Pokemon Team Builder

Build your team for Generation 4 remakes: Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver. Click on any Pokemon below to add it to your team. Experience the Following Pokemon feature and enhanced Johto region with Generation 4 battle mechanics!

Blue tally marks indicate resistances, immunities, or STAB coverage. Red tally marks indicate weakness.

About Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are enhanced remakes of the beloved Generation 2 games, released for the Nintendo DS. These games combine the classic Johto and Kanto regions with Generation 4's advanced battle mechanics, creating a perfect Pokemon Team Builder experience that honors the original while introducing modern features.

Pokemon Team Builder for HeartGold SoulSilver featuring Johto region landscape

Game Overview

HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in 2009 (Japan) and 2010 (North America). These remakes faithfully recreate the Gold and Silver experience while enhancing it with Generation 4's Physical/Special Split, improved graphics, touch-screen functionality, and the revolutionary Following Pokemon feature. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you navigate these enhancements when planning your perfect team.

Remake Features

HeartGold and SoulSilver introduced numerous enhancements that have become essential to Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Following Pokemon Feature - Your first Pokemon follows you outside its Poke Ball, creating a unique Pokemon Team Builder experience that affects both immersion and strategy
  • Physical/Special Split - Generation 4's revolutionary battle system fundamentally changes how Pokemon Team Builder strategies work, allowing optimal move matching with Pokemon stats
  • Enhanced Graphics - Updated visuals and animations make Pokemon Team Builder planning more engaging and enjoyable
  • Touch Screen Integration - Pokegear and menu navigation through touch screen enhance the Pokemon Team Builder user experience
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity - Online trading and battling expand Pokemon Team Builder options worldwide
  • Dual Region Experience - Access to both Johto and Kanto regions with expanded content, offering comprehensive Pokemon Team Builder planning opportunities
  • National Pokedex - Access to all 493 Pokemon from Generations 1-4, maximizing Pokemon Team Builder team building options

Impact and Significance

HeartGold and SoulSilver are widely regarded as some of the best Pokemon remakes ever created. They successfully enhance the beloved Generation 2 experience while maintaining the core gameplay that made the originals popular. The Following Pokemon feature adds a unique Pokemon Team Builder element that affects team planning, while Generation 4 mechanics provide modern battle depth. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you take full advantage of these features when building your perfect team.

Following Pokemon Feature and Team Building

The Following Pokemon feature is one of HeartGold and SoulSilver's most beloved additions, allowing your first Pokemon to walk beside you outside its Poke Ball. This feature creates a unique Pokemon Team Builder experience that affects both immersion and strategic team planning decisions.

Pokemon Team Builder Following Pokemon feature showing Pokemon walking with trainer

How Following Pokemon Works

The Following Pokemon feature allows your first Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team to walk alongside you throughout your journey. This creates several unique interactions:

  • Visual Presence - Your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon appears on the overworld, creating a stronger bond and immersion
  • Size Considerations - Large Pokemon like Wailord or Snorlax take up more screen space, affecting navigation and Pokemon Team Builder visual experience
  • Special Interactions - Your following Pokemon may react to certain environments or items, adding depth to Pokemon Team Builder exploration
  • Personality Display - Pokemon show their personalities through following animations, enhancing Pokemon Team Builder team connection

Pokemon Team Builder Strategic Impact

The Following Pokemon feature affects Pokemon Team Builder planning in several ways:

  • Team Slot Prioritization - The first Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team will be visible throughout your journey, potentially influencing which Pokemon you choose for that position
  • Visual Preferences - Pokemon Team Builder users may choose Pokemon they enjoy seeing follow them, affecting team composition decisions
  • Size-Based Planning - Larger Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder lead slot may affect navigation, potentially influencing team structure
  • Bonding Experience - The following feature creates a stronger connection to your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon, potentially affecting move and item choices

Pokemon Team Builder Considerations

When planning your Pokemon Team Builder team with the Following Pokemon feature in mind:

  • Lead Pokemon Choice - Consider which Pokemon you want to see following you when planning your Pokemon Team Builder team structure
  • Size Management - Larger Pokemon may obstruct your view during exploration, affecting Pokemon Team Builder lead slot decisions
  • Visual Appeal - Some Pokemon Team Builder users prefer certain Pokemon for the following feature, influencing team planning
  • Swap Flexibility - You can rearrange your Pokemon Team Builder team to change which Pokemon follows you at any time

The Following Pokemon feature adds a unique Pokemon Team Builder dimension that enhances the HeartGold and SoulSilver experience, making team planning more personal and immersive.

Enhanced Johto Experience with Gen 4 Mechanics

HeartGold and SoulSilver enhance the classic Johto region with Generation 4's advanced battle mechanics and features. These improvements fundamentally transform Pokemon Team Builder strategies compared to the original Gold, Silver, and Crystal versions, creating a more strategic and modern team building experience.

Pokemon Team Builder enhanced Johto experience with Generation 4 battle mechanics

Physical/Special Split Revolution

The most significant improvement for Pokemon Team Builder planning is Generation 4's Physical/Special Split, which fundamentally changes battle strategy:

  • Move-Based Classification - Moves are now categorized by Physical or Special based on the move itself, not the type, allowing Pokemon Team Builder strategies to maximize Pokemon potential
  • Stat Optimization - Pokemon Team Builder users must now consider both Attack and Special Attack stats when planning movesets, creating more strategic depth
  • Expanded Movepool Options - Previously unusable moves become viable when matched with appropriate stats, increasing Pokemon Team Builder versatility
  • Mixed Attackers - Pokemon can now effectively use both Physical and Special moves, expanding Pokemon Team Builder team composition options

Enhanced Battle Features

Generation 4 mechanics provide additional Pokemon Team Builder planning options:

  • Improved Move Distribution - Better move availability throughout the game enhances Pokemon Team Builder moveset planning
  • Item Variety - Expanded held item options provide more Pokemon Team Builder strategic choices
  • Improved AI - Better opponent AI makes Pokemon Team Builder planning more meaningful and challenging
  • Battle Speed Options - Faster battle animations improve Pokemon Team Builder planning efficiency

Modern Convenience Features

HeartGold and SoulSilver introduce convenience features that enhance Pokemon Team Builder experience:

  • Running Shoes Always On - Faster movement speeds up Pokemon Team Builder exploration and planning
  • Touch Screen Menus - Easy access to Pokemon Team Builder tools and Pokemon information
  • Improved PC System - Better Pokemon storage management aids Pokemon Team Builder team organization
  • Auto-Save Features - Protection against data loss during Pokemon Team Builder planning

Pokemon Team Builder Strategic Benefits

For Pokemon Team Builder users, these Generation 4 enhancements provide several advantages:

  • Better Move Planning - Physical/Special Split allows optimal Pokemon Team Builder moveset matching
  • Strategic Depth - Modern mechanics create more complex Pokemon Team Builder decision-making
  • Expanded Options - More Pokemon become viable through improved mechanics, increasing Pokemon Team Builder choices
  • Enhanced Experience - Modern features make Pokemon Team Builder planning more enjoyable and efficient

When using our Pokemon Team Builder for HeartGold and SoulSilver, these Generation 4 enhancements provide a more strategic and modern team building experience compared to the original games.

Pokemon Walking with You: Strategic Benefits

The Following Pokemon feature in HeartGold and SoulSilver provides more than just visual appeal - it offers strategic benefits for Pokemon Team Builder planning that enhance both gameplay and team building decisions.

Pokemon Team Builder strategic benefits of Pokemon walking with trainer feature

Happiness and Friendship Benefits

Having your Pokemon walk with you in your Pokemon Team Builder lead slot provides happiness benefits that affect gameplay:

  • Happiness Building - Walking with your Pokemon increases happiness, which affects evolution for certain Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team (e.g., Golbat evolving into Crobat)
  • Friendship Mechanics - Higher friendship can provide battle benefits, making your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon more effective
  • Evolution Requirements - Some Pokemon require high happiness to evolve, making the following feature beneficial for Pokemon Team Builder evolution planning

Battle Readiness

The Following Pokemon feature provides subtle battle advantages for Pokemon Team Builder strategies:

  • Constant Preparation - Your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon is always visible and ready, creating a sense of preparedness
  • Bond Enhancement - The visual bond created by following Pokemon may influence Pokemon Team Builder team member choices and strategies
  • Strategic Awareness - Having your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon visible keeps you aware of your team's primary member

Exploration Benefits

The Following Pokemon feature enhances exploration aspects that affect Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Visual Navigation - Your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon's size and appearance can help with navigation in certain areas
  • Environmental Interactions - Your following Pokemon may react to environments, providing Pokemon Team Builder exploration insights
  • Emotional Connection - Stronger connection to your Pokemon Team Builder team through visual presence enhances overall gameplay

Pokemon Team Builder Planning Considerations

When planning your Pokemon Team Builder team with Following Pokemon benefits in mind:

  • Happiness Evolution Planning - Consider which Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team benefit from walking to increase happiness for evolution
  • Lead Pokemon Selection - Choose your Pokemon Team Builder lead Pokemon based on which benefits most from happiness or visual presence
  • Team Rotation Strategy - Plan to rotate your Pokemon Team Builder team members to maximize happiness benefits across your team
  • Size and Navigation - Consider Pokemon size when planning your Pokemon Team Builder lead slot for optimal navigation experience

The Following Pokemon feature provides strategic benefits that enhance Pokemon Team Builder planning, making team building decisions more meaningful and interconnected with gameplay mechanics.

Johto Region Pokedex

The Johto regional Pokedex in HeartGold and SoulSilver contains 256 Pokemon, including Pokemon from Generations 1-4. This Pokemon Team Builder provides complete access to all available Pokemon, making it easy to plan teams that utilize both regional and National Pokedex Pokemon.

Regional Pokedex Composition

The Johto regional Pokedex features 256 Pokemon, combining classic Johto Pokemon with expanded options:

  • Generation 2 Pokemon - All 100 Generation 2 Pokemon are available for Pokemon Team Builder planning
  • Generation 1 Pokemon - Many Kanto Pokemon appear in Johto's regional dex, expanding Pokemon Team Builder options
  • Generation 3 Pokemon - Some Hoenn Pokemon are included in the regional dex, providing additional Pokemon Team Builder choices
  • Generation 4 Pokemon - Several Sinnoh Pokemon are available, enhancing Pokemon Team Builder team composition options

National Pokedex Access

After completing the Johto Pokedex and defeating the Elite Four, players gain access to the National Pokedex, unlocking all 493 Pokemon from Generations 1-4. This dramatically expands Pokemon Team Builder options:

  • Complete Pokemon Access - All Pokemon from previous generations become available for Pokemon Team Builder planning through various methods
  • Pal Park - Transfer Pokemon from Generation 3 games using the Pal Park feature, expanding your Pokemon Team Builder collection
  • Wi-Fi Trading - Online trading allows access to Pokemon from other trainers worldwide, enhancing Pokemon Team Builder options
  • Event Pokemon - Access to event-only Pokemon that enhance Pokemon Team Builder team building possibilities

Version Differences: HeartGold vs SoulSilver

Each version has unique Pokemon exclusives that affect Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Pokemon HeartGold Exclusives - Dialga, Cranidos line, Scyther, Growlithe line, and others are exclusive to HeartGold version for Pokemon Team Builder planning
  • Pokemon SoulSilver Exclusives - Palkia, Shieldon line, Pinsir, Vulpix line, and others are exclusive to SoulSilver version for Pokemon Team Builder strategies
  • Version-Specific Legendaries - HeartGold features Dialga while SoulSilver features Palkia, affecting Pokemon Team Builder legendary planning

Pokemon Team Builder Planning Strategy

When planning your team with our Pokemon Team Builder, consider:

  • Main Story Pokemon - Focus on Pokemon available in the Johto regional dex for your main playthrough Pokemon Team Builder plan
  • Post-Game Options - Plan for National Pokedex Pokemon that become available after completing the main story in your Pokemon Team Builder strategy
  • Transfer Planning - If you have Generation 3 games, plan Pokemon transfers using our Pokemon Team Builder to optimize your collection
  • Version-Specific Teams - Use Pokemon Team Builder filters to see only Pokemon available in your specific version

Team Building Tips for HeartGold and SoulSilver

Building an effective team in HeartGold and SoulSilver requires consideration of the Following Pokemon feature, Generation 4 battle mechanics, and the dual-region structure. Our Pokemon Team Builder offers advanced filtering and type analysis tools to help you make informed decisions. Here are strategic considerations for planning your perfect Pokemon Team Builder team.

Gym Challenge Recommendations

The Johto region features eight gym leaders with diverse type specializations that require careful Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Flying Type (Violet City) - Consider Electric or Rock types like Mareep or Geodude for effective Pokemon Team Builder strategies
  • Bug Type (Azalea Town) - Fire, Flying, or Rock types work well. Consider Cyndaquil evolution line for your Pokemon Team Builder team
  • Normal Type (Goldenrod City) - Fighting types like Machop are highly effective for Pokemon Team Builder planning, though Normal types are generally versatile
  • Ghost Type (Ecruteak City) - Dark or Ghost types can counter effectively, though most Pokemon Team Builder teams will need to rely on type advantages
  • Fighting Type (Cianwood City) - Psychic or Flying types like Abra or Pidgey evolution lines excel in Pokemon Team Builder strategies
  • Steel Type (Olivine City) - Fire, Fighting, or Ground types are essential for Pokemon Team Builder planning this challenging gym
  • Ice Type (Mahogany Town) - Fire, Fighting, Rock, or Steel types provide excellent Pokemon Team Builder coverage
  • Dragon Type (Blackthorn City) - Ice types are crucial for Pokemon Team Builder planning. Consider training a Pokemon with Ice moves

Elite Four Team Recommendations

The Elite Four in Johto features Psychic, Poison, Fighting, and Dark type specialists, followed by the Champion, requiring diverse Pokemon Team Builder planning:

  • Will (Psychic) - Dark types are immune to Psychic moves, and Bug or Ghost types can be effective in Pokemon Team Builder strategies
  • Koga (Poison) - Psychic or Ground types can handle Poison effectively for Pokemon Team Builder planning
  • Bruno (Fighting) - Psychic, Flying, or Fairy-type moves work well in Pokemon Team Builder planning, though the Normal/Fighting combination requires careful consideration
  • Karen (Dark) - Fighting or Bug types can counter Dark types effectively in Pokemon Team Builder strategies
  • Champion Lance (Dragon) - Ice types are essential for Pokemon Team Builder planning this battle. Consider Ice Beam or other Ice-type moves on multiple team members

Additionally, players must battle the Kanto gym leaders and Red (the protagonist from Generation 1) in the post-game, requiring a versatile and well-balanced Pokemon Team Builder team.

Important Battle Considerations for Pokemon Team Builder

  • Physical/Special Split Strategy - Use our Pokemon Team Builder to plan movesets that match Pokemon stats. Physical attackers should use Physical moves, Special attackers should use Special moves
  • Following Pokemon Benefits - Consider which Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team benefits most from walking to increase happiness for evolution or battle effectiveness
  • Type Coverage - Ensure your Pokemon Team Builder team has diverse type coverage to handle various opponents, considering both offensive and defensive typing
  • Held Items - Plan for held items like Choice items, Leftovers, and type-enhancing items in your Pokemon Team Builder strategy
  • Evolution Timing - Consider when Pokemon evolve and whether evolution benefits your Pokemon Team Builder plan for specific challenges
  • Move Variety - The Physical/Special Split allows more diverse movesets. Use Pokemon Team Builder to plan moves that cover multiple types effectively
  • Legendary Pokemon - Legendary Pokemon like Ho-Oh, Lugia, and the legendary beasts are powerful Pokemon Team Builder options, though they may make gameplay less challenging
  • Dual Region Planning - Plan for both Johto and Kanto challenges when using Pokemon Team Builder for comprehensive team building

Frequently Asked Questions - HeartGold/SoulSilver

What is the Following Pokemon feature and how does it affect Pokemon Team Builder planning?

The Following Pokemon feature allows your first Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team to walk beside you outside its Poke Ball. This feature affects Pokemon Team Builder planning by influencing which Pokemon you choose for your lead slot, providing happiness benefits that affect evolution (like Golbat evolving into Crobat), and creating a stronger visual bond with your Pokemon Team Builder team. You can rearrange your Pokemon Team Builder team at any time to change which Pokemon follows you.

What Pokemon are version-exclusive in HeartGold and SoulSilver?

HeartGold version has exclusive Pokemon like Dialga, Cranidos line, Scyther, Growlithe line, and Mankey, while SoulSilver version has Palkia, Shieldon line, Pinsir, Vulpix line, and Meowth. Additionally, HeartGold features Ho-Oh while SoulSilver features Lugia as the main legendary, affecting Pokemon Team Builder legendary planning. Our Pokemon Team Builder allows you to filter by version to see only the Pokemon available in your chosen game.

How do Generation 4 mechanics differ from the original Gold, Silver, and Crystal?

HeartGold and SoulSilver feature Generation 4's Physical/Special Split, which fundamentally changes how Pokemon Team Builder strategies work. Moves are now categorized by Physical or Special based on the move itself, not the type, allowing optimal move matching with Pokemon stats. This creates more strategic depth for Pokemon Team Builder planning compared to the original games. Additional improvements include better graphics, Wi-Fi connectivity, touch screen integration, and improved battle animations.

Can I transfer Pokemon from Generation 3 to HeartGold and SoulSilver?

Yes! HeartGold and SoulSilver introduced the Pal Park feature, allowing you to transfer Pokemon from Generation 3 games (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen) using the Nintendo DS Game Boy Advance game slot. This expands your Pokemon Team Builder options significantly, as you can bring over Pokemon from previous generations that aren't available in Johto's regional dex. The transfer process requires completing specific in-game requirements first.

Which starter Pokemon is best for Pokemon Team Builder planning in HeartGold and SoulSilver?

Each starter (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile) has different strengths for Pokemon Team Builder planning. Cyndaquil's Fire typing provides early-game advantages and evolves into Typhlosion, which benefits from the Physical/Special Split in Generation 4 mechanics for Pokemon Team Builder strategies. Totodile evolves into Feraligatr with strong Physical moves, making it excellent for Pokemon Team Builder planning. Chikorita's Grass typing faces challenges against early gyms but evolves into Meganium, which can provide support for Pokemon Team Builder teams. The "best" choice depends on your preferred Pokemon Team Builder playstyle and planned team composition.

How does the Following Pokemon feature affect evolution?

Having your Pokemon walk with you in the Following Pokemon feature increases happiness, which affects evolution for certain Pokemon in your Pokemon Team Builder team. For example, Golbat requires high happiness to evolve into Crobat, making the following feature beneficial for Pokemon Team Builder evolution planning. Other Pokemon like Pichu evolving into Pikachu also benefit from happiness gained through walking.

Are there legendary Pokemon available for Pokemon Team Builder planning?

Yes! HeartGold and SoulSilver feature numerous legendary Pokemon for Pokemon Team Builder planning: Ho-Oh (HeartGold), Lugia (SoulSilver), the legendary beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune), and post-game access to Kanto legendaries including Mewtwo, the legendary birds, and others. These powerful Pokemon can significantly impact your Pokemon Team Builder team composition, though using them may reduce gameplay challenge. Our Pokemon Team Builder helps you plan teams with or without legendaries based on your preferences.

How many gym leaders are there in HeartGold and SoulSilver?

There are 16 gym leaders total - 8 in the Johto region and 8 in the Kanto region. After defeating the Elite Four and Champion, players can travel to Kanto to battle the remaining gym leaders. This dual-region structure makes Pokemon Team Builder planning more complex, as you need a team capable of handling diverse challenges across both regions.