Stats & Training
Nothing fancy in Noctowl's spread. It leans special with HP out front. And you'll get 2 HP EVs per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Its eyes are specially adapted. They concentrate even faint light and enable it to see in the dark.
When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power.
Noctowl Weakness
Noctowl is weak to Electric, Ice, and Rock. On the flip side, it's immune to Ground and Ghost-type moves entirely. Noctowl's special bulk (base 96 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ice, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground, Ghost |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x45-53% Rock Throw 2x35-44% | ||
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Geodude builds →Rock Tomb 2x61-73% Rock Throw 2x53-63% | ||
Plusle Electric | D | |
Minun Electric | D | |
Mareep Electric | D | |
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x43-51% Rock Throw 2x37-43% | ||
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Geodude builds →Rock Tomb 2x59-71% Rock Throw 2x50-59% | ||
Plusle Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Plusle builds →Thunder 2x74-87% Thunderbolt 2x59-71% Spark 2x50-59% Charge Beam 2x37-43% | ||
Minun Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Minun builds →Thunder 2x67-79% Thunderbolt 2x57-67% Spark 2x43-51% Charge Beam 2x33-39% | ||
Mareep Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Mareep builds →Thunder 2x59-71% Thunderbolt 2x50-59% Charge Beam 2x29-36% Thunder Shock 2x26-32% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Tomb 2x72-85% Rock Throw 2x61-72% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x41-49% Rock Throw 2x36-42% | ||
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Geodude builds →Rock Tomb 2x61-72% Rock Throw 2x49-59% Rollout 2x33-39% Rock Blast 2x27-33% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x77-91% Thunderbolt 2x63-75% Spark 2x38-46% Charge Beam 2x38-46% | ||
Plusle Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Plusle builds →Thunder 2x72-85% Thunderbolt 2x58-68% Spark 2x47-55% Charge Beam 2x36-42% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Tomb 2x68-80% Rock Throw 2x56-67% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Graveler builds →Rock Tomb 2x65-78% Rock Throw 2x54-64% Rollout 2x34-40% Rock Blast 2x29-35% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x38-46% Rock Throw 2x34-40% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x72-86% Thunderbolt 2x59-70% Spark 2x36-43% Charge Beam 2x34-40% | ||
Plusle Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Plusle builds →Thunder 2x65-78% Thunderbolt 2x54-64% Spark 2x46-54% Charge Beam 2x31-38% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x86-101%KO Rock Tomb 2x69-82% Rock Throw 2x58-70% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Graveler builds →Rock Tomb 2x67-79% Rock Throw 2x57-67% Rollout 2x34-41% Rock Blast 2x30-36% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x41-48% Rock Throw 2x34-41% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x73-86% Thunderbolt 2x61-72% Spark 2x36-43% Charge Beam 2x34-41% | ||
Plusle Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Plusle builds →Thunder 2x67-79% Thunderbolt 2x57-67% Spark 2x45-53% Charge Beam 2x32-38% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x84-98% Rock Tomb 2x66-79% Rock Throw 2x56-66% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Graveler builds →Rock Tomb 2x65-76% Rock Throw 2x54-64% Rollout 2x33-39% Rock Blast 2x29-34% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x37-44% Rock Throw 2x33-39% | ||
Electrode Electric | C | |
Obtain MethodTeam Rocket Hq Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Electrode builds →Thunder 2x62-74% Thunderbolt 2x52-61% Spark 2x43-52% Charge Beam 2x29-34% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x73-86% Thunderbolt 2x60-71% Spark 2x35-42% Charge Beam 2x35-42% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 2x84-99% Rock Tomb 2x68-80% Rock Throw 2x57-68% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Graveler builds →Rock Tomb 2x66-78% Rock Throw 2x56-65% Rollout 2x34-40% Rock Blast 2x28-34% | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 2x39-46% Rock Throw 2x32-38% | ||
Electrode Electric | C | |
Obtain MethodTeam Rocket Hq Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Electrode builds →Thunder 2x64-76% Thunderbolt 2x51-61% Spark 2x44-53% Charge Beam 2x30-36% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x73-87% Thunderbolt 2x61-72% Discharge 2x54-63% Spark 2x36-42% | ||
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Zapdos's Thunderbolt hits Noctowl for 60-71%. Aerodactyl threatens a KO with Stone Edge (121-142%). Weavile deals 53-63% with Ice Shard.
Zapdos Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Zapdos builds →Thunderbolt 2x60-71% Heat Wave21-25% | ||
Aerodactyl Rock | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemFocus Sash NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Aerodactyl builds →Stone Edge 2x121-142%KO | ||
Weavile DarkIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemExpert Belt NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Weavile builds →Ice Shard 2x53-63% Pursuit27-31% | ||
Jolteon Electric | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityVoltabsorb ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Jolteon builds →Thunderbolt 2x101-119%KO | ||
Lapras WaterIce | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemLeftovers NatureQuiet Moves
Damage vs Noctowl View Lapras builds →Ice Beam 2x62-74% Ice Shard 2x33-39% Hydro Pump38-45% Thunderbolt 2x42-49% | ||
HeartGold & SoulSilver Evolution
Noctowl is what Hoothoot becomes. Breed it for Hoothoot eggs (quick to hatch). A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are quick to hatch. The evolution from Hoothoot pushed Noctowl to 452 total stats. Sp.Atk saw the largest single gain at +50. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed with Noctowl to get Hoothoot eggs easily using 31 partners from the Flying egg group. Notable egg moves include Agility, Feather Dance, Feint Attack and 6 more.
HeartGold & SoulSilver Noctowl Best Moveset
For an attacker, Noctowl wants max HP and Attack EVs and Sitrus Berry. The Hardy nature tilts toward balanced duty, and Insomnia contributes without taking a move slot.
Best Build
Noctowl best EVs are HP and Attack
Physical Tank Moveset
- Air Slash
- Roost
- Fly
- Hyper Beam
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Egg moves make a real difference. Noctowl gets Agility and Feather Dance exclusively through breeding, filling gaps that TMs and level-up can't touch. Coverage across 8 types rounds out the picture alongside Giga Impact and Hyper Beam.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Noctowl in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Noctowl is available from early-game routes onward at high spawn rates. 22 encounter spots give you plenty of options. Grab one early and it'll be ready to evolve or train by mid-game.
Where To Catch Noctowl in HeartGold & SoulSilver
The path to Noctowl starts with Hoothoot at Lv. 2-35 via headbutt and walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch HoothootIlex ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Forest60%EarlyIlex ForestHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Forest60%EarlyCherrygrove CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyCherrygrove CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyLake of RageSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Water50%EarlyLake of RageHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Water50%EarlyNational ParkSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Facility50%EarlyNational ParkHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Facility50%EarlyNew Bark TownSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyNew Bark TownHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyRoute 29SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 29HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 30SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 30HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 31SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 31HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 32SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 32HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 34SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 34HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 35SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 35HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 36SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 36HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 37SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 37HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 38SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 38HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 39SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 39HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 43SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 43HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyViolet CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyViolet CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyCerulean CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyCerulean CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyPallet TownSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyPallet TownHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyPewter CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyPewter CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyRoute 25SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyRoute 25HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Route50%EarlyViridian CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyViridian CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 City50%EarlyViridian ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Forest50%EarlyViridian ForestHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 Forest50%EarlyRoute 29HeartGoldGrass Lv.2-4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 29SoulSilverGrass Lv.2-4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 1SoulSilverGrass Lv.2-4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 1HeartGoldGrass Lv.2-4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 30SoulSilverGrass Lv.3-4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrass Lv.3-5 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - NorthHeartGoldGrass Lv.3-5 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrass Lv.3-5 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - SouthHeartGoldGrass Lv.3-5 RouteCommonEarlyNightViridian ForestSoulSilverGrass Lv.3-5 ForestCommonEarlyNightViridian ForestHeartGoldGrass Lv.3-5 ForestCommonEarlyNightRoute 30HeartGoldGrass Lv.4 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 31SoulSilverGrass Lv.4-5 RouteCommonEarlyNightNational ParkSoulSilverGrass Lv.10-14 FacilityCommonEarlyNightNational ParkHeartGoldGrass Lv.10-14 FacilityCommonEarlyNightRoute 36SoulSilverGrass Lv.13-15 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 36HeartGoldGrass Lv.13-15 RouteCommonEarlyNightRoute 37SoulSilverGrass Lv.13-15 RouteCommonEarlyNightSafari Zone GateSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.15-18 FacilityCommonEarlySafari Zone GateHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.15-18 FacilityCommonEarlyRoute 31HeartGoldGrass Lv.5 RouteUncommonEarlyNightRoute 37HeartGoldGrass Lv.15 RouteUncommonEarlyNightRoute 35SoulSilverGrass Lv.14 RouteRareEarlyNightRoute 35HeartGoldGrass Lv.14 RouteRareEarlyNightRoute 47SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 47HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 48SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 48HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 1SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 1HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 2 - NorthSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 2 - NorthHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 2 - SouthHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 22SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 22HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 3SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 3HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 5SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 5HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 6HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 6SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 8SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyRoute 8HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.2-19 RouteLimitedEarlyFuchsia CityHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 City50%MidFuchsia CitySoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 City50%MidRoute 26SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 Route50%MidRoute 26HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 Route50%MidRoute 27SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 Route50%MidRoute 27HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 Route50%MidRoute 12SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 12HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 13SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 13HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 14SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 14HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 15SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 15HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 18SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 18HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 21SoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMidRoute 21HeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.21-34 RouteLimitedMid
Step 2Noctowl ✓Route 2 - NorthSoulSilverGrass Lv.7 RouteUncommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - NorthHeartGoldGrass Lv.7-10 RouteUncommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - SouthSoulSilverGrass Lv.7 RouteUncommonEarlyNightRoute 2 - SouthHeartGoldGrass Lv.7-10 RouteUncommonEarlyNightViridian ForestSoulSilverGrass Lv.7 ForestUncommonEarlyNightViridian ForestHeartGoldGrass Lv.7 ForestUncommonEarlyNightIlex ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.6-8 Forest10%EarlyIlex ForestHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.6-8 Forest10%EarlyViridian ForestSoulSilverHeadbutting trees Lv.5-7 ForestLimitedEarlyViridian ForestHeartGoldHeadbutting trees Lv.5-7 ForestLimitedEarlyRoute 8HeartGoldGrass Lv.17-18 RouteCommonMidNightRoute 43SoulSilverGrass Lv.17 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 43HeartGoldGrass Lv.17 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 8SoulSilverGrass Lv.18 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 13SoulSilverGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 13HeartGoldGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 14HeartGoldGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 14SoulSilverGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 15SoulSilverGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 15HeartGoldGrass Lv.25 RouteUncommonMidNightRoute 47SoulSilverGrass Lv.35 RouteUncommonLateNightRoute 47HeartGoldGrass Lv.35 RouteUncommonLateNightor evolve from Hoothoot (Step 1)
Noctowl Guide
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Noctowl looks average on paper at 452 BST. But Tinted Lens is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier on our tier list. Air Slash with Sitrus Berry is the standard set.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Noctowl's biggest threats include Jolteon (Electric), Cloyster (Ice), and Aerodactyl (Rock), all carrying super-effective STAB moves.
Noctowl gets Tinted Lens, Insomnia, and Keen Eye. But Tinted Lens is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.
Noctowl is a mixed attacker with base 50 Attack and 86 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many.
For HeartGold & SoulSilver, the core moveset is Air Slash, Roost, Fly, and Hyper Beam. Air Slash leads at 19% usage. Fly provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
Debuting in Gold & Silver, Noctowl appears in 17 games across 9 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through wild encounters.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB

Red & Blue - Gen 2GSDebut

Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW

Black & White - Gen 5B2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY

X & Y - Gen 6ORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM

Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW

Winds & Waves