Ethan / Lyra
The player character, selected as either Ethan or Lyra.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the player character and navigate menus. |
|---|---|
A | Confirm selections, talk to people, inspect objects, and use field actions. |
B | Cancel selections and run during exploration. |
X | Open the main menu. |
Touch Screen | Use touch-screen menus and selected interface features. |
How it plays
How does Pokémon HeartGold Version play?
The game uses a top-down exploration view with turn-based battles. The player travels through Johto, captures wild Pokémon, defeats Trainers, earns eight Gym Badges, and advances through the Pokémon League.
Pokémon gain experience and can evolve, learn new moves, and be organized into a six-member party. Optional activities include contests, the Battle Frontier, the Pokéathlon, fishing, breeding, and a post-game journey through Kanto.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pokémon HeartGold Version?
Build a balanced team with different types rather than relying on one powerful Pokémon.
- Keep several Pokémon near the same level so the party can handle varied Gym and rival battles.
- Save before legendary encounters and use status effects to improve capture odds.
- Explore optional routes and revisit areas after obtaining new HMs; valuable items and encounters are often hidden behind them.
- Use the Pokéathlon and Battle Frontier to practice specialized team building.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Silver
The player’s rival, who begins with a stolen Pokémon and gradually learns responsibility.
Professor Elm
A Pokémon researcher who gives the player a starter Pokémon and the Pokédex.
Giovanni
The former leader of Team Rocket, whose legacy shapes the organization’s Johto plot.
Ho-Oh
The legendary Pokémon associated with Pokémon HeartGold and the Tin Tower.
Lugia
A legendary Pokémon encountered through the expanded Johto adventure.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Defeat the eight Johto Gyms and clear the Pokémon LeagueUnlock access to the Kanto region and its postgame progression.
Collect all eight Kanto Badges and head to Mt. SilverUnlock Mt. Silver and its final high-level trainer battle.
Advance the story and meet the required conditionsEncounter and capture Ho-Oh during the main adventure.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to NPCs more than once; many provide items, trades, or useful information.
- 2
Check the Pokégear phone and rematches to prepare for later battles.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0