The most frequently asked questions about Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, with short answers and links to our detailed pages.
The game
Should we say “Cœur d’Or” and “Âme d’Argent”?
The official French titles are Or HeartGold and Argent SoulSilver. Before they were announced, many sites, Pokémon France included, translated the English titles as “Cœur d’Or” and “Âme d’Argent”, and many players have kept using those names. See the fact sheet.
Is it a remake of Gold and Silver or of Crystal?
Of Gold and Silver, whose two versions and two mascots it keeps. It nevertheless borrows several ideas from Crystal, such as the hunt for Suicune with Eusine, and the Battle Frontier from Platinum.
Which console can I play it on?
On Nintendo DS, DSi or 3DS, with the original cartridge. The game has never been re-released, either on 3DS or on Nintendo Switch.
Which version should I choose?
The one whose mascot you like best: Ho-Oh for HeartGold, Lugia for SoulSilver. The differences mostly concern about twenty species and a few legendaries. See Getting Started.
The adventure
How many Badges are there?
Sixteen: eight in Johto, then eight in Kanto after the League. The walkthrough contents and the Kanto and Red page detail them.
How do I beat Whitney’s Miltank?
With a Fighting-type Pokémon, or a Pokémon that resists Rollout, like Geodude. A female Pokémon also avoids the effect of Attract.
Where do I find Red?
At the summit of Mt. Silver, once you have all sixteen Badges. His team ranges from Level 80 to Level 88.
How do I unlock Mt. Silver?
Get all sixteen Badges: Professor Oak then allows you to enter, via Route 28.
The Pokémon
Can you catch both Ho-Oh and Lugia in the same version?
Yes. The legendary of your version is caught before the League at Level 45, the one from the other version after the League at Level 70. See Legendaries.
How do I get Rayquaza?
You need to have Kyogre and Groudon in your party when you enter the Embedded Tower, on Route 47. Since each one is exclusive to one version, a trade is required.
How do I get the starter Pokémon of the other regions?
After you beat Red, Professor Oak gives you a Kanto starter Pokémon, and Steven Stone one of the Hoenn starters.
Where do I find Lapras?
At the back of Union Cave, on Fridays only.
What are Pokémon swarms?
On certain days, a normally rare species appears in large numbers on a specific route. See our article Pokémon swarms.
Features and connectivity
What is the Pokéwalker for?
This pedometer holds a Pokémon from your party, earns it experience while you walk and lets you catch Pokémon and find items. See Pokéwalker.
Does the game still work online?
No. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service shut down on 20 May 2014: the Global Terminal (GTS) and online battles no longer work. Local trades and battles between two consoles are still possible.
How do I transfer my Pokémon to recent games?
Through the Poké Transfer Lab in Black and White or Black 2 and White 2, then the Poké Transporter app and Pokémon Bank on 3DS, and finally Pokémon HOME. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter are announced to close on 26 February 2027.
Can you bring over Pokémon from Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald?
Yes, at the Pal Park in Fuchsia City, which replaces the former Kanto Safari Zone. You need a console with a Game Boy Advance cartridge slot, such as the Nintendo DS or DS Lite.
