The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three hotly anticipated starter Pokémon. Choosing your first partner is always a tough decision, so let's break down the options to help you decide: Which starter should you choose in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?
Totodile
A Johto classic, Totodile first splashed onto the scene in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*. This Water-type starter evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and the powerful Feraligatr at level 30. Boasting a base stat total of 314 (second highest among the starters), Totodile's final evolution, Feraligatr, reigns supreme with a whopping 530 base stats, including an impressive 100 Defense.
Chikorita
Another Johto favorite, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile but sometimes gets overshadowed. Don't let that fool you! This Grass-type boasts the highest base stat total among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters, at 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, Chikorita's initial strength is undeniable.
Tepig
Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig made its debut in *Pokémon Black and White*. This Fire-type starter, while perhaps less immediately iconic than some others, holds its own with a respectable base stat total of 308. However, Tepig's true strength lies in its final evolution, Emboar. Emboar boasts a base stat total of 528 and gains the Fighting type, adding significant versatility.
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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Predicting the optimal starter without knowing *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*'s opponents is tricky. However, we can leverage available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return, significantly impacting starter viability. But beyond Mega Evolutions, move sets are key. Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile packs a punch with Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig can unleash Flare Blitz and Head Smash. Each offers devastating potential.
The deciding factor? Tepig is the only starter to gain dual-typing (Fire/Fighting) through its final evolution, Emboar. This dual-typing grants Emboar resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—more than any other starter. While Feraligatr boasts fewer weaknesses, type coverage is a crucial consideration.
Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.
