Choosing your starter Pokémon is one of the most thrilling and pivotal moments in any Pokémon game. It's the first step in your journey to becoming a Pokémon master, and the choice you make sets the tone for the entire adventure. This decision often feels like a personality test, guided by vibes and personal taste, yet it significantly impacts your path through the gyms, rival battles, and the secrets of the region you're exploring. Let's delve into the best starter picks across all generations, considering their base stats, strengths, weaknesses, and how they fare against the challenges of their native regions.
Gen 1: Bulbasaur
Games: Pokémon Red & Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen
Starter options: Bulbasaur (grass), Charmander (fire), Squirtle (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow guide
Bulbasaur stands out as the top choice for tackling the Kanto region in Pokémon Red and Blue. Its Grass type gives it a clear advantage against the first gym, led by Brock with his Rock Pokémon, and it continues to shine throughout the game. Bulbasaur's effectiveness extends to Misty's Water collection and Giovanni's final gym lineup, making it the best pick to take down the first two members of the Elite Four. While it faces challenges against Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym, these can be navigated with strategic play and the help of other Pokémon in your team.
Bulbasaur's evolution into Venusaur adds Poison typing, further enhancing its advantage over Charmander and Squirtle. Despite the prevalence of Flying types like Pidgey and Spearow, which pose a threat, the numerous Ground and Rock types in caves provide ample opportunity for Bulbasaur to level up efficiently.
Gen 2: Cyndaquil
Games: Pokémon Gold & Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver
Starter options: Chikorita (grass), Cyndaquil (fire), Totodile (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal guide
In Pokémon Gold and Silver, Cyndaquil emerges as the best starter due to its Fire typing, which is scarce in Johto. With only eight new Fire types introduced compared to a higher number of Grass and Water types, Cyndaquil adds much-needed diversity to your team. It excels against Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym, making it the optimal choice for most of Johto's challenges.
While Cyndaquil faces difficulties against Pryce's Ice type gym, a well-rounded team can overcome this hurdle. Its evolution into Typhlosion is particularly effective against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four, giving it a significant edge over Chikorita and Totodile.
Gen 3: Mudkip
Games: Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Starter options: Treecko (grass), Torchic (fire), Mudkip (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald guide
Mudkip is the standout starter in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire due to its Water typing, which is advantageous against three of the eight gyms. It excels against Roxanne's Rock/Ground gym, Tate & Liza's Psychic gym, and Flannery's Fire gym. Its evolution into Swampert, which gains Ground typing, provides a robust defensive boost, making it immune to Electric attacks and highly effective in battles where it might otherwise be at a disadvantage.
While Mudkip struggles against Wattson's Electric type gym, its overall versatility and balanced stats make it the best choice for navigating the Hoenn region's challenges.
Gen 4: Chimchar
Games: Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Starter options: Turtwig (grass), Chimchar (fire), Piplup (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum guide
Chimchar is the top pick in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, thanks to its Fire typing, which is underrepresented in the Sinnoh region. It is super effective against Gardenia's Grass type gym, Byron's Steel types, and Candice's Ice types, making it a strong contender throughout the game.
While Turtwig offers early game advantages and evolves into the versatile Torterra, Chimchar's evolution into Infernape is better suited for late-game challenges, particularly against the Elite Four's Bug types. Chimchar's ability to handle Team Galactic's Bug types further solidifies its position as the best starter.
Gen 5: Tepig
Games: Pokémon Black & White
Starter options: Snivy (grass), Tepig (fire), Oshawott (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Black and White guide
Tepig is the clear winner in Pokémon Black and White, thanks to its Fire typing and its final evolution into Emboar, which also gains Fighting typing. This combination is highly effective against Burgh's Bug gym, Brycen's Ice gym, and Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four.
While Snivy and Oshawott have their strengths, Tepig's versatility and strong attacking stats make it the best choice for navigating the Unova region's challenges, including battles against Team Plasma's Steel types.
Gen 6: Fennekin
Games: Pokémon X & Y
Starter options: Chespin (grass), Fennekin (fire), Froakie (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon X and Y guide
Fennekin stands out in Pokémon X and Y, with its Fire typing being super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its evolution into Delphox, which gains Psychic typing, allows it to handle the final three gyms effectively, making it the best choice for the Kalos region's challenges.
While Froakie and Chespin have their moments, Fennekin's versatility and resistance to Diantha's Gardevoir in the Elite Four make it the top pick.
Gen 7: Litten
Games: Pokémon Sun & Moon
Starter options: Rowlet (grass), Litten (fire), Popplio (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon guide
Litten is the best starter in Pokémon Sun and Moon, despite early challenges. Its evolution into Incineroar, which gains Dark typing, is particularly effective against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial. While its Dark typing complicates the final Fairy trial, Incineroar's overall effectiveness against the Alola region's trials makes it the top choice.
Rowlet and Popplio have their strengths, but Litten's ability to clear the trials and its rarity among Fire types in the Alola region make it the best starter.
Gen 8: Sobble
Games: Pokémon Sword & Shield
Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sword and Shield guide
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Sobble edges out Grookey and Scorbunny due to its effectiveness against three gyms, including the crucial final gym led by Raihan. Its evolution into Inteleon maintains a balanced set of stats, making it the best choice for the Galar region's challenges, particularly in the Champion Cup.
While all three starters have their advantages, Sobble's performance against the toughest opponents gives it a slight edge.
Gen 9: Fuecoco
Games: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Starter options: Sprigatito (grass), Fuecoco (fire), Quaxly (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guide
Fuecoco is the clear winner in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, designed to dominate the Paldea region. Its evolution into Skeledirge, which gains Ghost typing, is highly effective against the highest level gyms led by Tulip and Grusha, as well as the Team Star bases.
While Sprigatito and Quaxly have their strengths, Fuecoco's versatility and effectiveness against the region's challenges make it the best starter choice.
### The Best Starter Pokémon
