
Pokemon Gen 2 refers to the second generation of the Pokemon franchise, which was released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color. The games in this generation are:
- Pokemon Gold
- Pokemon Silver
- Pokemon Crystal
The second generation of Pokemon introduced 100 new Pokemon, bringing the total number of species to 251. It also added several new features to the game, including:
- Time of day system: Some Pokemon could only be found at certain times of the day or night.
- Pokemon breeding: Trainers could leave two compatible Pokemon at the Pokemon Daycare to produce an egg, which would hatch into a new Pokemon.
- Held items: Pokemon could now hold items that would enhance their abilities or provide other benefits.
- Gender differences: Some Pokemon now had distinct physical differences between male and female versions.
- New types: The Steel and Dark types were introduced, bringing the total number of types to 17.
Gen 2 Starters Pokemon
The Gen 2 starters are the three initial Pokémon a player can choose from at the beginning of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. The three Gen 2 starters are:
- Chikorita
- Cyndaquil
- Totodile
Chikorita

Info | Features |
---|---|
Pokedex No. | 152 |
Name | Chikorita |
Type | Grass |
Species | Leaf Pokemon |
Height | 2′ 11″ (0.9 m) |
Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
Abilities | Overgrow |
Weaknesses | Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug |
Evolutions | Chikorita evolves into Bayleef at level 16, and then into Meganium at level 32. |
Chikorita is a Grass-type Pokémon from the second generation of the Pokémon games. It is the first choice for trainers starting their journey in the Johto region. Chikorita is a small, cute dinosaur-like Pokémon with a leafy head and a single leaf on its back. It is known for its calm and friendly nature, and it is considered an excellent choice for beginners.
In battle, Chikorita relies on its defensive capabilities and supportive moves to outlast opponents. Its signature move is Razor Leaf, which unleashes a flurry of sharp leaves at the opponent. It can also learn moves like Poison Powder and Light Screen, which can poison or protect its team respectively. Chikorita’s hidden ability is Leaf Guard, which protects it from status conditions during sunlight.
Chikorita evolves into Bayleef at level 16, and then into Meganium at level 32. Meganium is a powerful Grass-type Pokémon known for its healing abilities and strong special defense.
Cyndaquil

Info | Features |
---|---|
Pokedex No. | 155 |
Name | Cyndaquil |
Type | Fire |
Species | Fire Mouse Pokemon |
Height | 1′ 8″ (0.5 m) |
Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
Abilities | Blaze |
Weaknesses | Water, Ground, Rock |
Evolutions | Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14, and then into Typhlosion at level 36. |
Cyndaquil is a Fire-type Pokémon from the second generation of the Pokémon games. It is one of the three choices for trainers starting their journey in the Johto region. Cyndaquil is a small, cute creature with a fiery back that it can use to ignite opponents.
In battle, Cyndaquil is a fast and powerful attacker, capable of using moves like Flamethrower and Flame Wheel to deal massive damage to opponents. It also has access to moves like Smokescreen and Swift, which can reduce the accuracy of the opponent’s moves or deal damage regardless of accuracy. Cyndaquil’s hidden ability is Flash Fire, which grants it immunity to Fire-type moves and boosts the power of its own Fire-type moves.
Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14, and then into Typhlosion at level 36. Typhlosion is a powerful Fire-type Pokémon known for its high speed and special attack, as well as its ability to learn moves like Eruption and Lava Plume, which deal massive damage to opponents.
Totodile

Info | Features |
---|---|
Pokedex No. | 158 |
Name | Totodile |
Type | Water |
Species | Big Jaw Pokemon |
Height | 2′ 0″ (0.6 m) |
Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) |
Abilities | Torrent |
Weaknesses | Grass, Electric |
Evolutions | Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18, and then into Feraligatr at level 30. |
Totodile is a Water-type Pokémon from the second generation of the Pokémon games. It is one of the three choices for trainers starting their journey in the Johto region. Totodile is a small, blue reptilian creature with a powerful jaw and sharp teeth.
In battle, Totodile is a physical attacker with high attack and defense stats, capable of using moves like Aqua Tail and Crunch to deal heavy damage to opponents. It also has access to moves like Screech and Leer, which can lower the opponent’s defense and make them more vulnerable to Totodile’s attacks. Totodile’s hidden ability is Sheer Force, which boosts the power of its moves that have additional effects, but removes the effects themselves.
Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18, and then into Feraligatr at level 30. Croconaw is a Water-type Pokémon with improved stats and the ability to learn moves like Ice Fang and Superpower. Feraligatr is a fully-evolved and powerful Water-type with high attack and defense, as well as the ability to learn moves like Dragon Dance and Aqua Jet.
Which Gen 2 Starter is The Best
Choosing the “best” Gen 2 starter is subjective and ultimately depends on personal preference and playstyle. Each starter has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them viable choices for different situations and battles.
- Chikorita, the Grass-type starter, has a good balance of defensive and special attack stats, and can learn moves like Light Screen and Reflect to support its team. However, its type is weak against many common types, such as Fire, Flying, and Ice.
- Cyndaquil, the Fire-type starter, is a fast and powerful attacker with high special attack, making it a good choice for players who prefer to deal damage quickly. However, it is weak against Water, Ground, and Rock-type moves, which are all fairly common.
- Totodile, the Water-type starter, has high attack and defense stats, making it a physically strong and durable choice. It also has access to a variety of powerful Water-type moves. However, it is weak against Grass and Electric-type moves, which can be problematic in certain battles.
Ultimately, the best Gen 2 starter is the one that you personally prefer and enjoy using. Each starter has its own unique qualities and can be a valuable addition to your team depending on your playstyle and the challenges you face.
Gen 2 Starter Evolutions
Each of the Gen 2 starters evolves twice, with their final evolution occurring at higher levels. Here are the evolutions for each starter:
- Chikorita:
- Evolves into Bayleef at level 16
- Bayleef evolves into Meganium at level 32
- Cyndaquil:
- Evolves into Quilava at level 14
- Quilava evolves into Typhlosion at level 36
- Totodile:
- Evolves into Croconaw at level 18
- Croconaw evolves into Feraligatr at level 30
Each evolution brings an increase in the Pokémon’s stats, as well as access to new and more powerful moves. The final evolutions of each starter are all fully-evolved and powerful Pokémon with high stats and unique move sets, making them valuable additions to any team.
Also see Gen 1 Starters