HeartGold or White 2 for my next Nuzlocke/Challenge Run?

Question

I recently finished my Platinum Nuzlocke, with great success, only losing a few of my 'mons against the Elite Four. Now, however, I'd like to do a challenge run of a game I am less familiar with. I've never completed a Unova game to begin with, and the same goes for Johto, but to an even lesser extent. (I got up to Gym 5 in White, and have barely even looked at any Johto game, mainly because we didn't have either remake on the DS or my dad's emulator, so I had to go searching for one for myself.). Regarding which games from these regions I should play, I've settled it to Heartgold for Johto, and White 2 for Unova. My one problem however, is that because I've never played either game, I have very little knowledge as to which one would be more fun, have better choices for Nuzlocke team members, have harder Gym Leaders and Elite 4, etc. (I'm not sure if its customary to go all the way to the Red battle on a Johto Nuzlocke, or to stop after the Johto League, or to stop after the Kanto league, etc.) can someone please explain to me which game I should pick? Preferably from firsthand experience if possible.

Comments

HG would be harder. the level curve is notorious. you won't be able to level up a full team without insane grinding. pick HG if you want something harder.

HG also has 16 gyms

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Is there anything objective you're looking for in an answer to this question?

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Yes, I would like to know which game is harder to nuzlocke, when a Johto Nuzlocke would typically officially end (after the Johto League, after the Kanto League, or after the Red Battle on Mt. Silver), which one generally has better encounters, particularly guaranteed or highly likely encounters, considering I can only get one per route, and lastly, a more subjective answer as to which is more fun, although that is optional, since I'm sure I'd have fun with either.

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Better reply than we usually get, so I'll allow it once. Just mind the questions you're asking are bending this site's rules to within an inch of their lives and you'd probably get a more passionate response somewhere like https://www.reddit.com/r/nuzlocke/

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Ok, sorry Fizz. Didn't mean to bend the rules so much. I'll try to steer clear of these sorts of questions in the future. But thanks for letting me keep this one up. I'll probably post the question on both sites to have a wider array of answers to help make my decision.

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Maybe answer this question in terms of how difficult the boss battles would be if you find the worst Pokemon in every area?

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do you even still want an answer to this question since you clearly already made a decision to play White 2?

Answer 1

Which game is harder to Nuzlocke?
Black 2 and White 2 are generally considered some of the hardest games in the series for a Nuzlocke, thanks to threats like Clay's Excadrill, Ghetsis' Hydreigon, and Iris' Haxorus. In general, Trainers have stronger Pokemon with more competent movesets than HeartGold and SoulSilver, which makes planning fights trickier. I recommend Iridacea's excellent guide here.

When does a Johto Nuzlocke typically officially end?
The Johto games are unique among Nuzlockes for not necessarily ending once you enter the Hall of Fame. Many players consider beating Red to be the end of the game—though you could of course go for a more traditional Nuzlocke, ending at Lance, and no one would stop you.

Which one generally has better encounters?
Black 2 and White 2 have a higher power level across the board, making it more likely that you will get something strong from every encounter. Guaranteed encounters include Emboar, Zoroark, Sawsbuck, and Jellicent.

HeartGold and SoulSilver, by comparison, have encounters that are weaker on average but still able to meaningfully contribute. Guaranteed encounters include Feraligatr, Gyarados, and Fearow, with other strong Pokemon like Graveler and Crobat being highly likely as well.

Which is more fun?
I believe Black 2 and White 2 are more fun because of their higher power level, more engaging level curve, diverse boss battles, and greater movepool flexibility. I find HeartGold and SoulSilver to be a bit of a slog with six Pokemon thanks to their subpar level balance—this problem is mitigated in Black 2 and White 2 with better game design and the omnipresence of Audino.

Ultimately both sets of games are enjoyable Nuzlocke experiences (but you should totally play Black 2 and White 2 first).