Generation IV
Best Team for Pokémon HeartGold
Pokémon HeartGold is a faithful DS remake of Gold with all 493 Pokémon available, a Pokémon following you in real time, and the PokéWalker accessory. Two full regions make this one of the longest in-game adventures.
Recommended Team
Typhlosion
Fire — Starter
Cyndaquil evolves quickly and Typhlosion's Fire STAB handles the Grass, Bug, and Steel types scattered throughout both Johto and Kanto.
Gyarados
Water / Flying — Physical Sweeper
Fish a Magikarp early on Route 32; Gyarados remains among the top physical Water types in Gen IV and gains Dragon Dance for sweeping both Johto and Kanto Gym Leaders.
Ampharos
Electric — Special Attacker
Mareep on Route 32 is catchable before the second gym; Ampharos covers the Water routes through both regions and handles Whitney's Miltank with Thunderpunch.
Heracross
Bug / Fighting — Physical Attacker
Headbutt trees on Route 33 or outside Azalea Town; Heracross is the strongest physical attacker available in Gen IV Johto and crushes Dark, Normal, and Rock types.
Espeon
Psychic — Fast Special Attacker
Receive Eevee from Bill in Goldenrod City; high daytime friendship evolves it into Espeon, covering the Psychic and Fighting matchups throughout Kanto's Gym Leaders.
Dragonite
Dragon / Flying — Late-Game Ace
Receive a Dratini from the Dragon's Den elder in Blackthorn City after earning the Rising Badge; Dragonite reaches full power in the Kanto stretch and is one of the strongest non-legendary Pokémon in HeartGold.
Tips & Notes
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HeartGold has the Red battle at Mt. Silver postgame — Red's team is level 80–88, requiring serious grinding or strong Pokémon bred with good natures and EVs.
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The PokéWalker lets you level your Pokémon passively while walking; great for training Eevee's friendship for Espeon.
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Whitney's Miltank (Rollout) is notoriously difficult — bring Ampharos or Heracross to handle it early.
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