The Best Starter Pokémon From Each Generation: A Comprehensive Guide

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I: Kanto - The Classic Starters

The Kanto region introduced us to the iconic original starters, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each:

Bulbasaur: Grass-type Advantage

• Pros:

  • Excellent early-game type advantage against many common early-game opponents.
  • Learns powerful Grass and Poison moves, providing diverse offensive options.
  • Evolves into the powerful Venusaur, boasting high Special Attack and a versatile movepool.
  • Access to strong defensive moves later in the game.

• Cons:

  • Vulnerable to Fire and Ice types, common among Kanto gym leaders.
  • Can struggle against opponents resistant to both Grass and Poison.

• Best for: Players who prefer a balanced approach and appreciate strategic type matchups. Bulbasaur's versatility makes it a solid choice for those who enjoy tactical combat.

Charmander: Fire Powerhouse

• Pros:

  • Strong offensive capabilities, boasting high Attack stats.
  • Evolves into the formidable Charizard, a fan-favorite with powerful Fire and Flying-type moves.
  • Highly effective against Grass-type opponents, prevalent in the early game.

• Cons:

  • Vulnerable to Water and Ground types, making certain gym battles challenging.
  • Can be outsped by faster opponents, requiring strategic move selection.

• Best for: Players who like aggressive playstyles and powerful offensive moves. Charmander's raw power makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy direct, forceful battles.

Squirtle: Defensive Bulwark

• Pros:

  • High defense stats, making it a durable tank in battles.
  • Learns strong Water-type moves, highly effective against Fire-types.
  • Evolves into the durable Blastoise, known for its high Defense and Special Defense.

• Cons:

  • Vulnerable to Electric and Grass types, requiring careful team composition.
  • Can be outmatched by opponents with high Attack power if its defenses are overwhelmed.

• Best for: Players who prefer a more defensive approach and a reliable tank. Squirtle's defensive prowess makes it a solid choice for those who want a reliable Pokémon to absorb hits.

Generation II: Johto - A New Era of Starters

Johto introduced a new set of charming starter Pokémon, each with their own distinct advantages.

Chikorita: The Grass-type Strategist

Chikorita, a Grass-type starter, possesses a solid Special Attack stat and learns powerful Grass-type moves. Its evolution line offers good bulk and access to supportive moves. However, its low speed can be a significant drawback, making it vulnerable to faster opponents. It thrives in strategic battles where its movepool can be leveraged effectively. Its vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, and Fire makes careful team building necessary.

Cyndaquil: The Fiery Competitor

Cyndaquil, a Fire-type starter, boasts strong offensive capabilities. Its evolution line, culminating in Typhlosion, is known for its high Attack and Special Attack stats. While powerful, its low defense can be a problem. Cyndaquil excels against Grass and Ice-type Pokémon but struggles against Water, Ground, and Rock types.

Totodile: The Water-type Warrior

Totodile, a Water-type starter, is a balanced starter with decent Attack and Defense stats. Its evolution line, culminating in Feraligatr, becomes a powerful physical attacker. While generally strong, Totodile does suffer from a weakness against Electric and Grass-types. Its high HP and Attack makes it a reliable choice for many players.

Generation III: Hoenn - Diverse Starters

Hoenn offers a diverse range of starter Pokémon, each with its own niche: Treecko (Grass), Torchic (Fire), and Mudkip (Water). Treecko's evolution line, Sceptile, excels in Special Attack; Torchic's evolution line, Blaziken, is a balanced physical attacker; and Mudkip's evolution line, Swampert, is a powerful defensive and offensive presence.

Generation IV: Sinnoh - Powerful Starters

Sinnoh's starters, Turtwig (Grass), Chimchar (Fire), and Piplup (Water), are all powerful and strategically valuable. Turtwig evolves into the sturdy Torterra, Chimchar into the blazing Infernape, and Piplup into the elegant Empoleon. Each boasts unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice a personal one.

Generation V: Unova - Unique Starters

Unova offers Snivy (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Oshawott (Water), each with unique evolutionary paths and powerful movesets. Snivy's evolution, Serperior, is a graceful Special Attacker; Tepig's Emboar is a brute-force physical attacker; and Oshawott's Samurott is a balanced fighter.

Generation VI: Kalos - Stylish Starters

Kalos' starters, Chespin (Grass), Fennekin (Fire), and Froakie (Water), are known for their stylish designs and diverse capabilities. Chespin's Quilladin and Chesnaught are known for their impressive defenses; Fennekin's Braixen and Delphox are graceful special attackers; and Froakie's Frogadier and Greninja are fast and powerful physical attackers.

Generation VII: Alola - Island Starters

Alola brings Rowlet (Grass/Flying), Litten (Fire), and Popplio (Water) to the table, each reflecting the unique environment of the Alola region. Rowlet's Decidueye is a unique Ghost/Grass type, Litten's Incineroar is a powerful Dark/Fire type, and Popplio's Primarina is a graceful Water/Fairy type.

Generation VIII: Galar - Dynamic Starters

Galar's starters, Grookey (Grass), Scorbunny (Fire), and Sobble (Water) are packed with unique abilities and evolutions. Grookey evolves into the powerful Rillaboom, Scorbunny into the blazing Cinderace, and Sobble into the stealthy Inteleon.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Starter Pokémon

Choosing the "best" starter Pokémon is subjective and depends on your playstyle and preferred strategies. This guide has explored the strengths and weaknesses of each generation's starter Pokémon, providing you with a comprehensive overview to inform your decision. Ultimately, the best starter Pokémon is the one that you find the most enjoyable to play with. So, embark on your Pokémon journey wisely and choose your perfect starter Pokémon! Remember to consider each starter's strengths and weaknesses before making your final decision, and happy adventuring! Consider the best starter Pokémon for your next playthrough and start your adventure today!