Top 10 Pokémon to Use in Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver

The Johto region is a classic, but its level curve can be brutal. The key to a smooth journey is building a team that covers the many challenges you’ll face—from Whitney’s infuriating Miltank to the Dragon-type onslaught of Clair and Lance. Here’s a ranked list of the top 10 Pokémon to carry you through the game.

See also : Beginner’s Guide to Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver

1. Ampharos

Ampharos is widely considered the best non-legendary Pokémon for a Johto playthrough. It is available early as a Mareep on Route 32, just south of Violet City. As a powerful Electric-type, it trivializes the first Flying-type Gym and remains a vital member for countering the many Water-types you’ll face throughout the region. It’s a slow but incredibly powerful special attacker that will be a cornerstone of your team from the early to late game.

2. Gyarados

There’s no fishing for a Feebas or grinding a Magikarp to level 20 here. In HeartGold & SoulSilver, you are guaranteed a Level 30 Shiny Gyarados during the Lake of Rage story event. It comes with fantastic IVs and requires zero grinding. With a moveset of Waterfall and Ice Fang, it becomes a dragon-slaying machine against Clair and Lance. Its Intimidate ability also makes it a great utility Pokémon.

3. Tyranitar

Tyranitar is a late-game powerhouse. You can obtain a Larvitar in the Safari Zone, but it’s worth the wait. This pseudo-legendary has incredible Rock/Dark typing and monstrous stats, allowing it to tank hits and deal devastating damage. It’s a strategic powerhouse for the Kanto post-game and a staple of many top-tier teams.

4. Quagsire

The Wooper line is one of the unsung heroes of Johto. Water/Ground typing gives Quagsire a fantastic defensive profile, granting it an immunity to Electric attacks and leaving it with only a single weakness (Grass). It learns STAB Earthquake naturally, making it a powerful physical threat that can be caught as early as Route 32.

5. Espeon

With the introduction of the Physical/Special split, Psychic-types are stronger than ever. Getting an Espeon requires evolving Eevee with high friendship during the day. Once you have one, its high Special Attack and Speed allow it to sweep through the Elite Four, as even the Psychic counters are rarely effective. It’s a reliable, hard-hitting special sweeper.

6. Heracross

This Bug/Fighting-type is a fantastic physical attacker. Its high Attack stat can tear through normal trainers, and it’s particularly devastating against the Dark-type and Steel-type challenges you’ll face in the late game. Heracross has a great design and packs a serious punch.

7. Mamoswine

A late-game evolution of Piloswine, Mamoswine is an underrated addition to your team. Its Ground/Ice typing gives it a massive advantage against Lance’s Dragonite. It provides crucial STAB Ice coverage that many teams lack, making the final Champion battle significantly easier.

8. Lugia / Ho-Oh

You can catch one of these box-art legendaries at a respectable level during the main story. Ho-Oh (in Gold/SoulSilver) is a powerful Fire/Flying sweeper, while Lugia (in HeartGold) is a phenomenal defensive wall with access to Recover. Both have high stats and can easily carry you through the Elite Four. Take your time when trying to catch them; bring plenty of Ultra Balls.

9. Dragonite

You can acquire a Dratini as a prize at the Goldenrod Game Corner or by completing the Dragon’s Den challenge. Dragonite is a versatile powerhouse with high Attack and HP. While it requires significant grinding to reach its final level (55) before the Elite Four, its powerful moves and typing make it a rewarding addition to any team.

10. Crobat

Crobat is a fast and reliable Flying-type that many players overlook due to the hassle of evolving Zubat. However, with high Friendship and proper training, Crobat becomes one of the fastest Pokémon in the game. It provides excellent utility and can hit many threats before they can react. Its Poison/Flying typing also offers good resistance to common types.

See also : Beginner’s Guide to Starting the Pokémon Game Series