How to Get a Johto Starter: A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of obtaining a Johto starter Pokémon is a common one among Pokémon trainers, especially those eager to experience the charm of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile. Unlike the original games where you simply chose one at the beginning, the methods for acquiring these beloved companions vary depending on the game you’re playing. So, let’s cut to the chase: How do you get a Johto Starter? The short answer is, it depends on the specific Pokémon game you are playing.
In the original Johto games – Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal – you get to select one of these three starters at the beginning of your adventure from Professor Elm. However, in other games like the remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver, or games in other regions, it becomes more complicated. There are often special conditions or requirements to meet in order to access these coveted Johto companions.
Different Ways to Obtain Johto Starters Across Games
The availability of Johto starters differs greatly between various Pokémon titles. Here are the most common ways you can encounter or obtain the Johto starter Pokemon:
Starting Your Journey
The most straightforward method is, of course, choosing a starter. If you’re diving into Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal, the selection is made during the early stages of the game from Professor Elm. This is the classic introduction to the Johto region and its Pokémon.
Post-Game Rewards
In some games, the Johto starters become accessible after completing the main storyline or by fulfilling specific post-game conditions. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver allow you to get one of these starters from Professor Oak after completing the main game, along with completing the National Pokedex requirements. The same holds true with the Hoenn starters in these games, after completing the Hoenn Dex, Oak lets you choose a Hoenn starter.
Special Events and Trades
Special events and trading are also methods that players can use to expand their collection. Nintendo events, which are often limited-time occurrences, may have offered Johto starters as a reward for participation or reaching certain achievements. Trading with other players is another way. This is particularly true in games that do not directly offer all starters through gameplay such as Pokémon Emerald, or Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Trading with other players who have the starter you want is a reliable method.
Pokémon Games with Limited Johto Starters
While many games include ways to obtain Johto starters, some limit the experience. For example, in Pokémon XD, you can get all three, but have to complete a specific challenge three times to do so. This method makes you climb a mountain, and not swapping any Pokemon. You must complete this to receive each of the three Johto starters.
In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Johto starters are not directly available to catch within the region. You can only obtain them by trading with other games that do feature them. Ruby and Sapphire as well as Emerald also do not directly include these. The same goes for Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where you can find unique Hisuian forms of the starters, but the original Johto starters cannot be found.
Hisuian Starter Variations
Speaking of Hisuian forms, Pokémon Legends: Arceus features a unique twist on the starter concept. While not directly the standard Johto trio, the game features unique variations of the Cyndaquil evolution line. Hisuian Typhlosion, is available as a starter choice and makes a great addition to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help clarify any remaining questions, here is a list of 15 frequently asked questions about obtaining Johto starters:
1. Can you get all three Johto starters in one game?
Yes, it’s possible in some games. Games like HeartGold and SoulSilver, and Pokémon XD have methods that allow you to acquire all three. This usually involves completing specific post-game events or through special challenges.
2. Are the Johto starters available in Pokémon FireRed?
No, the Johto starters are not directly available in Pokémon FireRed. You’ll need to trade with a game that has them if you want to have them.
3. Can I get Johto starters in Pokémon Emerald?
You can only choose one Johto starter in Pokémon Emerald. The other two would require trading with other players, or other games.
4. Is it true that you can get a Johto starter by completing the Hoenn Pokédex in some games?
Yes, in HeartGold and SoulSilver, completing the Hoenn Pokédex, in addition to completing the main game, will allow you to choose one Hoenn starter from Professor Oak. You also get to choose one Johto starter from Professor Oak by completing the main game and completing the National Pokedex requirements.
5. Which Johto starter is considered the best?
This is subjective, but many trainers favor Cyndaquil for its high base attack and powerful Fire-type moves. Totodile is also a solid choice, especially early in the game, and has good typing with a strong movepool.
6. Is there a way to get a Johto starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
While you cannot obtain the original Johto starters directly in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can obtain the unique Hisuian form of Cyndaquil and its evolutions, which is a different version of the original starter.
7. Can I use trading to get all the Johto starters?
Yes, trading is a reliable way to obtain all three Johto starters, particularly in games where they are not directly available through the main gameplay.
8. Are there any codes for getting Johto starters?
Generally, no, unless we are talking about specific unofficial emulators. Most games do not feature official cheat codes to acquire Pokémon. They can be obtained through gameplay, trading, or events.
9. How do special events work for acquiring Johto starters?
Special events were limited-time promotional events hosted by Nintendo that sometimes gave away rare Pokémon, including Johto starters. These events are now mostly in the past, though some may be obtained through other means, such as rom hacking.
10. Are the Johto starters in Pokémon Go?
Yes, the Johto starters (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile) are available in Pokémon GO, and can be obtained through various in-game events or encounters.
11. Does Ash Ketchum have any of the Johto starters?
Yes, Ash catches all three Johto starters in the Anime. He catches a Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Chikorita, but only Chikorita evolves into Bayleef.
12. Which is the easiest Johto starter to use for beginners?
Many suggest that Totodile is a solid choice for beginners. Totodile is a water type, and is helpful through the first three gyms of the main campaign. Cyndaquil and Chikorita require more experience to navigate the game’s various challenges.
13. Is Johto a real-world location?
Yes, the Johto region is based on the Kansai, Tokai, and eastern Shikoku regions of Japan.
14. Can I obtain the legendary beasts of Johto before getting a Johto starter?
The legendary beasts of Johto (Raikou, Entei, and Suicune) are usually encountered after completing certain story milestones, separate from obtaining a starter.
15. What if I am playing an older version that doesn’t have a built in way to obtain starters?
If you are playing an older version of these games and do not have any way to obtain more than the original starter, trading is the best method. Using a rom or emulator may also allow the option to do this, with some unofficial methods that can be found through online forums.
Obtaining a Johto starter adds a special layer of nostalgia and excitement to any Pokémon journey. By understanding the various methods and conditions required in different games, you can expand your collection and relive the glory days of the Johto region. Whether it’s the classic choice at the beginning of an adventure, or the satisfaction of completing post-game challenges, having these iconic Pokémon on your team is well worth the effort!