Top Starter Pokemon by Generation

The most pivotal moment in any Pokémon game comes right at the start – choosing your partner Pokémon. The first moment you lock eyes with the creature you’ll spend tens of hours raising, bonding with, and sending into battle is a truly special experience. That decision often hinges on vibes and personal taste, leading many fans to view it as a personality test. Yet, at that moment, you have no idea how your choice will shape your journey to becoming a Pokémon master, with the gyms, rivals, and secrets of the region still hidden from view.

We’ve conducted thorough research, analyzed base stats, and explored every strength and weakness of each starter Pokémon and their evolutions. We've matched them against their native regions to determine the best starter pick, not just to help you breeze through the initial gyms, but to conquer the Elite Four and beyond. This is the crucial first step to mastering Pokémon across all generations.

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 is the go-to choice for tackling the first gym in Pokémon Red and Blue (Grass beats Rock, as every Pokémon fan knows), but it also stands out as the best starter for dominating the Kanto region.

While Charmander might seem appealing due to the rarity of Fire types in Gen 1, and its advantage against Flying and Ground types, Bulbasaur offers a smoother journey through most of the game. Its Grass typing is super effective against Brock’s Rock Pokémon, Misty’s Water collection, and Giovanni’s final gym lineup. It's also the best choice to tackle the first two members of the Elite Four. The main challenges for Bulbasaur are Erika’s Grass type gym, where strategic play is essential, and Blaine’s Fire type gym, which can be overcome with the plentiful Water types available in Kanto.

Bulbasaur trainers will face issues with common Flying types like Pidgeys and Spearows in tall grass, but the numerous Ground and Rock types in caves provide ample opportunity for Bulbasaur to gain XP. Rival battles with Blue, who uses Pidgeot and Charmander, can be mitigated with a Water type on your team. Bulbasaur's well-balanced base stats and evolution into Venasaur, which adds Poison typing, give it a significant 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, only eight new Fire types were introduced compared to ten Grass and eighteen Water types. Choosing Cyndaquil early on adds valuable diversity to your team and proves to be the best match for most of Johto's gyms and Elite Four members.

Cyndaquil easily handles Bugsy’s Bug type gym and Jasmine’s Steel type gym with its Fire moves. Totodile, while cute, lacks Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms to exploit. Chikorita, particularly in its third form, Meganium, excels against Pryce’s Ice gym but struggles with early Bug and Flying type gyms and Morty’s Poison type gym. Cyndaquil's main challenge is Pryce’s Ice gym, but you'll have plenty of time to build a balanced team to overcome this hurdle.

Cyndaquil's advantage extends to the Elite Four, where Grass and Bug types are common. Meganium struggles against Poison types and Lance’s Dragon/Flying types, while Feraligatr (Totodile's final evolution) holds its own but doesn't dominate like Typhlosion (Cyndaquil's final evolution). While Cyndaquil faces issues with Rock and Ground types in caves and Lance’s team, these challenges are less significant compared to those faced by Chikorita and Totodile.

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 might catch your eye for its charm, but its Water typing offers strategic advantages in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Both Mudkip and Treecko are super effective against three of the eight gyms, including Roxanne’s and Tate & Liza’s Rock/Ground gyms. Mudkip excels against Flannery’s Fire gym, while Treecko is better suited for 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, on the other hand, only struggles with Wattson’s Electric type gym. Torchic, with its Fire typing and Blaziken’s Fighting type, doesn't fare well against any of the gyms, particularly Wallace’s.

The Elite Four slightly favors Sceptile due to Glacia’s Ice/Water and some Grass types, but Mudkip's evolution into Swampert, gaining Ground typing and balanced stats, provides a significant defensive boost, making it immune to Electric and only weak to Grass. Despite the frequent water-based encounters in Hoenn, Mudkip's overall advantages make it a strong choice, not to mention its undeniable cuteness.

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

Continuing the trend from the first game, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl introduce only five new Fire types compared to fourteen Water and Grass types. Chimchar's Fire typing gives it an edge over Turtwig and Piplup, being super effective against Gardenia’s Grass type gym, Byron’s Steel types, and Candice’s Ice types.

Turtwig, evolving into Torterra, can easily handle Roark’s Rock type and Crasher Wake’s Water type gyms, and its Ground typing makes it immune to Electric attacks, aiding in the final gym against Volkner. However, Turtwig's strengths are more pronounced early on, while Chimchar's abilities shine in the late game.

The well-balanced Sinnoh Elite Four makes Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, ideal for tackling Aaron’s Bug Pokémon, which would be super effective against Torterra. Torterra, however, is better suited for Bertha’s Water and Ground types. Piplup's evolution, Empoleon, doesn't have significant advantages over many gym leaders or the Elite Four. Chimchar's advantage is further bolstered by frequent battles with Team Galactic’s Bug types, making it the top choice.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokémon Black & White

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Black and White guide

In Pokémon Black and White, Tepig stands out as the best choice. Snivy only has an advantage over one gym and struggles with Bug and Flying types in Unova. Oshawott is better suited for Clay’s Ground type gym and resistant to Brycen’s Ice types, but it doesn't have significant advantages over the Elite Four.

Tepig's Fire typing and its final form, Emboar, which also gains Fighting typing, make it ideal for Burgh’s Bug gym and Brycen’s Ice gym. While it needs alternative strategies for Clay’s Ground gym, the same applies to Oshawott against Elesa’s Electric gym. Emboar's Fighting type is super effective against Grimsley’s Dark types in the Elite Four, though it's vulnerable to Caitlin’s Psychic types.

Emboar's strong attacking stats and the presence of Team Plasma’s Steel types further enhance its appeal. Facing the Elite Four twice in Black and White makes it a challenging journey, but Tepig provides more peace of mind than its counterparts.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokémon X & Y

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon X and Y guide

In Pokémon X and Y, Fennekin emerges as the standout choice among the new starters. Its Fire typing is super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more, making it a strong contender throughout the game. Fennekin's final evolution, Delphox, gains Psychic typing, which is advantageous against the Fairy, Psychic, and Ice-based final gyms.

Froakie's evolution into Greninja, a Water/Dark type, is effective against Olympia’s Psychic team but weak against Valerie’s Fairy types. It struggles against Ramos’ Grass and Clemont’s Electric types, with only Grant’s Rock gym as a favorable matchup. Chespin, evolving into Chesnaught, faces challenges with Viola’s Bug gym and later gains a Fighting typing, which is disadvantageous against Olympia and Valerie.

The balanced Elite Four in X and Y requires different types for each battle, but Delphox's edge comes from its ability to resist Diantha’s Gardevoir's attacks, making it the best choice overall.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokémon Sun & Moon

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

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

Litten from Pokémon Sun and Moon completes the Fire type dominance. Despite initial struggles in the first trials, Litten proves to be the best choice for the rest of the battles. Mallow’s Grass trial is perfect for Litten, and Sophocles’ Electric gym contains Steel and Bug types that Litten can handle. By Acerola’s Ghost trial, Litten can evolve into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type, making it super effective against the entire lineup, especially the Grass and Ice types.

The final trial against Mina’s Fairy Pokémon is more challenging due to Incineroar’s Dark typing, but Mina’s team includes Steel, Grass, and Bug types, which Incineroar can manage. Rowlet and Popplio have early advantages but struggle in late-game battles. Rowlet's evolution, Decidueye, gains Ghost typing, which is both a blessing and a curse for Acerola’s trial. Popplio's evolution, Primarina, doesn't significantly impact its trial performance.

The diverse Elite Four and additional challenges in Sun and Moon make Litten's ability to clear trials even more crucial. With only eight Fire types introduced compared to thirteen Grass and Water types, choosing Litten early is a strategic advantage.

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's victory over Grookey and Scorbunny is the closest yet. All three are effective against three gyms, with Sobble and Grookey excelling against Gordie and Raihan’s Rock and Ground gyms, and Scorbunny against Melony’s Ice and Opal’s Fairy gyms. The first three gyms are Grass, Water, and Fire typed, offering no initial advantage. Raihan’s gym being the final one gives Sobble and Grookey a slight edge.

In the Champion Cup, Sobble just edges out Grookey. None of the final evolutions gain new types, so they rely on their initial typings. Bede's Fairy Pokémon, Nessa’s Water types, and Raihan’s Fire and Ground heavy Dragon team favor Fire, Grass, and Water respectively. Sobble's final evolution, Inteleon, has well-balanced stats, giving it a slight advantage against the toughest opponents.

Other factors like rivals, Team Yell, and random encounters have less impact in Sword and Shield. Team Yell uses Dark types, which interact neutrally with Fire, Water, and Grass types, and the overworld Pokémon system reduces random encounters. Sobble's balanced stats tip the scales in its favor.

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 focus on player freedom, allowing you to tackle gyms and Team Star bases in any order, the Paldea region is designed for Fuecoco to dominate. The highest-level gyms are Psychic/Fairy and Ice types, while the lowest are Bug and Grass types, making Fuecoco and its Ghost type final evolution, Skeledirge, the best choice.

Quaxly, a Water type, doesn't gain a significant advantage until its third form, Quaquaval, which becomes a Fighting type, helping against Larry’s Normal type gym. Sprigatito, evolving into Grass/Dark type Meowscarada, excels against Tulip’s Psychic/Fairy gym and Ryme’s Ghost gym.

Team Star base raids are crucial for story progression, and Fuecoco's advantages shine here. The Dark and Poison crews have Bug types that Skeledirge can handle, while Fairy and Fighting crews are perfect for Skeledirge's immunities. Quaquaval and Meowscarada are good against Rika’s Ground types, but Skeledirge pulls ahead against Poppy’s Steel team and beyond.

The Best Starter Pokémon