For the smoothest early game, choose Cyndaquil. Pick Totodile if you want a Water-type starter with useful field-move access, or Chikorita if it is your favorite or you welcome a tougher opening. None is a required pick: the best choice depends on the team and playthrough you want.
Your three starter options
Pokémon HeartGold offers the Johto starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. The HeartGold-specific starter set is documented by Serebii; Nintendo’s Gold/Silver brochure also identifies the three in the earlier Johto games.
![Pokemon Heart Gold [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51c+nkqV8NL._SL160_.jpg)
How the choices differ
| Starter | Best fit | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| Cyndaquil | A more comfortable opening and a Fire-type option. | The cited walkthrough says its later move coverage can feel narrow, leaning heavily on Fire- and Normal-type moves. |
| Totodile | A Water-type starter with useful field-move access. | Surf and Strength are practical advantages, but they do not make Totodile automatically better in every battle. |
| Chikorita | Players who like the line or want a more demanding opening. | The walkthrough notes difficult matchups against the first two gyms and the fourth, so plan for teammates to cover those fights. |
These comparisons come from a community-authored HeartGold walkthrough, which offers strategy guidance rather than a universal ranking. Its early-game assessment favors Cyndaquil for the first two gyms; it does not establish one starter as best for every party or player.
Choose by the playthrough you want
Pick Cyndaquil for early-game comfort
Cyndaquil is the straightforward default if you want fewer early matchup concerns. The guide records its evolution into Quilava at level 14. Its later move coverage may feel less varied, so consider what other Pokémon you want on the team.
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- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
Pick Totodile for Water typing and utility
Choose Totodile if you want a Water-type member of your party and value the evolved line’s access to Surf and Strength. These field moves can make it useful beyond its role in battles.
Pick Chikorita for preference or added challenge
If Chikorita is the Pokémon you most want to use, its rougher early matchups are a reason to build team support—not a reason to assume the game cannot be completed with it. Add Pokémon that can handle fights where Chikorita is at a disadvantage.
Rank #2
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Evolution levels, if progression matters to you
The same walkthrough lists these evolution levels for HeartGold:
- Chikorita: Bayleef at level 16; Meganium at level 32.
- Cyndaquil: Quilava at level 14; Typhlosion at level 36.
- Totodile: Croconaw at level 18; Feraligatr at level 30.
Make the final call
Choose Cyndaquil for a smoother start, Totodile for Water typing and field utility, or Chikorita because you like it or want to work around a tougher opening. The matchup guidance is a useful tiebreaker, not a rule: choose the starter you are happiest to build a team around.
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Best Value
- This renewed game will not come with the original case or manual; cartridge only. It has been cleaned, tested, and is in nice condition.
Rank #4
![Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire Dual Pack - Nintendo 3DS Edition: DualPack Model: [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+38Ql9T6L._SL160_.jpg)
- World Edition - plays in English and works on any region 3DS system
- Comes with both a copy of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Pokemon Alpha Sapphire
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