Where to Get Whirlpool HGSS? A Comprehensive Guide
The availability of the move Whirlpool in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (HGSS) is limited to specific areas. You can obtain Whirlpool primarily through the HM05, which is awarded after beating Team Rocket at Team Rocket HQ in Mahogany Town and speaking to Kurt.
The Significance of Whirlpool in HGSS
Whirlpool is not merely a move; it’s a crucial component for navigating the overworld in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Unlike Surf, which allows traversal across water, Whirlpool is used to remove whirlpools that block your path, unlocking new areas, items, and even Legendary Pokémon encounters. Therefore, understanding how and when to acquire this HM is essential for a complete HGSS experience.
Obtaining HM05 Whirlpool: A Step-by-Step Guide
Acquiring Whirlpool requires progress through the main storyline. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Reach Mahogany Town: Progress through the game until you arrive at Mahogany Town. This town is located between Goldenrod City and Lake of Rage.
- Encounter the Radio Tower Signal: Notice that something is off with the Radio Tower signal in Goldenrod. This will lead you to Team Rocket’s activities.
- Investigate the Lake of Rage: Head to Lake of Rage and battle the Red Gyarados (a Shiny Pokémon). After defeating or catching it, Professor Elm will call and ask you to go to Mahogany Town.
- Discover the Team Rocket HQ: Enter the suspicious-looking shop in Mahogany Town (the one with the hidden entrance).
- Navigate the HQ: Solve the puzzles within the Team Rocket HQ, battling Team Rocket members along the way.
- Defeat the Executives: Encounter and defeat Team Rocket Executives Proton, Ariana, and Archer. You’ll need to defeat Archer twice.
- Head to Kurt’s: Exit the Rocket HQ and talk to Kurt in Azalea Town.
- Receive HM05 Whirlpool: Kurt will reward you with HM05 Whirlpool for stopping Team Rocket’s plans.
Key Areas Unlocked by Whirlpool
Once you have Whirlpool, you can access several previously inaccessible areas:
- Whirl Islands: Located southwest of Olivine City and Cianwood City, the Whirl Islands house Lugia in SoulSilver or through an event in HeartGold.
- Routes with Whirlpools: Several routes feature whirlpools that block access to items, trainers, or other points of interest.
- Underwater Areas: Some areas accessible via Surf also contain whirlpools that impede exploration beneath the surface.
Pokemon That Can Learn Whirlpool
Not all Pokemon can learn Whirlpool. Here’s a list of some common and useful Pokemon capable of learning HM05:
- Water-type starters: Totodile and its evolutions (Croconaw, Feraligatr).
- Lapras: A versatile Water/Ice-type Pokemon.
- Gyarados: A powerful Water/Flying-type Pokemon.
- Seaking: Another viable option, albeit less statistically impressive.
- Lanturn: A unique Water/Electric-type Pokemon.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Skipping Dialogue: Failing to pay attention to in-game dialogue can cause you to miss crucial instructions or hints, potentially leading you astray. Solution: Read all dialogue carefully and revisit previous conversations if you’re unsure about your next step.
- Underestimating Team Rocket: Team Rocket members in the HQ can be surprisingly challenging, especially at lower levels. Solution: Ensure your Pokémon are adequately leveled and have a diverse moveset to counter their Pokémon types.
- Forgetting to talk to Kurt: This is a big one. You need to go to Kurt’s house in Azalea Town after beating Team Rocket in their HQ to get the HM.
- Using Whirlpool indiscriminately: Whirlpool is primarily used to remove whirlpools, not for general water travel like Surf. Solution: Reserve Whirlpool for areas where it is explicitly needed.
Alternatives to Whirlpool for Overworld Travel
While essential for removing whirlpools, Whirlpool is not a direct substitute for Surf. Surf allows you to traverse water freely, while Whirlpool’s primary function is clearing specific obstacles.
Table: Whirlpool vs. Surf
| Feature | Whirlpool | Surf |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Removing whirlpools | General water travel |
| Location Obtained | Azalea Town (from Kurt) | Surfboarder’s House (after beating Morty) |
| Overworld Effect | Clears whirlpools | Allows water traversal |
FAQs About Obtaining and Using Whirlpool in HGSS
How do I know if I need Whirlpool in a specific area?
Look for distinct whirlpools blocking your path. These whirlpools are visually different from ordinary water and cannot be traversed without using Whirlpool. They also often lead to hidden areas or necessary story beats.
Can I use Whirlpool outside of battle?
Yes, Whirlpool is an HM, meaning it can be used both in battle and in the overworld to remove whirlpools. Select HM05 from your bag while on the water.
Do I need to teach Whirlpool to a Pokémon to remove whirlpools in the overworld?
Yes, a Pokémon must learn the move Whirlpool to be able to use it on the overworld. You cannot use the HM directly from your bag without a Pokémon knowing the move.
Can I delete Whirlpool from a Pokémon once I don’t need it anymore?
Yes, but you need to visit the Move Deleter in Blackthorn City. He can remove HMs from your Pokémon, allowing you to teach them other moves.
Is Whirlpool a good move in battle?
Whirlpool is generally considered a weak move in battle. It traps the opponent and deals minor damage over several turns, but more powerful Water-type moves like Surf or Waterfall are usually preferable.
What happens if I release the Pokémon that knows Whirlpool before removing it?
You will be unable to remove whirlpools. You need to re-teach Whirlpool to another Pokémon. This emphasizes the importance of keeping at least one Whirlpool-user in your party (or PC) until all necessary whirlpools are cleared.
What level should my Pokémon be before attempting to beat Team Rocket at their HQ?
Aim for a level between 25 and 30 for your Pokémon team. This will give you a reasonable chance of defeating Team Rocket members and executives. Remember to consider type matchups!
Is there any way to obtain Whirlpool earlier in the game?
No, Whirlpool is only obtainable after defeating Team Rocket at their HQ in Mahogany Town. There are no shortcuts or alternative methods to acquire it.
What are the rewards for clearing the Whirl Islands with Whirlpool?
Clearing the Whirl Islands allows you to capture Lugia in SoulSilver (or trigger an event to obtain it in HeartGold with the Silver Wing). You’ll also find valuable items and have the opportunity to battle trainers.
Does the time of day affect the availability of Whirlpool?
No, the time of day does not affect when you can obtain Whirlpool. You can get it anytime after fulfilling the storyline requirements.
What if Kurt isn’t giving me HM05?
Double check that you have completely finished the Team Rocket HQ quest. Speak to the Rocket Executive Archer one last time near the stairs and make sure he mentions a certain amount of years until Team Rocket returns. If Kurt still won’t give you the HM, make sure you have a Pokemon that is able to learn the HM in your party.
Does the difficulty setting of the game affect where to get Whirlpool?
There are no difficulty settings in the original HeartGold and SoulSilver games. Regardless, the location for obtaining Whirlpool remains consistent.