Pokémon Starters: A Guide Through Generations 1-9

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces a new set of three starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. With nine generations now under its belt, the franchise boasts 27 distinct starter lines. Let's explore each generation's starter options and their evolutions.

Jump To:

• Gen 1
• Gen 2
• Gen 3
• Gen 4
• Gen 5
• Gen 6
• Gen 7
• Gen 8
• Gen 9

Note: Final starter evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Gens VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The original trio that kicked off the Pokémon phenomenon includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These starters debuted in the US with Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since been featured in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They are also obtainable in several other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The Gen II starters, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, were introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Hailing from the Johto region, these starters returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. They have also been made available in subsequent generations through various means, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Cyndaquil also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

Gen III introduced Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip as the starters for Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These Hoenn starters reappeared in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been obtainable through various means in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

The starters for Gen IV, Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, are Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. These Sinnoh starters returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While they are not featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient Sinnoh known as Hisui, you can catch all three in the first Legends release as well as in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott are the starter trio for the Gen V titles Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes have yet to be announced, these Unova starters can be caught in several other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y introduced Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie as starters. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form known as Ash-Greninja, which was available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles. The Kalos starters have been available to catch in other mainline titles and DLC since their debut.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Gen VII titles Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio as starters. These starters returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available to catch in DLC for mainline games that followed. Rowlet has also appeared as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII deviated from the traditional mainline release formula with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The former introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as starters, while the latter featured past starters with new regional evolutions. All three Galar starters can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus saw Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott return as the starter trio of Hisui, an ancient Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ slightly from past titles, and each partner Pokémon receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

The Gen IX titles Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly as starters. Sprigatito is a cat-like Grass type with attitude, Fuecoco is a wholesome Fire crocodile, and Quaxly is a poised Water type with flair. While you need to trade to get all three native starters, you can catch every past partner Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise concludes its ninth generation, fans eagerly await the next developments with the Nintendo Switch 2’s announcement and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which is currently in development.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are now available.