Pokemon on the Game Boy Color (GBC) remains one of the most iconic and memorable Pokemon experiences. With the expanded color palette compared to the original Game Boy, the GBC allowed Pokemon to come to life like never before. But with over 251 Pokemon to choose from in the GBC games Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, how do you determine which one is truly the best?
Evaluating Pokemon Strength
When looking at which GBC Pokemon is the strongest, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Base stats – A Pokemon’s base stats like HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, and Speed determine its core strengths.
- Type matchups – A Pokemon’s type, weaknesses, resistances, and immunities play a big role in battles.
- Move pool – The variety and power of moves a Pokemon can learn affects its versatility.
- Abilities – Unique abilities can give Pokemon an extra edge in battle.
- Availability – How early a powerful Pokemon can be obtained impacts its story strength.
In addition to these battle capabilities, other factors like a Pokemon’s design and nostalgia should be considered when choosing favorites.
The Top Contenders
Taking all of the above factors into account, these Pokemon stand out as some of the best you can get in the GBC games:
Tyranitar
Tyranitar is undoubtedly one of the most powerful Pokemon in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. This Rock/Dark type Pseudo Legendary has excellent well-rounded stats, including a monstrous 134 Attack and 110 Defense at Level 100. Tyranitar’s unique Sand Stream ability summons a sandstorm upon switching in, damaging all Pokemon except Rock, Ground, and Steel types. Tyranitar excels at both offense and defense, and makes quick work of popular Gold and Silver opponents like Lance’s dragon teams.
Gyarados
The fan favorite Atrocious Pokemon returns in the GBC games with devastating results. Thanks to its great stats, Water/Flying typing, and access to strong moves like Hydro Pump and Hyper Beam, Gyarados can overpower many in-game opponents. Its Flying type also grants it immunity to Ground moves, letting it counter Electric types with impunity. Once you get a Magikarp and train it to evolve, Gyarados will carry your team through countless battles.
Heracross
Exclusive to Pokemon Gold and Crystal, Heracross stands out as one of Johto’s best Bug types. It has good Attack and solid overall stats, but what really makes Heracross dangerous is its devastating STAB Megahorn attack. Megahorn allows Heracross to demolish Psychic and Grass types with ease. Heracross also gets great Fighting and Rock coverage, making it very versatile. Few Pokemon want to take a Megahorn from this powerful beetle.
Espeon
The Psychic evolution of Eevee, Espeon blends strong special attack with speed and support abilities. With high Special Attack and Speed, Espeon can bombard foes with Psychic before they can respond. It also learns Morning Sun to recover HP and Refresh to cure status conditions. And Magic Bounce gives it immunity to indirect attacks. With expertise against Fighting and Poison types, Espeon is invaluable when facing Kanto and Johto’s many strong trainers.
| Pokemon | Type | Key Stats | Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyranitar | Rock/Dark | 134 Attack, 110 Defense | Sand Stream |
| Gyarados | Water/Flying | 125 Attack, 81 Speed | Intimidate |
| Heracross | Bug/Fighting | 125 Attack, 80 Speed | Guts, Swarm |
| Espeon | Psychic | 130 Sp. Atk, 110 Speed | Magic Bounce |
Other Notable Pokemon
While the Pokemon above stand out as elite, Gold, Silver, and Crystal contain many other excellent Pokemon worth mentioning:
- Scizor – This Steel/Bug type has excellent 130 Attack and 100 Defense, making it a formidable wall and sweeper.
- Skarmory – With stellar 140 Defense and a great Steel/Flying type combo, little gets past this defensive ace.
- Suicune – As one of the Legendary Beasts, Water type Suicune boasts well-rounded stats and an amazing movepool.
- Electric types – Electrodes, Magnezones, Ampharos and more thrive against Lance and water-heavy Kanto.
Each generation expands the list of viable battlers. But Gold, Silver, and Crystal introduced many Pokemon that remain competitive today.
Starter Pokemon Showdown
No discussion of the best GBC Pokemon is complete without looking at the iconic starter Pokemon. Choosing between Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Chikorita is a rite of passage for all new Johto trainers. Here’s how the final evolutions – Typhlosion, Feraligatr, and Meganium – compare:
| Pokemon | Type | HP | Attack | Defense | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typhlosion | Fire | 78 | 84 | 78 | 109 | 85 | 100 |
| Feraligatr | Water | 85 | 105 | 100 | 79 | 83 | 78 |
| Meganium | Grass | 80 | 82 | 100 | 83 | 100 | 80 |
As the table shows, each Johto starter has strengths and weaknesses: Typhlosion is a speedy attacker, Feraligatr has brute strength and bulk, and Meganium is a defensive wall. Ultimately, Typhlosion’s Fire type gives it an edge against the Pokemon League and the many Bug types in Johto. But any of the three can be viable with proper training and moves.
The Ultimate GBC Pokemon
While many Pokemon excel in Gold, Silver, and Crystal, one stands above the rest as the definitive powerhouse of Gen 2 – the infamous Dragon/Steel type, Dragonite. Though difficult to obtain, Dragonite is banned to the Uber tier for good reason. With an incredible 134 Attack, 100 Defense and Speed, and access to moves like Thunder and Fire Blast, virtually nothing can stop this dragon once it gets going. Its Flying type also negates its Rock weakness. Any trainer lucky enough to catch and train the elusive Dragonair can sweep the entire Pokemon League with ease using Dragonite.
The Best Designs
Stats and battle prowess aren’t everything, though. Many Pokemon are beloved for their inspired designs. Some of the most iconic and creatively designed Pokemon introduced in the GBC games include:
- Lugia – This majestic Legendary bird has a beautifully elegant design evocative of mythology.
- Ho-Oh – With its colorful plumage and fleur-de-lis-shaped tail, Ho-Oh looks every bit the phoenix it represents.
- Espeon – Its gem-adorned forehead and lithe feline form make Espeon a standout Psychic type.
- Ampharos – Its cute face and flowing mane gives Ampharos memorable Electric/Dragon stylings.
Even simpler designs like Suicune and Scizor exude personality and style. The artists behind the GBC Pokemon truly outdid themselves.
Most Nostalgic Pokemon
Beyond stats and looks, the Pokemon people remember most fondly from Gold, Silver, and Crystal tend to be their first partners and discoveries. For many, these include:
- Pikachu – An iconic face of the franchise and for good reason – everyone loves Pikachu!
- Charizard – The signature Pokemon of Red himself in Gold and Silver.
- The three starters – Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Chikorita kick off every player’s journey.
- Sudowoodo – This Johto mainstay surprises players by actually being a Rock type.
- Snorlax – Catching the elusive Snorlax feels like a real achievement.
No matter which Pokemon occupy a special place in your memories, revisiting the GBC games promises a fun, nostalgic experience.
Conclusion
Gold, Silver, and Crystal are home to a diverse cast of usable, beloved Pokemon. The iconic starters, menacing pseudo-legendaries like Tyranitar, and agile attackers like Scizor demonstrate the evolution of battle mechanics and Pokemon design. Memorable legendaries and unexpected natives like Sudowoodo also help make Gen 2 unforgettable. While new regions introduce stronger mons, the GBC Pokemon showcase Game Freak’s creativity at its peak.
Whether you prefer cuddle bugs like Pikachu, majestic creatures like Lugia, or competitive titans like Dragonite, the GBC Pokemon roster has something for everyone. Their rich animations and designs represent some of the best pixel art in gaming. And the mix of new, unfamiliar species with classic returning favorites strikes the perfect balance. For these reasons, the GBC Pokemon games remain icons of the series over 20 years later.