Pokémon Gold, Silver & Crystal: Complete Guide
Gold, Silver & Crystal Pokédex →Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal were the second generation of the main series, released for the Game Boy Color from 1999. They moved the story to Johto, added 100 new Pokémon, and sent you back to Kanto once the main adventure was over.
Where the first games were about collecting, these were about a living world. A real-time clock tracked the day and the week, wild Pokémon changed with the hour, and events happened on particular days. Breeding, held items and two new types made battles deeper without losing the original's clarity.
They suit players who want a complete adventure that feels bigger than it should for a handheld: two regions, sixteen badges and a final challenge that still has fans talking.
Gold, Silver & Crystal quick facts
| Release date | November 21, 1999 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Game Boy Color |
| Region | Johto, Kanto |
| Generation | Generation II |
| Versions | Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver and Pokémon Crystal |
| New Pokémon | 100 new species |
| Starters | Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile |
| Legendary and Mythical | Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-oh and Celebi |
Story and structure
This section avoids plot spoilers and keeps to the structure of the adventure.
The adventure begins in New Bark Town, where Professor Elm asks you to run an errand and gives you your first Pokémon. You then travel through Johto, take on its eight Gym Leaders, and meet a rival who is not afraid to say what he thinks.
Team Rocket, believed to be disbanded, returns to the picture, and legendary Pokémon connected to two towers in Ecruteak City play a central role in the world's lore.
Johto and the Pokémon League
Eight Gyms spread across Johto lead to the Elite Four and the Champion. Along the way you pass through caves, a lighthouse and a radio tower.
The return to Kanto
After the Johto League you can travel east to Kanto, where the original eight Gyms await. The region is smaller than in the earlier games but fully playable.
At the very end, a mountain on the border between the regions holds the hardest battle in the game.
New mechanics explained
The real-time clock
The cartridge tracks the real time of day and the day of the week. Some Pokémon appear only in the morning, day or night, and certain events happen on specific days.
Tip: If you cannot find a Pokémon, check the time. Many of the missing species show up only at night or only in the morning.
Breeding and held items
A Day Care on Route 34 lets two compatible Pokémon produce an Egg. Pokémon can also hold items, which can restore health, boost moves or enable certain trade evolutions.
Tip: Breed a Pokémon with a move you want it to learn early, since eggs can inherit moves from their parents.
Dark and Steel types
Two types were added, Dark and Steel, which changed the balance of the battle system. They also introduced a split between Special Attack and Special Defense, replacing the single Special stat.
Tip: Dark types are strong against Psychic and Ghost Pokémon, which helps against the first generation's most dominant type.
Starter Pokémon
Professor Elm offers three starters, and each evolves twice. The levels differ a little from one line to the next, so keep an eye on the first evolution.
| Starter | Final form | Final typing | Evolves at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Meganium | Grass | Levels 16 and 32 |
| Cyndaquil | Typhlosion | Fire | Levels 14 and 36 |
| Totodile | Feraligatr | Water | Levels 18 and 30 |
Chikorita line
Chikorita has defensive strengths and supportive moves, and Grass attacks work well on the early rock and water opponents.
Watch out: It is weak to many common types and its offense is modest, so the game is hardest with this start.
Cyndaquil line
Cyndaquil is quick and hits hard. Typhlosion is a reliable attacker, and Fire moves are effective against the Bug and Steel Gyms.
Watch out: Water, Rock and Ground opponents can be difficult, so cover those weaknesses with teammates.
Totodile line
Totodile is the sturdy pick. Feraligatr has strong physical attacks and benefits from a wide movepool.
Watch out: Grass and Electric attacks cause trouble, and its evolutions come at slightly different levels.
Our recommendation
For a first playthrough, we recommend Totodile. Its physical power and wide movepool smooth out the opening hours. Cyndaquil suits players who like speed, and Chikorita is a good second run.
Version differences
Gold and Silver are the paired versions, and Crystal is the enhanced release that followed. They share the same story and map.
- Gold features Ho-oh and Silver features Lugia as their cover legendary.
- Each version has a few wild Pokémon that the other lacks, so trading is useful for completing the Pokédex.
- Crystal adds the legendary Suicune to the story, an animated sprite for Pokémon, and a way to play as a female trainer.
If you only play one, Crystal is the most complete, with Gold and Silver as the originals.
Keep exploring
Tips for new players
- Play at different times of day. Several Pokémon and events only appear in the morning or at night.
- Use the Day Care to breed, and keep an eye out for Eggs hatching as you walk around.
- Hold items matter more than in the first generation, so take a moment to equip your team.
- Do not skip the Kanto Gyms. They give strong experience for a post-game run and complete the badge collection.
- Save before the final mountain battle. It is far harder than the Elite Four.
- Carry a Pokémon with Cut, Surf and Flash early, since several routes are blocked without them.
- Check the Pokégear for phone calls, as friends will offer rematches and tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Gold, Silver and Crystal?
Gold and Silver are the original pair with slightly different wild Pokémon and a different cover legendary. Crystal is an enhanced release with a few story additions and animated Pokémon sprites.
How many Pokémon are in Gold, Silver and Crystal?
These games introduced 100 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 251.
Do you return to Kanto in Gold and Silver?
Yes. After the Johto League you can travel to Kanto and challenge its original Gym Leaders.
Are there remakes of Gold and Silver?
Yes. HeartGold and SoulSilver remade the games for the Nintendo DS.