The Complete List of Pokemon Characters From Generation 2

Generation 2 of the Pokemon series is often seen as one of the most innovative periods in the franchise. It was a period when new ideas were plentiful, and the gameplay was still basic enough that there was plenty to bring to the table.

In Generation 2, there were just two different games: Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal. Gold & Silver released first, with Crystal coming later, continuing the series’ tradition of a third title in each Generation bringing a few minor changes to the formula. For many, Generation 2 is one of the most nostalgic Pokemon periods, and we’re going to take a look at all of the characters who make it so great.

Gym Leaders and Elite Four in Pokemon Generation 2

Following on from Pokemon Red, Green & Blue, Gold, Silver & Crystal continue the series formula for displaying player progress. At regular intervals, players will compete in battles against Gym Leaders, each of whom uses a different Type of Pokemon. This will put players’ teams to the test, and make sure they’re properly leveled for each stage of the game. This is later followed by the Elite Four, a series of battles that will allow players to prove themselves as a Pokemon Master.

However, Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal have one difference from other Generations. These games begin in the Johto region, which has its own set of Gym Leaders and Elite Four. After becoming the Pokemon Master of Johto, players are then able to fly to the Kanto region, first seen in Generation 1. There, they can then fight against all the Gym Leaders from the first games in the series, making a total of 16 Gym Battles, the most of any Pokemon title.

Johto Gym Leaders in Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal

Kanto Gym Leaders in Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal

Elite Four in Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal

The Pokemon of Generation 2

All of Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal use the same Pokédex, which for Generation 2 adds 100 new Pokemon for players to encounter and catch. This is back when the series still had plenty of ideas for new designs, with many newer titles often being accused of being uncreative at times.

Here is every Pokemon introduced in the Johto Pokédex:

Gold, Silver & Crystal Pokemon

Allies and Rivals in Pokemon Generation 2

Like most games in the Pokemon series, Gold, Silver & Crystal contain a vast array of allies and rivals that you’ll encounter throughout your adventure. Unlike later Generations, the narrative wasn’t really the focus here, so many characters aren’t as fleshed out as they may have been in titles further into the series.

Pokemon Gold, Silver, & Crystal Allies and Rivals

• Professor Elm: Professor Elm is the iconic Pokemon Professor from Johto. His main focus of study is in evolution, and in the games’ story, he is there to hand over the starter Pokemon to players.
• Ethan: Ethan is the protagonist of Pokemon Gold & Silver, as well as the male playable character in Crystal. If not chosen as the main character in Crystal, Ethan will appear periodically as a friend of Kris.
• Kris: Kris appears only in Pokemon Crystal, as the female playable character if chosen by players. This was the first time that players were able to choose their protagonist’s gender, marking a massive moment in the series’ history.
• Silver: Silver is the main rival in Pokemon Gold, Silver & Crystal. His father, Giovanni, is the former head of Team Rocket. Unlike rivals in other games, Silver is actually evil (at first), after stealing a starter Pokemon from Professor Elm. Silver then pops up for battle at regular intervals throughout the rest of the game.
• Team Rocket: Team Rocket are arguably the main antagonists of the game. They continue to kidnap Pokemon in the name of power and profit, and either Ethan or Kris must stop their Johto operation.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Screenshot from Pokemon Gold..