
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
Even
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Own Tempo
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
Risky
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Early Bird
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
Risky
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
ProtectSwiftExplosionToxic Spikes
You Win
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Sticky Hold
MinimizeScreechGunk ShotToxic
You Win
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Double TeamQuick AttackWing AttackPoison Fang
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Bruno's team.

You Win
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Technician
CounterQuick AttackDigTriple Kick
You Win
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Reckless
SwaggerFocus EnergyHigh Jump KickBlaze Kick
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Iron Fist
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchBullet Punch
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
You Win
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Even

Cresselia trades roughly evenly with Karen's team.

Risky
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
Easy KO
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidMoonlightPetal Dance
You Win
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
Levitate
LickSpiteFocus BlastDestiny Bond
Even
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Super Luck
PluckWhirlwindSucker PunchFeint Attack
Risky
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Flash Fire
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Lance
Champion
Good

Cresselia has the type edge here and should clean up Lance's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
You Win
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
You Win
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushBlizzardHyper Beam
Even
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
Even
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
You Win
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Psychic
Tier
A

Cresselia cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Cresselia locations

How to Get Cresselia in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Cresselia can't be caught in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Transfer one in from Diamond & Pearl or Platinum.

How to Get Shiny Cresselia in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Cresselia is absent from these games, so its shiny has to come from Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, where it roams, and be traded across. See every game where Shiny Cresselia can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Cresselia in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Cresselia in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftYellowtoPurple
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Cresselia Evolution

Does Not Evolve
Cresselia does not evolve
Single-stage PokemonView Full Evolution Chart

Cresselia Weakness

Cresselia is weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Cresselia's overall bulk (120/120/130) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.

Cresselia Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Bug, Ghost, Dark
0.5x (Resist)Fighting, Psychic
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Cresselia Weak Against

Vulnerable
3Weak
2Resist
1Immune
Score-4
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Cresselia Strong Against

2Strong
2Resisted
1Immune
Score-1
½xResisted
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Cresselia

Absol
Absol
Dark
C
Tyranitar
Tyranitar
RockDark
S
Houndoom
Houndoom
DarkFire
C
Weavile
Weavile
DarkIce
B
Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B

Cresselia Evolutions

Cresselia is a powerhouse with 600 total stats as a Psychic legendary. Can't breed it, so you're locked to whatever you catch or receive. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Cresselia
#488Cresselia
Does not evolve

Breeding

Unavailable
Undiscovered egg group

HGSS Cresselia Best Moveset

Durable from both sides: 120 Sp. Def, 110 Defense, and 120 HP. The moveset uses MoveCalm Mind to slowly overwhelm opponents while recovering HP. AbilityLevitate removes the Ground weakness. Extremely difficult to break from either side.

Best Build

Experimental
Wall
Ability
Levitate
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Cresselia

Cresselia best EVs are HP and Defense

EVs

Wall Moveset

  • Lunar DanceSTAB
  • Ice Beam
  • PsychicSTAB
  • Thunder Wave

Moves List

The level-up pool tells the story here. Cresselia learns Future Sight and Psychic naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Coverage across 7 types extends the reach beyond that.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Confusion
D7510025Psychic
Lv 1
Double Team
———15Normal
Lv 11
Safeguard
D——25Normal
Lv 20
Mist
———30Ice
Lv 29
Aurora Beam
—6510020Ice
Lv 38
Future Sight
B18010010Psychic
Lv 47
Slash
—7010020Normal
Lv 57
Moonlight
D——5Normal
Lv 66
Psycho Cut
C10510020Psychic
Lv 75
Psycho Shift
——10010Psychic
Lv 84
Lunar Dance
B——10Psychic
Lv 93
Psychic
B13510010Psychic

TM Moves

All 21 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45——10015Normal
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
D509010Electric
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B9510010Ice
TM16
Light ScreenGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
C——30Psychic
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM33A——20Psychic
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
C8010015Ghost
TM22C12010010Grass
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal

Egg Moves

Cresselia doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Gravity
A——5Psychic
Tutor
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Magic Coat+4
D——15Psychic
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Signal Beam
D7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Trick
C—10010Psychic
Tutor
Zen Headbutt
C1209015Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Legend
HP120
A
Attack70
C
Defense120
A
Sp. Atk75
C
Sp. Def130
A
Speed85
C
Total600
Details
Catch Rate
Legendary3 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.5 m
Weight85.6 kg
Base XP290
Abilities
Levitate
Evades ground moves.
Levitate grants Ground immunity
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpD+3Spe
Strong Special Defense training target
Pokedex Entry

Those who sleep holding CRESSELIA’s feather are assured of joyful dreams. It is said to represent the crescent moon.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Cresselia HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • No. Cresselia isn't catchable in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Catch one in Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, then trade it over.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Cresselia plays as a wall. Speed is middling, so pick your spots carefully. Psychic is the primary attack.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Cresselia pairs best with Metagross, Bronzong, and Tyranitar. Metagross has Decent synergy and covers what Cresselia can't handle on its own.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Relaxed is the go-to nature for Cresselia. That's +Defense / -Speed. Pair it with 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD EVs. Fits the wall role.

Game Availability

Since Diamond & Pearl, Cresselia has appeared in 13 games. Legendary Pokemon like Cresselia are usually found through story events or special post-game areas rather than random encounters.

Explore

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