Choosing your first Pokémon in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver is a pivotal moment that shapes your entire journey through the Johto region. Many trainers find themselves pondering the age-old question: Which starter Pokémon is the right choice? While each of the three options – Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Chikorita – offers a unique path, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making an informed decision. This guide will delve into the intricacies of selecting your ideal companion, focusing primarily on Totodile and Chikorita, to help you embark on your HeartGold adventure with confidence.
While Cyndaquil is a popular and powerful choice, let’s explore the perspectives of trainers who lean towards the less conventional options. One seasoned Pokémon master I know prefers Chikorita, and her reasoning is insightful. In the Gold and Silver (and consequently HeartGold and SoulSilver) generations, Grass-type Pokémon can be surprisingly scarce and often lacklustre. Choosing Chikorita right from the start ensures you have a dedicated Grass-type on your team, filling a niche that can be harder to fill later in the game.
Just as Charmander’s initial journey in Red and Blue/Green presents a unique challenge, Chikorita offers a similar test of a trainer’s strategic team-building skills in HeartGold. It’s a choice for trainers who relish a bit more of a strategic edge and enjoy overcoming early-game hurdles. Forget about easy mode; Chikorita encourages you to think outside the box and truly master the art of Pokémon training.
Feraligatr: A Water-Type Titan of Adaptability
Totodile, evolving into the formidable Feraligatr, stands as a robust and versatile starter choice in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Despite facing stiff competition from other excellent Water-types like Kingdra, Gyarados, Poliwrath, Lapras, and even the legendary Suicune, Feraligatr distinguishes itself through its adaptability and well-rounded capabilities. Notably, Totodile reaches its final evolution, Feraligatr, at a lower level than many other Water-type powerhouses, giving you access to its full potential sooner.
Feraligatr’s movepool is remarkably diverse, offering coverage for a wide range of opponents. It naturally learns Ice-type moves like Ice Fang through leveling up, a crucial asset for tackling the Elite Four and particularly Lance’s Dragon-types. Furthermore, Feraligatr can learn powerful TMs such as Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Waterfall, Crunch, and even moves like Rock Slide and Shadow Claw. This expansive movepool allows Feraligatr to potentially overcome almost any type matchup, making it an incredibly self-sufficient Pokémon. While you might still need another Water-type Pokémon for HM moves like Surf and Waterfall, Feraligatr’s combat prowess is undeniable.
In summary, while not boasting the absolute highest stats among Water-types, Feraligatr’s adaptability and diverse movepool make it arguably the best starter in HeartGold, capable of handling a vast array of challenges throughout your journey.
Gym Leader Strategy with Totodile/Feraligatr
Falkner (Violet City Gym Leader – Flying-type): Similar to Cyndaquil, Totodile doesn’t have a type advantage against Falkner’s Flying-type Pokémon. However, Totodile’s respectable Attack stat can exploit the lower Defense of Flying-types. Utilize Water Gun repeatedly, and you should secure victory. The Sprout Tower challenge beforehand might seem daunting, but a Pidgey with Gust can ease your path.
Bugsy (Azalea Town Gym Leader – Bug-type): By the time you reach Bugsy, your Totodile is likely to have evolved into Croconaw. Again, no direct type advantage here, so rely on Croconaw’s raw power and consider supporting Pokémon. Flying-types remain effective against Bug, so Pidgey or Hoothoot will be valuable. Mareep or Flaaffy can also handle Scyther’s Flying dual-typing if needed.
Whitney (Goldenrod City Gym Leader – Normal-type): Whitney’s Miltank is notorious, regardless of your starter. Paralysis is your best friend here. Inflict paralysis with moves like Thunder Wave (from a different Pokémon), and then chip away at Miltank with Bite and Water Gun until it faints. Patience and strategic status conditions are key.
Morty (Ecruteak City Gym Leader – Ghost-type): Here, Croconaw truly shines compared to Quilava. Bite evolves into a Dark-type move in Generation II, giving you a potent weapon against Ghost-types. Croconaw’s high Attack stat combined with Dark-type Bite will effectively dismantle Morty’s Gastly and Haunter, which have low Defense. Be cautious of Gengar, though; its Shadow Ball attacks can still heavily damage Croconaw.
Chuck (Cianwood City Gym Leader – Fighting-type): Type resistances are in Feraligatr’s favor against Chuck. While Poliwrath utilizes Water-type moves, Feraligatr’s Water-typing negates this advantage. Focus on raw power and potentially bring along an Electric-type like Flaaffy or Ampharos, which are excellent against Fighting-types. Croconaw or Feraligatr can stall or finish off weakened opponents after your Electric-type weakens them.
Jasmine (Olivine City Gym Leader – Steel-type): Magnemite, being part Electric, might pose a slight threat to Water-types. However, by this point, you ideally have a Fire-type Pokémon like Houndour, Magmar, or Arcanine. Use your Fire-type to deal with Magnemite, then bring out Feraligatr against Steelix. Surf is highly effective against Steelix, or you can employ other powerful Water-type moves to overwhelm the Steel-type titan.
Pryce (Mahogany Town Gym Leader – Ice-type): The Water-typing of Feraligatr does introduce a vulnerability to Ice-types. Ampharos with Thunder is your MVP here. Pryce’s Piloswine is also vulnerable to Water, so a couple of Surf attacks from Feraligatr will be effective.
Claire (Blackthorn City Gym Leader – Dragon-type): Ideally, Feraligatr should know Ice Fang or Ice Beam by now. If not, ensure you have another strategy for Dragon-types. Dragon-types are weak to Ice, and Feraligatr’s Ice moves will be crucial against Claire’s Dragonair and Kingdra. Be mindful of Thunder Wave and Hyper Beam from her Dragonite, but Feraligatr, with Ice coverage, significantly simplifies this gym battle.
Pokémon League Strategy with Feraligatr
Will (Elite Four – Psychic-type): If you taught Feraligatr Crunch (TM), Will becomes much easier. Dark-type moves are super effective against Psychic-types. Shadow Claw is another viable option. Ampharos can handle the Xatu duo, and your Fire-type can take care of Exeggutor. Ice Beam also works effectively against Exeggutor due to its Grass/Psychic typing.
Koga (Elite Four – Poison-type): Fire-types are excellent against Koga’s Poison-types. Feraligatr can manage this battle, but conserving it for later might be wise. Earthquake can be effective against some of Koga’s Poison-types.
Bruno (Elite Four – Fighting-type): Bring out your Flying-type Pokémon. Bruno’s Hitmonchan is dangerous with its elemental punches, and Machamp’s Rock Slide is equally threatening. Swiftly defeat his team with Flying-type moves.
Karen (Elite Four – Dark-type): Umbreon remains a defensive wall, primarily due to its high defenses and Moonlight healing. Houndoom is less problematic. Gengar and Murkrow are also manageable. Vileplume, while part Poison/Grass, becomes less of a threat to Fire or Flying-types.
Lance (Elite Four Champion – Dragon-type): Think of Claire’s gym battle but amplified in difficulty. Ampharos can handle Aerodactyl and Gyarados. Feraligatr will be instrumental against Lance’s three Dragonite. One Dragonite knows Thunder, so exercise caution initially. Spam Ice-type attacks with Feraligatr, and victory should be within reach.
Chikorita: Embracing the Grass-Type Challenge
Chikorita, evolving into Bayleef and ultimately Meganium, presents a more challenging but rewarding path for trainers seeking a unique experience in Pokémon HeartGold. While often perceived as the “hard mode” starter, Chikorita’s journey encourages strategic gameplay and a deeper understanding of type matchups. Choosing Chikorita means embracing a more tactical approach to overcome early-game hurdles and appreciating the strategic advantages Grass-types offer later in the game.
Gym Leader Strategy with Chikorita/Meganium
Falkner (Violet City Gym Leader – Flying-type): Your first gym battle will require strategic thinking. Falkner’s Pidgeotto and Pidgey will quickly overwhelm Chikorita with Gust attacks. Obtain a Geodude early and teach it Rock Throw. Rock-type moves are super effective against Flying-types. Spam Rock Throw to secure your first badge. Sprout Tower can also be navigated with a Pidgey.
Bugsy (Azalea Town Gym Leader – Bug-type): Pidgey and Geodude are again your key players. Rock Throw and Gust are highly effective against Bug-types. Mareep or Flaaffy can also contribute.
Whitney (Goldenrod City Gym Leader – Normal-type): The strategy for Whitney’s Miltank remains similar for Bayleef. Paralyze Miltank first (using another Pokémon if necessary), and then chip away at its health. Consider using a Fighting-type Pokémon like Machop, obtainable early on, to exploit Miltank’s Normal-typing.
Morty (Ecruteak City Gym Leader – Ghost-type): Except for Misdreavus, Ghost-types in HeartGold and SoulSilver are part Poison, making them resistant to Grass-type attacks. They also possess Levitate, rendering Ground-type moves ineffective. Psychic-types are weak to Ghost, and Gengar’s Speed makes Psychic attacks risky. Bayleef possesses decent Special Defense, mitigating some damage from Shadow Ball. Lacking type advantages, adopt the Whitney strategy: paralyze and grind.
Chuck (Cianwood City Gym Leader – Fighting-type): Finally, a Gym where Grass-types excel! Poliwrath, a Water/Fighting-type, is vulnerable to Grass-type moves. Razor Leaf from Bayleef or Meganium will quickly dispatch Poliwrath, paving the way to your fifth badge.
Jasmine (Olivine City Gym Leader – Steel-type): Steel-types resist Grass, and Electric-types are neutral. Fire-types are effective against Magnemite. If you have a Pokémon with Dig (Ground-type), it will be effective against Steelix. Alternatively, Fire-type moves are also effective against Steelix.
Pryce (Mahogany Town Gym Leader – Ice-type): Remember the Water dual-typing of some Ice-types. Grass-types are effective against Water. However, Ice-types are strong against Grass. Pryce’s Pokémon can pose a threat. Aurora Beam and Blizzard can significantly damage Meganium. Use Ampharos and a Fire-type Pokémon to quickly defeat Pryce’s team. Avoid prolonged battles to minimize Rest usage from Pryce’s Pokémon.
Claire (Blackthorn City Gym Leader – Dragon-type): While Meganium isn’t strong or weak against Dragon-types, Claire’s team doesn’t have many direct weaknesses to Grass. One of her Dragonair knows Fire Blast, posing a threat. Kingdra, however, is not resistant to Grass, allowing Meganium to inflict some damage.
Pokémon League Strategy with Meganium
Will (Elite Four – Psychic-type): Two Flying-types and one Ice-type on Will’s team are unfavorable matchups for Grass-types. The first Xatu lacks Flying-type moves but has U-Turn, which could switch into a more advantageous Pokémon against Meganium. Rely on Pokémon other than your starter for this battle.
Koga (Elite Four – Poison-type): Poison-types are resistant to Grass. Again, Fire, Rock, or Psychic-types are better choices for this battle.
Bruno (Elite Four – Fighting-type): Quickly eliminate Onix with Water or Grass-type moves if available. Hitmontop and Hitmonlee should be manageable for Meganium. Hitmonchan and Machamp can be handled by Flying or Psychic-types, though Meganium might also hold its own against Machamp.
Karen (Elite Four – Dark-type): Houndoom is a major threat to Meganium. However, the rest of Karen’s team is less problematic. Vileplume, despite its Poison/Grass typing, is vulnerable to Fire-type moves.
Lance (Elite Four Champion – Dragon-type): Two of Lance’s Dragonite possess anti-Grass moves: Blizzard and Fire Blast. Aerodactyl knows Aerial Ace, and Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type. Gyarados is part Flying, reducing the effectiveness of Grass attacks, and his level 49 Dragonite can use Dragon Rush. Chikorita’s journey is intentionally challenging, and Lance epitomizes this final test.
Choosing your starter in Pokémon HeartGold is a deeply personal decision. Totodile offers a smooth, adaptable journey with Feraligatr, while Chikorita presents a more strategic, challenging experience with Meganium. Both paths are rewarding in their own right. Consider your preferred playstyle and embrace the adventure that awaits you in the captivating world of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver!
