Who’re the starter Pokémon? Each era introduces three new starters that you just get to select from firstly of the sport, and these creatures assist to kind some core childhood recollections for trainers world wide. Admittedly, some are a bit extra iconic than others, however each single one has at the very least a couple of followers. So, let’s take a look at all the Pokémon starters by era.
Each coach is aware of that the Starter Pokémon fall below certainly one of three sorts: grass, water, and fireplace, however there are numerous extra kinds of ‘mon on the market. That will help you put together for any creatures chances are you’ll encounter, we’ve psychic Pokémon weak point, darkish Pokémon weak point, and ghost Pokémon weak point guides. We’ve got one for each class, so don’t fear if it’s a bug- or dragon-type supplying you with bother as an alternative.
Right here’s our information to all the starter Pokémon:
Gen 1 starter Pokémon
The Kanto starter Pokémon are actually particular, being the very first ‘mon you get to select from, and to at the present time, they continue to be three of the most effective. The designs of all three are unbelievable, closely leaning into their respective sorts, and the truth that their subsequent evolutions are simply as superior is a pleasant bonus.
Bulbasaur
The primary ever grass Pokémon starter (and primary within the Pokédex), Bulbasaur, is admittedly the least fashionable of the three Kanto ‘mon, with many individuals displaying lots of like to Charmander and its third-stage evolution, Charizard. Nonetheless, whereas I by no means select Bulbasaur myself after I revisit the OG Pokémon Yellow, Pink, and Blue, I can’t assist however take a look at its stage three evolution Venasaur and consider it as top-of-the-line grass-types within the first era. It stands tall towards the likes of Victreebell, Vileplume, and Exeggutor.
Charmander
Quantity 4 within the Pokédex, Charmander is my go-to starter any time I’m in Kanto. Properly, more often than not, I’m identified to embrace Squirtle on the odd event if I want a change of tempo. Charmander and, finally, Charizard are an enormous a part of my childhood, bringing a wave of treasured 90s and early 200os nostalgia with them wherever they could go, and there’s good motive for that. You see, not solely is Charmander one of the lovable creatures on this world, Charmeleon is simply as charming in a stroppy teenager approach, whereas Charizard stays top-of-the-line fireplace Pokémon even after almost 30 years.
To at the present time, I’m nonetheless not over the eleventh Pokémon episode through which Ash first finds his Charmander, a poor little man who was deserted, his tail almost extinguishing. Oh, my coronary heart hurts simply fascinated by it.
Squirtle
Okay, all Pokémon followers know in regards to the Squirtle squad. That ragtag group of Squirtles (the chief of which joins Ash) made me fall in love with the water Pokémon. Then I take a look at Wartortle and Blastoise and understand this evolution line is one the most effective water-types in Kanto, maybe throughout the collection as an entire. Nonetheless, Blastoise has Gyarados, Lapras, and Poliwrath to compete with in era one, and no person can deny how highly effective these three are, particularly Gyarados. Nonetheless, Squirtle, the seventh entry within the Pokédex, is oozing with allure and badassery, making it a strong decide on your first-ever Pokémon.
Identical to with Charmander, there’s a extremely popular episode of Pokéman that includes this beloved creature. Ah, the Squirtle Squad, could you ceaselessly stay in my head rent-free.
Gen 2 starter Pokémon
The era two starter Pokémon are simply as unimaginable because the gen 1 Pokémon, for essentially the most half. Whereas there are undoubtedly some trainers who love the grass-type, for us, it’s solely ever a query of will we decide the water- or fire-type. Anytime I play Gold, Silver, or Crystal, it’s a troublesome determination.
Totodile
Have a look at this little crocodile Pokémon. It had some huge footwear to fill after Squirtle, however Totodile rose to the event, holding its personal as top-of-the-line water starter Pokémon in the complete franchise. For some early energy, Totodile is maybe the most effective of the three, occurring to evolve into one other two formidable Pokémon. Maybe the one draw back for Totodile is that there are some unbelievable water-types in Johto, together with the likes of Kingdra and Politoed, so that you’re not brief on choices do you have to decide Cindaquil or Chikorita as an alternative.
Cyndaquil
Cyndaquil fills me with pleasure; it simply seems so pleased each time you take a look at it. Clearly, it is a creature who loves life and is just pleased to be right here, and that’s the sort of vitality all of us want. As a lot as I like Totodile, it’s uncommon that I don’t select to start out my Johto journey with Cyndaquil, particularly as it will definitely turns into Typhlosion, and I actually need the reminder of how cool that beast was earlier than Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Chikorita
Rooster Tikka. I’m sorry, however that’s all I hear anytime somebody utters this Pokémon’s title. So not solely does Chikorita go away me dissatisfied anytime I take a look at it, nevertheless it additionally leaves me craving a curry. I’m simply going to say it. What’s up with that leaf on its head? I’m not precisely vogue savvy, however its whole evolution line clearly doesn’t know what to do with its wardrobe. Cease attempting to make ‘leaf’ occur, Chikorita. It’s not going to occur. Plus, as if that isn’t sufficient, there are some actually good grass-types you may get later, like Bellossom, which eliminates the necessity to decide Chikorita within the first place.
Gen 3 starter Pokémon
Recreation Freak was on a roll with the starter Pokémon, because the gen three entries are nearly as loveable as the primary two. The simplistic design selections of all three are charming, and as soon as once more, you possibly can’t actually lose no matter which ‘mon you decide. None of them remind me of curry, in order that’s begin.
Torchic
Torchic is terribly fashionable among the many PT group, being the commonest starter selection when any of us decide up Ruby or Sapphire and return to Hoenn. For starters, Torchic is among the cutest ‘mon throughout the complete franchise, and watching it develop as much as be the extremely highly effective Blaziken is nothing wanting a pleasure. Talking of Blaziken, not solely does Torchic begin life as a strong fire-type, however its closing evolution turns into a combating Pokémon (critically, chances are you’ll want our combating Pokémon weak point information to beat it). When choosing a starter, typically it is advisable to sit up for what its evolutions are like, particularly if they’ve a secondary typing that may help you in battles.
Treecko
Treecko isn’t my first selection, and even my second, in Hoenn, however that’s not as a result of it’s a foul starter Pokémon. It’s extra as a result of it’s very uncommon for me to desire a grass-type on my group; any that I do need don’t are typically starters – that’s to not say a pair haven’t wormed their approach into my coronary heart, thoughts you. Treecko and its closing evolution, Sceptile, do deserve your consideration and they’re value having if you need a strong grass-type during your journey.
Mudkip
Anytime I go to the area of Hoenn I’m confronted with a tricky selection – Torchic or Mudkip? That is the era that I have a tendency to separate who I decide as my starter Pokémon fairly evenly, for Mudkip ultimately evolves into Swampert, a water and floor Pokémon that makes for a novel mixture. It may trigger lots of bother, because of being a dual-type, which makes selecting Mudkip firstly of the sport greater than value it. Plus, take a look at that face. Mudkip seems unbothered, and I want that vitality.
Gen 4 starter Pokémon
Once more, we’ve a very strong lineup on the subject of starter Pokémon in era 4, with Recreation Freak persevering with to place out good designs that make it robust to decide on your first pal in Sinnoh. Nonetheless, there’s one which stands out from the remainder.
Piplup
Piplup is one other fan-favorite starter Pokémon, holding a spot within the hearts of many trainers because of its lovable look and nature. It’s a penguin, so whereas it seems cute, it has a demeanor that exhumes confidence and calls for respect, one thing that makes lots of sense when you think about that its closing stage, Empoleon relies on an emperor penguin and will get a part of its title from Napoleon. Plus, this highly effective ‘mon has a trident on its head, an merchandise that normally calls for respect on the subject of the ocean.
Chimchar
This monkey Pokémon is a ball of vitality and I’m right here for it. Chimchar is a strong decide for those who’re after a enjoyable and vibrant companion. It picks you up if you’re down, makes you snicker, smile, and possibly cry with pleasure. Plus, in an identical vein to Torchic and Blaziken, its stage three evolution, Infernape, is a badass that may throw punches with Mike Tyson. Moreover, for those who put apart cuteness and pleasure, Chimchar could be very agile, that means you’ve shot at placing first in battle with this starter Pokémon.
Turtwig
Although grass-types aren’t for me, there’s one thing charming about Turtwig that makes me perceive why some select it as their starter Pokémon in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Not solely that, however its stage three evolution, Torterra, has a fierce design that may strike worry into the hearts of your enemies. It additionally occurs to be a grass-ground-type hybrid, giving it arsenal of assaults. Have a look at it; that beast is an absolute tank, and its protection stat helps that assertion, although its attacking prowess is nothing to smell at.
Gen 5 starter Pokémon
Right here is the place we start to see a decline within the high quality of the starter Pokémon. The design selections really feel a bit lazy in locations right here, however there’s one that also manages to indicate the opposite two the way it’s finished. It’s additionally the primary of simply two generations through which I think about the grass-type to be the best choice.
Snivy
After 5 generations, Snivy burst onto the scene and into my coronary heart, being the primary grass-type to make a big impact on me, which is fairly spectacular contemplating not even Bulbasaur managed that. As with every time you decide a starter Pokémon, it comes down to non-public desire, however Snivy is all the time my go-to in Unova. Tepig’s design bores me, and Oshwatt seems a bit too needy. Snivy provides a ‘hmm, sure, I do know I’m superior’ sort of vibe, and I dig it. That and its whole evolution line give off a regal really feel, with Serperior boasting one of the elegant designs within the collection to this point – superior, certainly.
Tepig
It’s a pig. Look, I like a simplistic design, however Tepig is too simplistic. I’m an enormous lover of the fire-type; alongside darkish Pokémon, ghost Pokémon, and psychic Pokémon, it’s certainly one of my favorites, which is why it’s so shocking that I’ve no love for Tepig. Plus, it follows the pattern of a hearth starter’s third stage changing into a fighting-type, too, and what? Blaziken and Infernape do it so a lot better than Emboar. Nonetheless, the stage three ‘mon at the very least seems extra fascinating than Tepig. It provides a little bit of a lucha libre vibe, one thing that it’s greater assault stat helps fully.
Oshawott
Too needy for me. Don’t get me mistaken, Oshawott is cute, and I’ve chosen it as my starter within the Black and White line of video games a few occasions, nevertheless it doesn’t fill me with the identical confidence that Snivy does. Oshawott, buddy, you’re water Pokémon; imagine in your self, please. You flip into Samurott on the finish, a badass water-type that’s arguably the most effective swimmer era 5 has to supply. Samurott additionally boasts an important design that’s almost on par with Servine for the way distinctive it seems, nevertheless it simply doesn’t give the ‘I’m higher than you and I do know it’ vitality.
Gen 6 starter Pokémon
As a lot as I like the ultimate stage of one of many sixth era starter Pokémon, the lineup is mediocre at greatest. I don’t need to say it’s terrible, nevertheless it doesn’t meet the requirements of the earlier generations, particularly the primary three.
Froakie
The nice. For sure, Froakie is the most effective starter Pokémon in Kalos, for me at the very least – I’ve by no means chosen both of the opposite two, and I’ve performed via each X and Y a couple of occasions. Maybe it’s these huge yellow eyes, however one thing about this frog Pokémon pulls me in. It’s nearly hypnotic. To be sincere, I’m undecided if I’m truly the one in cost. Nonetheless, as a lot as I like Froakie, the actual motive anybody ought to select it’s Greninja, its third stage evolution. By far, Greninja is among the greatest water-types you may get, nevertheless it doubles as a darkish Pokémon, too, that means it’s smart to learn our darkish Pokémon weak point to beat this distinctive combo.
Fennekin
The unhealthy. That is such a bland design for a starter Pokémon, and its subsequent evolutions do nothing to alter my thoughts. Actually, this era confuses me; I’d somewhat pet the frog than the fox. Its stage three evolution, Delphox, provides off witchy vibes, which is defined by its fireplace and psychic Pokémon twin typing. To see what your future holds with this starter, try our psychic Pokémon weak point information.
Chespin
The ugly. What is that this factor? Severely, Chespin, why are you sporting a hat? I want I might say the design will get higher additional down the road, however Chestnaught is in a everlasting state of trying prefer it needs a hug but additionally giving off a ‘come close to me and I’ll rip your head off’ vibe. It’s a weird evolution line that I’m not hurry to select. Nonetheless, Chestnaught does have a novel grass and combating Pokémon dual-type, so that you would possibly need to select it for that distinctive combo.
Gen 7 starter Pokémon
Two out of three isn’t unhealthy, and even the third continues to be an enchancment over a number of the earlier starter Pokémon. Plus, they belong to the area based mostly on Hawaii; they get factors for that alone.
Rowlet
Rowlet is probably the cutest chook Pokémon in the complete collection. One take a look at that bowtie and my coronary heart simply melts; then it has these cute eyes and lovable beak. Rowlet is the entire package deal, however I nonetheless don’t have a tendency to decide on it, as I don’t gravitate towards grass-types too usually. Nonetheless, I can actually see why many think about it the best choice in Alola. For those who add Decidueye, its closing stage, to the combo, it turns into much more clear why Rowlet is so fashionable.
Litten
I like fireplace and I like cats, what extra do I want? Litten goes again to fundamentals, providing a simplistic design finished proper. It’s so filled with mischief, and similar to an actual cat, it could throw some quick punches in battle. Talking of which, its stage three evolution, Incineroar, isn’t any slouch both, combining two of my favourite sorts – fireplace and darkish. While you first take a look at its closing state, Inciniroar, you would possibly assume that Recreation Freak has pulled the identical ‘fireplace starter turns into fighting-type’ stunt once more, I actually did, however I’m so grateful that’s not the case.
Popplio
Okay, so whereas I like Popplio, I don’t assume it matches as much as Litten and Rowlet by way of cuteness, although it’s water-type with a powerful evolution line. Nonetheless, whereas I respect the design of Decidueye and Incineroar, I can’t say the identical for Primarina – I don’t just like the look of this Pokémon in any respect. Nonetheless, I can’t deny that its dual-type as a water and fairy Pokémon does make it fairly formidable in battle. Maybe it is best to learn our fairy Pokémon weak point information for recommendations on learn how to beat it.
Gen 8 starter Pokémon
It was going so nicely, then we head to Galar in era eight. Now, I believe Sword and Defend are lots higher than folks give them credit score for, however the starter Pokémon go away a lot to be desired. Aside from Scorbunny, I like that little man.
Grookey
Grookey could be very cute, I’ve no drawback saying that. Nonetheless, its evolution line took a flip I merely wasn’t prepared for. Look, I’m English. I do know Britain is thought for its love of rock and roll, however I don’t have to see unusual monkeys operating round smacking issues with sticks. Then, if you attain the ultimate evolution, Rillaboom, it’s only a gorilla enjoying drums, primarily. No, simply no. Thoughts you, this isn’t the worst of the bunch within the era eight starters.
Scorbunny
Scorbunny is an lovable bunny Pokémon that represents the vitality the youth of Britain have via their love of soccer. With a strong design and evolution line, I’ve no drawback saying Scorbunny is my primary decide in Sword and Defend, particularly since Cinderace doesn’t look into my soul and provides me nightmares (extra on that in a second). Somewhat, Cinderace is my buddy, my pal. I really feel comradery and love with the fire-type. Within the late sport, Cinderace could cause some severe injury if used proper, making Scorbunny a strong selection as a starter Pokémon.
Sobble
At first, that crying Pokémon held my coronary heart. I almost selected Sobble, however I finally went with Cinderace, and boy, am I glad I did. Don’t get me mistaken, Sobble may give you water Pokémon within the early going whereas in your journey in Galar, however after I reached that combat with Leon, boy, was I pleased to have Cinderace by my facet. In entrance of me was Inteleon, Sobble’s closing evolution, and the gangly factor gave me nightmares. Look, I perceive the ties to espionage, and that’s nice and all, however no.
Gen 9 starter Pokémon
Right here we’re, the newest era. One I like, one I like, and one I hate.
Quaxly
What’s with the hair? I don’t get it. There’s Sprigatito and Fuecoco trying all cute, filled with hope and promise for the longer term, after which there’s Quaxly. This duck fills me with dread each time I take a look at it. The primary time I noticed it, one thing felt off, and after I lastly set foot in Paldea for the primary time, I understood why. Its closing stage, Quaquaval, is god-awful. I’ve nothing good to say about it, and as my mom stated, when you have nothing good to say, don’t say something in any respect.
Fuecoco
This candy little dino is a superb starter Pokémon, one which’s sure to make the lives of many trainers simpler within the early going of the sport. Plus, not solely is it cute, however its first evolution, Crocalor, wears a sombrero, and that may simply be the most effective factor I’ve seen in a Pokémon sport in years. Nonetheless, it loses the hat when it ascends to Skeledirge, which upsets me tremendously. It does have ghost-type strikes at its disposal, although, which is all the time nice to see.
Sprigatito
Sprigatito is the second-ever grass-type to carry my coronary heart. I selected my darling Sprigs with out hesitation and by no means appeared again. I admit to being a bit dissatisfied that Meowscarda stands on two ft, however I discovered to like the stage-three ‘mon over time, too. Primarily as a result of it causes an obscene quantity of injury towards most creatures it comes throughout, because of being a grass and dark-type hybrid.
Whereas none of those starters fairly make our checklist of the strongest Pokémon in Paldea, we are able to’t deny that Meowscarda is among the greatest grass-types within the area.
Which Starter Pokémon is greatest?
It doesn’t matter who you ask, you’ll get completely different solutions. Among the many PT group alone, the reply switches between Totodile, Cyndaquil, Treecko, Charmander, and Froakie. Our recommendation when selecting who to make use of is simply to go along with whoever you want greatest, although possibly think about who they ultimately evolve into.
Is Bulbasaur the one dual-type starter?
No, Bulbasaur isn’t the one dual-type starter, as Rowlet is a grass- and flying-type.
What number of starter Pokémon are there?
We’d forgive you for considering that there are solely 27 starter Pokémon, three for every era. Nonetheless, because of the Let’s Go video games on Nintendo Swap, that quantity is definitely 29, as you begin with both Pikachu or Eevee, relying on which sport you get. Plus, we are able to’t neglect the truth that Pikachu is the starter Pokémon in Yellow, that means it’s technically been one of many first associate ‘mon since 1998.
Properly, that’s it, Pokémon trainers! All the present starter Pokémon. Be sure to try our Indigo Disk starter places information to trace all of them down within the Scarlet and Violet DLC. Oh, and why not try extra Pokémon content material with our rock Pokémon, regular Pokémon, dragon Pokémon, ice Pokémon, and poison Pokémon guides?