Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, remakes of the classic Gold and Silver games, offer players a nostalgic journey through the Johto and Kanto regions with enhanced graphics and gameplay mechanics.
Whether you’re looking to relive the adventure with a different starter Pokemon, aiming for a different gameplay outcome, or trying to reset for shiny Pokemon or better IVs, knowing how to restart Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver is crucial.
This article will guide you through both hard and soft resetting your game.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow To Hard Reset Pokemon HeartGold And SoulSilver
Hard resetting your game means completely starting over, erasing all progress and saved data. This is irreversible, so ensure any valuable Pokemon are transferred to another game or backed up before proceeding.
Here are the steps you need to follow to completely restart your Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver adventure:
- Start the Game: Boot up Pokemon HeartGold or SoulSilver on your Nintendo DS or 3DS system.
- Access the Main Menu: Wait for the title screen to appear after the intro.
- Key Combination for Reset: Simultaneously press and hold the following buttons: Up on the D-pad, Select, and B.
- Confirm the Reset: The game will prompt you to confirm that you want to delete all saved data. Confirm your choice, and the game will erase your file, allowing you to start a brand-new adventure in Johto.

This process is the same for both HeartGold and SoulSilver versions and will completely remove your previous game file.
How To Soft Reset Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Soft resetting is a less drastic measure, allowing you to restart the game without losing all your progress. This method is often used by players hunting for shiny Pokemon or those wanting to reset for a legendary Pokemon with better stats.
Here are the steps you need to follow for a soft restart of your Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver game:
- Prepare for Reset: Save your game before the event you want to reset for, such as in front of a legendary Pokemon.
- Perform a Soft Reset: Press and hold L, R, Start, and Select simultaneously. This will restart your game and bring you back to the title screen.
- Continue Your Adventure: From the title screen, you can continue from your last save point, allowing you to retry events or encounters as needed.
Soft resetting is a convenient way to retry for specific outcomes without affecting the rest of your game progress.
Final Word
Whether you’re choosing to hard reset Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver for a completely fresh start or opting for a soft reset to achieve specific in-game goals, both methods offer a way to enhance your playing experience.
Hard resetting gives you the chance to relive the game from the beginning, making new choices and perhaps choosing a different path.
Soft resetting, on the other hand, is perfect for when you’re satisfied with your progress but want to achieve specific outcomes, like catching a shiny Pokemon or getting the perfect stats on a legendary Pokemon.
Whichever method you choose, resetting allows you to tailor your Pokemon journey to your preferences and enjoy these beloved games in new and exciting ways.