Nuzleaf bridges to Shiftry in HeartGold and SoulSilver. Chlorophyll doubles Speed in sun, and the Leaf Stone evolution adds Grass/Dark-type attacks with Leaf Storm.
Ability 1ChlorophyllAbility 1Doubles Speed during strong sunlight.Ability 2Early BirdAbility 2Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
340HP70Attack70Defense40Speed60Sp.Def40Sp.Atk60
Seedot
Nuzleaf
Shiftry
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
60Speed · Below Avg

Is Nuzleaf Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Seedot evolves at level 14. Grass/Dark with AbilityChlorophyll for sun Speed. Leaf Stone for Shiftry whenever available.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadGGGGEGGESGGETGEEGEGEEFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16NuzleafCatchableShiftryEvolveWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4LanceChamp*
Falkner
Gym 1
Good

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

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

Nuzleaf 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
Good

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

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

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

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

Nuzleaf 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

Nuzleaf 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

Nuzleaf 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

Nuzleaf trades roughly evenly with Clair's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
TwisterDragon RageBiteDragon Pulse
Risky
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

Nuzleaf 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
Good

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

Easy KO
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
Even
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Natural Cure
Water PulseConfuse RayRecoverIce Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Good

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

Nuzleaf trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

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

Janine's team hits Nuzleaf's weaknesses hard.

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

Nuzleaf 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

Nuzleaf 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
Risky
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Flash Fire
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Even

Nuzleaf trades roughly evenly with Blue's team.

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

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

Even
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
Easy KO
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Own Tempo
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
Even
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Early Bird
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Even

Shiftry trades roughly evenly with Koga's team.

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

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

You Win
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
Even

Shiftry trades roughly evenly with 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
Even
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Super Luck
PluckWhirlwindSucker PunchFeint Attack
Risky
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Flash Fire
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Lance
Champion
Even

Shiftry trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Even
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

Catchable

Post-game only
Type
GrassDark
Tier
E

Catch Nuzleaf in the Safari Zone (walking, Lv 38). Requires 28 Forest objects placed in Meadow.

View Nuzleaf locations

Evolve Nuzleaf to Shiftry

Use Leaf Stone
Type
GrassDark
Tier
C

Nuzleaf evolves into Shiftry with a Leaf Stone. You can receive the Leaf Stone from an NPC in Route 34. 2 other locations are also available.

Recommended Moves

How to Get Nuzleaf in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Headbutt a Seedot out of the Viridian Forest trees and level it to 14 for Nuzleaf. The tree-thumping for that first stage is the real chore, since the wild offers nothing direct.

1 location to catch Nuzleaf

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Nuzleaf in HGSS

Seedot is your first catch on the way to Nuzleaf. You'll find headbutt and walking encounters from Lv. 3-38 across 4 total spots in the chain.

  1. Shiftry
    Step 3Evolve into Shiftry

Not landing the catch? Calculate Nuzleaf catch rates for HeartGold & SoulSilver by ball, status, and HP.

How to Get Shiny Nuzleaf in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Nuzleaf evolves from Seedot, so breed that Viridian Forest base form Masuda-style and raise it up. Compare Shiny Nuzleaf odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Nuzleaf in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Nuzleaf in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBrown
Shiny TierC Tier Shiny

Shiny Nuzleaf Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Nuzleaf 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

Want exact numbers for your session? Calculate your shiny odds in HeartGold & SoulSilver with Nuzleaf preloaded.

Nuzleaf Weakness

Type-wise, Nuzleaf takes extra damage from Bug, Fire, Ice, Fighting, Poison, and Flying. Watch out for Bug attacks, those deal 4x damage. Psychic moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong.

Nuzleaf Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
4x (Critical)Bug
2x (Weak)Fire, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Flying
0.5x (Resist)Water, Electric, Grass, Ground, Ghost, Dark
0x (Immune)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 Nuzleaf Weak Against

Vulnerable
6Weak
6Resist
1Immune
Score-5

What is Nuzleaf Strong Against

5Strong
1Resisted
0Immune
Score+4
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Nuzleaf

C
Hariyama
Hariyama
Fighting
B
Scyther
Scyther
BugFlying
C
C
Yanmega
Yanmega
BugFlying
B

Nuzleaf Evolutions

Sitting between Seedot and Shiftry, Nuzleaf is part of a chain that requires an evolution item. Not your typical level-up setup. HP has grown the most so far (+30), but there's still another 140 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Seedot
Grass
Nuzleaf
GrassDark
Shiftry
GrassDark
HP
40
70+30
90+20
ATK
40
70+30
100+30
DEF
50
40-10
60+20
SP.ATK
30
60+30
90+30
SP.DEF
30
40+10
60+20
SPE
30
60+30
80+20
BST
220F-Tier
340E-Tier+120
480C-Tier+140
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Attacker
TYPE
Utility
Physical
Mixed

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed with Nuzleaf to get Seedot eggs easily using 131 partners from the Field and Grass egg groups. Notable egg moves include Amnesia, False Swipe, Leech Seed and 6 more.

Egg Groups
FieldGrass
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
9moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosvenusaurmeganiumtorterraroseraderhydonludicoloshiftry

HGSS Nuzleaf Best Moveset

Grass/Dark with 70 Attack and 60 Speed, average across the board. AbilityChlorophyll in sun doubles that Speed. The moveset has some physical Grass and Dark coverage. Evolve to Shiftry with a Leaf Stone.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Sweeper
Ability
Chlorophyll
Item
Life OrbPOWER
Best Nature for Nuzleaf

Nuzleaf best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Sweeper Moveset

  • Brick Break
  • Seed BombSTAB
  • ExplosionCoverage
  • Rock Slide

Moves List

The egg pool carries weight here. Amnesia and False Swipe aren't available any other way for Nuzleaf, and they meaningfully change what it threatens. Stack those on top of Solar Beam and Dark Pulse for solid options.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Pound
—4010035Normal
Lv 1
Razor Leaf
—829525Grass
Lv 3
Harden
D——30Normal
Lv 7
Growth
D——20Normal
Lv 13
Nature Power
———20Normal
Lv 19
Fake Out+3
D4010010Normal
Lv 25
Torment
D—10015Dark
Lv 31
Feint Attack
—90—20Dark
Lv 37
Razor Wind
—8010010Normal
Lv 43
Swagger
——9015Normal
Lv 49
Extrasensory
D8010030Psychic

TM Moves

All 27 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45——10015Normal
TM09
Bullet SeedRoute 32badge 1
D1510030Grass
TM79C12010015Dark
TM28
DigNational Parkbadge 2
D8010010Ground
TM63
EmbargoRoute 34badge 2
——10015Dark
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D6010015Normal
TM15C150905Normal
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM66
PaybackRoute 35badge 2
D7510010Dark
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombUnion Cavebadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
D8010015Ghost
TM22C18010010Grass
HM04D8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
C——30Normal
TM46
ThiefTeam Rocket HQbadge 6
C9010025Dark

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Amnesia
D——20Psychic
Egg
False Swipe
—4010040Normal
Egg
Leech Seed
C—9010Grass
Egg
Nasty Plot
C——20Dark
Egg
Power Swap
———10Psychic
Egg
Quick Attack+1
D4010030Normal
Egg
Razor Wind
—8010010Normal
Egg
Take Down
D908520Normal
Egg
Worry Seed
——10010Grass

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Headbutt
D7010015Normal
Tutor
Low Kick
D—10020Fighting
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Rollout
—309020Rock
Tutor
Seed Bomb
S12010015Grass
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Spite
——10010Ghost
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Synthesis
C——5Grass
Tutor
Worry Seed
——10010Grass

Reminder Moves

Rem
Rem
Bide+1
———10Normal
Rem
Explosion
S2501005Normal
Rem
Sunny Day
C——5Fire
Rem
Synthesis
C——5Grass

Base Stats

Base Stats
Avg
HP70
C
Attack70
C
Defense40
D
Sp. Atk60
C
Sp. Def40
D
Speed60
C
Total340
Details
Catch Rate
Moderate120 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.0 m
Weight28.0 kg
Base XP119
Abilities
Chlorophyll
Doubles Speed during strong sunlight.
Early Bird
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
EV Yield
HPAtk+2DefSpASpDSpe
Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

It lives deep in forests. With the leaf on its head, it makes a flute whose song makes listeners uneasy.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Nuzleaf HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • How do I catch Nuzleaf in the HeartGold & SoulSilver Safari Zone?

    See the Locations section above for where to find Nuzleaf in HeartGold & SoulSilver.

    Safari rules: You can only use Safari Balls. No battling. Two tactical items shift the catch/flee trade-off:

    • Throw bait to keep Nuzleaf from fleeing (flee rate cut to 1/4) but it becomes harder to catch (catch factor halved).
    • Throw a rock to make Nuzleaf easier to catch (catch factor doubled) but it flees twice as often.
    • Each effect lasts 2-6 random turns; throwing one cancels the other.
  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Nuzleaf has 340 BST and evolves into Shiftry. Compare the two forms before you give either one a team slot.

  • Yes. Nuzleaf is not available during the main story. It can only be obtained after entering the Hall of Fame. Nuzleaf becomes available after the main story is complete in HeartGold & SoulSilver.

Game Availability

Obtainable through an item-based evolution, Nuzleaf appears in 15 titles across 7 generations since Ruby & Sapphire. The evolution method adds a barrier that wild-catchable Pokemon don't have.

Explore

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