Embarking on your journey in the Pocket Monsters universe begins with a pivotal decision: choosing your first fighter. This choice not only marks the start of your adventure but also strategically impacts your entire gameplay experience. In Pokémon FireRed, you have three starters to choose from, each with distinct characteristics and advantages. Let's delve into the details of each starter Pokémon and guide you on selecting the best one for a successful start.
Table of Contents
- Squirtle
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?
Squirtle
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Squirtle, resembling a small turtle, boasts a sturdy shell that serves multiple purposes. Beyond mere protection and rest, its shell enhances hydrodynamics, allowing Squirtle to swim at impressive speeds. This Water-type Pokémon can also shoot precise water jets from its mouth, making it effective in battle both on land and in water.
While Squirtle's calm nature makes it easier to handle than Charmander, it can still be challenging to train compared to Bulbasaur. It's an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its high defense and balanced stats. At the game's start, Squirtle provides a significant advantage by easily defeating Rock-type trainer Brock and handling Misty's Water-type Pokémon. Its final evolution, Blastoise, is renowned for powerful Water attacks, high survivability, and the ability to use Surf, which is beneficial both in battles and for navigation.
Squirtle's Torrent ability enhances its Water moves, and its hidden ability, Rain Dish, heals it during rain. However, it struggles against Grass and Electric types, particularly in battles against Erika and Lt. Surge. Its attacks are less potent than Charmander's, and its speed could use a boost.
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Bulbasaur
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Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison type, features a unique bulb on its back that stores energy, allowing it to survive without food during dry periods. This bulb grows by absorbing sunlight, and when it becomes too heavy, it signals Bulbasaur's evolution into Ivysaur.
A versatile choice for beginners, Bulbasaur's balanced stats make it adaptable in various scenarios. Its types give it an edge against the first Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty. The ability Leech Seed drains opponents' HP over time, while Vine Whip uses its vines to strike or manipulate objects, showcasing impressive strength.
Bulbasaur's hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight, offering a strategic advantage. However, it's vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Charmander and others. Its speed can be a drawback, and its attacks may not match the power of Charizard or Blastoise's later in the game.
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Charmander
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Charmander, a Fire-type lizard, has a flame on its tail that reflects its health and emotions. A vibrant flame signifies strength, while a dim one indicates exhaustion. It's believed that if the flame extinguishes, Charmander's life ends. Remarkably, a healthy Charmander's flame remains lit even during rain.
Despite its popularity, Charmander faces early game challenges. Its high Attack and Speed, along with effective Fire moves against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types, make it a strong contender. Charmander evolves into the formidable Charizard, capable of Mega Evolution and powerful attacks.
However, it struggles against Rock-type Brock and Water-type Misty at the game's start. Charmander's low defense makes it vulnerable in battles. Despite these initial hurdles, it becomes a powerful ally in later stages, rewarding players who embrace its challenges.
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Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?
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Each of the three Pokémon offers unique strengths and weaknesses, and your choice should align with your play style. For an easier start, Bulbasaur is the way to go, excelling against the first two gyms. If you relish challenges, Charmander could be your pick, promising great rewards later. For balance and versatility, Squirtle is an excellent choice.
In our view, Bulbasaur stands out as the best option for a smooth progression. It effectively handles the initial gyms and maintains its utility throughout the game. Its solid Defense and Stamina make it suitable for beginners and veterans alike, ensuring a confident start and sustained relevance.
Your chosen companion will shape your playstyle and battle strategies. Consider both the early game challenges and your long-term plans when making your decision. Whatever your choice, it forms the foundation of your adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.
