Pokémon Starters: A Complete Guide from Gen 1 to 9

Every generation of Pokémon introduces fans to a new trio of starter Pokémon, each featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. As we reach the ninth generation, the franchise boasts an impressive lineup of 27 starter lines. Let's embark on a journey through the generations to explore all the starter options that have captivated players over the years.

Active Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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The journey began with the iconic starters of the Kanto region: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. These beloved Pokémon first appeared in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. They've since made a triumphant return in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. You can also encounter them in other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

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The Johto region introduced us to Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. These starters have returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been made available in subsequent generations through various methods, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

**Note:** Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

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In the Hoenn region, Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald introduced Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These starters reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been available in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

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The Sinnoh region's starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, debuted in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While not featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, they are catchable in the game and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

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Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott are the Unova region's starters, introduced in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these starters are available in various mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

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The Kalos region's starters, Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, were introduced in Pokémon X and Y. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form known as Ash-Greninja in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime, which was made available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo. These starters have been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC since.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon and returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. They've also been available in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet is featured as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

**Note:** Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

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Generation VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with different starter options. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, while Legends: Arceus featured past starters with new regional evolutions.

Sword & Shield

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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Pokémon Legends: Arceus brought back Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as starters in the ancient Sinnoh region, Hisui. Evolution levels differ slightly from past titles, and each starter receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. You can also catch the Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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The Paldea region's starters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, were introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a sassy Grass-type cat, Fuecoco is a lovable Fire-type crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water-type duck. While you'll need to trade to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past starter in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise reaches the end of its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the highly-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are now available.