Honestly, playing Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (HGSS) in 2026 feels like a weird form of time travel. It’s been well over a decade since they dropped, yet they’re still the gold standard. Literally. Most modern entries feel like they’re rushing you to the finish line, but these remakes? They want you to live in Johto. They want you to feel the crunch of the grass.
If you’re looking for a Pokemon Heart Gold Soul Silver guide that actually gets why these games are special—and how to survive that brutal level curve—you’re in the right place. We aren't just talking about where to find a Pidgey. We’re talking about the stuff the game doesn't tell you, like how to manipulate the clock for a Lucky Egg or why your choice of starter changes the game's difficulty more than you'd think.
The Starter Struggle: It’s Not Just About Type
Everyone loves Cyndaquil. It’s cute, it turns into a fire-breathing beast, and it’s basically the "easy mode" for the early game. But let’s be real for a second. If you pick Chikorita, you are signing up for a specialized kind of pain.
- Falkner (Flying): Resists Grass.
- Bugsy (Bug): Resists Grass.
- Team Rocket (Poison/Zubat): Resists Grass.
It’s a rough start. If you’re a masochist, go for the leaf dinosaur. Otherwise, Totodile is the most consistent heavy hitter because it gets access to Ice Fang early on, which is basically a "Delete" button for the late-game Dragon types.
That Johto Level Curve is Actually the Villain
You know that feeling when you beat the seventh gym and realize the wild Pokémon nearby are still level 20? It’s the biggest flaw in HGSS. The game just... stops giving you EXP.
To fix this, you have to be smart. Don’t try to train a full team of six right away. You’ll end up with six mediocre Pokémon that get bodied by Claire’s Kingdra. Stick to three or four "mains" until you hit the Elite Four.
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Where to Actually Grind
If you’re stuck, don’t just run in circles in the grass near Mahogany Town. Head to Route 47 near Cianwood. If you have Surf, you can find Miltank and Fearow that give significantly better EXP than anything else in Johto at that point. Also, keep an eye on your Pokégear. Rematching trainers is the only way to keep your wallet and your levels healthy.
The Secret Power of the Pokéwalker
If you’re lucky enough to own a physical copy with the pedometer, use it. It’s not just a gimmick. You can catch a Pikachu that knows Fly or Surf in the Yellow Forest route. More importantly, it’s the only way to get a Munchlax or a Spiritomb without trading from another generation.
Even if you’re playing on "alternative hardware" (we know you are), many emulators have ways to simulate those steps. It’s worth it for the early-game items alone. Getting a Sun Stone or a Rare Candy before the third gym is a total game-changer.
Capturing the Legends: Don't Waste Your Master Ball
Look, I know Entei and Raikou are annoying. They run away the second they see you. It’s tempting to just chuck the Master Ball and be done with it.
Don't.
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Save that ball for Mewtwo in Cerulean Cave or a shiny you might stumble upon. To catch the roamers, you need a "trapper."
- Golbat/Crobat with Mean Look: This stops them from fleeing.
- Scyther with False Swipe: Gets them down to 1 HP safely.
- Butterfree with Sleep Powder: Sleep is the best status for catch rates in Gen 4.
The "quick ball" is your best friend here. Throw it on the very first turn. You’d be surprised how often it actually works.
The Kanto "Post-Game" is the Real Game
Most Pokémon games end at the credits. HGSS just says, "Okay, now go do it all again." Heading back to Kanto is a nostalgia trip, but the gym leaders there are significantly tougher.
The Phone Number Hunt
You can’t just walk into a gym and ask for a rematch. You have to stalk these people. Literally.
- Misty is at the Cerulean Cape on any afternoon, but only after you’ve cleared the Power Plant mess.
- Brock is hanging out in Diglett’s Cave on Saturday afternoons.
- Blue? You have to give his sister, Daisy, five massages in Pallet Town before he’ll even think about talking to you.
Rematching these leaders in the Saffron City Dojo is the only way to get your team ready for the final boss.
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The Ultimate Challenge: Facing Red
Red isn't just a trainer; he's a wall. Standing on top of Mt. Silver with a team in the 80s, he will wreck you if you aren't prepared. His Pikachu is level 88. Let that sink in.
The trick isn't just out-leveling him—it’s the weather. It’s always hailing on Mt. Silver. This breaks Focus Sashes and chips away at your non-Ice types. If you bring a Tyranitar or an Abomasnow, you can change the weather to something that benefits you instead.
Honestly, the best way to win is to use a "staller." A Blissey or a Snorlax can soak up his special attacks while you heal up your heavy hitters. It’s not pretty, but it works.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Playthrough
Stop treating this like a modern game where you can just "A-button" your way to victory.
- Talk to Primo: In the Violet City Pokémon Center, there’s a guy named Primo. If you give him specific phrases (you can find generators online), he gives you eggs for Mareep, Wooper, and Slugma, plus custom PC wallpapers. It’s a free power boost 10 minutes into the game.
- The Headbutt Move Tutor: Get this early in Ilex Forest. It lets you shake trees. This is how you get Heracross, which is arguably the best Fighting-type in the game.
- The Apricorn Economy: Don't ignore Kurt. Heavy Balls make catching Lugia and Snorlax trivial. Love Balls are weirdly broken and have a massive multiplier if the genders match.
- Voltorb Flip: It’s frustrating, but the rewards are insane. You can get a Dratini or the TM for Thunderbolt before you even face Whitney. If you're struggling, use a Voltorb Flip calculator—it makes the mini-game actually winnable.
Whether you're revisiting Johto for the tenth time or just starting, remember that the journey is the point. These games were built to be savored. Take the time to listen to the music, let your Pokémon walk behind you, and don't rush to Mt. Silver. Red isn't going anywhere.