The Best Starter Pokemon Across Generations
Choosing the right Starter Pokemon can significantly impact your journey as a Pokémon Trainer. Since the first games were released in 1996, trainers have had to choose between three initial Pokémon, each offering a unique set of abilities, advantages, and challenges. This guide dives deep into the Starter Pokemon across each generation, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to unveil the ultimate choices for aspiring champions.
What is a Starter Pokemon?
In Pokémon games, the term Starter Pokemon refers to one of three Pokémon that trainers can select at the beginning of their adventure. Each Starter Pokemon belongs to a different type—typically Fire, Water, or Grass—and each has unique evolutions and combat capabilities. These Pokémon are designed to help trainers learn the game’s mechanics and often become loyal companions through all stages of the journey.
Why Choosing the Right Starter Pokemon Matters
Your choice of Starter Pokemon influences the early-game strategy, the challenges you’ll face, and the Pokémon’s viability in the later stages. For instance, some starters might have an easier time against early gym leaders or wild Pokémon, while others prove advantageous in competitive battles and high-level challenges.
Generation-by-Generation Guide to Starter Pokemon
Let’s explore the best Starter Pokemon from each generation to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your gameplay style and preferences.
Generation I: Kanto Region – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle
In the Kanto region, trainers choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each has iconic evolutions and powerful abilities:
- Bulbasaur: A Grass/Poison-type known for its defensive stats and healing abilities. Its final evolution, Venusaur, has impressive durability and access to status-inflicting moves.
- Charmander: The Fire-type evolves into the powerful Charizard, known for its high attack and ability to Mega Evolve, which adds versatility.
- Squirtle: A Water-type with strong defenses and an evolution line that culminates in Blastoise, a sturdy option with powerful Hydro-based moves.
Among these, Bulbasaur is often considered ideal for beginners due to its effectiveness against early gym leaders, although Charmander offers excellent late-game strength and flexibility.
Generation II: Johto Region – Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile
Johto’s Starters are Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. While each brings unique qualities, some stand out more than others:
- Chikorita: A Grass-type with supportive abilities but struggles against the majority of Johto’s gym leaders.
- Cyndaquil: A Fire-type that evolves into Typhlosion, offering high-speed and strong special attacks.
- Totodile: A Water-type with physical attack strength, evolving into Feraligatr, a formidable Pokémon with balanced stats.
For players aiming to breeze through the Johto region, Cyndaquil is often recommended as it provides powerful offense against many gym leaders, particularly in its final form.
Generation III: Hoenn Region – Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip
In Hoenn, trainers select between Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip:
- Treecko: The Grass-type has high speed and special attack, evolving into Sceptile, an agile powerhouse.
- Torchic: A Fire/Fighting-type that becomes Blaziken, a popular choice with strong offensive stats and versatility.
- Mudkip: A Water/Ground-type whose final evolution, Swampert, has impressive defense and immunity to electric moves.
Mudkip stands out as the best choice for Hoenn because of its Water/Ground typing, making it effective against many of Hoenn’s gym leaders and resistant to a significant number of common moves.
Generation IV: Sinnoh Region – Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup
The Sinnoh starters—Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup—each bring a unique element to the region’s gameplay:
- Turtwig: A Grass/Ground-type evolving into Torterra, a bulky tank with strong Earth-based moves.
- Chimchar: A Fire/Fighting-type that becomes Infernape, fast and powerful with both physical and special attacks.
- Piplup: A Water/Steel-type, with Empoleon as its final evolution, adding resilience and versatility.
Chimchar is often viewed as the best starter for Sinnoh due to its advantage against key opponents and its balanced attack capabilities.
Generation V: Unova Region – Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott
Unova offers three unique starters:
- Snivy: A Grass-type with high speed and support moves, evolving into Serperior.
- Tepig: A Fire/Fighting-type that becomes Emboar, with immense physical attack strength.
- Oshawott: A Water-type whose final form, Samurott, boasts balanced stats and flexibility in moves.
Overall, Oshawott is favored due to its well-rounded stats, allowing it to adapt to a variety of battles throughout Unova.
Generation VI: Kalos Region – Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie
In the Kalos region, trainers meet Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie:
- Chespin: A Grass/Fighting-type with defensive potential, evolving into Chesnaught.
- Fennekin: A Fire/Psychic-type that becomes Delphox, strong with special attacks and psychic moves.
- Froakie: A Water/Dark-type evolving into Greninja, one of the most popular Pokémon thanks to its unique typing and speed.
Froakie is widely regarded as the best choice, as Greninja’s Water/Dark typing and high speed make it versatile and effective in both in-game battles and competitive play.
Tips for Choosing the Best Starter Pokemon
Here are some tips to help you choose the best Starter Pokemon for your gameplay style:
- **Consider Type Advantage**: Select a starter that aligns well with the first few gym leaders in your game.
- Evaluate Evolutions: Look at each Pokémon’s final evolution to ensure it has the strengths and abilities you value.
- Think Long-Term: Choose a Starter Pokemon that will stay viable even in late-game scenarios.
For more on how to build a balanced team around your starter, visit our comprehensive team-building guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Starter
While each Starter Pokemon offers unique advantages, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring Gym Line-Ups: Each generation has different gym leaders with varying types. Choosing a starter that struggles against many gym types can make the journey harder.
- Overlooking Movesets: Some Pokémon have access to useful moves earlier than others. Researching movesets can save you time and resources.
- Not Considering Versatility: While high attack or defense stats are valuable, versatility in battle can be crucial, especially against unexpected foes.
For a complete breakdown of each starter’s moveset by level, check the official Pokémon website.
Conclusion: Selecting Your Ultimate Starter Pokemon
Each generation brings its own iconic Starter Pokemon, and your choice can influence the entire journey through each game. While some players may opt for their favorite character or design, strategically choosing a starter that fits the gameplay style and challenges of the region can make a significant difference.
From the resilient Bulbasaur in Kanto to the lightning-fast Greninja from Kalos, each Starter Pokemon has unique attributes that appeal to different types of trainers. Whether you’re starting your journey or revisiting it, making the right choice can enhance your experience and make each adventure unforgettable.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team