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Mastering the Mind: How to Get Hypno in Pokémon Yellow

So, you’re setting out to conquer the Kanto region in Pokémon Yellow and you’ve got your sights set on the mesmerizing Hypno? Excellent choice! This Psychic-type Pokémon can be a valuable asset to your team. Unlike Pokémon Red and Blue where you could catch a Hypno outright in the Unknown Dungeon, in Pokémon Yellow, the primary method is through evolution. To get a Hypno in Pokémon Yellow, you need to catch a Drowzee and train it to level 26. Simple as that!

The Journey to Hypno: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:

Locate Drowzee: Your first step is finding a Drowzee. Thankfully, Drowzee isn’t too elusive in Pokémon Yellow. You can reliably find them on Route 11, which connects Vermilion City to the east. Route 11 is east of Vermilion City and west of Route 12.
Catch Drowzee: Once you’re on Route 11, start searching the tall grass. Drowzee appears relatively frequently, so it shouldn’t take too long to encounter one. Weaken the Drowzee with your Pokémon and use a Poké Ball to catch it. Keep in mind that using status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis will significantly increase your chances of a successful catch.
Train Drowzee to Level 26: This is where the grind begins! You’ll need to battle other Pokémon to gain experience and level up your Drowzee. Fighting trainers on the routes around Vermilion City and Celadon City can be a good way to level up, as can re-battling trainers using the vs. seeker. Also, consider using Exp. All if you have access to it, so other Pokemon can level up as well.
Witness the Evolution: Once Drowzee reaches level 26, it will automatically begin to evolve into Hypno! Congratulations, you now have a Hypno to add to your team.

Why Choose Hypno in Pokémon Yellow?

While Alakazam might seem like the obvious Psychic-type choice, Hypno brings its own unique strengths to the table. It offers surprising movepool versatility. Hypno can learn a variety of powerful moves, making it a strategic addition to your team. Its bulkiness allows it to survive longer in battles, wearing down the competition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Neglecting to train Drowzee: Don’t underestimate the importance of leveling up. You must reach level 26 for the evolution to occur.
Forgetting to stock up on Poké Balls: You don’t want to run out of Poké Balls when you finally encounter a Drowzee.
Overlooking the importance of status conditions: Sleep and paralysis can drastically improve your capture rate.

Alternative Strategies: Considering the Unknown Dungeon

Although the primary method to get Hypno in Yellow is through evolution, it is worth noting a level-46 Hypno can be found in the Unknown Dungeon in Pokémon Red and Blue. Since Yellow is compatible with trades, you can still catch a Hypno in Red or Blue and trade it over. This might be a shortcut for some, but it requires access to another game and system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hypno in Pokémon Yellow

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about getting and using Hypno in Pokémon Yellow, answered by a seasoned Pokémon Trainer:

1. Is Hypno a good Pokémon in Yellow Version?

Hypno can definitely hold its own in Yellow. While not as offensively powerful as Alakazam, its better defense and access to a wider variety of moves make it a reliable choice for your team. It’s a tankier Psychic-type that can take a hit!

2. Where exactly is Route 11 located in Pokémon Yellow?

Route 11 is located east of Vermilion City. It’s the route you’ll take to reach Diglett’s Cave and, eventually, Lavender Town. You’ll need to have the S.S. Anne ticket and completed its quest to access Route 11.

3. What are some good moves to teach Hypno in Yellow?

Some effective moves for Hypno in Yellow include Psychic (STAB), Seismic Toss (consistent damage), Thunder Wave (paralysis), and Dream Eater (recovery and damage). Consider your team composition when choosing movesets.

4. Can I catch multiple Drowzee on Route 11?

Yes, Drowzee will respawn in the tall grass on Route 11, so you can catch as many as you need. This is useful if you want to train multiple Hypno or trade them with friends.

5. What level does Drowzee learn Psychic?

Drowzee does not learn Psychic directly through leveling up. You’ll need to use the TM29 to teach it Psychic.

6. Where can I find TM29 (Psychic) in Pokémon Yellow?

TM29 (Psychic) is found in Saffron City. You will be given this TM by a woman who lives in a house in Saffron City after you have defeated Team Rocket in the Silph Co. building.

7. Is it worth trading for a Hypno from Red or Blue instead of evolving Drowzee?

This depends on your preferences. Trading can save time in training, but evolving Drowzee allows you to customize its moveset from an earlier level. Also, trading can only happen later in the game.

8. What is the best nature for Hypno? (Although Natures aren’t in Gen 1, if they were, what would they be?)

If Natures existed in Gen 1, a Calm or Careful Nature (+Special Defense, -Attack) would be ideal to bolster Hypno’s already decent special bulk, helping it wall special attackers.

9. What other Psychic-type Pokémon are available in Yellow?

Besides Hypno, you can also obtain Alakazam (via trading Kadabra), Mr. Mime (via trading an Abra), and Exeggutor (via evolving Exeggcute). Each Psychic-type offers different strengths and weaknesses.

10. Is Hypno effective against the Elite Four in Yellow?

Hypno can be helpful against some members of the Elite Four, particularly Agatha. However, be cautious of opponents with powerful physical attacks, as Hypno’s physical defense is relatively low. Hypno can also be used against Bruno, as Bruno does not have any moves that are super effective against Psychic types.

11. Does Hypno have any weaknesses in Pokémon Yellow?

Hypno’s main weakness is to Bug-type moves. Since Bug-type moves are not prevalent in the Gen 1 games, Hypno doesn’t have to be concerned with this very often.

12. Can Hypno learn any TM moves that are especially useful?

Besides Psychic, consider teaching Hypno Thunder Wave (TM45) to paralyze opponents, Toxic (TM06) for gradual damage, or Seismic Toss for consistent damage output.

13. What are the base stats of Hypno in Pokemon Yellow?

HP: 85 Attack: 73 Defense: 70 Speed: 67 Special: 115

14. Can Hypno be found in other games?

Yes! Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about how Pokémon and other games evolve across different generations. You can find Hypno in many other Pokémon games. In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Hypno can be found in the South Province (Area Six) and West Province (Area Three).

15. Are there any differences between Hypno in Red/Blue compared to Yellow?

The primary difference is the method of acquisition. In Red and Blue, you can catch Hypno in the Unknown Dungeon. In Yellow, you must evolve Drowzee. Stat-wise, Hypno is the same across all three versions.

Conclusion: Hypno – A Worthy Addition to Your Team

While getting Hypno in Pokémon Yellow requires a bit of dedication to training, the resulting Psychic-type can be a valuable asset to your team. Its unique movepool and tankiness make it a surprisingly versatile choice. So, head to Route 11, catch a Drowzee, and start your journey to obtaining your own powerful Hypno!

How do you get Hypno yellow?