Intimidate and 120 Attack sound great, but Luxray sits at C-Tier in HeartGold and SoulSilver. No physical Electric-type attacks and 70 Speed keep it behind Jolteon and Raikou.
Ability 1RivalryAbility 1Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.Ability 2IntimidateAbility 2Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
523HP80Attack120Defense79Speed70Sp.Def79Sp.Atk95
Shinx
Luxio
Luxray
Weak to
Mixed
Wallbreaker
70Speed · Below Avg

Is Luxray Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Electric at level 30 with AbilityRivalry. Strong Attack for an Electric-type. The physical/special split gives Luxray proper physical Electric options. Safari Zone timing is the main drawback against the native Ampharos.

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

Shinx trades roughly evenly with Falkner's team.

Even
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Risky
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleRoostGust
Bugsy
Gym 2
Even

Shinx trades roughly evenly with 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

Shinx trades roughly evenly with Whitney's team.

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

Shinx 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
Tough

Chuck's typing presses Shinx's defenses.

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

Jasmine's typing presses Shinx's defenses.

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

Shinx trades roughly evenly with Pryce's team.

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

Clair's typing presses Shinx's defenses.

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

Luxray trades roughly evenly with Brock's team.

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

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

You Win
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsych UpPsychic
Risky
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
Even

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

Risky
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
Risky
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Even

Luxray trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

Even
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
U TurnLeech SeedSunny DayGiga Drain
Risky
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

Luxray 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
Good

Luxray 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
Even

Luxray 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
Even

Luxray trades roughly evenly with Blue's team.

Even
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
Even
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtreme Speed
Risky
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Rock Head
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Easy KO
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
Even

Shinx trades roughly evenly with Will's team.

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

Koga's typing presses Shinx's defenses.

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

Bruno's team hits Shinx's weaknesses hard.

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

Karen's typing presses Shinx's defenses.

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

Shinx trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
Risky
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
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Catch Shinx

Post-game only
Type
Electric
Tier
F

Catch Shinx on Route 29 (walking, Lv 2-3, common). Sinnoh Sound.

View Shinx locations

Evolve Shinx to Luxray

Level 30
Type
Electric
Tier
C

Luxio evolves into Luxray at Level 30. Your Shinx should hit Level 30 before you reach Brock, at typical leveling pace.

Recommended Moves

  • STARTING (Lv 30)
    • LV 30ElectricSparkPower 98Accuracy 100%PP 20
  • After Bugsy
  • After Whitney
    • LV 35ElectricThunder FangPower 98Accuracy 95%PP 15
    • LV 42DarkCrunchPower 80Accuracy 100%PP 15
    • LV 56ElectricDischargePower 120Accuracy 100%PP 15

How to Get Luxray in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Can't catch Luxray directly. Start with Shinx at solid rates from the locations below, then evolve at level 30. The 3-stage chain from Shinx to Luxray is where the leveling time goes.

Catch Shinx or Luxio at any of these 22 spots to eventually evolve into Luxray.

Encountered via tall grass encounters

  1. 1
    Catch Shinx
  2. 2
    Evolve Luxioat Lv.15
  3. 3
    Evolve Luxrayat Lv.30
Badge 8
Post-Game

How to Obtain Luxray in HGSS

Shinx is your first catch on the way to Luxray. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 2-46 across 46 total spots in the chain.

  1. Luxray
    Step 3Luxray ✓

How to Get Shiny Luxray in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Luxray tops the Shinx line, so breed that base form Masuda-style at 1 in 1,638 and raise it all the way up. Compare Shiny Luxray odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Luxray in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Luxray in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBluetoYellow
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Luxray Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Luxray 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 Luxray already selected.

Luxray Weakness

Ground moves hit Luxray for super-effective damage. Its Electric typing keeps the defensive matchups simple. With 80 HP and balanced defenses, Luxray can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Luxray Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Ground
0.5x (Resist)Electric, Flying, 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 Luxray Weak Against

Good
1Weak
3Resist
0Immune
Score+1
4xCritical
None
2xWeak
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Luxray Strong Against

2Strong
3Resisted
1Immune
Score-2
2xStrong
0xImmune

Best Pokemon Against Luxray

Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
Sandslash
Sandslash
Ground
B
Steelix
Steelix
SteelGround
B
Rhyhorn
Rhyhorn
GroundRock
C
Quagsire
Quagsire
WaterGround
C

Luxray Evolutions

Luxray is the final form in a three-stage chain from Shinx through Luxio. Breeding this form produces Shinx eggs (average hatch time). Evolving from Shinx gave Luxray the biggest boost in Attack (+55), bringing the total to 523 stats. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Shinx
#403Shinx
15
Level 15
Luxio
#404Luxio
30
Level 30
Luxray
#405Luxray
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Shinx
Electric
Luxio
Electric
Luxray
Electric
HP
45
60+15
80+20
ATK
65
85+20
120+35
DEF
34
49+15
79+30
SP.ATK
40
60+20
95+35
SP.DEF
34
49+15
79+30
SPE
45
60+15
70+10
BST
263F-Tier
363E-Tier+100
523C-Tier+160
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Wallbreaker
TYPE
Physical
Physical
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Luxray to get Shinx eggs easily using 131 partners from the Field egg group. Notable egg moves include Fire Fang, Howl, Ice Fang and 4 more.

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 Luxray Best Moveset

Physical Electric attacker at 120 Attack held back by 70 Speed and MoveThunder Fang maxing at 65 base power for physical Electric damage. AbilityIntimidate adds defensive utility on the switch. The moveset has the Attack stat but not the Speed or moves to use it fully.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Revenge Killer
Ability
Intimidate
Item
Choice ScarfSPEED
Best Nature for Luxray

Luxray best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Revenge Killer Moveset

  • CrunchCoverage
  • Ice Fang
  • Thunder FangSTAB
  • Fire Fang

Moves List

Without breeding, Luxray misses out on Fire Fang and Howl. That's 7 egg moves adding depth that the base kit lacks. STAB comes from Thunder and Thunderbolt, with coverage across 8 types rounding things out.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Charge
———20Electric
Lv 1
Leer
——10030Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D3510035Normal
Lv 5
Leer
——10030Normal
Lv 9
Charge
———20Electric
Lv 13
Spark
C9710020Electric
Lv 18
Bite
C6010025Dark
Lv 23
Roar-6
C——20Normal
Lv 28
Swagger
——9015Normal
Lv 35
Thunder Fang
B979515Electric
Lv 42
Crunch
B8010015Dark
Lv 49
Scary Face
D—9010Normal
Lv 56
Discharge
C12010015Electric

TM Moves

All 22 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45——10015Normal
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
C759010Electric
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D6010015Normal
TM15B150905Normal
TM23C1007515Steel
TM16
Light ScreenGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
C——30Psychic
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
TM05
Roar-6Route 32badge 2
C——20Normal
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
HM04C8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefTeam Rocket HQbadge 6
C6010025Dark
TM25C1807010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
A14210015Electric

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Fire Fang
B659515Fire
Egg
Howl
———40Normal
Egg
Ice Fang
B659515Ice
Egg
Night Slash
C7010015Dark
Egg
Quick Attack+1
D4010030Normal
Egg
Take Down
C908520Normal
Egg
Thunder Fang
B979515Electric

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Headbutt
C7010015Normal
Tutor
Magnet Rise
D——10Electric
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Signal Beam
C7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Superpower
A1201005Fighting
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP80
C
Attack120
A
Defense79
C
Sp. Atk95
B
Sp. Def79
C
Speed70
C
Total523
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.4 m
Weight42.0 kg
Base XP262
Abilities
Rivalry
Increases damage inflicted to 1.25× against Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases damage to 0.75× against the opposite gender.
Intimidate
Lowers opponents' Attack one stage upon entering battle.
EV Yield
HPAtk+3DefSpASpDSpe
Strong Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

LUXRAY’s ability to see through objects comes in handy when it’s scouting for danger.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Luxray HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • Yes. Luxray is a post-game Pokemon. You need to defeat the Elite Four and enter the Hall of Fame first. Luxray becomes available after the main story is complete in HeartGold & SoulSilver.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, use Luxray as a wallbreaker. Splits damage between physical and special. Speed is middling,

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, build your team around Infernape, Lucario, and Staraptor. These have the highest co-usage rates with Luxray in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

  • For HeartGold & SoulSilver, run Adamant on Luxray. +Attack is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the wallbreaker role.

Game Availability

Luxray first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 13 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through wild encounters in most titles where it appears.

Explore

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