Top Starter Pokemon: A Generational Guide

The moment you choose your partner Pokemon at the beginning of any Pokemon game is truly pivotal. It's a special experience where you lock eyes with the creature you'll spend countless hours raising, bonding with, and sending into battle. This decision often feels like a personality test, driven by vibes and personal taste. At this point, you have no knowledge of how your choice will shape your journey to becoming a Pokemon master, as the gyms, rivals, and secrets of the region remain hidden.

We've delved deep into the research, analyzing base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of every starter Pokemon and their evolutions, and matched them against the challenges of their native regions. Our goal is to determine the best starter pick—not just for the initial gyms, but to conquer the Elite Four and beyond. This is the crucial first step to mastering Pokemon 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

While it's clear that Bulbasaur is the perfect choice to tackle the first gym in Pokemon Red and Blue (Grass beats Rock, a fact well-known to fans), it truly stands out as the best starter for dominating the Kanto region. Initial analysis might favor Charmander due to the scarcity of Fire types in Gen 1, the prevalence of Flying types (which are strong against Grass), and the final gym's Ground types, to which Charizard is immune. However, Bulbasaur enthusiasts will find themselves swiftly progressing through most of the game. Its Grass typing proves super effective against Brock's Rock Pokemon, Misty's Water collection, and Giovanni's final gym lineup, as well as being the best option to take out the first two members of the Elite Four. The challenges Bulbasaur faces include Erika's Grass type gym, where strategy is essential to overcome the barrage of "not very effective" attacks, and Blaine's Fire type gym, which can be defeated thanks to the abundance of water types in Kanto.

There are some hurdles a Bulbasaur trainer must navigate, such as frequent encounters with Pidgeys and Spearows in tall grass, whose Flying typing can hinder leveling up. Fortunately, the plentiful Ground and Rock types in caves provide ample opportunities for Bulbasaur to gain experience. Another issue is the recurring battles with Blue, whose Pidgeot and Charmander can be problematic, though a Water type on your team can help with the latter. Bulbasaur's well-balanced base stats and evolution into Venusaur, which also becomes a Poison type, give it a significant edge over the other starters from 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

Pokemon Gold and Silver introduced only eight new Fire types, compared to ten Grass and eighteen Water types. This scarcity makes Cyndaquil an excellent choice to add diversity to your team. More importantly, Cyndaquil is the best matchup for most of the gyms and Elite Four members in Johto. Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym will easily fall to Cyndaquil's Ember and Flame Wheel attacks, which continue to be effective through its evolutions. In contrast, Totodile struggles as there are no Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms to exploit, while Chikorita (or Meganium) would excel in Pryce's Ice gym but struggle against early Bug and Flying type gyms, as well as Morty's Poison type gym. Pryce's gym poses a challenge for Cyndaquil, but with ample time to build a well-balanced team, this hurdle can be overcome.

Cyndaquil benefits further from the Grass and Bug types scattered throughout the Elite Four's roster. Although these teams are well-balanced, the many Poison types and Lance's Dragon/Flying types make it a tough zone for Meganium. Ferligator (Totodile's final evolution) holds its own but doesn't dominate like Typhlosion (Cyndaquil's final evolution). However, picking Cyndaquil comes with challenges, such as frequent Rock and Ground encounters in caves and Lance's team, which includes a Charizard and a Gyarados, requiring strategic planning. These issues, though present, are less impactful compared to those 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

While Mudkip's charm might be enough to win you over, its advantages as a Water type in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire go deeper. In terms of gym battles, both Mudkip and Treecko are super effective against three of the eight gyms. They both have an edge against Roxanne's and Tate & Liza's Rock/Ground gyms, while Mudkip excels against Flannery's Fire gym, and Treecko against Wallace's Water gym. By the time you reach Wallace, Treecko will likely have evolved into Sceptile, but its Grass typing puts it at a disadvantage against Flannery and Winona's Flying types. Mudkip struggles with Wattson's Electric type gym in Mauville City, but otherwise fares well. Torchic, on the other hand, is less competitive, with Fire types not being super effective against any gym and Blaziken's Fighting type only effective against one, leaving it vulnerable in Wallace's battle.

The Elite Four slightly favors Sceptile due to Glacia's Ice/Water Pokemon and some Grass types, which can challenge Swampert (Mudkip's final evolution). However, Swampert gains Ground typing and well-balanced stats, becoming immune to Electric and only weak to Grass, allowing it to dominate battles where it might typically be at a disadvantage. The Hoenn region's abundant water can make random encounters a grind, but Mudkip's overall advantages more than compensate for this. Plus, it's undeniably adorable.

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

Following the pattern set by the original games, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl introduce only five new Fire types compared to fourteen Water and Grass types. While not a sole deciding factor, this scarcity enhances Chimchar's appeal over Turtwig and Piplup. Chimchar's Fire typing makes it super effective against Gardenia's Grass type gym, as well as Byron's Steel types and Candice's Ice types, covering three crucial gyms. Turtwig, on the other hand, can easily handle Roark's Rock type and Crasher Wake's Water type gyms, and after evolving into Torterra, gains Ground typing, becoming immune to Electric attacks and excelling against Volkner's gym. However, Turtwig's strengths are more pronounced early in the game, while Chimchar's abilities shine in the late game.

Navigating the gyms smoothly is essential in the well-balanced Sinnoh region's Elite Four. Infernape (Chimchar's final evolution) is ideal for Aaron's Bug Pokemon, which would be super effective against Torterra, though Torterra would have an advantage against Bertha's Water and Ground types. Empoleon (Piplup's final evolution) is resilient but doesn't have significant advantages over many gym leaders or the Elite Four. The frequent battles against Team Galactic's Bug types tip the scales in Chimchar's favor, backed by its strong gym battle credentials.

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 Generation 5, the decision is clear-cut, with Tepig emerging as the best choice. Snivy struggles, only having an advantage against one gym and no significant advantages over the Elite Four, compounded by its vulnerability to Bug and Flying types across Unova. Oshawott fares better, excelling against Clay's Ground type gym and resisting Brycen's Ice types, but like Snivy, it doesn't have tailored advantages over the Elite Four. Tepig, however, boasts Fire abilities that make Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym easy victories, with its final form, Emboar, also gaining Fighting type, smoothing its journey through Unova. While Clay's Ground gym requires alternative strategies, the same applies to Oshawott against Elesa's Electric gym.

Emboar's Fighting type proves advantageous in the Elite Four battles, particularly against Grimsley's Dark types. Although vulnerable to Caitlin's Psychic types, a strong bench can overcome this challenge. Emboar's strong attacking stats and Team Plasma's abundance of Steel types further enhance its position. Facing the Elite Four twice in Pokemon Black and White makes it a tough challenge, but Tepig offers more reassurance than the others.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokemon X & Y

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon X and Y guide

Pokemon X and Y continue the trend of Fire types leading the pack. The sixth generation introduces a unique twist with two sets of starters, but we focus on the new trio: Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Fennekin stands out, being super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its final evolution, Delphox, gains Psychic typing, making it well-suited for the Fairy, Psychic, and Ice-based gyms that dominate the late game. Froakie evolves into Greninja, a Water/Dark type, effective against Olympia's Psychic team but weak against Valerie's Fairy types, and generally struggling against Ramos' Grass types and Clemont's Electric types. Chespin faces similar challenges, particularly against Viola's Bug gym and later gaining a Fighting type as Chesnaught, which disadvantages it against Olympia and Valerie.

As the game progresses, the Elite Four in X and Y is well-balanced, favoring different types in each battle. Delphox holds a slight edge, able to resist Diantha's Gardevoir's attacks, making it the preferred choice.

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 completes a Fire type streak in Pokemon Sun and Moon. Despite initial struggles through the first trials in the Alola region, Litten emerges as the best choice for subsequent battles. Mallow's Grass trial is perfect for Litten, and Sophocles' Electric gym contains two Steel types and a Bug type, all vulnerable to Fire. By the time you reach Acerola's Ghost trial, Litten can evolve into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type, making it super effective against the entire lineup, particularly the Grass and Ice Pokemon. The final trial against Mina's Fairy Pokemon is complicated due to Incineroar's Dark typing, but Mina's team also includes Steel, Grass, and Bug types, which are still favorable.

Rowlet and Popplio each have success in early trials but lack late-game advantages. Decidueye (Rowlet's evolution) gains Ghost typing, beneficial yet challenging for Acerola's trial, while Primarina (Popplio's evolution) doesn't affect trial outcomes significantly. Sun and Moon's Elite Four and additional challenges are too diverse for any starter to have a clear advantage, making Litten's ability to clear trials vital. The scarcity of Fire types in Alola, with only eight compared to thirteen Grass and Water types, further underscores Litten's importance.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokemon Sword & Shield

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sword and Shield guide

Sobble's edge over Grookey and Scorbunny is the closest yet. Each starter is optimal against three gyms, with Gordie and Raihan's Rock and Ground gyms favoring Sobble and Grookey, and Melony's Ice and Opal's Fairy gyms suiting Scorbunny. The first three gyms, being Grass, Water, and Fire typed, don't favor any starter, but Raihan's final gym adds importance to Sobble and Grookey's strengths. In the Galar region's Champion Cup, Sobble slightly outpaces Grookey. The semi-final opponents don't favor any type, but Bede's Fairy Pokemon, Nessa's Water types, and Raihan's Fire and Ground-heavy Dragon team align with Fire, Grass, and Water respectively. Sobble's final evolution, Inteleon, boasts nicely balanced stats, further tipping the scales in its favor.

Other factors, such as rivals and Team Yell, have minimal impact, and the introduction of overworld Pokemon reduces random encounters. This makes Sobble's well-roundedness a key factor in its success.

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 is the sixth Fire type to top our list and one of the most clear-cut winners. Despite Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's focus on player freedom, allowing you to tackle gyms and Team Star bases in any order and avoid wild Pokemon encounters, the Paldea region seems designed for Fuecoco's dominance. The gyms don't level scale, so you can return if you face a disadvantage, but the highest-level gyms are Psychic/Fairy and Ice types, while the lowest are Bug and Grass types. This setup favors Fuecoco and its Ghost type final evolution, Skeledirge. Quaxly, as a Water type, doesn't gain strength until its third form, Quaquaval, which becomes a Fighting type, useful against Larry's Normal type gym. Sprigatito, evolving into Grass/Dark type Meowscarada, is effective against Tulip's and Ryme's gyms.

The Team Star base raids, vital to the game's story progression, further emphasize the importance of your starter choice. Dark and Poison crews feature Bug Pokemon, while Fairy and Fighting crews are perfect for Skeledirge, who is immune to Fighting types. Quaquaval and Meowscarada can handle Rika's Ground Pokemon but struggle against Poppy's Steel team and beyond, where Skeledirge excels.

The Best Starter Pokemon