Top Starter Pokemon by Generation

The most pivotal moment in any Pokémon game is choosing your partner Pokémon. This initial decision, often based on personal taste, sets the stage for your entire journey towards becoming a Pokémon master. The gyms, rivals, and secrets of the region await, yet at this early stage, you're unaware of how your choice will impact your adventure. To help you make an informed decision, we've analyzed the base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of every starter Pokémon and their evolutions across all generations, determining the best starter pick to not only conquer the initial gyms but also challenge the Elite Four and beyond.

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 might seem appealing due to the scarcity of Fire types and its advantage against Ground types in the final gym, Bulbasaur's versatility shines through. With Grass typing, Bulbasaur is super effective against Brock's Rock Pokémon, Misty's Water collection, and Giovanni's final gym lineup, making it an excellent choice for the first two members of the Elite Four. Challenges arise with Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym, but strategic play and the abundance of Water types in Kanto can help overcome these hurdles. Bulbasaur's well-balanced stats and its evolution into Venasaur, which adds Poison typing, provide a solid 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, Cyndaquil stands out as the best starter due to the limited number of Fire types introduced. Its Fire typing is advantageous against Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym, positioning it well to navigate Johto's challenges. While Totodile and Chikorita have their strengths, Cyndaquil's ability to handle the majority of gyms and the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four makes it the superior choice. Challenges include Pryce's Ice gym and Lance's Dragon/Flying types, but a well-balanced team can overcome these obstacles.

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 is the standout starter in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Both Mudkip and Treecko are super effective against three gyms, but Mudkip's Water typing gives it an edge against Flannery's Fire gym, while Treecko struggles with Flannery and Winona's Flying types. Mudkip's evolution into Swampert adds Ground typing, enhancing its defensive capabilities and making it immune to Electric attacks, which is crucial for navigating the Hoenn region. Despite challenges with Wattson's Electric gym, Mudkip's balanced stats and advantages make it the best choice.

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

Chimchar is the top starter in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, thanks to the scarcity of Fire types and its effectiveness against Gardenia's Grass gym, Byron's Steel gym, and Candice's Ice gym. While Turtwig has early advantages against Rock and Water gyms, Chimchar's late-game potential as Infernape, especially against Aaron's Bug Pokémon in the Elite Four, gives it the edge. Piplup's Empoleon is resilient but lacks significant advantages over many gyms or Elite Four members.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokémon Black & White

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Black and White guide

Tepig is the clear choice in Pokémon Black and White. Its Fire typing and evolution into Emboar, which adds Fighting type, make it effective against Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym. While Oshawott and Snivy have their niches, Tepig's advantages against Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four and Team Plasma's Steel types make it the best overall pick. Its strong attacking stats and versatility in battles give it an edge in the challenging Unova region.

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 super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its evolution into Delphox, adding Psychic typing, makes it well-suited for the final gyms and the Elite Four. Froakie's Greninja and Chespin's Chesnaught have their strengths, but Fennekin's versatility and resistance to Diantha's Gardevoir give it the edge in the balanced battles of Kalos.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokémon Sun & Moon

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon guide

Litten is the best starter in Pokémon Sun and Moon, despite early challenges. Its evolution into Incineroar, adding Dark typing, makes it super effective against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial. While Rowlet and Popplio have their moments, Litten's ability to clear the trials and navigate the diverse challenges of the Alola region, including the Elite Four, make it the top choice.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokémon Sword & Shield

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sword and Shield guide

Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny in Pokémon Sword and Shield. All three starters are effective against three gyms, but Sobble's Inteleon has balanced stats and performs well against the Champion Cup's semi-final opponents. The Galar region's diverse challenges and the lack of significant advantages from rivals or random encounters make Sobble the best choice for a well-rounded team.

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 open-world structure, Fuecoco's Fire typing and evolution into Skeledirge, adding Ghost typing, make it exceptionally versatile. It excels against the highest-level gyms and Team Star bases, making it the best choice for dominating the Paldea region and navigating the diverse challenges of the Elite Four.

The Best Starter Pokémon