Top Starter Pokemon per Generation

The initial decision in any Pokemon game is arguably the most impactful - choosing your starter Pokemon. This moment, where you first connect with the creature you'll journey with, is not just a decision; it's an experience that resonates with fans as a sort of personality test. The choice is typically driven by intuition and preference, with the full implications on your path to becoming a Pokemon master still shrouded in mystery. As you embark on this adventure, the challenges posed by gyms, rivals, and hidden secrets await your discovery.

We've conducted thorough research, examining base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of each starter Pokemon and their evolutions, and analyzed their performance against their native regions' challenges. Our goal is to guide you in selecting the best starter not just for the early gyms, but for conquering the Elite Four and beyond, setting you on the path to mastery across all Pokemon generations.

Gen 1: Bulbasaur

Games: Pokemon Red & Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen

Starter options: Bulbasaur (grass), Charmander (fire), Squirtle (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow guide

Bulbasaur is the clear choice for those tackling Pokemon Red and Blue, especially for dominating the Kanto region. While Charmander might seem appealing due to its rarity and effectiveness against Flying and Ground types, Bulbasaur's advantages are more extensive. It excels against Brock's Rock Pokemon, Misty's Water types, and Giovanni's final lineup, making it an excellent choice for the first two Elite Four members. Challenges arise with Erika's Grass type gym and Blaine's Fire type gym, but these can be navigated with strategic planning and the plentiful Water types found in Kanto.

Bulbasaur trainers will need to strategize around frequent Flying type encounters like Pidgey and Spearow, but caves provide ample opportunities for grinding against Ground and Rock types. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venasaur adds Poison typing, enhancing its advantage over Charmander and Squirtle.

Gen 2: Cyndaquil

Games: Pokemon Gold & Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver

Starter options: Chikorita (grass), Cyndaquil (fire), Totodile (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal guide

In Pokemon Gold and Silver, Cyndaquil stands out as the optimal starter due to the scarcity of Fire types compared to Grass and Water. This choice diversifies your team and positions you well against Johto's gyms and Elite Four. Cyndaquil easily defeats Bugsy's Bug type and Jasmine's Steel type gyms, whereas Totodile struggles without Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms to exploit, and Chikorita faces difficulties with early Bug and Flying types and Morty's Poison gym.

While Cyndaquil has its challenges, such as Pryce's Ice gym, it excels against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four. Its evolution into Typhlosion makes it a formidable contender against the Dragon/Flying types in Lance's team, despite some drawbacks in random encounters with Rock and Ground types.

Gen 3: Mudkip

Games: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

Starter options: Treecko (grass), Torchic (fire), Mudkip (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald guide

Mudkip emerges as the top choice in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, not just for its charm but for its strategic advantages. Both Mudkip and Treecko are effective against three of the eight gyms, but Mudkip's advantage extends further. It excels against Roxanne's and Tate & Liza's Rock/Ground gyms and Flannery's Fire gym, while Treecko's strengths peak early and falter against Flannery's and Winona's Flying types.

As Mudkip evolves into Swampert, gaining Ground typing and well-balanced stats, it becomes a versatile powerhouse, especially against the Elite Four, where its newfound immunity to Electric types and minimal weaknesses shine. The Hoenn region's water-heavy environment is a minor obstacle compared to Mudkip's overall advantages.

Gen 4: Chimchar

Games: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Starter options: Turtwig (grass), Chimchar (fire), Piplup (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum guide

In Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Chimchar's Fire typing makes it the standout starter, especially given the lower number of Fire types compared to Water and Grass. It excels against Gardenia's Grass gym, Byron's Steel gym, and Candice's Ice gym, while Turtwig's strengths are more front-loaded, peaking early and then facing challenges in the later stages.

Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, is well-suited for the Elite Four, particularly against Aaron's Bug types, and its versatility makes it a prime choice for navigating the well-balanced Sinnoh region. While Turtwig has its merits, Chimchar's late-game prowess and effectiveness against Team Galactic's Bug types give it the edge.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokemon Black & White

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Black and White guide

Tepig is the clear winner in Pokemon Black and White, offering a smoother journey through Unova. Its Fire typing and evolution into the Fire/Fighting type Emboar make it a powerhouse against Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym. While Snivy and Oshawott have their moments, they lack significant advantages over the Elite Four, making Tepig's versatility and strong attacking stats a crucial asset, especially against Team Plasma's Steel types.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokemon X & Y

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

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon X and Y guide

Fennekin dominates in Pokemon X and Y, with its Fire typing proving advantageous against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its evolution into the Fire/Psychic type Delphox makes it particularly effective against the late-game Fairy, Psychic, and Ice gyms. While Froakie and Chespin have their uses, Fennekin's versatility and type advantage against the Elite Four give it a clear edge.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokemon Sun & Moon

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

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

Litten's selection in Pokemon Sun and Moon leads to a strong performance throughout the Alola region's trials. Its evolution into the Fire/Dark type Incineroar is particularly effective against Mallow's Grass trial, Sophocles' Electric gym, and Acerola's Ghost trial. While Rowlet and Popplio have their strengths, Litten's versatility and the region's balanced Elite Four make it the top choice.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokemon Sword & Shield

Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sword and Shield guide

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny. While all three are effective against three gyms, Sobble's advantages against the final gyms and the Champion Cup semi-finals give it a slight lead. Its evolution into Inteleon boasts well-balanced stats, making it a strong contender in the Galar region.

Gen 9: Fuecoco

Games: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Starter options: Sprigatito (grass), Fuecoco (fire), Quaxly (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet guide

Fuecoco is the standout starter in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, despite the game's emphasis on player freedom. Its evolution into the Fire/Ghost type Skeledirge makes it exceptionally effective against the highest-level gyms and Team Star bases. While Sprigatito and Quaxly have their strengths, Fuecoco's versatility and strategic advantages against the Elite Four solidify its position as the best choice for dominating the Paldea region.

The Best Starter Pokemon