BEST HEARTGOLD & SOULSILVER POKEMON
Game Notes
HGSS remakes Gold and Silver on Gen 4's engine, and the physical/special split changes the tier list completely. Feraligatr was held back in the originals because Water was a special type, but now it uses its 105 Attack properly with Waterfall and Ice Punch. Gyarados gets the same upgrade with 125 Attack on physical Water moves. Typhlosion is still the fastest starter, but the gap is narrower now. Same two-region adventure, completely different power dynamics.
Pokemon Spotlight
Tyranitar
Sand Stream chips opponents and boosts Sp. Def by 50% in the sandstorm. 134 Attack with Crunch, Stone Edge, and Earthquake. Tyranitar dominates HGSS as a physical tank that generates passive damage just by existing on the field.
View page detailsTyranitar — S Tier, 600 BST
Sand Stream chips opponents and boosts Sp. Def by 50% in the sandstorm. 134 Attack with Crunch, Stone Edge, and Earthquake. Tyranitar dominates HGSS as a physical tank that generates passive damage just by existing on the field.
Mewtwo
Catchable in Cerulean Cave after the Kanto portion. 154 Sp. Atk at 130 Speed on the Gen 4 engine with Calm Mind. HeartGold and SoulSilver's expanded movepools give Mewtwo Aura Sphere for Dark types and Energy Ball for Water/Grounds.
View page detailsMewtwo — S Tier, 680 BST
Catchable in Cerulean Cave after the Kanto portion. 154 Sp. Atk at 130 Speed on the Gen 4 engine with Calm Mind. HeartGold and SoulSilver's expanded movepools give Mewtwo Aura Sphere for Dark types and Energy Ball for Water/Grounds.
Dragonite
HGSS's long campaign through two regions gives Dragonite plenty of chances to shine. 134 Attack and Dragon Dance make it a dominant late-game sweeper, while ExtremeSpeed bypasses faster revenge killers. Inner Focus blocks flinch attempts from Fake Out leads during Battle Frontier runs.
View page detailsDragonite — A Tier, 600 BST
HGSS's long campaign through two regions gives Dragonite plenty of chances to shine. 134 Attack and Dragon Dance make it a dominant late-game sweeper, while ExtremeSpeed bypasses faster revenge killers. Inner Focus blocks flinch attempts from Fake Out leads during Battle Frontier runs.
ArceusNormalMIXEDHP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120AbilityMultitypeNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Swords Dance–Shadow Claw70Recover–HP120Atk120Def120SpA120SpD120Spe120- #1MewtwoPsychicSPECIALHP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130AbilityPressureNatureNaiveItemLife OrbIce Beam90Aura Sphere80Calm Mind–Fire Blast110HP106Atk110Def90SpA154SpD90Spe130
- #2
LugiaPsychicMIXEDHP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfRoost–Ice Beam90Whirlwind–Calm Mind–HP106Atk90Def130SpA90SpD154Spe110 - #3
Ho ohFirePHYSICALHP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90AbilityPressureNatureAdamantItemChoice BandSacred Fire100Brave Bird120Earthquake100Roost–HP106Atk130Def90SpA110SpD154Spe90 
RayquazaDragonMIXEDHP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95AbilityAir LockNatureJollyItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Outrage120Earthquake100Dragon Dance–HP105Atk150Def90SpA150SpD90Spe95
DialgaSteelDragonSPECIALHP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfDraco Meteor130Thunder110Dragon Pulse85Stealth Rock–HP100Atk120Def120SpA150SpD100Spe90
PalkiaWaterDragonSPECIALHP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100AbilityPressureNatureHastyItemChoice ScarfSpacial Rend100Thunder110Surf90Hydro Pump110HP90Atk120Def100SpA150SpD120Spe100
GiratinaGhostDragonMIXEDHP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemChoice ScarfRest–Sleep Talk–Will-O-Wisp–Roar–HP150Atk100Def120SpA100SpD120Spe90
KyogreWaterSPECIALHP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90AbilityDrizzleNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfIce Beam90Thunder110Surf90Water Spout150HP100Atk100Def90SpA150SpD140Spe90
GroudonGroundPHYSICALHP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90AbilityDroughtNatureAdamantItemLife OrbEarthquake100Dragon Claw80Stealth Rock–Stone Edge100HP100Atk150Def140SpA100SpD90Spe90- #4TyranitarRockDarkPHYSICALHP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61AbilitySand StreamNatureJollyItemLum BerryCrunch80Pursuit40Stone Edge100Earthquake100HP100Atk134Def110SpA95SpD100Spe61
LatiasDragonPsychicSPECIALHP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsDraco Meteor130Surf90Trick–Dragon Pulse85HP80Atk80Def90SpA110SpD130Spe110
- #7DragoniteDragonPHYSICALHP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbExtreme Speed80Outrage120Dragon Dance–Fire Punch75HP91Atk134Def95SpA100SpD100Spe80
MetagrossSteelPsychicPHYSICALHP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryMeteor Mash90Earthquake100Explosion250Stealth Rock–HP80Atk135Def130SpA95SpD90Spe70
DeoxysPsychicMIXEDHP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150AbilityPressureNatureNaiveItemFocus SashShadow Ball80Extreme Speed80Spikes–Taunt–HP50Atk150Def50SpA150SpD50Spe150- #8
ZapdosElectricSPECIALHP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Roost–Hidden Power Ice60Heat Wave95HP90Atk90Def85SpA125SpD90Spe100 - #9
SuicuneWaterMIXEDHP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemLum BerryCalm Mind–Ice Beam90Surf90Hidden Power Electric60HP100Atk75Def115SpA90SpD115Spe85 
AzelfPsychicMIXEDHP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemFocus SashExplosion250Stealth Rock–Taunt–U-turn70HP75Atk125Def70SpA125SpD70Spe115
MagnezoneElectricSteelSPECIALHP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60AbilityMagnet PullNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Hidden Power Fire60Thunder Wave–Explosion250HP70Atk70Def115SpA130SpD90Spe60
InfernapeFireFightingMIXEDHP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108AbilityBlazeNatureJollyItemExpert BeltClose Combat120U-turn70Grass Knot–Fire Blast110HP76Atk104Def71SpA104SpD71Spe108
LucarioFightingSteelMIXEDHP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90AbilityInner FocusNatureAdamantItemLife OrbClose Combat120Extreme Speed80Swords Dance–Bullet Punch40HP70Atk110Def70SpA115SpD70Spe90
FlygonGroundDragonPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100AbilityLevitateNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfEarthquake100Outrage120U-turn70Thunder Punch75HP80Atk100Def80SpA80SpD80Spe100- #10
GengarGhostPoisonSPECIALHP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110AbilityLevitateNatureTimidItemLife OrbShadow Ball80Focus Blast120Substitute–Explosion250HP60Atk65Def60SpA130SpD75Spe110 - #11
ScizorBugSteelPHYSICALHP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65AbilityTechnicianNatureAdamantItemChoice BandBullet Punch40Superpower120U-turn70Pursuit40HP70Atk130Def100SpA55SpD80Spe65
SlakingNormalPHYSICALHP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100AbilityTruantNatureJollyItemChoice BandEarthquake100Sucker Punch70Giga Impact150Return–HP150Atk160Def100SpA95SpD65Spe100
RegigigasNormalPHYSICALHP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100AbilitySlow StartNatureAdamantItemLeftoversThunder Wave–Return–Substitute–Earthquake100HP110Atk160Def110SpA80SpD110Spe100- #13
MewPsychicMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilitySynchronizeNatureCalmItemLum BerryTaunt–Explosion250U-turn70Stealth Rock–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 - #14
CelebiPsychicGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureBoldItemChoice ScarfRecover–Thunder Wave–Grass Knot–Hidden Power Fire60HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100 
SalamenceDragonPHYSICALHP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100AbilityIntimidateNatureJollyItemLife OrbDragon Dance–Outrage120Earthquake100Fire Blast110HP95Atk135Def80SpA110SpD80Spe100
ManaphyWaterMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityHydrationNatureTimidItemLife OrbSurf90Rest–Ice Beam90Calm Mind–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100
ShayminGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100AbilityNatural CureNatureTimidItemLife OrbSeed Flare120Earth Power90Hidden Power Fire60Rest–HP100Atk100Def100SpA100SpD100Spe100- #15
MoltresFireSPECIALHP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90AbilityPressureNatureBoldItemFlame PlateFlamethrower90Roost–Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk100Def90SpA125SpD85Spe90 - #16
RaikouElectricSPECIALHP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115AbilityPressureNatureRashItemLife OrbThunderbolt90Hidden Power Ice60Calm Mind–Shadow Ball80HP90Atk85Def75SpA115SpD100Spe115 - #17
EnteiFirePHYSICALHP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100AbilityPressureNatureAdamantItemLife OrbStone Edge100Hidden Power Grass60Iron Head80HP115Atk115Def85SpA90SpD75Spe100 
RegirockRockPHYSICALHP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureAdamantItemLum BerryExplosion250Earthquake100Stone Edge100Fire Punch75HP80Atk100Def200SpA50SpD100Spe50
RegiceIceSPECIALHP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50AbilityClear BodyNatureCalmItemLife OrbIce Beam90Thunderbolt90Charge Beam50Thunder Wave–HP80Atk50Def100SpA100SpD200Spe50
- #42
ArticunoIceMIXEDHP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85AbilityPressureNatureTimidItemExpert BeltRoost–Ice Beam90Toxic–Substitute–HP90Atk85Def100SpA95SpD125Spe85 
MespritPsychicMIXEDHP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80AbilityLevitateNatureRelaxedItemChoice ScarfPsychic90U-turn70Thunderbolt90Stealth Rock–HP80Atk105Def105SpA105SpD105Spe80
MagmortarFireSPECIALHP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83AbilityFlame BodyNatureTimidItemChoice ScarfThunderbolt90Focus Blast120Hidden Power Grass60Fire Blast110HP75Atk95Def67SpA125SpD95Spe83- #43
LaprasWaterIceMIXEDHP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60AbilityWater AbsorbNatureQuietItemZoom LensIce Beam90Ice Shard40Hydro Pump110Thunderbolt90HP130Atk85Def80SpA85SpD95Spe60 - #44
TangrowthGrassMIXEDHP100Atk100Def125SpA110SpD50Spe50AbilityChlorophyllNatureCarefulItemLife OrbEarthquake100Power Whip120Leech Seed–Sleep Powder–HP100Atk100Def125SpA110SpD50Spe50 - #45
CharizardFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemLife OrbAir Slash75Flamethrower90Solar Beam120Hidden Power Grass60HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100 - #46
TyphlosionFireSPECIALHP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100AbilityBlazeNatureTimidItemChoice SpecsEruption150Focus Blast120Flamethrower90Hidden Power Grass60HP78Atk84Def78SpA109SpD85Spe100 - #47
BlastoiseWaterMIXEDHP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureBoldItemChoice SpecsRapid Spin50Ice Beam90Surf90Hydro Pump110HP79Atk83Def100SpA85SpD105Spe78 - #48
ExeggutorGrassPsychicSPECIALHP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55AbilityChlorophyllNatureRashItemLife OrbLeaf Storm130Explosion250Sleep Powder–Psychic90HP95Atk95Def85SpA125SpD75Spe55 - #49
FeraligatrWaterPHYSICALHP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78AbilityTorrentNatureAdamantItemLum BerryWaterfall80Ice Punch75Swords Dance–Aqua Jet40HP85Atk105Def100SpA79SpD83Spe78 
BlazikenFireFightingMIXEDHP80Atk120Def70SpA110SpD70Spe80AbilityBlazeNatureJollyItemChoice ScarfThunder Punch75Flare Blitz120Superpower120Fire Blast110HP80Atk120Def70SpA110SpD70Spe80
WalreinIceWaterMIXEDHP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65AbilityIce BodyNatureBoldItemSitrus BerrySurf90Protect–Substitute–Toxic–HP110Atk80Def90SpA95SpD90Spe65
CastformNormalMIXEDHP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70AbilityForecastNatureQuietItemLife OrbWeather Ball50Flamethrower90Hidden Power Psychic60Substitute–HP70Atk70Def70SpA70SpD70Spe70
NidorinaPoisonUTILITYHP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56Sludge Bomb90Rest–Poison Jab80Poison Fang50HP70Atk62Def67SpA55SpD55Spe56
NidorinoPoisonPHYSICALHP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65AbilityPoison PointNatureJollyItemChesto BerryPoison Jab80Rest–Sucker Punch70Head Smash150HP61Atk72Def57SpA55SpD55Spe65
SpindaNormalUTILITYHP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60AbilityOwn TempoNatureAdamantItemChoice BandDig80Low Kick–Return–Zen Headbutt80HP60Atk60Def60SpA60SpD60Spe60
PidgeottoNormalUTILITYHP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71U-turn70Brave Bird120Roost–Return–HP63Atk60Def55SpA50SpD50Spe71
LombreWaterGrassUTILITYHP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50Surf90Giga Drain75Ice Beam90Solar Beam120HP60Atk50Def50SpA60SpD70Spe50- #117
UnownPsychicMIXEDHP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48Hidden Power60HP48Atk72Def48SpA72SpD48Spe48 
SnoverGrassIceUTILITYHP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40AbilitySnow WarningNatureCalmItemChoice ScarfBlizzard110Leech Seed–Energy Ball90Toxic–HP60Atk62Def50SpA62SpD60Spe40- #118
DelibirdIceUTILITYHP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75AbilityVital SpiritNatureHardyItemFocus SashRapid Spin50Brick Break75Ice Beam90Bounce85HP45Atk55Def45SpA65SpD45Spe75 
FinneonWaterUTILITYHP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66AbilitySwift SwimNatureModestItemLife OrbU-turn70Surf90Ice Beam90Return–HP49Atk49Def56SpA49SpD61Spe66
PsyduckWaterUTILITYHP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55AbilityCloud NineNatureNaiveItemChoice ScarfHydro Pump110Hidden Power Grass60Cross Chop100Ice Beam90HP50Atk52Def48SpA65SpD50Spe55
BulbasaurGrassPoisonUTILITYHP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45AbilityOvergrowNatureModestItemFocus SashGiga Drain75Sludge Bomb90Energy Ball90Solar Beam120HP45Atk49Def49SpA65SpD65Spe45
Pokemon Comparison
FAQ
Gyarados gets a massive boost from the physical/special split. In the original GS, its 125 Attack was wasted on special Water moves. Now it gets physical Waterfall. The Red Gyarados at Lake of Rage is still free, still Level 30, and now one of the best Pokemon in the game instead of just a cool shiny. Dragonite at 600 BST is the pseudo-legendary, but Dratini comes late.
In the original Gold and Silver, moves were physical or special based on TYPE. All Water moves were special, all Ghost moves were physical. That crippled Pokemon like Feraligatr (105 Atk but forced into special Water moves) and Gengar (130 Sp. Atk but stuck with physical Ghost). HGSS runs on Gen 4's engine where each move has its own category. Feraligatr and Gyarados jump multiple tiers because of this.
Much better. In GS, Gyarados was stuck using special Water moves with its terrible 60 Sp. Atk. Its 125 Attack was mostly wasted. In HGSS, Waterfall is physical, so Gyarados finally hits as hard as its stats suggest. Add Intimidate (didn't exist in Gen 2) and Ice Fang for coverage, and it goes from a solid team member to one of the best Pokemon in the game.
Dragonite has 600 BST and Dragon/Flying typing with great coverage options. The grind: Dratini doesn't become Dragonair until Level 30, and Dragonair doesn't become Dragonite until Level 55. If you catch Dratini early from the Dragon's Den or Game Corner, you'll spend serious time leveling. Worth it for Kanto and the post-game, but you can beat the Johto Elite Four without it.
GAME AVAILABILITY
- Gen IY
Yellow151 Pokemon - Gen IRB
Red & Blue151 Pokemon - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver251 Pokemon - Gen IIC
Crystal251 Pokemon - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire202 Pokemon - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen151 Pokemon - Gen IIIE
Emerald202 Pokemon - Gen IVPt
Platinum210 Pokemon - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver256 Pokemon - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen VBW
Black & White156 Pokemon - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2301 Pokemon - Gen VIXY
X & Y457 Pokemon - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire211 Pokemon - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon403 Pokemon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon302 Pokemon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee153 Pokemon - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield400 Pokemon - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus242 Pokemon - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl151 Pokemon - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet400 Pokemon - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A364 Pokemon - Gen XWW
Winds & Waves51 Pokemon