The Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver differences mainly come down to version-exclusive Pokemon, Legendary encounters, and a few aesthetic changes, while the core story and gameplay remain largely the same.
Both games are enhanced Nintendo DS remakes of the original Pokemon Gold and Silver, so the overall Johto and Kanto adventure is nearly identical. The biggest difference is which Pokemon and Legendaries you can obtain without trading, with HeartGold featuring Ho-Oh and SoulSilver featuring Lugia as their main Legendary encounters.
This guide breaks down the key differences between Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, including version-exclusive Pokemon, Legendary locations, and other details to consider when deciding which version to play.
Key Takeaways
- Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver share the same core adventure, but differ in version-exclusive Pokemon, Legendary encounters, and some aesthetic details.
- HeartGold features Ho-Oh and Pokemon such as Growlithe, Gligar, and Phanpy, while SoulSilver features Lugia and exclusives such as Vulpix, Teddiursa, and Skarmory.
- Your choice ultimately comes down to the Legendary Pokemon, version-exclusive Pokemon, and team you prefer, as both games offer the same main Johto and Kanto adventure.
Editor’s Update (September 2026): Improved the article’s helpfulness with a direct answer and added more relevant links.
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver Differences
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver are basically the same game, so you can’t go wrong with whichever version. However, here are the differences between the two that you should consider, especially if you want a specific team or build around a certain Legendary.
| Feature | Pokemon HeartGold | Pokemon SoulSilver |
|---|---|---|
| Main Legendary | Ho-Oh (Level 45, Bell Tower – Ecruteak) | Lugia (Level 45, Whirl Islands) |
| Second Legendary (Post-E4) | Lugia (Level 70, Whirl Islands) | Ho-Oh (Level 70, Bell Tower – Ecruteak) |
| Exclusive Pokemon | Growlithe, Mankey, Gligar, Spinarak, etc. | Vulpix, Meowth, Teddiursa, Ledyba, etc. |
| Aesthetic | Warmer-toned interfaces | Cooler-toned interfaces |
| Hoenn Legendary | Groudon (with SoulSilver trade, get Rayquaza) | Kyogre (with HeartGold trade, get Rayquaza) |
Those are the key differences between these games. If you want to see more about the version-exclusive Pokemon, keep reading.
Version-Exclusive Pokemon List and Locations
Here are the Pokemon you can only catch in one version without trading. This means their evolved forms are also version-exclusive.
Pokemon HeartGold Exclusives
| Pokemon | Locations |
|---|---|
| Growlithe, Arcanine | Routes 7, 8, 36, 37, and 48 |
| Mankey, Primeape | Routes 9, 42 |
| Spinarak, Ariados | Routes 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 47, 48, Cherrygrove City, Ecruteak City, Fuchsia City, National Park, New Bark Town, Pallet Town, Safari Zone Gate, Viridian City, and Viridian Forest |
| Gligar, Gliscor | Route 45 |
| Mantine, Mantyke | Route 41 (surf) |
| Phanpy, Donphan | Route 45, Mt. Silver |
| Sableye | Route 9 (Rare) |
| Baltoy, Claydol | Route 3 |
| Omanyte, Omastar | Pewter City |
| Anorith, Armaldo | Pewter City |
| Kyogre | Embedded Tower (after getting the Blue Orb) |
Pokemon SoulSilver Exclusives
| Pokemon | Locations |
|---|---|
| Vulpix, Ninetails | Routes 7, 8, 36, 37, and 48 |
| Meowth, Persian | Routes 5, 6, 7, 8, 38, and 39 |
| Ledyba, Ledian | Routes 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 47, 48, Cherrygrove City, Ecruteak City, Fuchsia City, National Park, New Bark Town, Pallet Town, Safari Zone Gate, Viridian City, and Viridian Forest |
| Teddiursa | Route 45, Mt. Silver |
| Delibird | Ice Path |
| Skarmory | Route 45 |
| Mawile | Route 9 |
| Gulpin, Swalot | Route 3 |
| Kabuto, Kabutops | Pewter City |
| Lileep, Cradily | Pewter City |
| Groudon | Embedded Tower (after getting the Red Orb) |
Johto Region Legendaries in HG/SS
Ho-Oh
Ho-oh is the Phoenix Pokemon and the main Legendary of HeartGold. But you can actually catch it in both versions.
HeartGold: Encountered at Level 45 atop the Bell Tower in Ecruteak City after obtaining the Rainbow Wing. Beat Team Rocket and the Kimono girls first.
SoulSilver: Available post-Elite Four at Level 70 in the same location, requiring the Rainbow Wing obtained in Pewter City.
Lugia
Lugia is the diving Pokemon and my favorite Legendary in this generation. It can also be caught in both versions of the game.
- SoulSilver: Found at Level 45 in the depths of the Whirl Islands after acquiring the Silver Feather. Beat Team Rocket and the Kimono Girls first.
- HeartGold: Accessible post-Elite Four at Level 70 in the Whirl Islands, with the Silver Feather obtained from an NPC in Pewter City.
Hoenn Region Legendaries in HG/SS
If you’re a fan of the weather trio, then you’re in for a treat as they are present in HeartGold and SoulSilver. However, Groudon and Kyogre are version exclusives.
Both of them require a specific orb that can be obtained from Mr. Pokemon after you gain access to the National Dex and get a Kanto Starter from Professor Oak.
Groudon
The continent Pokemon is exclusive to the SoulSilver version. It can be found at Level 50 in the Embedded Tower after acquiring the Red Orb from Mr. Pokemon.
Kyogre
The sea basin Pokemon can be encountered at Level 50 in the Embedded Tower after obtaining the Blue Orb from Mr. Pokemon.
Rayquaza
The Sky High legendary is the hardest Pokemon to obtain between these three, but can be caught in both versions of the game.
First, you must have both Groudon and Kyogre in your team. This means you need to catch one in your game and trade for the other from a HeartGold or SoulSilver game.
Once you have both Groudon and Kyogre in your party, go to Professor Oak, and he will give you the Jade Orb.
Go back to Embedded Tower, and a Level 50 Rayquaza will be waiting for you.
Latios and Latias
Latios and Latias are also version exclusives. They are obtainable after you obtain the National Dex and talk to Steven outside the Pokemon Fan Club in Vermilion City.
You can catch one of the Eon Pokemon depending on your version of the game: Latias in HeartGold and Latios in SoulSilver.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both HeartGold and SoulSilver offer a complete and fulfilling Pokemon journey through Johto and Kanto.
The version-exclusive differences matter most for collectors and competitive players, but casual players will enjoy either experience equally.
So, are you ready to decide? If not, you can pick the one with your favorite Legendary or choose based on your preferred team-building options.
Either way, you’re in for one of the best Pokemon adventures ever.
