All Pokémon Starters by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces fans to a fresh set of three starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. Over nine generations, the franchise has now given us 27 unique starter lines, each with its own charm and evolutionary journey. Let's dive into the starter options from each generation and explore their evolutions, appearances, and the regions they call home.

Jump To:

• Gen 1
• Gen 2
• Gen 3
• Gen 4
• Gen 5
• Gen 6
• Gen 7
• Gen 8
• Gen 9

Note: Final evolutions marked with an asterisk (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The original trio that kicked off the Pokémon saga hails from the Kanto region: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. These iconic starters first appeared in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since been featured in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. You can also encounter them in numerous other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The Johto region's starters, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, were introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They also star in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. These starters have been available through various means in subsequent generations, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Generation VIII starters section.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip are the Hoenn region starters from Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. They reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and can be caught in various ways in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

The Sinnoh region's starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, debuted in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although not featured as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores the ancient Sinnoh region known as Hisui, all three can be caught in the game, as well as in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott are the Unova region's starters from Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes are still speculated upon, these starters can be caught in various mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott also serves as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The Kalos region introduced Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie in Pokémon X and Y. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form known as Ash-Greninja, featured in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime and offered through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo. These starters have been available in other mainline titles and DLC since their debut.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio debuted in the Alola region with Pokémon Sun and Moon. They returned in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been catchable in subsequent DLC for mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Generation VIII starters section.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Generation VIII brought us Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with its own set of starters. Sword and Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, representing the Galar region. These starters can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus revisits the ancient Sinnoh region, known as Hisui, with Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as its starters. These Pokémon have different evolution levels and new regional forms upon reaching their final evolutions. Additionally, you can catch the Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

The Paldea region's starters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, were introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a feisty Grass-type cat, Fuecoco is a heartwarming Fire-type crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water-type duck. While you need to trade to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past starter Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise wraps up its ninth generation, excitement builds for the future with the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are now available.