Top Starter Pokemon: A Generational Guide

The moment you choose your partner Pokemon at the start of any Pokemon game is truly pivotal. This initial decision, often driven by personal taste and instinct, sets the tone for your entire journey to becoming a Pokemon master. It's a moment filled with anticipation and excitement, as you lock eyes with the creature you'll nurture, bond with, and lead into countless battles. Yet, at this early stage, you're unaware of how this choice will influence your path through the region's gyms, rival encounters, and hidden secrets.

We've conducted thorough research, analyzed base stats, and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of every starter Pokemon and their evolutions across various regions. Our goal is to guide you in selecting the best starter not just for overcoming the initial gyms, but for conquering the Elite Four and beyond. This comprehensive analysis will help you take the first crucial step toward mastering the Pokemon universe across all generations.

Gen 1: Bulbasaur

Games: Pokemon Red & Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen

Starter options: Bulbasaur (grass), Charmander (fire), Squirtle (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow guide

Choosing Bulbasaur in Pokemon Red and Blue is a strategic move, especially given its effectiveness against the first gym. Grass types naturally counter Rock types, giving Bulbasaur an edge right from the start. But Bulbasaur's superiority extends beyond the initial gym; it excels throughout the Kanto region.

While Charmander might initially seem appealing due to the scarcity of Fire types and its advantage against Flying types, Bulbasaur offers a smoother journey. It's super effective against Brock's Rock Pokemon, Misty's Water collection, and even Giovanni's final gym lineup. Additionally, Bulbasaur is the best choice to tackle the first two members of the Elite Four. Challenges like Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym can be navigated with strategic use of the abundant Water types in Kanto.

Bulbasaur trainers will face some hurdles, particularly with Flying types like Pidgey and Spearow, which can pose problems during grinding sessions. However, the prevalence of Ground and Rock types in caves provides ample opportunities for Bulbasaur to gain experience. Rival battles with Blue's Pidgeot and Charmander can be mitigated by including a Water type in your team. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venasaur, a Grass/Poison type, further enhances its advantage over the other starters offered by Professor Oak.

Gen 2: Cyndaquil

Games: Pokemon Gold & Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver

Starter options: Chikorita (grass), Cyndaquil (fire), Totodile (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal guide

In Pokemon Gold and Silver, Cyndaquil stands out as the optimal starter due to the limited number of Fire types introduced compared to Grass and Water types. This scarcity makes Cyndaquil a valuable asset, adding diversity to your team and proving advantageous against most of Johto's gyms and Elite Four members.

Cyndaquil's Fire attacks are particularly effective against Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym. While Totodile and Chikorita have their strengths, Cyndaquil's ability to handle a broader range of challenges makes it the superior choice. Totodile struggles to find a niche against Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms, and Chikorita faces difficulties with early Bug and Flying type gyms, as well as Morty's Poison type gym. Cyndaquil's challenge comes from Pryce's Ice gym, but with time to build a well-balanced team, this hurdle can be overcome.

The Elite Four's diverse roster further highlights Cyndaquil's strengths, particularly against Grass and Bug types. While all members present a challenge, Cyndaquil's evolved form, Typhlosion, excels against Poison types and Lance's Dragon/Flying types, which are problematic for Meganium. Though Cyndaquil has its challenges with Rock and Ground types in caves and Lance's team, these are less significant compared to the issues faced by Chikorita and Totodile.

Gen 3: Mudkip

Games: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

Starter options: Treecko (grass), Torchic (fire), Mudkip (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald guide

Mudkip's appeal in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire goes beyond its adorable appearance. As a Water type, Mudkip offers strategic advantages in tackling the region's gyms. Both Mudkip and Treecko are super effective against three gyms, including Roxanne's and Tate & Liza's Rock/Ground gyms. Mudkip, however, is particularly well-suited for Flannery's Fire gym, while Treecko excels against Wallace's Water gym.

By the time you reach Wallace's gym, Treecko will likely have evolved into Sceptile, but its Grass typing puts it at a disadvantage against Flannery and Winona's Flying type lineup. Mudkip, on the other hand, only struggles with Wattson's Electric type gym. Torchic, despite evolving into the powerful Blaziken, doesn't have a significant advantage against any gym and faces a massive disadvantage against Wallace.

The Elite Four's composition slightly favors Sceptile against Glacia's Ice/Water Pokemon, but Mudkip's evolution into Swampert, a Water/Ground type, provides a defensive boost and immunity to Electric attacks. This versatility allows Swampert to excel in battles where it might typically be at a disadvantage. The abundance of water in the Hoenn region may lead to repetitive encounters, but Mudkip's overall advantages make it a strong choice.

Gen 4: Chimchar

Games: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Starter options: Turtwig (grass), Chimchar (fire), Piplup (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum guide

Continuing the trend from the first game, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl introduce fewer Fire types compared to Water and Grass types, making Chimchar a valuable starter. Chimchar's Fire typing is super effective against three gyms, including Gardenia's Grass type gym, Byron's Steel types, and Candice's Ice types, positioning it well for success throughout the game.

Turtwig offers early game advantages against Roark's Rock type and Crasher Wake's Water type gyms, and its evolution into Torterra gains Ground typing, providing immunity to Electric attacks and an edge in Volkner's final gym. However, Chimchar's abilities are more suited for late-game challenges. The Sinnoh region's balanced Elite Four makes Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, ideal against Aaron's Bug Pokemon, while Torterra is better suited for Bertha's Water and Ground types. Piplup, despite its resilience as Empoleon, doesn't have a significant advantage over many gym leaders or the Elite Four.

Chimchar's edge over Turtwig is further solidified by frequent battles with Team Galactic's Bug types, making it a strategic choice for navigating the Sinnoh region's challenges.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokemon Black & White

Starter options: Snivy (grass), Tepig (fire), Oshawott (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Black and White guide

In Pokemon Black and White, Tepig emerges as the top starter choice. Snivy's Grass typing only benefits against one gym and struggles against Bug and Flying types throughout the Unova region. Oshawott, while better suited for Clay's Ground type gym and resistant to Brycen's Ice types, doesn't have significant advantages over the Elite Four.

Tepig's Fire abilities, combined with its final evolution into the Fire/Fighting type Emboar, provide a smoother journey through Unova. Emboar excels against Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym, though alternative strategies are needed for Clay's Ground gym. Emboar's Fighting type is particularly effective against Grimsley's Dark type Pokemon in the Elite Four, despite vulnerability to Caitlin's Psychic types.

Emboar's strong attacking stats and the presence of Team Plasma's Steel types further bolster Tepig's advantages, making it the most reliable choice for tackling the challenges of Pokemon Black and White.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokemon X & Y

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon X and Y guide

In Pokemon X and Y, Fennekin stands out as the top starter. The Fire type's ability to be super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more gives it a significant advantage. Fennekin's final evolution, Delphox, gains Psychic typing, making it well-equipped to handle the Fairy, Psychic, and Ice-based gyms toward the end of the game.

Froakie's evolution into Greninja, a Water/Dark type, excels against Olympia's Psychic team but struggles against Valerie's Fairy types and Ramos' Grass types. Chespin, evolving into Chesnaught, faces early challenges with Viola's Bug gym and later disadvantages against Olympia and Valerie due to its Fighting typing.

The balanced nature of the Elite Four in X and Y favors different types for each battle, but Delphox's versatility and resistance to Diantha's Gardevoir give it a slight edge over the other starters.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokemon Sun & Moon

Starter options: Rowlet (grass), Litten (fire), Popplio (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon guide

Litten's selection in Pokemon Sun and Moon completes a string of Fire type victories. Despite initial struggles in the early trials, Litten's evolution into the Fire/Dark type Incineroar proves advantageous in later battles. Incineroar's effectiveness against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial highlights its superiority over Rowlet and Popplio.

Rowlet's evolution into Decidueye gains Ghost typing, which is beneficial against Acerola but offers little advantage elsewhere. Popplio evolves into Primarina, a Water/Fairy type, but this doesn't significantly impact its performance in the trials.

The diverse challenges in the Pokemon League and the scarcity of Fire types in the Alola region further emphasize Litten's importance as a starter choice.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokemon Sword & Shield

Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sword and Shield guide

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny. All three starters are effective against three gyms, but Sobble and Grookey's advantage in the final gyms gives them a slight edge. The Champion Cup's semi-final opponents and the final battles against Bede, Nessa, and Raihan favor Sobble's balanced stats and type matchups.

The impact of rivals, Team Yell, and random encounters is minimal in Sword and Shield, making Sobble's well-rounded attributes and performance in critical battles the deciding factor.

Gen 9: Fuecoco

Games: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Starter options: Sprigatito (grass), Fuecoco (fire), Quaxly (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet guide

Fuecoco emerges as the clear winner in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Despite the game's emphasis on player freedom, allowing for non-linear progression, Fuecoco's advantages are undeniable. The highest-level gyms, featuring Psychic/Fairy and Ice types, and the lowest-level gyms with Bug and Grass types, align well with Fuecoco's strengths.

Fuecoco's evolution into Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type, provides immunity to Fighting types and effectiveness against Dark and Poison types in Team Star base raids. While Quaxly and Sprigatito have their merits, Skeledirge's versatility and dominance in the Elite Four battles make Fuecoco the best starter choice for mastering the Paldea region.

The Best Starter Pokemon