Pokémon HeartGold is a role-playing video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld console. It was released in Japan in 2009, and in North America, Europe, and Australia in 2010.
The game is a remake of the 1999 Game Boy Color game Pokémon Gold, featuring updated graphics and gameplay mechanics, as well as new features and content. The game takes place in the Johto region, where players take on the role of a young Pokémon trainer on a quest to become the region’s champion.
Like other Pokémon games, the gameplay revolves around capturing and training a variety of creatures known as Pokémon, which can be used in battles against other trainers. The game also introduces the Pokéwalker, a pedometer accessory that allows players to transfer a Pokémon from the game to the device, and earn experience points and items by walking.
Pokemon HeartGold Starters
In Pokémon HeartGold, players have the option to choose one of three different starter Pokémon at the beginning of the game. The three starter Pokémon available are:
- Chikorita: a Grass-type Pokémon that resembles a small, green dinosaur with a leaf on its head. It evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium.
- Cyndaquil: a Fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small, blue and yellow porcupine. It evolves into Quilava and then Typhlosion.
- Totodile: a Water-type Pokémon that resembles a small, blue and yellow crocodile. It evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr.
Pokemon HeartGold Starters Pokedex
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Pokédex Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | A sweet aroma gently wafts from the leaf on its head. |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Its back is full of flames that glow orange. They increase in size as it becomes more powerful. |
| Totodile | Water | Despite the smallness of its body, Totodile’s jaws are very powerful. While the Pokémon may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough power to cause serious injury. |
Pokemon HeartGold Starters Stats
| Starter Pokémon | Type | HP | Attack | Defense | Special Attack | Special Defense | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | 45 | 49 | 65 | 49 | 65 | 45 |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | 39 | 52 | 43 | 60 | 50 | 65 |
| Totodile | Water | 50 | 65 | 64 | 44 | 48 | 43 |
Pokemon HeartGold Starters Evolution
| Starter Pokémon | Evolution 1 (Level) | Evolution 2 (Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Evolves into Bayleef (Level 16) | Evolves into Meganium (Level 32) |
| Cyndaquil | Evolves into Quilava (Level 14) | Evolves into Typhlosion (Level 36) |
| Totodile | Evolves into Croconaw (Level 18) | Evolves into Feraligatr (Level 30) |
Pokemon HeartGold Starters Comparison
| Starter | Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | – Strong against Rock, Ground, and Water types – Can learn powerful status moves like Light Screen and Reflect – Can learn moves like Razor Leaf and Solar Beam for good offensive power | – Weak against Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, and Bug types – Low speed and defense stats – Limited movepool |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | – Strong against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types – Good speed and special attack stats – Can learn powerful moves like Flamethrower and Fire Blast for good offensive power | – Weak against Water, Ground, and Rock types – Low defense stats – Limited movepool |
| Totodile | Water | – Strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock types – Good attack and defense stats – Can learn powerful moves like Waterfall and Ice Fang for good offensive power | – Weak against Grass and Electric types – Limited movepool – Low special attack and special defense stats |
Best Pokemon HeartGold Starters
The choice of the best starter in Pokemon HeartGold can be subjective and depend on personal preference and playstyle. However, each starter has its own strengths and weaknesses, so here are some points to consider:
- Chikorita: This Grass-type starter is a good choice for players who prefer a defensive playstyle, as it has high defensive stats and can learn status moves like Reflect and Light Screen to support its team. Chikorita’s Grass typing also gives it an advantage against some early-game gym leaders, including Falkner and Whitney. However, Chikorita’s low speed and limited movepool can make it challenging to use in some battles.
- Cyndaquil: This Fire-type starter is a popular choice among players, as it has good offensive stats and can learn powerful Fire-type moves like Flamethrower and Fire Blast. Cyndaquil’s Fire typing gives it an advantage against several gym leaders, including Bugsy, Whitney, and Chuck. However, Cyndaquil’s low defense stats and vulnerability to Water-type moves can make it challenging to use in some battles.
- Totodile: This Water-type starter is a good choice for players who prefer an offensive playstyle, as it has high attack and good defensive stats. Totodile can learn powerful Water-type moves like Waterfall and Aqua Tail, which can be useful in battles against many gym leaders, including Falkner, Bugsy, and Chuck. However, Totodile’s weaknesses to Grass and Electric-type moves can make it challenging to use in some battles.
Ultimately, the choice of the best starter comes down to personal preference and playstyle. All three starters have their own strengths and weaknesses and can be trained to become powerful members of your team.
Also see Pokemon Platinum Starters
