Volt Absorb heals from Electric for Lanturn at A-Tier in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Water/Electric with only Ground weakness is solid, and Heal Bell clears team status.
Ability 1Volt AbsorbAbility 1Absorbs electric moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.Ability 2IlluminateAbility 2Doubles the wild encounter rate.
460HP125Attack58Defense58Speed67Sp.Def76Sp.Atk76
Chinchou
Lanturn
Weak to
Special
Support
67Speed · Below Avg

Is Lanturn Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Chinchou evolves at level 27. Water/Electric with AbilityVolt Absorb. Enormous HP with decent special Attack. Handles Jasmine through Water, and the Electric side covers Flying and Water threats. One of the most underrated picks in any HGSS playthrough.

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

Chinchou resists most of Falkner's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Easy KO
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Good

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

Even
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
Even

Chinchou 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
Even

Chinchou trades roughly evenly with Morty's team.

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

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Chuck's team.

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

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

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

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

Easy KO
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
Even

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Clair's team.

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

Lanturn 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
You Win
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Battle Armor
Rock SlideAqua JetEndureGiga Drain
Misty
Gym 10
Even

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Misty's team.

You Win
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
Risky
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Water AbsorbImmune to Water attacks
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
Even

Lanturn 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
Even
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Sturdy
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
Risky
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Static
ScreechDouble TeamSelf DestructCharge Beam
Even
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Even

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

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

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

Easy KO
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
ScreechSupersonicConfuse RayWing Attack
Even
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
Levitate
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
Even
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Even

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

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

Lanturn resists most of Blaine's coverage and hits back hard.

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

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

Even
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
You Win
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
You Win
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Good

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

Easy KO
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

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

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

Lanturn trades roughly evenly with Bruno's team.

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

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

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

Lanturn 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
You Win
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
You Win
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
Even
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Catch Chinchou

Available after Badge 4
Type
WaterElectric
Tier
E

Catch Chinchou in New Bark Town (Good Rod fishing, Lv 20, rare).

View Chinchou locations

Evolve Chinchou to Lanturn

Level 27
Type
WaterElectric
Tier
A

Chinchou evolves into Lanturn at Level 27. Your Chinchou should hit Level 27 before you reach Chuck, at typical leveling pace.

View Lanturn locations

Recommended Moves

How to Get Lanturn in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Wild Lanturn only bites on the Super Rod, and even then it stays rare at every water spot across both games. If fishing one up drags on, raise a Chinchou to level 27 instead.

Wild Lanturn may be holding when caught:

Deep Sea Scale (5% chance) An item to be held by CLAMPERL. A scale that shines a faint pink, it raises the Sp. Def stat.

10 locations to catch Lanturn

Encountered via fishing with a Rod

Badge 1
Badge 2
Badge 3
Badge 4
Badge 5
Badge 6
Badge 7
Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Lanturn in HGSS

Chinchou gets you Lanturn sooner: catch it (before Badge 5) and evolve it at Lv 27. Wild Lanturn needs the Super Rod (after Badge 8).

Want the exact numbers? Work out your catch odds in HeartGold & SoulSilver for Lanturn.

How to Get Shiny Lanturn in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Lanturn lights the seafloor off Route 20 and Cinnabar Island, though a shiny comes fastest from Masuda breeding. Compare Shiny Lanturn odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Lanturn in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Lanturn in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBluetoPurple
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Lanturn Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Lanturn 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

Curious how fast a hunt could go? Work out your HeartGold & SoulSilver shiny odds for Lanturn.

Lanturn Weakness

Lanturn's Water/Electric typing leaves it vulnerable to Grass and Ground. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. Volt Absorb grants an additional Electric immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. With 125 HP and balanced defenses, Lanturn can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Lanturn Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Grass, Ground
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Flying
0.25x (Resist)Steel
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Lanturn Weak Against

Good
2Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Score+2
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
0xImmune

What is Lanturn Strong Against

5Strong
2Resisted
0Immune
Score+3
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Lanturn

Cacturne
Cacturne
GrassDark
B
Victreebel
Victreebel
GrassPoison
C
Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
Vileplume
Vileplume
GrassPoison
C
Quagsire
Quagsire
WaterGround
C

Lanturn Evolutions

Lanturn is the evolved form of Chinchou. Breeding produces Chinchou eggs, and they take an average time to hatch. Evolving from Chinchou gave Lanturn the biggest boost in HP (+50), bringing the total to 460 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Chinchou
WaterElectric
Lanturn
WaterElectric
HP
75
125+50
ATK
38
58+20
DEF
38
58+20
SP.ATK
56
76+20
SP.DEF
56
76+20
SPE
67
67
BST
330E-Tier
460A-Tier+130
ROLE
Balanced
Support
TYPE
Utility
Special

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Lanturn to get Chinchou eggs easily using 19 partners from the Water 2 egg group. Notable egg moves include Agility, Amnesia, Flail and 4 more.

Egg Groups
Water 2
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)
gyaradosoctillerymagikarpremoraidwailordrelicanthwailmersharpedowhiscashlumineonseakingqwilfish

HGSS Lanturn Best Moveset

Water/Electric with 125 HP and AbilityVolt Absorb healing from Electric attacks creates a bulky special switch-in. The moveset absorbs special hits and fires back with 76 Sp. Atk Water and Electric damage. 58 in both physical stats and 67 Speed are the weak points.

Best Build

Experimental
Wall
Ability
Volt Absorb
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Lanturn
Calm+SPD

Lanturn best EVs are HP and Sp. Def

EVs

Wall Moveset

  • SurfSTAB
  • Thunder WaveSTAB
  • Confuse Ray
  • Ice Beam

Moves List

You'll want to breed for Agility and Amnesia on Lanturn. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Hydro Pump and Thunder, they expand what Lanturn can actually threaten in practice.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Bubble
—3010030Water
Lv 1
Supersonic
——5520Normal
Lv 1
Thunder Wave
B—10020Electric
Lv 6
Thunder Wave
B—10020Electric
Lv 9
Flail
D—10015Normal
Lv 12
Water Gun
—6010025Water
Lv 17
Confuse Ray
B—10010Ghost
Lv 20
Spark
D9710020Electric
Lv 23
Take Down
D908520Normal
Lv 27
Spit Up
——10010Normal
Lv 27
Stockpile
D——20Normal
Lv 27
Swallow
———10Normal
Lv 30
Bubble Beam
—9710020Water
Lv 35
Signal Beam
D7510015Bug
Lv 40
Discharge
A12010015Electric
Lv 47
Aqua Ring
D——20Water
Lv 52
Hydro Pump
C180805Water
Lv 57
Charge
———20Electric

TM Moves

All 23 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45——10015Normal
TM14D120705Ice
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
D759010Electric
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B9510010Ice
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM25C1807010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
A14210015Electric
HM07
WaterfallItem ball on Ice Path 1Fnot until badge 7
C12010015Water
HM05D528515Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Agility
C——30Psychic
Egg
Amnesia
D——20Psychic
Egg
Flail
D—10015Normal
Egg
Mist
———30Ice
Egg
Psybeam
D6510020Psychic
Egg
Screech
——8540Normal
Egg
Whirlpool
D528515Water

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Aqua Tail
C1359010Water
Tutor
Bounce
D85855Flying
Tutor
Dive
C12010010Water
Tutor
Heal Bell
B——5Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Signal Beam
D7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
D801005Dark

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP125
A
Attack58
D
Defense58
D
Sp. Atk76
C
Sp. Def76
C
Speed67
C
Total460
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging75 / 255
Growth Rate
Slow1.25M XP
Height1.2 m
Weight22.5 kg
Base XP161
Abilities
Volt Absorb
Absorbs electric moves, healing for 1/4 max HP.
Illuminate
Doubles the wild encounter rate.
Volt Absorb grants Electric immunity
EV Yield
HP+2AtkDefSpASpDSpe
HP training target
Pokedex Entry

The light it emits is so bright that it can illuminate the sea’s surface from a depth of over three miles.

It blinds prey with an intense burst of light. With the prey incapacitated, the Pokémon swallows it in a single gulp.

Lanturn HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • Yes. Wild Lanturn in HeartGold & SoulSilver can hold Deep Sea Scale (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Deep Sea Scale.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, use Lanturn as a support. Special attacks are the main output. Not the fastest, Surf is the primary attack.

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, build your team around Arcanine, Suicune, and Breloom. These have the highest co-usage rates with Lanturn in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, run Calm on Lanturn. +Sp. Def is what matters, and the -Attack cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the support role.

Game Availability

Lanturn first appeared in Gold & Silver and has been available in 17 games across 8 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.

Explore

Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Want to tell us more?
What was most useful?
What could be improved?
Thanks for your feedback