Picking the right starter Pokémon is a big deal for trainers beginning their journey. Each starter has unique strengths that can make your adventure easier or harder depending on your play style. The best starter Pokémon often depends on which generation you’re playing and what challenges you expect to face in your journey.
Many fans have strong opinions about which starters reign supreme. Some trainers pick based on type advantages against early gym leaders, while others choose based on final evolution designs or overall battle performance. Popular favorites like Mudkip, Bulbasaur, and Froakie have earned their reputation through helpful abilities and strong stats that carry players through tough battles.
1. Mudkip
Mudkip stands out as a top choice for Pokemon trainers starting their journey in the Hoenn region. This cute water-type starter evolves into the powerful Swampert, giving players a significant advantage throughout the game.
Many players consider Mudkip the objectively best choice for a starter in Hoenn. Its typing and move set create a smooth path through the early gym challenges.
The first major battles in Hoenn feature rock and electric-type gym leaders. Mudkip’s water typing gives it an edge against the rock gym, while its eventual ground typing neutralizes the electric gym’s threat.
Speedrunners consistently choose Mudkip for Pokemon Emerald runs. Its effectiveness against multiple gym leaders makes it the best starter for completing the game quickly.
When Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp, it gains a water/ground dual typing. This combination gives it just one weakness – grass – while providing immunities and resistances to several other types.
The final evolution, Swampert, maintains this excellent typing while gaining impressive stat boosts. Its high HP and attack stats make it a tank that can both take and deal significant damage.
Mudkip’s popularity extends beyond just competitive play. Many trainers pick it simply because it’s so cute, with its adorable design winning hearts since its introduction.
The water starter learns helpful moves like Mud-Slap early on. This move deals damage while lowering opponent accuracy, making battles easier for new players.
Despite Blaziken’s popularity as the fire starter option, Mudkip offers more practical advantages for completing the main story. Its typing covers more gym challenges effectively.
Pokemon Emerald players particularly benefit from choosing Mudkip due to the game’s battle frontier challenges. Having a powerful Swampert provides a solid foundation for building a competitive team.
2. Froakie
Froakie is a water-type starter Pokémon introduced in Generation 6. This blue frog Pokémon begins its journey with a simple design but evolves into one of the most popular final forms in Pokémon history.
Froakie’s main strength is its impressive speed stat. Even in its basic form, this little water starter moves faster than many competitors, giving trainers an early advantage in battles.
When Froakie evolves into Frogadier and finally Greninja, its speed becomes even more impressive. In fact, Greninja has the highest speed stat in starter Pokémon history, making it a top choice for competitive players.
Another big advantage of choosing Froakie is Greninja’s unique Water/Dark typing. This typing gives it fewer weaknesses than pure Water types and more offensive options. Some players find this dual typing especially versatile for gameplay.
Greninja is also the first starter Pokémon to have the Dark type, which adds to its special place in Pokémon history. This Dark typing helps it deal with Psychic and Ghost types that might otherwise cause problems.
Players should look out for Froakie with its hidden ability Protean. This special ability changes Greninja’s type to match whatever move it’s using, giving it same-type attack bonuses for nearly every move it uses.
Despite its strengths, Froakie isn’t without weaknesses. Some players point out that its attack stats aren’t as impressive as its speed, making it hit fast but not always hard.
Froakie works best with players who prefer a quick, tactical approach to battles rather than raw power. Its evolution line excels at striking first and using status moves effectively.
For new players, Froakie offers a good balance of power and usability throughout the game. Its water typing helps against the first gym in X and Y, giving new trainers an early advantage.
The popularity of Greninja also led to its inclusion in Super Smash Bros., further cementing Froakie’s evolution line as one of the most beloved starters in recent Pokémon history.
3. Charmander
Charmander is one of the most iconic starter Pokémon from the original games. This fire-type creature has a flame on its tail that represents its life force, making it instantly recognizable to fans.
Despite being weak against both the first and second gym leaders in the original games, Charmander remains incredibly popular. This makes the early game more challenging, which many players actually enjoy.
Some fans believe Charmander is the best Pokémon of all time, not just the best starter. This love often comes from its cool design and powerful final evolution rather than competitive advantages.
When looking at base stats, Charmander actually has the lowest total among the original starters with 309, compared to Squirtle’s 314 and Bulbasaur’s 318. This makes its popularity even more impressive since it’s not based on raw numbers.
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16, then into the mighty Charizard at level 36. Charizard gains the flying type, giving it new strengths and weaknesses.
The fire starter’s appeal extends beyond the games. Ash’s Charmander from the anime won many hearts with its loyalty story, evolving from an abandoned Pokémon to a powerful teammate.
In competitive play, some experts argue that Blastoise is actually better for Red/Blue playthroughs. However, Charizard received Mega Evolutions in later games that dramatically increased its battle potential.
Charmander’s movepool offers good variety. It learns powerful fire moves like Flamethrower naturally, and can be taught other moves like Dragon Rage to help round out its abilities.
Choosing Charmander often means embracing a challenge. The early gyms test a player’s skill, requiring catching additional Pokémon to overcome type disadvantages.
Many fans pick Charmander simply because they connect with its design and evolution line. The tiny lizard that grows into a majestic dragon-like creature represents a satisfying growth journey.
4. Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur is often overlooked despite being one of the best starter Pokémon available to trainers. This grass/poison type offers a winning combination of strengths that make early game progress much smoother.
In the original games, Bulbasaur gives players a significant advantage. It’s strong throughout the entire game and evolves into Venusaur, which many consider a top-tier grass type Pokémon.
The little green starter is especially helpful for new players. Bulbasaur’s type advantages make it well-suited for the majority of early and middle gym battles in the Kanto region. This gives trainers an easier path through the first portion of their journey.
Many fans agree that Bulbasaur is the best Kanto starter design-wise. Its cute appearance combined with practical battle abilities makes it a solid choice for both casual and competitive players.
Bulbasaur’s learnset includes powerful moves like Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder, and Sludge Bomb. These varied attacks allow it to handle different types of opponents effectively.
The evolution line from Bulbasaur to Ivysaur to Venusaur shows clear growth while maintaining the character’s charm. Each stage adds new elements to its design without losing what makes the Pokémon special.
Some trainers overlook Bulbasaur because it lacks the flashiness of fire-types like Charizard. However, what it lacks in dramatic flair, it makes up for in reliability and strategic advantage.
Bulbasaur’s dual typing gives it resistance to several common attack types. This defensive advantage helps it survive longer in battles against tough opponents.
For first-time players especially, Bulbasaur provides a forgiving learning experience. Its strengths against the first few gyms help new trainers build confidence as they learn the game mechanics.
5. Chimchar
Chimchar stands out as a top pick for trainers starting their Pokémon journey in the Sinnoh region. This fire-type monkey offers a great balance of speed and attack power that makes it useful throughout the game.
Many players consider Chimchar the best starter option in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Its popularity comes from both its cute design and practical battle advantages.
One big reason to choose Chimchar is the scarcity of fire-types in Sinnoh. Before the Elite Four, players can only find Ponyta or Magby as alternative fire Pokémon. This makes Chimchar especially valuable.
When Chimchar evolves into Monferno, it gains the fighting type. This dual typing gives it extra advantages against normal, rock, steel, ice, and dark Pokémon.
Its final evolution, Infernape, becomes even more powerful. With high speed stats and a good movepool, Infernape can take down many gym leaders and Elite Four members effectively.
Chimchar also performs well against the other starters. Its fire moves are super effective against Turtwig, and it can learn fighting moves that work well against Empoleon later on.
For first-time players, Chimchar provides an easier experience. Reddit users often recommend Chimchar to beginners for its strength throughout the game.
The fire monkey can learn a variety of move types including fire, fighting, rock, and ground. This versatility helps players tackle different challenges with just one Pokémon.
Chimchar’s line also has great design progression. From a cute monkey to a fierce fire-fighting champion, its evolutions feel meaningful and impressive.
Though all starters have their merits, Chimchar consistently ranks at the top. Game Rant explains why it’s valuable throughout the journey, citing its type advantages and effectiveness.
If you’re struggling to choose a starter, Chimchar offers the most straightforward path to success in Sinnoh. Its strengths align perfectly with the region’s challenges.
6. Sobble
Sobble is a Water-type starter Pokémon introduced in the Sword and Shield games. This shy, tearful lizard evolves into Drizzile and finally into Inteleon.
When picking a starter in Sword and Shield, Sobble offers some practical advantages. Its final evolution, Inteleon, has impressive stats with 125 Special Attack and 120 Speed, making it a fast and powerful attacker.
For gameplay strategy, Sobble works well against the early gyms. While it isn’t the best choice for the first gym (which is Grass-type), it shines in many later battles where Water-type moves are effective.
Players who’ve used Sobble report good results. One Reddit user mentions including Sobble in a team with Arcanine, Sylveon, Urshifu, Lycanroc, and Dragapult with good success.
Sobble’s sniper-like final form Inteleon brings a unique spy theme to your team. Its signature move, Snipe Shot, fits well with its design and adds character to battles.
The crying lizard might seem weak at first glance, but its evolutionary line proves to be quite powerful. Many players find that Inteleon’s speed gives it an edge in battles, often striking first against opponents.
When building a team around Sobble, consider Pokémon that cover its weaknesses to Electric and Grass types. Good partners include Ground and Fire types.
While some guides suggest Grookey as the optimal starter due to type advantages against early gyms, Sobble becomes increasingly useful as you progress through the game.
Remember that starter selection often comes down to personal preference. As one player on Quora points out, you’ll eventually catch Pokémon with the types you didn’t choose, so pick the one you like best.
Sobble’s teary personality gives it charm that many trainers find endearing. Its transformation from a timid crybaby to a confident sharpshooter represents one of the more dramatic character arcs among starter Pokémon.
7. Fennekin
Fennekin is the Fire-type starter Pokémon introduced in Generation 6’s Pokémon X and Y games. This fox-like Pokémon stands out with its bright orange fur and large, fluffy ears that often contain tufts of flame-colored hair.
When players choose Fennekin as their starter, they’re selecting a Pokémon with a strong special attack stat. This makes it quite powerful against many early-game opponents.
Fennekin evolves into Braixen at level 16, gaining more height and a stick that it uses to channel its fire powers. The final evolution is Delphox, which combines Fire and Psychic typing at level 36.
Some fans find Delphox disappointing compared to its cute pre-evolutions. The shift from a quadruped fox to a bipedal mage-like creature is quite dramatic. Others appreciate this unique design direction.
In terms of gameplay strength, Fennekin actually comes out on top among Kalos starters, though just barely. Its Fire/Psychic typing and high special attack make it a formidable opponent in many battles.
When building a team around Fennekin in Pokémon X, players should consider type coverage. If you’re also receiving a Kanto starter, Bulbasaur pairs well with Fennekin according to some Pokémon experts.
Fennekin learns several powerful moves as it levels up. Psybeam, Mystical Fire, and Psychic give it good coverage against various types of opponents.
The Fire/Psychic typing of Delphox gives it advantages against Grass, Ice, Fighting, Psychic, and Steel types. However, it does create weaknesses to Dark, Ghost, Ground, Rock, and Water moves.
For competitive play, Fennekin’s evolution line works best as a special attacker. Its base 114 Special Attack stat at the Delphox stage allows it to hit hard with Fire Blast and Psychic moves.
Fennekin remains a popular choice among players who prefer special attackers over physical ones. Its design appeals to those who like magical or mystical themes in their Pokémon team.
8. Venusaur
Venusaur stands out as one of the most reliable starter Pokémon choices. Many fans and competitive players consider it the best starter in the original Pokémon games, particularly in FireRed and LeafGreen where it makes early gym battles much easier.
The grass/poison dual-typing gives Venusaur unique advantages. It can handle many common threats in the games while offering strong offensive options with moves like Sludge Bomb and Giga Drain.
Venusaur truly shines in the first generation games. It trivializes many gym battles thanks to type advantages against the first two gyms (Rock and Water), and it holds its own against the third gym (Electric) where neither Charizard nor Blastoise have any particular edge.
Its Mega Evolution improved Venusaur’s competitive viability greatly. The added Thick Fat ability removes its double weakness to Fire-type moves, making it more protected against Charizard’s attacks and other Fire-types that would normally threaten it.
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Venusaur continues to prove its worth. It has been called the best Gen 1 starter in those games’ competitive scene, showing its lasting power across multiple generations of the franchise.
Venusaur’s movepool offers great variety. Sleep Powder provides valuable status control, while Earth Power gives it coverage against Fire-types that would normally threaten it.
The big flower Pokémon has remained one of the franchise’s fan favorites since its release. Its iconic design combines plant and animal elements in a way that feels natural yet fantastical.
For players who value both in-game usefulness and competitive viability, Venusaur makes an excellent choice. While it might not have the flashy appeal of Charizard or the defensive bulk of Blastoise, it offers a balanced approach that works well in most situations.
Speed and special attack stats allow Venusaur to function as an effective sweeper. Combined with access to Growth, it can quickly become a threat to opposing teams.
9. Greninja
Greninja stands out as one of the most popular Pokémon starters ever created. This Water/Dark type evolved from Froakie, the Water starter from the Kalos region.
Many fans consider Greninja to be the strongest starter Pokémon. Its unique typing gives it good matchups against many opponents, with only a few weaknesses to worry about.
The ninja frog Pokémon has incredible speed stats that let it strike first in most battles. Its special attack power is also impressive, making it a threat in both casual and competitive play.
What makes Greninja extra special is its hidden ability, Protean, which changes its type to match whatever move it’s using. This gives it amazing versatility in battle.
In competitive Pokémon, Greninja has made a big impact. It’s often considered the best starter in competitive play due to its speed and adaptability.
Ash-Greninja, a special form introduced in the anime and later in the games, takes its power to another level. This form boosts Greninja’s already impressive stats and gives it the Battle Bond ability.
Team builders on Smogon suggest that Ash-Greninja works best on offensive teams. Players often pair it with Pokémon that can help it enter battles safely.
Greninja’s design combines elements of ninjas and frogs in a creative way. Its tongue wraps around its neck like a scarf, and it can create water throwing stars. Many players think it has the best design among starter Pokémon.
While some might argue that Greninja isn’t technically a starter but rather the evolution of one, most players consider the whole evolutionary line when talking about starters.
Greninja gained extra fame by appearing in Super Smash Bros., cementing its place as one of the most recognized Pokémon from the newer generations.
10. Cinderace
Cinderace is the final evolution of Scorbunny, one of the starter Pokémon from the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This Fire-type Pokémon stands out among starters with its unique soccer player design.
Many players consider Cinderace one of the top starters in competitive play. Its popularity rivals other powerful starters like Greninja, Blaziken, and Charizard.
The Pokémon’s hidden ability, Libero, makes it especially powerful. This ability changes Cinderace’s type to match the move it’s about to use, giving it same-type attack bonus (STAB) on nearly every attack.
Cinderace is known as the “Striker Pokémon” and takes inspiration from football (soccer) players, fitting perfectly with its British-inspired region. Its design reflects this sporty theme with uniform-like markings and signature kicking moves.
In battle, Cinderace shines with excellent Speed and Attack stats. These attributes allow it to strike first and hit hard, making it a threat in many competitive formats.
The moveset options for Cinderace are impressive. It can learn powerful Fire-type moves like Pyro Ball alongside coverage moves like High Jump Kick, Sucker Punch, and Gunk Shot.
Some players even claim Cinderace is the best starter in all of Pokémon. While this might be debatable, its competitive viability is certainly strong.
Cinderace also received a Gigantamax form, giving it access to G-Max Fireball. This special move not only deals damage but also adds the Fire Pledge effect to the opponent’s side of the field.
In Pokémon Unite, Cinderace proves itself as a top-tier attacker. Its ranged abilities and mobility make it a popular choice for many players.
With the release of Rebel Clash, Cinderace gained even more power through its VMAX form. This boosted its already impressive capabilities and cemented its place among the elite starter Pokémon.
Understanding Starter Pokémon
Starter Pokémon are special creatures that form the foundation of a trainer’s journey. They’re carefully designed to help new players understand the game’s core mechanics while providing a reliable partner.
The Role of Starter Pokémon
Starter Pokémon serve as a trainer’s first companion and are given at the beginning of each game. These Pokémon typically represent the three main elemental types: Grass, Fire, and Water, creating a rock-paper-scissors balance system.
In the games, starter Pokémon are stronger than average with their final forms having base stats between 525-535, making them powerful team members throughout the journey.
Starters are also designed to help with early game challenges. For example, Bulbasaur gives players advantages against the first few Gyms in Generation 1.
Their importance extends beyond gameplay mechanics. Starters often become mascots for their generation and feature prominently in marketing materials and anime adaptations.
Evolution Pathways
Starter Pokémon follow consistent evolution patterns, typically evolving twice to reach their final form. These evolutions happen at levels 16 and 36 in most games, creating three distinct development stages.
Each evolutionary stage brings significant visual changes and power increases. The final evolutions often gain secondary typing that enhances their battling capabilities and distinguishes them from other starters.
Recent generations have introduced unique mechanics for some starters. For example, Greninja and Cinderace can change their types through special abilities, making them particularly versatile in competitive play.
The evolution of starter Pokémon often reflects their growing bond with the trainer, visually representing the journey from novice to experienced Pokémon trainer through increasingly complex designs.
Starter Pokémon Across Generations
Each generation of Pokémon games introduces three new starter Pokémon that players can choose from. These special creatures have evolved in design and abilities throughout the series.
Differences in Starter Types
The starter Pokémon in each generation follow a specific type pattern: Grass, Fire, and Water. This creates a rock-paper-scissors dynamic where each type has advantages and disadvantages against the others. Bulbasaur is often considered the best Gen 1 starter because it has advantages against the first two gym leaders.
Generation 3 introduced Mudkip, which many players consider exceptional. When it evolves into Swampert, it gains a Ground typing that gives it balanced stats and only one weakness.
The popularity of starters varies by generation. Charmander remains the fan-favorite from Gen 1 despite not being the most strategically advantageous choice for early gameplay.
Some generations feature more balanced starter trios than others. Generations 4 and 7 are noted for having all three starters be relatively equal in usefulness.
Unique Abilities
Starter Pokémon typically receive special hidden abilities when fully evolved. For example, the Gen 1 starters eventually gained hidden abilities that boost their primary attack types when at low health.
Most starter Pokémon have signature moves that only they can learn. Charizard’s Blast Burn and Blastoise’s Hydro Cannon are prime examples of these powerful techniques.
Gen 6 starters were the first to gain dual-typing in their final evolutions. Greninja (Water/Dark) became especially popular and powerful with its hidden ability Protean, which changes its type to match the move it’s using.
The ranking of starters across generations often considers these unique abilities as key factors in determining their overall usefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Starter Pokémon vary greatly in their strengths, competitive viability, and usefulness throughout the game. Players often debate which starters offer the best advantages for different situations.
What is considered the strongest final evolution of a starter Pokémon?
Charizard and Greninja are often cited as the strongest final evolutions of starter Pokémon. Greninja, evolving from Froakie, gained tremendous popularity with its Battle Bond ability in the anime and games.
Charizard, the final form of Charmander, continues to receive special treatment with two Mega Evolutions and a Gigantamax form, making it exceptionally powerful in various formats.
Which starter Pokémon is generally preferred for competitive play?
In competitive play, Greninja has historically been the most preferred starter due to its Protean ability, which changes its type to match the move it’s using. This provides incredible versatility in battles.
Swampert, evolved from Mudkip, is another top competitive choice, especially its Mega Evolution with the Swift Swim ability that doubles its speed in rain.
Blaziken, with its Speed Boost hidden ability, has also dominated competitive scenes to the point of being banned in some formats.
Can you rank the starter Pokémon from best to worst?
Ranking all starters objectively is difficult as their usefulness varies by game and situation. However, a general top tier would include Greninja, Charizard, Swampert, Blaziken, and Venusaur.
Mid-tier starters typically include Empoleon, Infernape, Sceptile, and Feraligatr. They’re powerful but not as versatile or dominant as the top tier.
Lower-tier starters like Meganium and Samurott have fewer competitive advantages but can still perform well with the right strategy and support.
What are the top ten most powerful starter Pokémon across all generations?
- Greninja (Froakie) – With Protean ability and exceptional Speed and Special Attack
- Blaziken (Torchic) – With Speed Boost ability
- Charizard (Charmander) – With its Mega Evolutions
- Swampert (Mudkip) – Especially Mega Swampert in rain teams
- Venusaur (Bulbasaur) – With Chlorophyll ability in sun teams
- Infernape (Chimchar) – Great mixed attacker with good Speed
- Empoleon (Piplup) – Unique Water/Steel typing
- Decidueye (Rowlet) – Ghost typing and good movepool
- Primarina (Popplio) – Excellent Special Attack and fairy typing
- Sceptile (Treecko) – Fast with strong Mega Evolution
Which type of starter Pokémon offers the best advantage early in the game?
Water-type starters like Mudkip and Froakie typically offer the best early-game advantage. They can handle the first few gyms in most games relatively well and have fewer common weaknesses.
Grass types like Bulbasaur excel specifically in Kanto (Gen 1 and remakes) with advantages against the first two gym leaders.
Fire starters like Chimchar can struggle early on in many games but become more valuable mid-game as their evolutions gain secondary types.
Are there any starter Pokémon that are noticeably weaker than others?
Meganium (Chikorita) is often considered the weakest starter due to its pure Grass typing, defensive stats in a primarily offensive game, and limited movepool.
Emboar suffers from the third consecutive Fire/Fighting starter typing fatigue and slow Speed despite good Attack stats.
Delphox and Chesnaught aren’t necessarily weak but are often overshadowed by Greninja from their same generation, making them appear less desirable by comparison.
