Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver starts you with a choice of Chikorita (Grass), Cyndaquil (Fire) and Totodile (Water). We would pick Cyndaquil: it has the edge on Bugsy.
The pick matters most at the start. We looked at your rival's first battle and the first three Gyms. The sections below show how each starter does.
Cyndaquil has the easiest start
Cyndaquil is a Fire type. It evolves into Quilava at level 14 and into Typhlosion at level 36. Typhlosion is a Fire type with 534 base stats in total.
In Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, it starts with Leer and Tackle, gets Ember at level 10 and gets Quick Attack at level 13.
If you take Cyndaquil, your rival Silver answers with a level 5 Totodile.
Cyndaquil has the edge on Bugsy and has a hard time against your rival Silver. Its matchup score is 3 across 8 opposing Pokemon.
Totodile is the middle pick
Totodile is a Water type. It evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and into Feraligatr at level 30. Feraligatr is a Water type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, it starts with Leer and Scratch, learns Water Gun at level 6 and picks up Rage at level 8.
If you take Totodile, your rival Silver answers with a level 5 Chikorita.
Totodile has a hard time against your rival Silver, and no early fight gives it a clear edge. Its matchup score is -1 across 8 opposing Pokemon.
Chikorita has the hardest start
Chikorita is a Grass type. It evolves into Bayleef at level 16 and into Meganium at level 32. Meganium is a Grass type with 525 base stats in total.
In Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, it starts with Growl and Tackle, learns Razor Leaf at level 6 and picks up Magical Leaf at level 20.
If you take Chikorita, your rival Silver answers with a level 5 Cyndaquil.
Chikorita has a hard time against your rival Silver, Falkner and Bugsy, and no early fight gives it a clear edge. Its matchup score is -6 across 8 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Chikorita | Grass | Meganium | 525 | -6 | | Cyndaquil | Fire | Typhlosion | 534 | 3 | | Totodile | Water | Feraligatr | 530 | -1 |
Cyndaquil is the pick for HeartGold and SoulSilver
Cyndaquil has the highest matchup score at 3, ahead of Totodile at -1 and Chikorita at -6. The score only covers the early game. Typhlosion has 534 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 530 and 525.
Whitney's Miltank is level 19, the highest level in the first three fights, so train before you reach that Gym.
(The score does not know which one has the best cry. We checked.)
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver?
Our pick is Cyndaquil, which has the highest matchup score.
Can you get the other starters?
Yes. Later in the game Professor Oak gives you one Kanto starter.
