How to Beat Gym Pokemon in Goldenrod City: Guide

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Who is the Goldenrod Gym Leader? The Goldenrod Gym Leader is Whitney, known for her powerful and notoriously difficult Miltank.

Goldenrod City presents a significant challenge for trainers in the Johto region, primarily due to the formidable Whitney and her team. Many players find themselves repeatedly defeated by her Miltank, which boasts impressive defensive capabilities and a devastating roll-out attack. This guide provides a comprehensive strategy to overcome Whitney and her Pokemon, ensuring you can progress through your Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal adventures. We will delve into the specific Pokemon you should bring, effective movesets, and crucial tactics to counter Whitney’s unique approach to battling.

How To Beat Gym Pokemon In Goldenrod City
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Fathoming Whitney’s Team and Tactics

Whitney’s Gym is an iconic hurdle in Pokemon Gen 2. Her team, while not extensive in number, is incredibly well-designed to disrupt and defeat unprepared trainers. She fields two Pokemon:

  • Clefairy: Typically at level 18, Whitney’s Clefairy is more of a warm-up than a serious threat. It often knows moves like Metronome, which can be unpredictable, but its low base stats usually mean it’s quickly dispatched.
  • Miltank: This is the main event, usually at level 20. Miltank is where most trainers falter. Its key strengths lie in its high Speed, high Defense, and the devastating combination of its signature move, Milk Drink, and Rollout. It also has Attract, which can incapacitate male Pokemon.

Whitney Gym Strategy: The Miltank Menace

Whitney’s strategy revolves around Miltank’s ability to heal itself and deal consistent damage. Milk Drink restores half of Miltank’s HP, making it incredibly difficult to wear down. Rollout, a Rock-type move, starts with low power but increases in base power with each consecutive hit. If Miltank successfully hits four times in a row, Rollout becomes incredibly powerful. Combined with Miltank’s decent Speed, it can quickly snowball into a game-ending attack, especially if your Pokemon are not resistant to Rock-type moves.

The Attract status condition can also be a major setback. If your primary Pokemon is male and Whitney’s Miltank uses Attract, there’s a 50% chance your Pokemon will be infatuated and unable to attack. This can leave you vulnerable to Miltank’s offensive onslaught.

Preparing for the Goldenrod Gym Battle

Success against Whitney hinges on thorough preparation. This means choosing the right Pokemon, teaching them effective moves, and having a solid understanding of their types and abilities.

Best Pokemon for Whitney: Type Matchups

When selecting your team, prioritize Pokemon that can exploit Miltank’s weaknesses and resist its most dangerous attacks. Miltank is a Normal-type Pokemon. Its primary weaknesses are Fighting-type moves.

Here’s a breakdown of effective Pokemon and their roles:

Strong Offensive Picks

  • Machop/Machoke/Machamp (Fighting-type): This is arguably the most crucial Pokemon for Whitney. Fighting-type moves are super-effective against Miltank. If you can get a Machop from the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City (if you’re playing Crystal) or trade one, it’s an invaluable asset.

    • Moveset: Focus on Fighting-type moves like Karate Chop, Submission, or Cross Chop (if you can get it via TM or level-up).
    • Strategy: Switch in Machop when Miltank is up. Use your strongest Fighting-type attacks. Be mindful of Miltank’s Attract; if your Machop gets infatuated, you might need to switch to another Pokemon or rely on its Speed to attack before it can use Attract.

  • Geodude/Graveler/Golem (Rock/Ground-type): While not super-effective, Rock-type moves can also hit Miltank effectively due to Miltank’s low Special Defense. However, Miltank is also weak to Fighting, so Fighting is generally preferred. Geodude can be found in the Union Cave or Dark Cave.

    • Moveset: Rock Throw or Rock Slide if available.
    • Strategy: These Pokemon are bulky and can take a hit. They can chip away at Miltank’s health. Be cautious of Miltank’s Rollout, as it will be super-effective against them.

  • Gastly/Haunter/Gengar (Ghost/Poison-type): While Ghost-type moves aren’t super-effective against Normal-types, Gastly/Haunter/Gengar have a unique advantage. They are immune to Normal-type attacks like Miltank’s Attract and most of its regular attacks. They can also hit Miltank with moves like Night Shade (which deals damage equal to the user’s level) or Psychic (if learned). Gastly can be found in the Sprout Tower.

    • Moveset: Night Shade, Confuse Ray, Hypnosis (if you can get it).
    • Strategy: Switch in Gastly/Haunter to avoid Attract. Use Confuse Ray to increase Miltank’s chances of missing. Night Shade is a reliable damage dealer.

  • Bellsprout/Weepinbell/Victreebel (Grass/Poison-type): Grass-type moves are neutral against Normal-types, but these Pokemon offer other benefits. Bellsprout can be found in the Ilex Forest.

    • Moveset: Sleep Powder is crucial. Razor Leaf for decent damage.
    • Strategy: The goal here is to incapacitate Miltank with Sleep Powder. Once Miltank is asleep, you can use Razor Leaf or switch to a stronger attacker. Be aware that Miltank will likely wake up quickly.

  • Psyduck/Golduck (Water-type): While Water-type moves are neutral, Psyduck can be found early and can learn useful status moves.

    • Moveset: Confuse Ray, Disable, Psychic (TM).
    • Strategy: Confusion can disrupt Miltank’s attacks. Psychic, a Psychic-type move, is neutral but can still deal damage.

Defensive/Support Picks

  • Onix/Steelix (Rock/Ground or Steel/Ground): Onix is found in the Rock Tunnel and later Mt. Mortar. Its high defense can help it survive Miltank’s attacks.

    • Moveset: Rock Throw for damage.
    • Strategy: Its bulk is its primary advantage. It can endure hits while you set up other Pokemon or chip away at Miltank.

  • Scyther (Bug/Flying-type): Scyther can be obtained by trading a Pinsir to the Bug Catcher in the Ilex Forest. It’s fast and has decent attack power.

    • Moveset: Slash, Wing Attack.
    • Strategy: Scyther is fast enough to potentially outspeed Miltank and attack. Its Flying typing makes it immune to Miltank’s Stomp or other Normal-type moves if Miltank had any.

Togepi Weakness and Strengths

While Togepi is not a direct counter to Miltank, understanding its potential is useful for earlier battles. Togepi is a pure Fairy-type in later generations, but in Gen 2, it’s a pure Normal-type. Its weaknesses in Gen 2 are Fighting-type moves. However, Togepi’s stats are generally low early on, making it more of a niche pick for Whitney herself unless it has evolved and learned specific moves. Its best use against Whitney would be if it evolves into Togetic and learns Psychic.

Goldenrod Gym Leader’s Pokemon and Strategy

  • Clefairy (Level 18): This Pokemon is relatively easy to defeat. Use any strong attacking Pokemon. A Rock-type move or a strong neutral attack will usually take it down quickly. Be cautious of Metronome, as it can pull out any move.

  • Miltank (Level 20): This is your primary obstacle.

    • Attract: Will cause your male Pokemon to be infatuated.
    • Milk Drink: Heals a significant portion of its HP.
    • Rollout: Its signature damaging move that increases in power with each consecutive hit.
    • Stomp: A strong Normal-type move that can also flinch.

Miltank Counter Strategies

  1. Fighting Type Dominance: Your absolute best bet is a strong Fighting-type Pokemon. Machop is ideal. If you don’t have a Machop, look for any Pokemon that can learn a strong Fighting-type move.
  2. Status Conditions: Inflict status effects like Sleep, Paralysis, or Poison.
    • Sleep: Moves like Sleep Powder (from Bellsprout/Weepinbell) or Hypnosis (from Gastly/Haunter) can shut down Miltank temporarily.
    • Paralysis: Moves like Thunder Wave can slow Miltank down, giving you more turns.
    • Poison: While less effective, it can slowly wear Miltank down if you can inflict it.
  3. Confusion: Moves like Confuse Ray can make Miltank attack itself, reducing its health and giving you free turns.
  4. Switching Out: Don’t be afraid to switch Pokemon. If your primary attacker is infatuated or badly injured, pivot to a Pokemon that resists Miltank’s attacks or has a type advantage.
  5. Endurance: Have Pokemon with good Defense and HP. If you can’t inflict status or get super-effective hits, simply having Pokemon that can survive Miltank’s onslaught is key.

Step-by-Step Battle Plan

Here’s a breakdown of how to approach the battle, turn by turn, with recommended Pokemon.

Scenario 1: You have a Machop/Machoke

  1. Whitney’s Clefairy: Send out your strongest Pokemon. A strong neutral attack or a Rock-type move will handle Clefairy swiftly.
  2. Whitney’s Miltank: Switch in your Machop.
    • If Miltank uses Attract: If your Machop is male, it has a 50% chance of being infatuated. If it is, switch to another Pokemon that can potentially deal damage or inflict status. If it’s not infatuated, unleash your strongest Fighting-type move (Karate Chop, Submission, etc.).
    • If Miltank uses Milk Drink: Continue attacking with Fighting-type moves. You need to deal more damage than it can heal.
    • If Miltank uses Rollout: Your Machop is resistant to Rollout, so it won’t take super-effective damage. Keep hitting it with Fighting-type moves. Be aware that if it gets multiple hits, the damage will increase, but your Fighting moves will still out-damage its Rollout.

Scenario 2: You don’t have a Machop, but have Gastly/Haunter

  1. Whitney’s Clefairy: Handle Clefairy with your best neutral attacker.
  2. Whitney’s Miltank: Switch in your Gastly/Haunter.
    • Miltank’s Attacks: Gastly/Haunter are immune to Miltank’s Normal-type attacks (Stomp, Attract). They will still take damage from Rollout.
    • Gastly/Haunter’s Strategy: Use Confuse Ray to make Miltank miss. Use Night Shade to deal consistent damage. If you have a TM for Psychic (found in the Game Corner for $4,500), you can use that as well, although it’s neutral damage. The key is to survive and wear down Miltank with status and consistent damage.

Scenario 3: You have a Bellsprout/Weepinbell with Sleep Powder

  1. Whitney’s Clefairy: Defeat Clefairy with a strong neutral attacker.
  2. Whitney’s Miltank: Switch in your Bellsprout/Weepinbell.
    • Goal: Use Sleep Powder as your first move. If it hits, Miltank will be asleep.
    • After Sleep: Immediately switch to your strongest attacker (preferably a Fighting-type if you have one) and unleash attacks. Keep switching out when Miltank is about to wake up to reset the turn order and prevent it from attacking or using Milk Drink. This requires careful timing and having a healthy, strong attacker ready.

Scenario 4: Mixed Approach

If you don’t have a clear super-effective Pokemon, focus on a team that can inflict status and support each other.

  • Pokemon Order:

    1. A fast Pokemon with status moves: (e.g., a Pokemon that can learn Confuse Ray or Thunder Wave).
    2. A bulky Pokemon: To take hits and potentially deal some damage.
    3. Your strongest attacker: Preferably with a type advantage or strong neutral moves.

  • Strategy:

    • Use the first Pokemon to inflict confusion or paralysis.
    • Switch to the bulky Pokemon to take hits and keep Miltank busy.
    • Bring in your primary attacker to deal damage.
    • Continuously switch to avoid Attract and minimize damage.

How to Beat Whitney: Key Moves and Items

Beyond your Pokemon choices, certain moves and items can be game-changers.

Important Moves to Teach

  • Fighting Moves: Karate Chop, Submission, Cross Chop, Brick Break (if available).
  • Status Moves: Confuse Ray, Sleep Powder, Thunder Wave, Hypnosis.
  • Damage Moves: Night Shade, Psychic, Rock Throw.

Useful Items

  • X Attack/X Speed: Use these boosts on your primary attacker to overcome Miltank’s stats.
  • Potions/Super Potions: Keep your team healthy, especially your main attacker.
  • Full Heal/Antidote: Essential if your Pokemon get afflicted with Paralysis or Poison from other trainers on the way.

Pokemon Gen 2 Whitney: Final Thoughts

The battle against Whitney in Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal is a rite of passage. Her Miltank is designed to test your team-building and strategic thinking. By carefully selecting Pokemon that exploit her weaknesses, utilizing status conditions effectively, and maintaining a strategic switching game, you can conquer the Goldenrod Gym.

Remember, persistence is key. If your initial strategy doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. Re-evaluate your team, consider different movesets, and try again. With the right preparation and execution, you’ll be able to defeat Whitney and claim your third badge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best Pokemon to beat Whitney in Pokemon Gold/Silver?

The absolute best Pokemon to beat Whitney is a Machop or its evolutions (Machoke, Machamp) due to their Fighting-type attacks, which are super-effective against Miltank.

Can I beat Whitney without a Fighting-type Pokemon?

Yes, you can beat Whitney without a Fighting-type Pokemon, but it will be significantly harder. Strategies involving status conditions like Sleep Powder or Confuse Ray from Pokemon like Gastly, Haunter, or Bellsprout are viable alternatives.

How do I get a Machop to fight Whitney?

In Pokemon Crystal, you can receive a Machop from the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City as a gift. In Pokemon Gold and Silver, Machop can be found in the Safari Zone (if available in that version) or traded from Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow if you have access to it. Alternatively, you can find and catch other Pokemon that learn powerful Fighting-type moves.

What level should my Pokemon be to fight Whitney?

Ideally, your Pokemon should be around level 20-22. While you can defeat her with slightly lower-level Pokemon, having them slightly overleveled will give you a considerable advantage against her Miltank.

Is Psychic Pokemon vs Whitney useful?

Psychic-type Pokemon are not particularly effective against Whitney’s Miltank, as Miltank is a Normal-type, and Psychic moves are neutral against it. However, a Psychic-type Pokemon can be useful against her Clefairy. If your Psychic Pokemon has access to status moves like Hypnosis or Confuse Ray, they can be supportive.

What is the Togepi Weakness?

In Pokemon Gen 2, Togepi is a pure Normal-type. Its weakness is to Fighting-type moves. However, Togepi’s stats are generally low, making it a difficult Pokemon to use effectively against Whitney unless it has evolved into Togetic and learned a more powerful movepool.

What are Fighting Pokemon Whitney weaknesses?

Fighting-type Pokemon are not weak to Whitney’s Pokemon. In fact, Fighting-type Pokemon are strong against Miltank, which is Whitney’s main threat. Miltank does not have any moves that are super-effective against Fighting-type Pokemon.