Headbutt, a Normal-type move, is a recognizable attack in the Pokémon universe, especially for veteran players who fondly remember using it to shake trees and encounter wild Pokémon in earlier generations. While its competitive battling prowess might be debated, its utility and nostalgic value are undeniable. This guide dives deep into the world of Headbutt, specifically focusing on Gen 2 Pokémon (from Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions) that can learn this move.
We will explore which Pokémon from the Johto and Kanto regions can add Headbutt to their move pool, how they learn it, and why this move can be a surprisingly useful addition to your Gen 2 team.
Understanding Headbutt: Move Breakdown
Before we delve into the Pokémon that can learn Headbutt, let’s understand the move itself.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Move Name | Headbutt |
| Type | Normal |
| Category | Physical |
| Power Points (PP) | 15 |
| Base Power | 70 |
| Accuracy | 100% |
| Battle Effect | 30% chance to make the target flinch. |
| Secondary Effect | In certain games, can be used to shake trees to encounter wild Pokémon. |
| Contact | Yes |
Headbutt is a reliable Normal-type physical attack with perfect accuracy and a decent 70 base power. Its most notable secondary effect in battle is the 30% chance to cause the opponent to flinch. This can be strategically advantageous, potentially disrupting an opponent’s setup or attack turn, especially when combined with faster Pokémon.
Beyond battles, Headbutt holds a special place in Pokémon history due to its overworld utility. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as well as later games, Headbutt can be used on trees to potentially knock down wild Pokémon. This unique interaction makes Headbutt more than just a battle move; it’s a tool for exploration and Pokémon discovery.
Gen 2 Pokémon That Learn Headbutt: Level Up Learners
In the Generation II games, a select group of Pokémon naturally learn Headbutt as they level up. Here’s a list of these Pokémon:
| # | Pokémon | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 079 | Slowpoke | Water/Psychic |
| 080 | Slowbro | Water/Psychic |
| 086 | Seel | Water |
| 087 | Dewgong | Water/Ice |
| 096 | Drowzee | Psychic |
| 097 | Hypno | Psychic |
| 104 | Cubone | Ground |
| 105 | Marowak | Ground |
| 199 | Slowking | Water/Psychic |
| 209 | Snubbull | Normal |
| 210 | Granbull | Normal |
| 226 | Mantine | Water/Flying |
Image alt text: Slowpoke, a Gen 1 Water/Psychic Pokemon, using Headbutt, a Normal-type physical move.
Notably, many of these level-up learners are Water-type or Psychic-type Pokémon. This is interesting as it provides type coverage outside of their primary typings, giving them a physical Normal-type move to use. Ground-types like Cubone and Marowak also learn it naturally, which thematically fits their head-smashing fighting style.
Headbutt via TM02: Expanding the Learnset
The most significant way to teach Headbutt to a wide array of Gen 2 Pokémon is through TM02. Technical Machines (TMs) are reusable items that teach a specific move to a Pokémon, provided they are compatible. TM02 contains Headbutt and can be a valuable asset for expanding the move options of your team.
Where to find TM02 (Headbutt) in Gen 2:
- Ilex Forest: TM02 is located within Ilex Forest in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. You’ll need to navigate the forest’s maze to find it.
With TM02, a vast number of Gen 1 and Gen 2 Pokémon, and even some from later generations traded into Gen 2 games, can learn Headbutt. Here is an expanded list of Pokémon that can learn Headbutt via TM02 in Gen 2 (This is not exhaustive, but covers most common Pokémon):
-
Starters (and evolutions) from Gen 1 & 2:
- Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur
- Charmander, Charmeleon, Charizard
- Squirtle, Wartortle, Blastoise
- Chikorita, Bayleef, Meganium
- Cyndaquil, Quilava, Typhlosion
- Totodile, Croconaw, Feraligatr
-
Common Gen 1 & 2 Pokémon:
- Rattata, Raticate
- Pikachu, Raichu
- Sandshrew, Sandslash
- Nidoran♀, Nidorina, Nidoqueen
- Nidoran♂, Nidorino, Nidoking
- Clefairy, Clefable
- Vulpix, Ninetales
- Jigglypuff, Wigglytuff
- Meowth, Persian
- Psyduck, Golduck
- Mankey, Primeape
- Growlithe, Arcanine
- Poliwag, Poliwhirl, Poliwrath
- Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam
- Machop, Machoke, Machamp
- Geodude, Graveler, Golem
- Ponyta, Rapidash
- Slowpoke, Slowbro, Slowking
- Farfetch’d
- Seel, Dewgong
- Grimer, Muk
- Gastly, Haunter, Gengar
- Onix
- Drowzee, Hypno
- Voltorb, Electrode
- Exeggcute, Exeggutor
- Cubone, Marowak
- Lickitung
- Koffing, Weezing
- Rhyhorn, Rhydon
- Chansey
- Tangela
- Kangaskhan
- Horsea, Seadra
- Goldeen, Seaking
- Staryu, Starmie
- Mr. Mime
- Scyther
- Jynx
- Electabuzz
- Magmar
- Pinsir
- Tauros
- Magikarp, Gyarados
- Lapras
- Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon
- Omanyte, Omastar
- Kabuto, Kabutops
- Aerodactyl
- Snorlax
- Dratini, Dragonair, Dragonite
- Mewtwo
- Mew
- Sentret, Furret
- Ledyba, Ledian
- Spinarak, Ariados
- Pichu
- Cleffa
- Igglybuff
- Togepi, Togetic
- Mareep, Flaaffy, Ampharos
- Azurill, Marill, Azumarill
- Sudowoodo
- Politoed
- Hoppip, Skiploom, Jumpluff
- Aipom
- Sunkern, Sunflora
- Yanma
- Wooper, Quagsire
- Espeon, Umbreon
- Murkrow
- Slowking
- Misdreavus
- Girafarig
- Pineco, Forretress
- Dunsparce
- Gligar
- Steelix
- Snubbull, Granbull
- Qwilfish
- Scizor
- Shuckle
- Heracross
- Sneasel
- Teddiursa, Ursaring
- Swinub, Piloswine
- Corsola
- Remoraid, Octillery
- Delibird
- Mantine
- Houndour, Houndoom
- Kingdra
- Phanpy, Donphan
- Stantler
- Tyrogue, Hitmontop, Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan
- Smoochum
- Elekid
- Magby
- Miltank
- Blissey
- Raikou
- Entei
- Suicune
- Larvitar, Pupitar, Tyranitar
- Lugia
- Ho-Oh
Image alt text: In-game item sprite of TM02 Headbutt from Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal games.
As you can see, TM02 provides an extensive list of Pokémon with the capability to learn Headbutt. This includes many powerful and popular Pokémon from both Gen 1 and Gen 2, significantly increasing its availability.
Why Use Headbutt in Gen 2?
While not a top-tier competitive move, Headbutt has several uses in Gen 2 games:
-
Flinch Chance: The 30% flinch rate can be useful in disrupting opponents, especially in-game against slower foes. Pokémon with higher speed stats can leverage this effect more effectively.
-
Normal-type STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus): For Normal-type Pokémon like Granbull, Headbutt provides a reliable physical STAB move early to mid-game, before access to stronger options.
-
Overworld Utility (Tree Shaking): Using Headbutt on trees is the primary method of encountering certain rare Pokémon like Heracross and Aipom in Ilex Forest and Azalea Town respectively. This makes Headbutt essential for completing your Pokédex and finding specific Pokémon.
-
Type Coverage: For Pokémon lacking strong physical moves outside their main type, Headbutt can offer a decent neutral coverage option. For example, a Water-type Pokémon might appreciate a physical Normal-type move to complement their Water attacks.
Top Gen 2 Pokémon to Consider for Headbutt
While many Pokémon can learn Headbutt, some utilize it better than others. Here are a few examples of Gen 2 Pokémon that can effectively use Headbutt:
-
Granbull: As a pure Normal-type, Granbull benefits from Headbutt as a strong physical STAB move. Combined with its decent Attack stat, Headbutt can be quite effective in-game.
-
Heracross: While Heracross is Bug/Fighting type and has stronger STAB moves, Headbutt can still be useful for neutral coverage and flinching, especially against Pokémon resistant to Bug and Fighting. Plus, you encounter Heracross by Headbutting trees!
-
Slowbro/Slowking: These Water/Psychic types can utilize Headbutt for neutral coverage and flinching. While they are primarily special attackers, Headbutt provides a physical option, especially in-game where move variety can be helpful.
-
Mantine: Mantine, with its Water/Flying typing, might not immediately seem like a Headbutt user. However, access to a physical move can be beneficial, and the flinch chance adds a layer of strategy.
Image alt text: Granbull, a Normal-type Pokemon from Gen 2, standing assertively, highlighted as a good Headbutt user.
Conclusion: Headbutt in the Gen 2 Era
Headbutt, while seemingly simple, is a move with notable utility and a touch of nostalgia for Gen 2 Pokémon games. It’s not just an attack; it’s a key to unlocking hidden Pokémon in trees and a reliable physical move for many Pokémon in your team.
Whether you’re aiming to shake every tree in Johto, looking for a solid Normal-type move, or want to add a flinching option to your battle strategy, Headbutt is a move worth considering for your Gen 2 Pokémon adventure. So, grab TM02 in Ilex Forest and start headbutting your way to victory!
