Color Change shifts Kecleon's type to match the last move hit at C-Tier in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Sucker Punch adds priority, but the type shifting is unreliable.
Ability 1Color ChangeAbility 1Changes type to match when hit by a damaging move.
440HP60Attack90Defense70Speed40Sp.Def120Sp.Atk60
Weak to
Physical
Support
40Speed · Very Slow

Is Kecleon Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Breed-only. Normal with AbilityColor Change switching type to match the last hit. Interesting mechanic but unreliable in practice. Not viable.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadEGGEEGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2KecleonHatchWhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16WillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with 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

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

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

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Whitney's team.

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

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Morty's team.

You Win
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
Even
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
Even
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
Even
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
Chuck
Gym 5
Even

Kecleon trades roughly evenly with Chuck's team.

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

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Jasmine's team.

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

Kecleon 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

Kecleon 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
Even
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveAqua TailSlamDragon Pulse
Even
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Sniper
SmokescreenHydro PumpHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

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

Kecleon 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
You Win
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Lt. Surge's team.

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

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

Easy KO
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
You Win
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

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

You Win
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
Even
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Double HitSludge BombToxicExplosion
You Win
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Scary FacePoison JabPin MissilePsychic
You Win
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Insomnia
Pin MissilePoison JabSwaggerNight Shade
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Sabrina's team.

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

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

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

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

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

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Will's team.

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

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

You Win
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
Even
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

Kecleon 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
You Win
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
Even
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Good

Kecleon has the type edge here and should clean up Karen's team.

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

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

Easy KO
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
Easy KO
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
You Win
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Hatch

Hatch from Egg after Badge 2
Type
Normal
Tier
C

Hatch Kecleon from an Egg you breed on Route 34.

View Kecleon locations

How to Get Kecleon in HeartGold & SoulSilver

No wild encounters for Kecleon in HeartGold & SoulSilver. It can be transferred in from Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, or Platinum.

Kecleon cannot be caught in the wild in HeartGold & SoulSilver, but you can still get it via these paths:

Obtain and trade from these games:

Then trade to HeartGold & SoulSilver.

Also Obtainable In:

Pokemon transfers only go forward through generations, never backward. Direct cross-gen trades aren't supported.

How to Get Shiny Kecleon in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Kecleon fades in and out of the Day Care, so breed it Masuda-style with a foreign-language parent for a shiny. Compare Shiny Kecleon odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Kecleon in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Kecleon in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftGreen
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Kecleon Evolution

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

HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Kecleon Calculator

2 Methods
Fastest Path

The best route is Masuda Method, about 1 in 1,639 on each try.

Step 1 · Encounter Method2 in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Masuda Method: Breed with a parent from a different-language game. Works on any breedable line.

Full Odds: Walk through grass, surf, or fish. Every encounter is its own independent shiny roll.

How many you have done, or plan to do.

120,000
Shiny Odds Per Try1 / 1,639Masuda Method
Chance By Now50.0%at 1,136 eggs hatchedAbout 5 in 10 hunters have one by now
What To Expect
ChanceEncountersTime
10%lucky few173----
25%one in four472----
50%coin flip1,136----
90%very likely3,773----
How is this calculated?

Every encounter has the same shiny chance, the Shiny Odds Per Try shown above. Each one is a separate roll that does not care how many you have already done, so the more you hunt, the higher your overall chance of at least one shiny. The formula below turns your odds and your number of tries into that combined chance.

chance after N tries = 1 − (1 − p)^N,  where  p = 1 / odds per try

Example at 1 in 8,192 (classic full odds): about 864 encounters for a 10 percent chance, 5,678 for 50 percent, and 18,862 for 90 percent.

The table above flips that around: it shows how many encounters it takes to reach a 10, 25, 50, and 90 percent chance at your current odds. Turning on boosts like the Shiny Charm, sandwiches, or chains improves your odds, so the encounter numbers drop.

These are estimates, not promises. Most games have no pity counter, meaning no guaranteed shiny no matter how many you hunt, so even Very Likely is not guaranteed: some hunters find one early, others go well past that point.

Where these shiny odds come from: Read our full methodology

For time estimates and charm math, open the HeartGold & SoulSilver shiny odds calculator with Kecleon already selected.

Kecleon Weakness

Kecleon is weak to Fighting. On the flip side, it's immune to Ghost-type moves entirely. Kecleon's special bulk (base 120 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.

Kecleon Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Fighting
0x (Immune)Ghost
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Kecleon Weak Against

Good
1Weak
0Resist
1Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
½xResist
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune

What is Kecleon Strong Against

0Strong
2Resisted
1Immune
Score-3
2xStrong
None
½xResisted
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Kecleon

Hariyama
Hariyama
Fighting
B
Breloom
Breloom
GrassFighting
A
Blaziken
Blaziken
FireFighting
C
Gallade
Gallade
PsychicFighting
B
Toxicroak
Toxicroak
PoisonFighting
C

Kecleon Evolutions

Kecleon is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with a massive partner pool. Its eggs take an average time to hatch. It's got 7 egg moves worth looking into. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Kecleon
#352Kecleon
Does not evolve

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Kecleon easily with 131 breeding partners from the Field egg group. Pass egg moves like Disable, Dizzy Punch, Fake Out and 4 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

HGSS Kecleon Best Moveset

Typing shifts to whatever just hit it through AbilityColor Change, creating constantly shifting defensive matchups. 90 Attack fires physical hits while 120 Sp. Def absorbs special damage. The moveset is unpredictable defensively. 40 Speed goes last.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Tank
Ability
Color Change
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Kecleon
Brave+ATK

Kecleon best EVs are Attack and Sp. Def

EVs

Physical Tank Moveset

  • ToxicUtility
  • Sucker Punch
  • RecoverRecovery
  • Fake OutSTAB

Moves List

The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 14 types means almost nothing walls Kecleon cleanly, with Last Resort and Strength anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Astonish
—3010015Ghost
Lv 1
Lick
—2010030Ghost
Lv 1
Scratch
—6010035Normal
Lv 1
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Thief
D6010025Dark
Lv 4
Bind
—227520Normal
Lv 7
Feint Attack
—60—20Dark
Lv 10
Fury Swipes
—278015Normal
Lv 14
Feint+2
—7510010Normal
Lv 18
Psybeam
D6510020Psychic
Lv 22
Shadow Sneak+1
D4010030Ghost
Lv 27
Slash
—10510020Normal
Lv 32
Screech
——8540Normal
Lv 37
Substitute
C——10Normal
Lv 43
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark
Lv 49
Shadow Claw
C7010015Ghost
Lv 55
Ancient Power
D601005Rock

TM Moves

All 35 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceMt. Mortarnot until badge 8
D60—20Flying
TM45——10015Normal
TM14D120705Ice
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
D509010Electric
TM28
DigNational Parkbadge 2
C8010010Ground
TM60
Drain PunchRoute 39badge 3
A751005Fighting
TM38D120855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
D9510015Fire
TM01
Focus Punch-3Prize for defeating Chuckbadge 5
B15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D9010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
D9510010Ice
TM23C1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombUnion Cavebadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
D8010015Ghost
TM65
Shadow ClawRoute 42badge 3
C7010015Ghost
TM49
Snatch+4Team Rocket HQbadge 6
———10Dark
TM22C12010010Grass
HM04C12010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefTeam Rocket HQbadge 6
D6010025Dark
TM25D1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
D9510015Electric

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Disable
D—8020Normal
Egg
Dizzy Punch
C10510010Normal
Egg
Fake Out+3
B6010010Normal
Egg
Magic Coat+4
D——15Psychic
Egg
Nasty Plot
C——20Dark
Egg
Recover
B——10Normal
Egg
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C909010Water
Tutor
Fire Punch
C7510015Fire
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Headbutt
C10510015Normal
Tutor
Ice Punch
C7510015Ice
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Knock Off
D6510020Dark
Tutor
Last Resort
B1951005Normal
Tutor
Low Kick
D—10020Fighting
Tutor
Magic Coat+4
D——15Psychic
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Role Play
———10Psychic
Tutor
Rollout
—309020Rock
Tutor
Snore
D6010015Normal
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
B801005Dark
Tutor
Swift
—90—20Normal
Tutor
Thunder Punch
C7510015Electric
Tutor
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP60
C
Attack90
B
Defense70
C
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def120
A
Speed40
D
Total440
Details
Catch Rate
Easy200 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.0 m
Weight22.0 kg
Base XP154
Abilities
Color Change
Changes type to match when hit by a damaging move.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpD+1Spe
Special Defense training source
Pokedex Entry

It changes its shading to match its surroundings so it can sneak up on prey. Only its belly patterns stay fixed.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Kecleon HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Kecleon can work for a story run. It rates C-Tier, a middle-of-the-pack pick, so the Normal typing decides whether it earns a team slot.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Kecleon plays as a support. It's slow, so Trick Room or priority moves are key. so pick your spots carefully.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Brave is the go-to nature for Kecleon. That's +Attack / -Speed. Pair it with 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 SpD EVs. Fits the support role.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Kecleon pairs best with Porygon2, Miltank, and Ambipom. Porygon2 has Excellent synergy and covers what Kecleon can't handle on its own.

Game Availability

Available in 14 titles since its debut in Ruby & Sapphire, Kecleon spans 7 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through wild encounters in a solid number of games.

Explore

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