Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Walkthrough Episode 11 – The Bell Tower Legend, Ho-Oh Encounter

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Walkthrough Episode 11 – The Bell Tower Legend, Ho-Oh Encounter

With all eight Johto badges in hand, you’re now eligible to meet the Legendary Pokémon. Fly to Ecruteak City and prepare for this legendary challenge.

Ecruteak Dance Theater: 5 Kimono Girls Battle

Before climbing the Bell Tower, prove yourself by facing five Kimono Girls in the Ecruteak Dance Theater. Each trainer uses one of Eevee’s evolutions, and you’ll battle them consecutively with no time to heal between fights, so make sure your lead Pokémon is healthy and your type matchups are ready. The challenge is real—make sure you stock up on Revives and healing potions!

Umbreon, Espeon, Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon will each appear in turn. Battle through the gauntlet, keeping your party in good shape.

Defeat all five to receive the Clear Bell (HeartGold) or the Tidal Bell (SoulSilver). This key item unlocks the way to the summit.

Climbing Bell Tower: Maze & Item Farming

Head to the Bell Tower. Show the guard your Rainbow Wing (HeartGold) at the entrance to gain access. SoulSilver players can visit the Whirl Islands instead at this point, gaining access to Bell Tower after entering the Kanto region.

The Bell Tower interior is a maze containing jump pads, ladders, and many wild Pokémon. Bring plenty of Repels to avoid wild battles. Look out for valuable items such as Full Heal, Ultra Ball, PP Up, Escape Rope, and Rare Candy as you ascend.

Encountering the Legendary Ho-Oh

At the rooftop, a cutscene plays: the Clear Bell shines and the Kimono Girls perform a ritual summoning Ho-Oh in all its colorful glory.

Ho-Oh is level 45 (HeartGold), Fire/Flying type, with its signature move Sacred Fire. Watch out for burns!

Ho-Oh Catch Tips & Sacred Ash

Reduce Ho-Oh’s HP to the red zone and inflict paralysis or sleep for best capture odds. Ultra Balls and Heavy Balls work well since Ho-Oh is quite heavy. Upon capture, you might receive the unique Sacred Ash, a one-of-a-kind item that fully revives and heals your entire party.

Lugia Preview & Moving Forward

After catching Ho-Oh and heading back down, Professor Elm will call to let you know the path to Kanto is now open. In HeartGold, you can obtain the Silver Wing later and then pursue Lugia as part of a special event in the story.

Lugia is available post-game, after acquiring the Silver Wing in Kanto. A dedicated Lugia guide will be covered in a future episode.

Next episode: Get ready for Victory Road and the Elite Four challenge!