Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

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, sparking endless debate among trainers. So, which starter Pokémon should you pick in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?

Totodile

This iconic Johto starter, first seen in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*, is a Water-type Pokémon. Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and then into Feraligatr at level 30. Boasting a base stat total of 314, Totodile has the second-highest stats among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, is even more impressive, with a base stat total of 530, including a robust 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto starter, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile, though perhaps without the same fanfare. This Grass-type Pokémon actually boasts the highest base stat total among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters, with a respectable 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly less impressive base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and first appearing in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig is a Fire-type starter. While not as immediately recognizable as some other Fire-type starters, Tepig’s base stat total of 308 is still noteworthy. The real standout feature of Tepig is its final evolution, Emboar, which possesses a base stat total of 528 and gains the Fighting type.

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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Choosing the best starter without knowing the specific opponents in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is tricky. However, we can still analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are returning in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, and the starters will undoubtedly receive new forms, which will influence their effectiveness. However, move sets are a crucial factor.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize heavy hitters like Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three offer strong potential for a successful playthrough, so we need to look at another key differentiator.

Tepig is the only starter in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* whose final evolution, Emboar, gains dual typing, giving it a significant advantage. Emboar’s resistance to six types—Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—surpasses the other starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

Therefore, based on the available information, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.