Falkner

Falkner ハヤト Hayato
"The Elegant Master of Flying Pokémon"
Art from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Gender	Male
Eye color	Black*, Blue*
Hair color	Blue
Hometown	Violet City
Region	Johto
Relatives	Father (Predecessor as Gym Leader), Walker (father)*
Trainer class	Gym LeaderGSCHGSS Pokémon TrainerB2W2
Generation	II, IV, V
Games	Gold, Silver, Crystal, Pokémon Stadium 2, HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black 2, White 2
Leader of	Violet Gym
Badge	Zephyr Badge
Specializes in	Flying types
Animated debut	Fighting Flyer with Fire
English voice actor	Matthew Mitler
Japanese voice actor	Akira Ishida

Falkner (Japanese: ハヤト Hayato) is the Gym Leader of Violet City's Gym, known officially as the Violet Gym. He hands out the Zephyr Badge to Trainers who defeat him. He specializes in Flying-type Pokémon.

In the games

Falkner appears in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, where he is the first Gym Leader players will encounter. A master of Flying-type Pokémon, Falkner runs the Violet Gym, which he inherited from his father; the Pokémon he uses in battle also formerly belonged to him. Falkner's father is reported to be traveling, but is never seen in the game.

Known as "The Elegant Master of Flying Pokémon", Falkner is adored as a cool and handsome Trainer. He looks up to and reveres his father, who was Gym Leader before him. Falkner aspires to follow in his dad's footsteps and be the greatest bird master. Falkner uses, notably, the lowest leveled Pokémon found in any Gym in any region. His Pidgeotto, in fact, is at an illegitimate level. Once defeated in battle, he will award winners with the Zephyr Badge and a Technical Machine: TM31 (Mud-Slap) in Generation II; TM51 (Roost) in Generation IV. In each generation, his Pokémon know the respective TM; Falkner uses this move as part of his battle strategy.

Like all Gym Leaders in HeartGold and SoulSilver, Falkner will venture out of his Gym occasionally. Once the player has obtained the Soul Badge, Falkner will journey every Monday to Celadon City so he can visit the Department Store. He can be found talking with fellow Gym Leader Janine, of Fuchsia City, on the fourth floor, and will exchange Pokégear phone numbers with the player. Once this task has been completed, Falkner will travel to the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City every Saturday morning to accept a rematch with a stronger team of Pokémon. In addition, he may also participate in the Pokéathlon's Supreme Cup in the Jump Course with his Pidgeot, Swellow, and Staraptor.

Falkner is also in Pokémon Stadium 2's Johto Gym Leader Castle. Unlike other Gym Leaders in this game, all of his Pokémon are of his specialist type.

Pokémon

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

Leader Falkner Violet Gym Gold, Silver, and Crystal Reward: $900
Types: Normal Flying Held item: None Pidgey♂ Lv.7 Tackle Normal   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Struggle Normal   --       Struggle Normal   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: None Pidgeotto♂ Lv.9 Tackle Normal   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Gust Flying   --       Struggle Normal   --

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Gym match

Leader Falkner Violet Gym HeartGold and SoulSilver Reward: $1560
Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye Held item: None Pidgey♂ Lv.9 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Sand-Attack Ground Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Curse Unknown Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye Held item: None Pidgeotto♂ Lv.13 Tackle Normal Physical   --       Roost Flying Status   --       Gust Flying Special   --       Curse Unknown Status   --

Rematch

Leader Falkner Fighting Dojo HeartGold and SoulSilver Reward: $6720

Types: Normal Flying Ability: Intimidate Held item: Sitrus Berry Staraptor♂ Lv.50 U-turn Bug Physical   --       Close Combat Fighting Physical   --       Brave Bird Flying Physical   --       Attract Normal Status   --       Types: Water Flying Ability: Keen Eye Held item: None Pelipper♂ Lv.48 Surf Water Special   --       Ice Beam Ice Special   --       Hidden Power Normal Special   --       Tailwind Flying Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Insomnia Held item: None Noctowl♂ Lv.52 Air Slash Flying Special   --       Shadow Ball Ghost Special   --       FeatherDance Flying Status   --       Roost Flying Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Guts Held item: Flame Orb Swellow♂ Lv.52 Protect Normal Status   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Endeavor Normal Physical   --       Facade Normal Physical   --       Types: Dark Flying Ability: Insomnia Held item: None Honchkrow♂ Lv.54 Thunder Wave Electric Status   --       Dark Pulse Dark Special   --       Sucker Punch Dark Physical   --       Night Slash Dark Physical   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye Held item: None Pidgeot♂ Lv.56 Double Team Normal Status   --       Swagger Normal Status   --       Return Normal Physical   --       Roost Flying Status   --

Pokéathlon

	Jump  Course Supreme Cup
Swellow  Jump
Pidgeot  Jump
Staraptor  Jump

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

Falkner uses three of these Pokémon in Single Battles, four in Double and Rotation Battles, and all six in Triple Battles. Falkner will always lead with his signature Pokémon, Pidgeot.

Johto Leaders Tournament

PKMN Trainer Falkner Pokémon World Tournament Black 2 and White 2 Reward: 1BP

Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye or Tangled Feet Held item: Sitrus Berry Pidgeot♂/♀ Lv.50 Brave Bird Flying Physical   --       Tailwind Flying Status   --       Heat Wave Fire Special   --       U-turn Bug Physical   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye Held item: Liechi Berry Fearow♂/♀ Lv.50 Drill Peck Flying Physical   --       Drill Run Ground Physical   --       Heat Wave Fire Special   --       U-turn Bug Physical   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Run Away or Early Bird Held item: Wacan Berry Dodrio♂/♀ Lv.50 Brave Bird Flying Physical   --       Thrash Normal Physical   --       Pursuit Dark Physical   --       Acupressure Normal Status   --       Types: Dark Flying Ability: Insomnia or Super Luck Held item: Salac Berry Honchkrow♂/♀ Lv.50 Air Cutter Flying Special   --       Dark Pulse Dark Special   --       Icy Wind Ice Special   --       Nasty Plot Dark Status   --       Types: Psychic Flying Ability: Synchronize or Early Bird Held item: Salac Berry Xatu♂/♀ Lv.50 Shadow Ball Ghost Special   --       Psychic Psychic Special   --       Heat Wave Fire Special   --       Calm Mind Psychic Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Insomnia or Keen Eye Held item: Ganlon Berry Noctowl♂/♀ Lv.50 Hypnosis Psychic Status   --       Dream Eater Psychic Special   --       Reflect Psychic Status   --       Air Slash Flying Special   --

Type Expert/World Leaders Tournament

PKMN Trainer Falkner Pokémon World Tournament Black 2 and White 2 Reward: 1BP

Types: Normal Flying Ability: Keen Eye or Tangled Feet Held item: Life Orb Pidgeot♂/♀ Lv.50 Air Slash Flying Special   --       Return Normal Physical   --       Double Team Normal Status   --       Swagger Normal Status   --       Types: Poison Flying Ability: Inner Focus Held item: Red Card Crobat♂/♀ Lv.50 Taunt Dark Status   --       Confuse Ray Ghost Status   --       Acrobatics Flying Physical   --       Super Fang Normal Physical   --       Types: Rock Flying Ability: Rock Head or Pressure Held item: Focus Sash Aerodactyl♂/♀ Lv.50 Earthquake Ground Physical   --       Ice Fang Ice Physical   --       Rock Slide Rock Physical   --       Protect Normal Status   --       Types: Dark Flying Ability: Insomnia or Super Luck Held item: Choice Scarf Honchkrow♂/♀ Lv.50 Brave Bird Flying Physical   --       Night Slash Dark Physical   --       Icy Wind Ice Special   --       Heat Wave Fire Special   --       Types: Psychic Flying Ability: Synchronize or Early Bird Held item: Leftovers Xatu♂/♀ Lv.50 Psyshock Psychic Special   --       Stored Power Psychic Special   --       Roost Flying Status   --       Calm Mind Psychic Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Guts Held item: Flame Orb Swellow♂/♀ Lv.50 Facade Normal Physical   --       Protect Normal Status   --       Endeavor Normal Physical   --       Aerial Ace Flying Physical   --

Legendary Pokémon Tournament

PKMN Trainer Falkner Pokémon World Tournament Black 2 and White 2 Reward: 1BP

Types: Psychic Flying Ability: Pressure Held item: Leftovers Lugia Lv.50 Psyshock Psychic Special   --       Aeroblast Flying Special   --       Calm Mind Psychic Status   --       Recover Normal Status   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Tangled Feet Held item: Charti Berry Pidgeot♂ Lv.50 Air Slash Flying Special   --       Tailwind Flying Status   --       Brave Bird Flying Physical   --       Quick Attack Normal Physical   --       Types: Normal Flying Ability: Tinted Lens Held item: Yache Berry Noctowl♀ Lv.50 Hypnosis Psychic Status   --       Air Slash Flying Special   --       Reflect Psychic Status   --       Heat Wave Fire Special   --

Pokémon Stadium 2

Round 1

File:S2 Leader Falkner.png Gym Leader Falkner Johto Gym Leader Castle Pokémon Stadium 2 Reward: N/A

Types: Normal Flying Held item: PRZCureBerry Pidgeot♂ Lv.50-100 Whirlwind Normal   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Fly Flying   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: Stick Farfetch'd♂ Lv.50-100 False Swipe Normal   --       Slash Normal   --       Fly Flying   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: Mint Berry Noctowl♂ Lv.50-100 Take Down Normal   --       Fly Flying   --       Confusion Psychic   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Ice Flying Held item: Bitter Berry Delibird♀ Lv.50-100 Present Normal   --       Headbutt Normal   --       Blizzard Ice   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: Sharp Beak Fearow♂ Lv.50-100 Drill Peck Flying   --       Swift Normal   --       Mirror Move Flying   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: Burnt Berry Togetic♂ Lv.50-100 Double-Edge Normal   --       Fly Flying   --       Fire Blast Fire   --       Psychic Psychic   --

Round 2

File:S2 Leader Falkner.png Gym Leader Falkner Johto Gym Leader Castle Pokémon Stadium 2 Reward: N/A

Types: Normal Flying Held item: PRZCureBerry Pidgeot♂ Lv.50-100 Double-Edge Normal   --       Sky Attack Flying   --       Steel Wing Steel   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Fire Flying Held item: Scope Lens Charizard♂ Lv.50-100 Flamethrower Fire   --       Fly Flying   --       Earthquake Ground   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Normal Flying Held item: MiracleBerry Dodrio♂ Lv.50-100 Drill Peck Flying   --       Tri Attack Normal   --       Steel Wing Steel   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Electric Flying Held item: BrightPowder Zapdos Lv.50-100 Thunderbolt Electric   --       Drill Peck Flying   --       Sky Attack Flying   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --       Types: Ground Flying Held item: Focus Band Gligar♀ Lv.50-100 Metal Claw Steel   --       Wing Attack Flying   --       Quick Attack Normal   --       Sludge Bomb Poison   --       Types: Steel Flying Held item: Quick Claw Skarmory♀ Lv.50-100 Steel Wing Steel   --       Drill Peck Flying   --       Sky Attack Flying   --       Mud-Slap Ground   --

Quotes

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

• Before battle

"I'm Falkner, the Violet Pokémon Gym leader! People say you can clip flying-type Pokémon's wings with a jolt of electricity... I won't allow such insults to bird Pokémon! I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon!"

• When defeated

"...Darn! My Dad's cherished bird Pokémon... All right. Take this. It's the official Pokémon League Zephyr Badge."

• After being defeated

"Zephyr Badge raises the attack power of Pokémon. It also enables Pokémon to use Flash, if they have it, anytime. Here--take this too."

"By using a TM, Pokémon will instantly learn a new move. Think before you act--a TM can be used only once. TM31 contains Mud-Slap. It reduces the enemy's accuracy while it causes damage. In other words, it is both defensive and offensive."

"There are other Pokémon Gyms in cities and towns ahead. You should test your skills at these Gyms. I'm going to train hard to become the greatest bird master!"

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Violet Gym

• Before battle

"I'm Falkner, the Violet City Pokémon Gym Leader! People say you can clip Flying-type Pokémon's wings with a jolt of electricity... I won't allow such insults to bird Pokémon! I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon!"

• After sending out last Pokémon

"The wind is finally with us!"

• When last Pokémon is at critical health

"We can still fly!"

• Being defeated

"I understand... I'll bow out gracefully."

• After being defeated

"...For pity's sake! My dad's cherished bird Pokémon... But a defeat is a defeat. All right. Take this official Pokémon League Badge. This one is the Zephyr Badge. With that Badge, Pokémon, including traded Pokémon up to Lv. 20, will obey you without question. It also enables you to use the hidden move Rock Smash anytime outside of battle."

"By using a TM, a Pokémon will instantly learn a new move. Think before you act - a TM can be used only once. TM51 contains Roost. It restores half the max HP."

"There are Pokémon Gyms in cities and towns ahead. Make good use of them! As for your next move... I would suggest Azalea Town."

"There are Pokémon Gyms in cities and towns ahead. You should test your skills at these Gyms. As for your next move... I would suggest Azalea Town. I'm going to train harder to become the greatest Bird Keeper of all!"

Fighting Dojo

• Before battle

"Hi! I've been waiting for you! It's a pleasure to be able to battle you again!"

• After being defeated

"Mmm... It's still a long way to become the best Trainer..."

Celadon Department Store

"Hey, why don’t we take a picture together?"

Yes: "All right! Are you ready?"

No: "That’s all right. I’ll just take one with my dad..."

"Yes! We look good."

Pokégear Registering (Celadon Department Store)

"Out of all the Trainers out there, the best Trainer would have to be my dad."

Janine: "Ha! You don't know a thing! The best Trainer in the world is Koga, one of the Elite Four! Namely--my dad!"

"You are mistaken. My dad treats Poké..."

Janine: "Please stop this! Why don't you just admit that my dad is the true Trainer!"

"You were listening, right? You agree my dad is greater, right?"

Yes: "You do? Just as I thought! You know something? I'm sure we'll enjoy talking about my dad! Here is my number! Give me a call Saturday morning if you want to hear about my dad!"

No: "You don't? I thought you were smarter than that. Oh, well. You'll change your mind eventually."

Janine: "Bah!"

"So, you did change your mind. You now think my dad is greater?"

Pokégear Phone

• Calling him:

"Hello... OK, now I can hear you. Yeah, I'm in top form. Are there Gym Leaders you haven't battled yet? Step up! Get on it!"

"Hello... OK, now I can hear you. Yeah, I'm in top form. Let's see... I'm free Saturday morning usually. Please, give me a call then."

• Him calling the player:

"Hey, this is Falkner. How are you doing? The scaffolding in my Gym was in bad shape when you came to battle, eh? Every year, we give the place a thorough scrubbing. It's a challenge. But the bird Pokémon help us out, so we're able to manage."

"Hey, this is Falkner. How are you doing? My dad told me something when I was a kid. He said 'Falkner, bird Pokémon don't just fly with their wings, they soar through the sky because that's what they want to do with all their heart.' That's just like my dad."

"Hey, this is Falkner. How are you doing? You've chatted with Janine in Fuchsia City, haven't you? All she ever talks about is her dad, you know? Endlessly. I mean, it's good to have a healthy respect for your dad, but it's better to have some self-confidence! Don't you have faith in your own abilities?"

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Pokémon World Tournament

• Before battle (first round)

"I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon!"

• Before battle (second round)

"I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon! Winds, stay with me!"

• Before battle (final round)

"I'll show you the real power of the magnificent bird Pokémon! Dad! I hope you're watching me battle from above!"

• When defeated

"I understand... I'll bow out gracefully."

• If the player is defeated

"Now you know the real power of bird Pokémon!"

• After being defeated

"A defeat is a defeat. You are strong indeed. I'm going to train harder with my Pokémon to become the greatest Bird Keeper of all!"

• After winning

"Dad! I won with your cherished bird Pokémon..."

• In the lobby, after the tournament

"As long as I have lofty ambitions, I can fly as far as I want. I'll keep flying and aiming high! Just like you!"

Pokémon Puzzle Challenge

• Easy

"I've been waiting for you... Well... Let's get going."

"You're good for a beginner. Keep up the good work."

• Normal

"I've been waiting... Well... Let's begin."

"Dang! I lost. I must train harder."

• Hard

"I've been waiting for you. I'll show you my might."

"...Dang. I lost. If I don't Train more..."

• Super Hard

"I've been waiting for you... I'll show you my might."

"...Dang! I lost. I mustn't give in to my faults"

• Intense

"I've been waiting for you! I'll show you my might."

"...Dang! I lost. I mustn't give in to my faults"

Artwork

Headshot from Generation II

Sprites

Sprite from Generation II	Sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver	Sprite from Black 2 and White 2	VS sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver
			File:S2 Leader Falkner.png
Overworld sprite from Generation II	Overworld sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver	Overworld sprite from Black 2 and White 2	Portrait from Stadium 2

In the anime

Falkner in the anime

Falkner's only anime appearance was in the episode Fighting Flyer with Fire.

When Ash's Pikachu was stolen by Team Rocket, Falkner arrived and rescued it with the help of his Pidgeot. He flew around on a glider, yearning to be as close to Flying Pokémon as he possibly could be. He is usually seen with his Hoothoot on his shoulder.

Falkner has a self-righteous attitude when it comes to Pokémon training, which angered Ash. Falkner also expressed an intense dislike for the assumption many Trainers make that Flying-type Pokémon will always lose to Electric-types, but proved to be slightly hypocritical as he criticized Ash's poor choice of using Chikorita (a Grass type that is weak to Flying types) in their match.

The Violet Gym itself is a very tall, spiral-shaped building. Falkner conducts his matches on the roof of the Gym, accompanied by many students who chant in unison during his battles.

Ash was able to win the Zephyr Badge, despite his Charizard's wing being severely injured during the match.

Pokémon

Hoothoot

Debut	Fighting Flyer with Fire
Voice actors
Japanese	Yūji Ueda
English	Yūji Ueda

Hoothoot was the first Pokémon sent out in the Gym battle between Falkner and Ash. Hoothoot managed to defeat Ash's Chikorita with ease, but was quickly defeated once Ash brought out his Pikachu. Hoothoot was also sometimes seen outside of its Poké Ball with Falkner when not in battle.

Hoothoot's known moves are Tackle and Peck.

Dodrio

Debut	Fighting Flyer with Fire

Dodrio was the second Pokémon Falkner sent out to battle Ash's Pikachu. At first Dodrio seemed to have the upper hand. When Pikachu tried to attack, Falkner ordered Dodrio to fly - much to Ash's surprise - and Dodrio jumped high in the air. Ash then decided to use that method himself, and ordered Pikachu to dodge Dodrio's Tri Attack by jumping to the air. From above, Pikachu used Thunder, knocking out Dodrio and winning the round.

Dodrio's known moves are Agility, Fury Attack, Drill Peck, and Tri Attack.

Pidgeot

Debut	Fighting Flyer with Fire
Voice actors
Japanese	Megumi Hayashibara
English	Megumi Hayashibara

Pidgeot appeared in Fighting Flyer with Fire. When Team Rocket tried to steal Ash's Pikachu, Falkner used Pidgeot to get Pikachu back and send them blasting off again. Falkner later used it in a Gym battle against Ash. It was able to defeat a weakened Pikachu with a single Whirlwind attack.

It was then put up against Ash's Charizard in the final round of the battle. With its impressive speed and power, Pidgeot was able to gain the upper hand and injure Charizard making it unable to fly. But with Ash's support and inspiration, Charizard was able to fly again.

Unfortunately, things still looked bad as Pidgeot used Agility to keep dodging Charizard's attacks and attack from behind. Ash luckily had Charizard turn back and use Fire Spin trapping Pidgeot. It then finished it off with Seismic Toss making Ash the victor.

Pidgeot's known moves are Whirlwind, Agility, Wing Attack, and Quick Attack.

Voice actors

Language Voice actor Japanese 石田彰 Akira Ishida English Matthew Mitler Czech Ivo Novák Italian Luca Sandri Polish Artur Krajewski Brazilian Portuguese Alex Wendel Spanish Latin America Eduardo Garza Spain Pablo Sevilla

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Falkner in Pokémon Adventures

Falkner is first seen in the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc. He debuts in Elekid Incorporated working as a part-time police officer. He finds Gold unconscious at Professor Elm's laboratory and blames him for the fire started on the lawn. Under the threat of arrest, Gold comes with Falkner and explains to him that the true thief was named Silver. When asked to provide a picture of Silver, Gold deliberately gives wrong information so that he can find Silver himself. Falkner offers Gold and Joey a place to stay for the night at the police station in Cherrygrove City, but Gold turns it down and runs off with Joey in tow.

Falkner reappears in Sunkern Treasure training while off-duty. He runs into Gold and properly introduces himself. Falkner reveals that he plans on taking the Gym Leader qualifying exam so that he can take over the Violet Gym that his father used to lead before being run into hiding. They are attacked by a wild Skarmory that Falkner had faced before, but failed to defeat. With Gold's help, Falkner manages to defeat and capture Skarmory. In Smeargle Smudge, it is revealed Falkner passed the Gym Leader exam.

Falkner as a Policeman

In Really Raikou & Entirely Entei (Part 1) and Really Raikou & Entirely Entei (Part 2), Falkner trains his Pokémon on the outskirts of Violet City, where he encounters a poacher. They are attacked by Raikou and Entei, who Falker assumes are challenging Gym Leaders like Suicune had been doing. Falkner initially struggles to keep up with Entei and Raikou's speed, but he manages to divert their attacks, leaving an opening for him to catch them. The thrown Poké Balls are stopped by Suicune, who had arrived to assist its comrades. The poacher suggests that Falkner give up and live to fight another day, but Falkner refuses the challenge to succeed where the other Gym Leaders failed. In a last-ditch effort, Falkner throws a multitude of Poké Balls into the air, which surround Suicune due to them being outfitted with Skarmory's shed clear feathers, turning them into boomerangs. Falkner almost hits Suicune, but Entei and Raikou return the favor by destroying the Poké Balls. Skarmory begins crashing to the ground due to its now-missing wing, but Suicune saves Falkner with a bubble and then leaves with Entei and Raikou. Falkner admits defeat and claims that he would have lost even if Suicune did not come to help Raikou and Entei. He then reveals to the poacher his job as a police officer and proceeds to arrest him for capturing Pokémon in a protected environment.

Falkner in the ninth chapter

At the Indigo Plateau, Falkner arrives with his fellow Johto Gym Leaders to take place exhibition tournament for the Pokémon League against the Kanto Gym Leaders. In the third round, he faces off against Janine of Fuchsia City. The Poison-type Gym Leader proves too powerful for Falkner and he is nearly defeated by her Ariados. When Janine sees what appears to be her missing father, Koga, in the audience, she forfeits the battle to search for him. When the Masked Man attacks the Pokémon League, Falker and the other Gym Leaders combat his army of mind-controlled Team Rocket Grunts. The fight takes them to the Magnet Train, which is used as a diversion to get the Gym Leaders away from the stadium. After the Masked Man is defeated, Falkner returned to his usual duties of being a Gym Leader.

In the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, Falkner, along with Chuck and Bugsy, is asked by Morty to guard the Ecruteak Gym from suspicious people asking to use Morty's clairvoyance. When Silver arrives to see Morty under Eusine's recommendation, the Gym Leaders mistake him for another suspicious person and stop his attempts to advance. Having no time to talk, Silver opts to battle the Gym Leaders and force his way inside. Silver's clash ends when he is revealed to be a friend of Chuck's former student, Blue. They decide to trust Silver and let him inside to meet with Morty, who had been helping Gold due to mistaking him for Silver. The meeting is cut short by the sudden appearance of Arceus, who lands in front of the Ecruteak Gym and destroys it with a single blast. Falkner, Bugsy, and Chuck are caught in the blast and knocked unconscious.

Falkner's father is Walker, who also uses boomerang Poké Balls made from Skarmory's shed feathers.

Pokémon

This listing is of Falkner's Pokémon in the Pokémon Adventures manga.

Pidgeotto ♂

Debut	Sunkern Treasure

Pidgeotto is Falkner's first known Pokémon. It was first seen training with Noctowl in a field with Falkner. When a wild Skarmory kept terrorizing a group of Sunkern, Pidgeotto was used to battle against it. It was unable to beat Skarmory, as its metal body prevented Pidgeotto from finishing it off.

None of Pidgeotto's moves are known.

Noctowl ♂

Debut	Sunkern Treasure

Noctowl is Falkner's second known Pokémon. It was first seen training with Pidgeotto in a field with Falkner. When a wild Skarmory kept terrorizing a group of Sunkern, Noctowl was used to battle against it. It was unable to beat Skarmory, as its metal body prevented Noctowl from finishing it off. At the Pokémon League, Noctowl was used to battle against Janine. It first went up against her Grimer who attempted sneak attacks with Minimize, but Noctowl exposed it with Foresight. Next, it battled against Janine's Ariados, but was heavily injured before being switched to Skarmory.

Noctowl's only known move is Foresight.

Skarmory

Debut	Sunkern Treasure

Skarmory is Falkner's third known Pokémon. It debuted as a wild Pokémon chasing after a bunch of Sunkern. Falkner battles it and with the help of Gold's Exbo, he was able to capture it. Skarmory was used in Falkner's battle against Raikou and Entei. Together, they nearly succeeded in capturing one of the Legendary Pokémon before Suicune interrupted. Skarmory fought against Suicune, only to have one of its wings shatter, causing Skarmory to plummet to the ground before being saved by Suicune's bubbles. At the Pokémon League, Skarmory was used to battle against Janine. It was used against her Ariados, but was easily captured by its web and would have lost had Janine not forfeited. Its shed feathers are used to improve Falkner's Poké Balls by combining with them to make boomerangs.

Skarmory's known moves are Swift, Agility, and Steel Wing, and its Ability is Keen Eye.

In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga

Falkner appears in Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!! and The Legendary Pokémon Appears! challenging Gold to a Gym battle.

Pokémon

On hand

Pidgeot

Debut	Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!!

Falkner sent out Pidgeot as his other Pokémon were weakened from his previous challenger. It went up against Gold's Totodile and lost.

Pidgeot's only known move is Wing Attack.

Articuno

Debut	The Legendary Pokémon Appears!

Articuno is a legendary Pokémon that appears every four years. It went up against Gold's Pikachu after it came from another time. Pikachu could not defeat Articuno alone so it got help from Totodile and Pidgey.

Articuno's only known move is Ice Beam.

Other

Pidgey

Debut	Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!!

Prior to Gold's Gym battle challenge with Falkner, Falkner used a Pidgey against Black's Mareep and lost. It officially appeared shadowed in Gold's flashback.

Pidgeotto

Debut	Falkner The Bird Keeper's Challenge!!

Prior to Gold's Gym battle challenge with Falkner, Falkner mentioned that he had a Pidgeotto that was beaten by one of Black's Pokémon. It officially appeared shadowed in Gold's flashback.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Falkner in Pocket Monsters HGSS

Falkner in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Falkner is the Gym Leader of Violet City. He first appears in The Gym Challenges Begin!! as the first Gym Leader in Johto Red encountered. Red met him in Sprout Tower while talking to one of the Elders. He reappeared in PMHGSS05 where he had a rematch with Red during Red's return to Johto.

Pokémon

Natu

Debut	The Gym Challenges Begin!!

Natu is Falkner's first known Pokémon. It is usually seen on Falkner's shoulder when it is not battling. During his battle with Red at Sprout Tower, Falkner sends it out to have a battle with his Clefairy.

Natu's known moves are Leer, Teleport, Confuse Ray, and Peck.

Pidgeotto

Debut	PMHGSS05

Falkner's Pidgeotto appeared when Red and his Pokémon returned to Johto. It was used in Falkner's rematch against Red.

Pidgeotto's known moves are Wing Attack, Tackle, and Gust.

In the Pocket Monsters HGSS Jou's Big Adventure manga

Falkner appears in the first chapter of Pocket Monsters HGSS Jou's Big Adventure where he challenges Jou to a Gym Battle in a forest. Jou manages to defeat Falkner, earning himself the Zephyr Badge.

Pokémon

Pidgey

Debut	Aim to be the Strongest! The Hot-Blooded Brotherly Combination!!

Falkner sent out Pidgey to battle Jou's Totodile. It wasn't long before Totodile managed to defeat Pidgey.

Pidgey's only known move is Sand-Attack.

In the TCG

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring Falkner or his Pokémon in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Falkner's Pokémon Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Falkner's Pidgeot					Pokémon VS		001/141
Falkner's Fearow		Tyranitar Half Deck			Pokémon VS		002/141
Falkner's Farfetch'd					Pokémon VS		003/141
Falkner's Dodrio					Pokémon VS		004/141
Falkner's Togetic					Pokémon VS		005/141
Falkner's Delibird					Pokémon VS		006/141
Falkner's Skarmory					Pokémon VS		007/141
Other related cards
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Falkner's TM 01	T [TM]				Pokémon VS		103/141
Falkner's TM 02	T [TM]				Pokémon VS		104/141

Trivia

• His Japanese Leader title is 華麗なる飛行ポケモン使い.
• In Generation II, Falkner is the only Gym Leader who cannot give out a TM that contains a move of his Gym's specialty type, because no Flying-type TM existed in Generation II.
  • In Generation I, Brock also gives out a TM containing a move (Bide) that is not of his Gym's specialty type, even though one existed: TM48 Rock Slide.
• Falkner's Pokémon are the lowest level of any Gym Leader. His level 7 and 9 (9 and 13 in Generation IV) Pokémon include an underleveled Pidgeotto.
• Falkner is the only Gym Leader from either Kanto or Johto to only use Pokémon of his Gym's specialty type in the Pokémon Stadium series.
• Falkner's updated Sugimori artwork depicts him in a pose very similar to that of his Generation II sprite.
• Falkner appears as an opponent in Pokémon Puzzle Challenge. He uses a Pidgey to battle.
• Falkner, in Generation IV, became the first Gym Leader that the player encounters first to give out a TM containing a status move.
• Falkner is the only male Gym Leader that specializes in Flying-type Pokémon.

Names

Language	Name	Origin
Japanese	ハヤト Hayato	隼人瓜 Hayato-Uri, chayote. 隼人 Hayato literally means "peregrine falcon man".
English	Falkner	Means one who trains falcons (falconer).
French	Albert	From albatross.
German	Falk	From Falke, falcon.
Italian	Valerio	From volare, to fly.
Spanish	Pegaso	From Pegasus, the winged horse (Pegaso in Spanish).
Korean	비상 Bisang	Means flight or to fly.
Chinese (Mandarin)	阿速 Ā Sù	速 is taken from 速人 Hayato, an alternate way of writing the name. Also 速 means quick.

Gym Leaders of the Johto region
Violet Gym Falkner	Azalea Gym Bugsy	Goldenrod Gym Whitney	Ecruteak Gym Morty
Cianwood Gym Chuck	Olivine Gym Jasmine	Mahogany Gym Pryce	Blackthorn Gym Clair

Pokémon Pocket Monsters characters Red • Clefairy • Pikachu • Togepi • Tyrogue • Conkeldurr • Dedenne • Chespin • Froakie PM Green • Blue • Yellow • Gold • Silver Professor Oak • Bill • Bill's wife Brock • Misty • Lt. Surge • Erika • Sabrina • Koga • Blaine • Giovanni • Lorelei • Bruno • Agatha • Lance Professor Elm • Earl • Clefairy Rangers • Kurt • DJ Mary • Chairman • Kiyo Falkner • Bugsy • Whitney • Morty • Jasmine • Chuck • Pryce • Clair • Will • Karen PMRS Ruby • Sapphire • Red • Blue Professor Birch • Mr. Stone • Mr. Briney • Maxie • Tetsuya • Rydel • Rydel's rival Dr. Takeda • Scott Norman • Roxanne • Brawly • Wattson PMDP Dia • Kazuki Professor Rowan • Mars • Looker • Charon Dai Fugō • Okane Daisukī Roark • Aaron PMBW Black • Bianca • Cheren Professor Juniper • N • Cedric Juniper • Ghetsis Cilan • Chili • Cress • Lenora • Burgh • Elesa • Clay • Skyla • Shauntal • Marshal • Grimsley • Caitlin • Alder PMXY Shauna • Professor Sycamore • Serena PMSM Hala • Lillie

This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.