Starter Pokémon: How to Select One!

Choosing the right starter Pokémon is the most crucial step when playing Pokémon games. If you’re entirely new to the franchise, you might be overwhelmed by the various types and their movesets. Which one should you choose?

Well, have no fear; we’ve compiled a guide for you with the most vital and beloved characters in the games, manga, and anime. You’ll also learn which starters you’ll find in each generation and how to get them. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing your starter Pokémon!

What is a starter Pokémon?

A starter Pokémon is the first Pokémon a player gets, training it to fight rivals and wild Pokémon. Once another starter is caught, the original can be retired or continue to train alongside it. Each generation has new starters with unique designs and movesets. Starters are typically rare in the wild; while in some games, they’re native to that region, others are brought from elsewhere. 

Starters will typically be a Fire, Grass, or Water type Pokémon. However, there are some exceptions, like Electric type Pikachu (“Pokémon Yellow” and “Let’s Go, Pikachu!”) and Normal type Eevee (“Let’s Go, Eevee!” and “Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness”).

What types are starter Pokémon?

We’ll discuss Generations I-III and IX in greater detail, but let’s look at the other generations first. Generation IV’s starters are Piplup, Turtwig, and Chimchar (Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum). The starters for Generation V are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott (Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2), while Generation VI’s are Chespin, Froakie, and Fennekin (X and Y). 

Generation VII’s starter Pokémon are Rowlet, Popplio, and Litten (Sun and Moon), while Generation VIII’s starters are Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble (Sword and Shield). Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Oshawott appear as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Pokémon Colosseum has Eevee’s evolutions, Espeon and Umbreon, while players choose several starters in Pokémon Battle Revolution, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and Pokédex 3D.

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When can I get one?

The player gets their first partner Pokémon at the game’s beginning, with others caught, traded, or given later on. Usually, a Professor gives you the starter: Oak in Kanto; Elm in Johto; Birch in Hoenn; Juniper in Unova, Sycamore via Tierno in Kalos; Kukui in Alola; and Rowan in Sinnoh. Director Clavell of Naranja/Uva Academy gives the player their starter in Paldea.

In the Galar Region, the player gets their first starter from champion Leon. Meanwhile, in Hisui (ancient Sinnoh), the first starter is a Pokémon that Professor Laventon from another region found. In the “Mystery Dungeon” games, starters are assigned through a personality quiz, though players have more of a say when choosing them in later installments.

What are some popular starter Pokémon?

Generation I [Red, Blue, and Yellow]

The original games boast some of the franchise’s best starters. However, Grass-type Bulbasaur is your best bet. As one of two dual-type starters, it has Grass and Poison type attacks and is immune to them. Bulbasaur’s also strong from the get-go and quick to evolve. It’s the National Pokédex’s first entry for a reason!

Generation II [Gold, Silver, and Crystal]

While it’s a toss-up between Fire-type Cyndaquil and Water-type Totodile, Cyndaquil comes out on top due to its speed and attacks. Its final evolution, Typhlosion, is also neck-in-neck with Totodile’s final form, Feraligatr, though you can amp up its movesets using Choice Specs, Choice Scarf, or an Expert Belt.

Generation III [Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald] 

Though Fire-type Torchic’s and Grass-type Treecko’s final forms have incredible speed and attacks, Water-type Mudkip is Generation III’s most popular starter. Besides the design, it’s effective against most gym leaders, while its evolutions have bulkier stats and a second typing (Ground) that makes it immune to Electric types. 

Generation IX [Scarlet and Violet]

Based on final evolutions alone (in this case, Skeledirge), Fire-type Fuecoco is most players’ favorite due to its dual Ghost typing, insanely hot flames, and bulky stats. In its original form, it’s better at resisting attacks and has more movesets than the current Generation IX’s other starters, making it perfect as the first choice.

Why should I learn about starter Pokémon?

Learning about starter Pokémon is essential to building your team. You’ll know where to look for Sobble, how to get Turtwig, and when to use Oshawott. Once you start training, you can begin strategizing, utilizing a starter’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses. Even the strongest starter will lose if you don’t prepare.

Finally, increasing your knowledge will help you enjoy the game more. Take the time to study different species. Don’t be shy about asking fellow players for their advice – just don’t give away what kind of Pokémon you own if you want to surprise them!

Your starter Pokémon determines how quickly you advance. Knowing the different species, attacks, and weaknesses will help you plan for future battles. And if you focus on collecting and training the best Pokémon with their most vital evolutions, you’ll become a Gym Leader or Champion in no time. And if you make mistakes, that’s okay – you learn as you go! Do you have a favorite starter Pokémon? Tell us in the comments.