Johto journey and team planning
A starter guide to Pokémon HeartGold / SoulSilver: start in johto, pay attention to the clock, use the pokégear, continue into kanto.
Nintendo DS remakes; version-exclusive encounters differ between HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Start in Johto
Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile are your starter choices. Catch supporting teammates early and rotate them into battles so your party develops together.
Pay attention to the clock
Time of day affects some encounters and events. When following an encounter guide, check its time requirement and whether it applies to HeartGold or SoulSilver.
Use the Pokégear
The Pokégear brings together useful travel and contact features. Revisit your contacts and map when you need to orient yourself after a break from the story.
Continue into Kanto
The adventure continues beyond the first Pokémon League victory. Keep your established team and explore the second region rather than treating the first credits as the end of all progression.
Use the clock as a collection tool
When an encounter or contact event has a time condition, record the exact window instead of repeatedly revisiting the area. Daytime and night-time lists can differ, and recurring events need a day as well as a place. The Pokégear helps maintain this travel context. Apricorn harvesting can fit into the same circuit, providing Kurt with materials for specialised balls while you pursue a route or visit a contact.
Develop the team before the second region
The first League clear begins a new stage rather than ending the available badge journey. Kanto has its own access events and later stronger opponents, so keep several party members useful during Johto instead of relying on one attacker. These remakes use individual move categories, not original Gold and Silver’s type-based damage categories. Check the move summary when choosing coverage for a teammate with unequal Attack and Special Attack.