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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTotodile is the best all-around pick for most Pokémon SoulSilver playthroughs: a game-specific walkthrough describes it as the most well-rounded of the three. Choose Cyndaquil if you want a more comfortable opening, or Chikorita if you prefer it or want a tougher start. There is no universal winner; the right choice depends on what you want from the game.
How the three starters compare
At Professor Elm’s lab in New Bark Town, you choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile. Their final evolutions are Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr, respectively. Nintendo also identifies this trio as the Johto starters that returned in HeartGold and SoulSilver (Nintendo). The practical differences are their type matchups, early-game comfort, and how much challenge you want.
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| Starter | What it offers | Main tradeoff | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Totodile (Water) | A broadly useful option; Water is strong against Fire, Rock, and Ground. A SoulSilver walkthrough also points to later utility from Surf, Strength, and Bite. | Grass- and Electric-type attacks are concerns. Being the balanced pick does not make it the best choice for every player. | Players who want one straightforward, versatile recommendation. |
| Cyndaquil (Fire) | Strong against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel, and described by walkthroughs as a more comfortable early-game choice. | One walkthrough notes that its later move selection is narrower, centered on Fire- and Normal-type moves. | New players seeking an easier opening, or anyone who wants a Fire type early. |
| Chikorita (Grass) | Useful against Water, Rock, and Ground types; a perfectly valid choice if you like it. | Walkthroughs describe it as the hardest starter, with more type weaknesses and potential early-gym struggles. | Players choosing by personal preference or deliberately seeking more challenge. |
These are qualitative matchup and difficulty judgments, not calculated win rates. Type advantages help, but a battle’s outcome also depends on your team, moves, levels, and opponent.
Why Totodile is the all-around recommendation
The Bulbapedia HeartGold and SoulSilver walkthrough calls Totodile “the most well-rounded of the trio.” That makes it a sensible default if you want one broadly useful starter rather than optimizing for a specific preference or a particularly easy opening. Its Water type has useful matchups against Fire, Rock, and Ground opponents, and the SoulSilver walkthrough notes that Surf, Strength, and Bite can add utility as the adventure progresses (SuperCheats SoulSilver walkthrough).
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That recommendation is not an objective ranking for every run. The same Bulbapedia walkthrough says each starter has advantages and disadvantages and advises choosing the one you like best. If you enjoy another starter more, that preference is a good reason to pick it.
Choose Cyndaquil for a more comfortable opening
Cyndaquil’s Fire typing gives it a favorable early-game profile in the walkthroughs: it is strong against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel, and is described as particularly strong in the first two gyms. For a first playthrough, or if you want a Fire type from the start, it is a strong alternative to Totodile.
The tradeoff noted by the walkthrough is a narrower later move selection, focused on Fire and Normal moves. That is a limitation to weigh, not a reason to rule Cyndaquil out.
Choose Chikorita for preference or extra challenge
Chikorita can be useful against Water, Rock, and Ground types, but the walkthroughs characterize it as the most demanding opening. Its type weaknesses and early-gym matchups can make the start harder than it is with the other two.
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- AUTHENTIC CARTRIDGE: Genuine game cartridge. Authenticated using software and experience. The cart and label are in great condition. The save files are refreshed and reset ready for a new pokemon trainer to catch em all!
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- REGION FREE: This game is region free and works on ALL DS consoles around the world.
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE GAME: This game plays in English
- PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: Designed for the Nintendo DS system, this cartridge is also compatible with the Nintendo DS Lite, DSi, DSi XL, 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS.
If Chikorita is your favorite, choosing it is still a sound choice. Its more challenging early stretch is also a reason to pick it if you want extra difficulty rather than the easiest route.
What your choice changes about Silver
Silver takes the starter with a type advantage over yours, and his team is adjusted to that choice, according to Serebii’s HeartGold and SoulSilver rival reference. Your pick therefore affects rival encounters, but this does not establish any one starter as categorically superior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you get the other starters later?
A SoulSilver walkthrough says obtaining the other two starters requires restarting, using another game, or trading. That is guide-reported progression advice; it does not account for every modern method of transferring Pokémon between games. If you want a different starter on the same save, plan on trading or another route rather than expecting to choose all three during a normal playthrough.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pokewalker, a special pedometer is included.
- Use the Poke Radar to catch wild Pokemon!
- Find items by using the Pokewalker Dowsing Machine.
- Connect your Pokewalker with a friends and receive a special gift.
- New touch screen features simplify and enhance gameplay
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