Gold and Silver overhauled Gen 1's balance. The Special split means Pokemon like Alakazam (135 Sp. Atk but only 95 Sp. Def now) aren't as tanky on the special side anymore. Dark and Steel types exist, so Psychic isn't unchecked. Typhlosion and Feraligatr are top-tier starters, and the free Red Gyarados at Lake of Rage is one of the best Pokemon you'll get handed in any game. Your picks need to hold up through both Johto and Kanto here.
- Elite Pokemon
- Base Stat Total of 600+i
- Legendary
- Story-central, catchable in-gamei
- Mythical
- Rare, event-exclusivei
- BST
- Base Stat Total (sum of all 6 stats)i
- Fast with strong offensei
- Bulky with good offensei
- Very high offense, slowi
- Extremely bulky, low offensei
- High offense but fragilei
- Bulky support, low offensei
- Fast utility, momentum controli
Typhlosion is the most efficient pick for a playthrough. 109 Sp. Atk and 100 Speed make it the fastest special attacker you can get from the start. Espeon from Bill's Eevee in Goldenrod is a close second since Psychic is still strong even with Dark types now around. For raw stats, Tyranitar sits at 600 BST, but you won't get Larvitar until Mt. Silver.
Cyndaquil. Fire-type has almost no competition in Johto since wild Fire Pokemon are rare. Typhlosion's 109 Sp. Atk and 100 Speed carry through both regions. Totodile is the runner-up with solid physical stats and Ice-type coverage. Chikorita is the hardest start because Grass is resisted by most early gyms and Meganium's defensive stats don't speed up battles.
The Special stat splits into Sp. Atk and Sp. Def, which reshuffles the power rankings. Dark and Steel types are new, giving Psychic real weaknesses for the first time. Held items exist now, so Leftovers and type-boosting items matter. Breeding lets you pass down moves and create stronger teams. And the day/night cycle affects which wild Pokemon appear. Browse the full Gen 2 roster in the Gold & Silver Pokedex.
Gold gets Ho-Oh at Level 40 before the Elite Four and exclusives like Teddiursa and Growlithe. Silver gets Lugia at Level 40 and exclusives like Phanpy and Skarmory. Ho-Oh hits harder offensively while Lugia is one of the best defensive walls in the game. Both legendaries are available at similar points, so it comes down to preference.
It's the weakest of the three for in-game play. Chikorita's Grass typing is resisted by Falkner, Bugsy, and later gyms don't get much easier. Meganium's stats lean defensive (100 Def, 100 Sp. Def) which keeps you alive but doesn't speed up battles. Absolutely usable if you like a challenge, but you'll lean harder on your other five team members to carry damage.
Tyranitar has 600 BST and is one of the strongest Pokemon in the game. The problem: you can't get Larvitar until Mt. Silver, which is endgame. It also needs Level 55 to fully evolve. For a main playthrough, it shows up way too late to justify the grind. For post-game battles and competitive play though, it's S-Tier material with Rock/Dark typing and massive stats across the board.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB

Red & Blue - Gen IIGS

Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS

Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG

FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS

HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP

Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW

Black & White - Gen VB2W2

Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY

X & Y - Gen VIORAS

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM

Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM

Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE

Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh

Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP

Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV

Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen XWW

Winds & Waves