Top Starter Pokemon: One Per Generation

The pivotal moment in any Pokémon game is the initial choice of your partner Pokémon. This decision, often based on personal taste and intuition, feels like a personality test to many fans. As you lock eyes with your chosen companion, you embark on a journey toward becoming a Pokémon master, with no knowledge of the gyms, rivals, and secrets that await. We've delved deep into the data, analyzing the base stats, strengths, weaknesses, and evolutions of each starter Pokémon across their respective regions. Our goal is to identify the best starter for not just the early challenges, but also for conquering the Elite Four and beyond. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make that crucial first step toward mastery in every Pokémon generation.

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

While Charmander might initially seem appealing due to its rarity as a Fire type in Generation 1 and its immunity to Ground attacks, Bulbasaur emerges as the superior choice for dominating the Kanto region. Bulbasaur's Grass typing gives it a significant advantage against Brock’s Rock Pokémon, Misty’s Water collection, and Giovanni's final gym lineup. It's also the best option against the first two members of the Elite Four. Challenges arise with Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym, but these can be navigated with strategic play and the abundant Water types in Kanto. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venusaur, a Grass/Poison type, provides a well-rounded advantage over Charmander and Squirtle, making it the best starter pick for aspiring Kanto champions.

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, the introduction of only eight new Fire types compared to ten Grass and eighteen Water types makes Cyndaquil a valuable asset for team diversity. Its Fire typing is highly effective against Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym. While Totodile struggles with a lack of advantageous matchups against gym leaders, and Chikorita faces difficulties with early Bug and Flying type gyms, Cyndaquil's evolution into Typhlosion gives it an edge against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four. Although Cyndaquil faces challenges with Pryce's Ice type gym and Lance's Dragon/Flying types, its overall performance makes it the best starter choice for Johto.

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 may catch your eye for its charm, but its strategic advantages in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are compelling. Both Mudkip and Treecko are effective against three of the eight gyms, with Mudkip excelling against Flannery's Fire gym. By the time you reach Wallace's Water gym, Treecko will likely have evolved into Sceptile, but its Grass typing puts it at a disadvantage against Flannery and Winona's Flying types. Mudkip, evolving into Swampert, gains a Ground typing and well-balanced stats, becoming immune to Electric attacks and only vulnerable to Grass. This makes Swampert a formidable contender, capable of overcoming most challenges in the Hoenn region.

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

In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, the limited number of Fire type Pokémon (only five) compared to fourteen Water and Grass types positions Chimchar as a valuable choice. Its Fire typing is super effective against Gardenia's Grass type gym, Byron's Steel types, and Candice's Ice types. Although Turtwig can handle Roark's Rock and Crasher Wake's Water gyms, Chimchar's evolution into Infernape is better suited for late-game success, particularly against the Elite Four's Bug types. While Turtwig's final form, Torterra, has advantages against certain types, Chimchar's overall performance and gym battle credentials make it the superior 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

In Pokémon Black and White, Tepig stands out as the best starter choice. Snivy's Grass typing only gives it an advantage over one gym, and it struggles against Bug and Flying types. Oshawott, while effective against Clay's Ground type gym, doesn't have significant advantages over the Elite Four. Tepig's Fire abilities, combined with its evolution into Emboar, a Fire/Fighting type, make it well-suited for Unova. It excels against Burgh's Bug and Brycen's Ice gyms and has an advantage against Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four. Emboar's strong attacking stats and the presence of Team Plasma's Steel types further solidify Tepig's position as the smartest pick.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokémon X & Y

Starter options: Chespin (grass), Fennekin (fire), Froakie (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon X and Y guide

In Pokémon X and Y, Fennekin emerges as the standout starter. Its Fire typing is super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more, allowing it to navigate the early and late stages of the game with ease. Fennekin's evolution into Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type, is well-prepared for the final three gyms and the Elite Four. Froakie's Water/Dark evolution, Greninja, struggles against Fairy and Grass types, while Chespin's Grass/Fighting evolution, Chesnaught, faces challenges against Psychic 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

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, Litten is the clear choice despite early challenges. Its Fire typing excels against Mallow's Grass trial and Sophocles' Electric gym, and its evolution into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type, is super effective against Acerola's Ghost trial. While Rowlet and Popplio have advantages in early trials, they lack significant benefits in later battles. Litten's ability to clear the trials is crucial, especially given the diverse challenges in the Pokémon League. With only eight Fire types introduced in Alola compared to thirteen Grass and Water types, Litten's early selection is highly beneficial.

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 narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny. All three are effective against three gyms, but Sobble and Grookey have an advantage in the final gym led by Raihan. The Champion Cup slightly favors Sobble, with its evolution, Inteleon, performing well against Bede's Fairy, Nessa's Water, and Raihan's Fire and Ground types. Team Yell and random encounters have minimal impact, but Sobble's balanced stats give it a slight edge over its competitors in 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

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Fuecoco stands out as the clear winner. Despite the freedom to tackle gyms and Team Star bases in any order, the Paldea region's design favors Fuecoco. Its evolution into Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type, excels against the highest level Psychic/Fairy and Ice type gyms, and the lowest level Bug and Grass type gyms. Quaxly's evolution into Quaquaval, a Water/Fighting type, is only advantageous in Larry's Normal type gym, while Sprigatito's evolution into Meowscarada, a Grass/Dark type, has limited benefits. Fuecoco's versatility and strong performance in Team Star raids and the Elite Four make it the best starter choice for Paldea.

The Best Starter Pokémon

The Best Starter Pokémon