Zigzagoon appears with the Hoenn Sound radio show in HeartGold and SoulSilver after the National Dex. Pickup finds items, and Linoone at C-Tier delivers Belly Drum plus ExtremeSpeed for a risky all-in Normal sweep.
Ability 1PickupAbility 1Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.Ability 2GluttonyAbility 2Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.
240HP38Attack30Defense41Speed60Sp.Def41Sp.Atk30
Zigzagoon
Linoone
Weak to
Mixed
Balanced
60Speed · Below Avg

Is Zigzagoon Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Safari Zone or wild encounter. Normal-type with AbilityPickup finding free items as you walk. Linoone at level 20 is a Pickup machine, not a fighter. The item-finding niche is the entire value here.

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

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Falkner's team.

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

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Bugsy's team.

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

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Whitney's team.

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

Morty's Pokemon outpace and outclass Zigzagoon here.

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

Chuck's team hits Zigzagoon's weaknesses hard.

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

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Jasmine's team.

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

Zigzagoon 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
Even
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Snow Cloak
HailIce FangMud BombBlizzard
Clair
Gym 8
Even

Zigzagoon 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
Even

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Brock's team.

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

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Misty's team.

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

Linoone 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

Linoone 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
Even
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGrass KnotLeaf Storm
Even
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySynthesisGiga DrainSolar Beam
Janine
Gym 13
Good

Linoone 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
Even
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
Sludge BombDouble TeamSignal BeamPsychic
Sabrina
Gym 14
Even

Linoone 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
Even

Linoone trades roughly evenly with Blaine's team.

Even
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 Fire
Quick AttackFlare BlitzBounceOverheat
Blue
Gym 16
Even

Linoone 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
Even
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
Even
Pidgeot
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Tangled Feet
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Even

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Will's team.

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

Koga's typing presses Zigzagoon's defenses.

Even
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Insomnia
Poison JabSpider WebBaton PassGiga Drain
Risky
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Tinted Lens
SupersonicGustPsychicToxic
Avoid
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
Tough

Bruno's team hits Zigzagoon'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
Even
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Sturdy
Dragon BreathEarthquakeSandstormRock Slide
Risky
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
No Guard
Rock SlideForesightRevengeCross Chop
Karen
Elite Four
Even

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Karen's team.

Even
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
Even
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporeAcidMoonlightPetal Dance
Avoid
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

Zigzagoon trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

You Win
Gyarados
Lv 46
WaterFlying
Intimidate
FlailDragon PulseWaterfallIce Fang
Even
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushThunderHyper Beam
Even
Dragonite
Lv 49
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Thunder WaveDragon RushBlizzardHyper Beam
Risky
Aerodactyl
Lv 48
RockFlying
Pressure
Aerial AceCrunchRock SlideThunder Fang
Even
Charizard
Lv 48
FireFlying
Blaze
Shadow ClawAir SlashDragon ClawFire Fang
Even
Dragonite
Lv 50
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
Fire BlastSafeguardOutrageHyper Beam

Catchable

Post-game only
Type
Normal
Tier
E

Catch Zigzagoon in Sprout Tower (walking, Lv 3-4, uncommon). Hoenn Sound.

View Zigzagoon locations

Evolve Zigzagoon to Linoone

Level 20
Type
Normal
Tier
C

Zigzagoon evolves into Linoone at Level 20. Your Zigzagoon should hit Level 20 before you reach Brock, at typical leveling pace.

View Linoone locations

Recommended Moves

How to Get Zigzagoon in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Switch the Pokegear to the Hoenn Sound radio station and Zigzagoon starts appearing on the Johto towers, uncommon but steady. Normal grass never holds it, so that station is the entire trigger.

Wild Zigzagoon may be holding when caught:

Oran Berry (5% chance) It may be used or held by a Pokemon to heal the user by just 10 HP.

4 locations to catch Zigzagoon

Encountered via tall grass encounters

Badge 8
Post-Game

Where To Catch Zigzagoon in HGSS

The line opens with Zigzagoon at Lv. 3-21 via walking encounters. 2 catchable stages total, with locations listed for each one below.

Bring the right balls: check Zigzagoon catch odds in the HeartGold & SoulSilver Catch Rate Calculator before you throw.

How to Get Shiny Zigzagoon in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Zigzagoon scurries through the Sprout Tower and Bell Tower, though a shiny hatches faster from Masuda breeding. Compare Shiny Zigzagoon odds across every game

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Zigzagoon in HeartGold & SoulSilverNormal
Shiny Zigzagoon in HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny
Color ShiftBrowntoRed
Shiny TierA Tier Shiny

Shiny Zigzagoon Evolution

2 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Zigzagoon 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

Planning a longer hunt? Set up Zigzagoon in the HeartGold & SoulSilver Shiny Odds Calculator to compare every method side by side.

Zigzagoon Weakness

Zigzagoon's Normal typing leaves it vulnerable to Fighting. It shrugs off Ghost-type attacks completely. Zigzagoon's Normal typing only leaves 1 gap to cover.

Zigzagoon 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 Zigzagoon Weak Against

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

What is Zigzagoon Strong Against

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

Best Pokemon Against Zigzagoon

Makuhita
Makuhita
Fighting
C
Meditite
Meditite
FightingPsychic
C

Zigzagoon Evolutions

Zigzagoon is the base form in a two-stage line leading to Linoone. Check the evolution method below. A massive partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are quick to hatch. The evolved forms gain up to 180 total stats over Zigzagoon. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

2 Forms
Stat Comparison 2 Stages
Zigzagoon
Normal
Linoone
Normal
HP
38
78+40
ATK
30
70+40
DEF
41
61+20
SP.ATK
30
50+20
SP.DEF
41
61+20
SPE
60
100+40
BST
240E-Tier
420C-Tier+180
ROLE
Balanced
Pivot
TYPE
Utility
Physical

Breeding

Very Easy

Breed Zigzagoon easily with 131 breeding partners from the Field egg group. Pass egg moves like Charm, Helping Hand, Mud-Slap and 4 more to offspring.

Egg Groups
Field
Gender
♂50.0%♀50.0%
Hatch Time
15 cycles·3,855 steps
Quick~4 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
7moves
Breed With (best first)
raichupikachunidokinggolduckampharosrhydondewgongarbokquagsirenidorinofarfetchdflaaffy

HGSS Zigzagoon Best Moveset

Stats below 60 everywhere with MoveBelly Drum for a +6 Attack boost, but 30 Attack at +6 is still only moderate. AbilityPickup finds items after battles. Linoone brings the Speed to use the drum.

Best Build

Experimental
Utility
Ability
Pickup
Item
Oran BerryRECOVERY
Best Nature for Zigzagoon

Zigzagoon best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Utility Moveset

  • Extreme SpeedSTAB
  • Belly DrumSTAB
  • SubstituteUtility
  • Seed Bomb

Moves List

Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Zigzagoon won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 12 types means it always has an effective option. Last Resort and Headbutt anchor the STAB core.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 1
Tackle
D5210035Normal
Lv 5
Tail Whip
——10030Normal
Lv 9
Headbutt
D10510015Normal
Lv 13
Sand Attack
D—10015Ground
Lv 17
Odor Sleuth
———40Normal
Lv 21
Mud Sport
———15Ground
Lv 25
Pin Missile
—149520Bug
Lv 29
Covet
—9010025Normal
Lv 33
Flail
D—10015Normal
Lv 37
Rest
C——10Psychic
Lv 41
Belly Drum
B——10Normal
Lv 45
Fling
D—10010Dark

TM Moves

All 26 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM45——10015Normal
TM14D120705Ice
TM57
Charge BeamOlivine Citybadge 4
D509010Electric
TM28
DigNational Parkbadge 2
D8010010Ground
TM21
FrustrationCeladon Department Storebadge 2
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
D9010015Normal
TM13
Ice BeamGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
A9510010Ice
TM23D1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftGoldenrod Department Storebadge 2
D—10015Normal
TM17C——10Normal
TM44
RestRoute 31badge 2
C——10Psychic
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM43
Secret PowerLake of Ragebadge 6
—10510020Normal
TM30
Shadow BallPrize for defeating Mortybadge 4
A8010015Ghost
TM90
SubstituteGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
B——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerOlivine Lighthousebadge 4
——9015Normal
TM46
ThiefTeam Rocket HQbadge 6
A6010025Dark
TM25D1207010Electric
TM24
ThunderboltGoldenrod Game Cornerbadge 2
D9510015Electric
HM05D358515Water

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Charm
——10020Normal
Egg
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Egg
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Egg
Pursuit
D4010020Dark
Egg
Substitute
B——10Normal
Egg
Tickle
——10020Normal
Egg
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Gunk Shot
D120705Poison
Tutor
Headbutt
D10510015Normal
Tutor
Helping Hand+5
———20Normal
Tutor
Icy Wind
D559515Ice
Tutor
Last Resort
C1951005Normal
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Rollout
—309020Rock
Tutor
Seed Bomb
A8010015Grass
Tutor
Snore
D6010015Normal
Tutor
Super Fang
D—9010Normal
Tutor
Swift
—90—20Normal
Tutor
Trick
C—10010Psychic

Base Stats

Base Stats
Below
HP38
F
Attack30
F
Defense41
D
Sp. Atk30
F
Sp. Def41
D
Speed60
C
Total240
Details
Catch Rate
Guaranteed255 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.4 m
Weight17.5 kg
Base XP56
Abilities
Pickup
Picks up other Pokémon's used and Flung held items. May also pick up an item after battle.
Gluttony
Makes the Pokémon eat any held Berry triggered by low HP below 1/2 its max HP.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpASpDSpe+1
Speed training source
Pokedex Entry

It gets interested in everything, which is why it zigs and zags. It is good at finding items.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Zigzagoon HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • Where in the HeartGold & SoulSilver Safari Zone can I find Zigzagoon?

    See the Locations section above for where to find Zigzagoon 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 Zigzagoon from fleeing (flee rate cut to 1/4) but it becomes harder to catch (catch factor halved).
    • Throw a rock to make Zigzagoon easier to catch (catch factor doubled) but it flees twice as often.
    • Each effect lasts 2-6 random turns; throwing one cancels the other.
  • Yes. Wild Zigzagoon in HeartGold & SoulSilver can hold Oran Berry (5%). Use Thief (TM46) or Covet to swipe the held item without affecting your catch chance. Quickest way to farm rare items like Oran Berry.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Zigzagoon has 240 BST and evolves into Linoone. Compare the two forms before you give either one a team slot.

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

Game Availability

Available since Ruby & Sapphire, Zigzagoon appears in 14 games spanning 7 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained a Galarian form in Generation 8.

Explore

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