The pivotal moment in any Pokémon game is choosing your starter Pokémon, a decision that sets the tone for your entire journey to becoming a Pokémon master. This choice, often based on personal preference, becomes a defining part of your adventure as you navigate through gyms, rivals, and regional challenges. We've analyzed the base stats, strengths, weaknesses, and evolutions of every starter Pokémon across all generations to determine the best starter pick for each game, ensuring you're well-equipped to conquer the Elite Four and beyond.
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 emerges as the top choice in Pokémon Red and Blue, not just for overcoming the first gym but for dominating the entire Kanto region. While Charmander might seem appealing due to the rarity of Fire types and its advantage against Ground types, Bulbasaur's Grass typing proves more versatile. It excels against Brock's Rock Pokémon, Misty's Water collection, and Giovanni's final gym line-up, and is the best choice against the first two Elite Four members. Challenges like Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym can be navigated with strategic planning and the abundance of water types in Kanto. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venusaur adds Poison typing, giving it an edge over Charmander and Squirtle.
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 stands out as the best starter due to the limited number of Fire types introduced and its effectiveness against most Johto gyms and Elite Four members. Cyndaquil easily handles Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym, while Totodile struggles with the lack of Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms. Chikorita's evolution into Meganium is strong against Pryce's Ice gym but falters against Bug, Flying, and Poison types. Cyndaquil's evolution into Typhlosion is particularly effective against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four, making it a superior choice despite challenges from Rock and Ground types in random encounters.
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, excelling against three out of eight gyms. Its Water typing gives it an edge over Roxanne's Rock, Tate & Liza's Psychic, and Flannery's Fire gyms, while its evolution into Swampert adds Ground typing, enhancing its defensive capabilities and immunity to Electric attacks. Treecko, though effective against some of the same gyms, struggles against Flannery and Winona's Flying types. Torchic, despite evolving into the powerful Blaziken, doesn't match up well against any of the gyms. Mudkip's versatility and the abundance of water in the Hoenn region make it a strategic choice.
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, with its Fire typing proving advantageous against three gyms and its evolution into Infernape being effective against the Elite Four's Bug types. Turtwig, while strong against Rock and Water gyms, is less effective in the late game. Piplup's evolution into Empoleon is resilient but doesn't have significant advantages over many gym leaders or the Elite Four. Chimchar's ability to handle Team Galactic's Bug types and its late-game prowess make it the best choice for Sinnoh.
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, with its Fire and Fighting typing in its final form, Emboar, making it highly effective against Burgh's Bug gym, Brycen's Ice gym, and Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four. Snivy and Oshawott struggle to match Tepig's versatility, with Snivy only effective against one gym and Oshawott facing challenges against Electric types. Tepig's strong attacking stats and effectiveness against Team Plasma's Steel types make it the best choice for navigating Unova.
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 its evolution into Delphox adding Psychic typing, making it resistant to Fairy, Psychic, and Ice types. Froakie and Chespin face more challenges, with Froakie struggling against Grass and Electric types and Chespin against Bug and Fairy types. Delphox's versatility and resistance to Diantha's Gardevoir give Fennekin the edge in Kalos.
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 top choice in Pokémon Sun and Moon, with its Fire typing and evolution into Incineroar (Fire/Dark) being effective against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial. Rowlet and Popplio struggle to maintain an advantage in the late game, with Rowlet's Ghost typing being a mixed blessing and Popplio's Water/Fairy typing not impacting the trials significantly. Litten's ability to clear the trials and the limited number of Fire types in Alola 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
Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny in Pokémon Sword and Shield, with all three being effective against three gyms. However, Sobble's advantage in the final gym and its balanced stats in its final evolution, Inteleon, give it a slight edge. The Champion Cup's diverse lineup favors Sobble against Bede's Fairy types, Nessa's Water types, and Raihan's Fire and Ground heavy Dragon team, making it the best choice for Galar.
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, with its Fire typing and evolution into Skeledirge (Fire/Ghost) being highly effective against the highest-level gyms and Team Star bases. The Paldea region's design favors Fuecoco, with its versatility against Psychic, Fairy, and Ice types, and its immunity to Fighting types in Team Star bases. Sprigatito and Quaxly, while effective in certain scenarios, cannot match Fuecoco's overall dominance in Paldea.
### The Best Starter Pokémon
