Choosing your first Pokémon is one of the most exciting and important decisions in any Pokémon game. Starter Pokémon set the tone for your journey, influence early-game difficulty, and often become fan favorites that stick with you until the Elite Four—and beyond.
With decades of games and generations to choose from, some starters clearly stand out. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best starter Pokémon, based on usefulness, evolutions, versatility, and overall impact.
What Makes a Starter Pokémon “The Best”?
Before ranking starters, it’s important to understand the criteria used:
- Strong early-game performance
- Balanced stats and typing
- Useful move pools
- Good final evolution
- Long-term viability in battles
A great starter should help beginners progress smoothly while still being powerful enough for late-game challenges.
Best Starter Pokémon of All Time
1. Charizard (Charmander – Fire/Flying)
Generation I
Charizard remains one of the most iconic Pokémon ever.
Why it’s great:
- Strong offensive stats
- Access to powerful Fire- and Flying-type moves
- Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax form (depending on game)
- Excellent coverage moves
Downside:
- Weak to Rock-type moves early on
Despite its weaknesses, Charizard’s versatility and popularity make it a top-tier starter.
2. Greninja (Froakie – Water/Dark)
Generation VI
Greninja is a fan favorite and a competitive powerhouse.
Why it’s great:
- Extremely fast and hard-hitting
- Unique Water/Dark typing
- Access to Protean or Battle Bond abilities
- Strong move variety
Greninja excels both in-game and in competitive battles.
3. Blaziken (Torchic – Fire/Fighting)
Generation III
Blaziken was one of the first Fire/Fighting starters—and one of the best.
Why it’s great:
- High Attack and Special Attack
- Speed Boost ability makes it devastating
- Excellent coverage moves
Blaziken can easily carry a team through the main storyline.
4. Swampert (Mudkip – Water/Ground)
Generation III
Swampert is one of the most reliable starters ever created.
Why it’s great:
- Only one weakness (Grass)
- Excellent bulk and Attack
- Strong against many Gym Leaders
Swampert is often considered one of the safest and smartest starter choices.
5. Venusaur (Bulbasaur – Grass/Poison)
Generation I
Venusaur shines through consistency and utility.
Why it’s great:
- Strong against early gyms
- Access to status moves like Sleep Powder
- Mega Evolution boosts power and survivability
Venusaur is a fantastic pick for strategic players.
Best Starters by Type
Best Fire-Type Starter
Blaziken – High damage output and Speed Boost make it lethal.
Best Water-Type Starter
Swampert – Bulk, typing, and reliability give it the edge.
Best Grass-Type Starter
Venusaur – Status moves and defensive strength stand out.
Best Starter Pokémon for Beginners
If you’re new to Pokémon, these starters are especially forgiving:
- Bulbasaur – Strong early-game advantage
- Mudkip – Minimal weaknesses
- Fuecoco (Gen IX) – Simple, powerful evolution line
These Pokémon reduce difficulty while still being fun to use.
Honorable Mentions
- Infernape – Fast, balanced, and aggressive
- Decidueye – Unique typing and strong moves
- Cinderace – High speed with Libero ability
- Empoleon – Rare Water/Steel typing
Each of these starters excels depending on playstyle and game version.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” starter Pokémon—the best choice depends on your playstyle, game version, and personal preference. However, Pokémon like Charizard, Greninja, and Swampert consistently rank among the best due to their versatility, strength, and lasting impact.
No matter which starter you choose, remember: the best Pokémon is often the one you enjoy training the most.
