The pivotal moment of choosing your starter Pokémon in any Pokémon game is not just a decision—it's a journey-defining moment that sets the tone for your adventure. This choice, often influenced by personal vibes and aesthetics, acts as a subtle personality test for many fans. Yet, at the outset, you're unaware of how this selection will impact your path to becoming a Pokémon master, as you face unknown challenges from gyms, rivals, and the secrets the region holds.
Our comprehensive analysis dives deep into the base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of every starter Pokémon and their evolutions across all generations. We've meticulously evaluated their performance against the backdrop of their native regions to identify the optimal starter for not only conquering initial challenges but also triumphing over the Elite Four and beyond. This guide is your first step toward mastering the Pokémon world across all iterations.
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 for tackling the Kanto region in Pokémon Red and Blue. While Charmander's Fire typing might seem appealing due to its rarity and effectiveness against Flying types, Bulbasaur's Grass typing proves superior. It excels against Brock's Rock Pokémon, Misty's Water collection, and Giovanni's final gym lineup, and is the best option to tackle the first two members of the Elite Four. The Grass type faces challenges against Erika's Grass gym and Blaine's Fire gym, but the abundance of Water types in Kanto helps overcome these obstacles.
Bulbasaur trainers will encounter issues with Flying types like Pidgey and Spearow in tall grass, but the plentiful Ground and Rock types in caves provide ample XP opportunities. Rival Blue's Pidgeot and Charmander can be challenging, but a Water type on your team can mitigate this. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venasaur adds Poison typing, giving it a strategic 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, the introduction of only eight new Fire types underscores Cyndaquil's value. It diversifies your team and is the best match for most of Johto's gyms and Elite Four members. Cyndaquil's Fire moves easily defeat Bugsy's Bug type and Jasmine's Steel type gyms, whereas Totodile lacks suitable matchups, and Chikorita struggles against early Bug and Flying type gyms and Morty's Poison type gym. Cyndaquil's main challenge comes from Pryce's Ice gym, but with time to build a balanced team, this hurdle is manageable.
Cyndaquil's evolutions, particularly Typhlosion, excel against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four, making it a strong contender despite challenges from Rock and Ground types in caves and Lance's Dragon/Flying team. Chikorita and Totodile face more significant issues, making Cyndaquil the superior choice.
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 stands out in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire due to its Water typing, which is advantageous against three gyms. Both Mudkip and Treecko are effective against Roxanne's and Tate & Liza's Rock/Ground gyms, but Mudkip has the edge in Flannery's Fire gym, while Treecko excels against Wallace's Water gym. Torchic, however, struggles to make an impact against any gym.
Mudkip's evolution into Swampert, gaining Ground typing and balanced stats, offers a significant defensive boost, making it immune to Electric attacks and only vulnerable to Grass. This evolution helps Swampert overcome challenges in the Elite Four where Treecko's Sceptile might struggle. The abundance of water in Hoenn may lead to frequent random encounters, but Mudkip's advantages far outweigh this minor drawback.
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, Chimchar's Fire typing makes it a standout choice, especially with only five new Fire types introduced compared to 14 for Water and Grass. Chimchar excels against Gardenia's Grass gym, Byron's Steel gym, and Candice's Ice gym. While Turtwig's early-game strengths against Roark's Rock and Crasher Wake's Water gyms are notable, Chimchar's late-game prowess is more significant.
Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, is ideal for tackling Aaron's Bug Pokémon in the Elite Four, although Turtwig's Torterra would be better suited against Bertha's Water and Ground types. Piplup's Empoleon lacks significant advantages against many gyms or the Elite Four. Chimchar's edge, particularly against Team Galactic's Bug types, solidifies its position as the best starter.
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 is the clear choice due to its Fire typing and its evolution into Emboar, which also becomes a Fighting type. This combination makes Tepig effective against Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym, despite challenges from Clay's Ground gym. Oshawott and Snivy struggle to match Tepig's versatility, with Oshawott having some advantages but no significant edge over the Elite Four.
Emboar's Fighting type is particularly useful against Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four, despite vulnerabilities to Caitlin's Psychic types. Tepig's strong attacking stats and effectiveness against Team Plasma's Steel types make it the best choice for navigating the challenges of Unova, especially given the double Elite Four battles.
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, being effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its final evolution, Delphox, gains Psychic typing, enhancing its performance against Fairy, Psychic, and Ice gyms. Froakie's Greninja and Chespin's Chesnaught struggle against various gym types, with Froakie particularly disadvantaged against Grass and Electric types.
The balanced nature of the Elite Four in X and Y favors different types in each battle, but Delphox's versatility gives it a slight edge, especially against Diantha's Gardevoir. Fennekin's dominance in early and late-game scenarios makes it the best starter for this generation.
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, despite early challenges in the trials. Its Fire typing is advantageous against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial, especially after evolving into the Fire/Dark type Incineroar. Rowlet and Popplio excel in early trials but struggle in late-game battles.
The diverse battles in the Pokémon League and the introduction of only eight Fire types in Alola make Litten's early selection crucial. Incineroar's versatility ensures success in the trials and beyond, solidifying Litten's position as the best starter for Sun and Moon.
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 edges out Grookey and Scorbunny due to its performance against key gyms and the Champion Cup. While all three starters are effective against three gyms, Sobble's advantage in the final gym and its balanced stats as Inteleon give it a slight edge. The diverse nature of the Champion Cup and minimal impact of other factors like Team Yell and random encounters make Sobble the top choice.
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, despite the game's emphasis on player freedom. The Paldea region's gym structure and Team Star base raids favor Fuecoco's Fire typing, particularly after evolving into the Fire/Ghost type Skeledirge. Skeledirge's immunity to Fighting types and effectiveness against Psychic, Fairy, and Ice gyms make it a dominant choice.
Sprigatito and Quaxly have their strengths but cannot match Fuecoco's versatility across the region's diverse challenges. Skeledirge's superior performance against the Elite Four further solidifies Fuecoco's position as the best starter for Scarlet and Violet.
### The Best Starter Pokémon
