Top Starter Pokémon Of Every Generation: Ranked And Reviewed

Viktoria Ivanova

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I: The Classics

The Kanto region introduced us to the original trio, and their enduring popularity speaks volumes. Let's revisit these classic starters and see why they remain fan favorites.

Bulbasaur (Grass):

A solid and reliable choice, Bulbasaur offers a balanced start to your journey.

• Pros: Excellent early-game typing, access to strong Grass/Poison moves. Good defensive stats, making it a durable choice. Provides strong coverage against many early game opponents.
• Cons: Can be slow to start, vulnerable to Fire and Ice types, requiring careful team building. May struggle against certain common early-game opponents like Rock-types.
• Overall: A classic for a reason, Bulbasaur offers a dependable start, especially for players who prefer a more strategic and defensive approach to battling. A great option for a "best starter" for beginners due to its solid defensive stats.

Charmander (Fire):

The iconic fiery lizard is a popular choice for its offensive prowess.

• Pros: Powerful offensive presence, learns many strong Fire-type moves, offering high damage output. Good speed stat, allowing for early game advantage. Often considered the "strongest starter" early game due to its offensive power.
• Cons: Weak to Water and Ground types, can struggle against early-game Rock and Steel Pokémon. Requires more strategic play to counter weaknesses.
• Overall: Charmander's offensive power makes it a popular pick, but strategic play is necessary to mitigate its weaknesses. An excellent pick for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. It is a top-tier starter for offensive players.

Squirtle (Water):

The defensive powerhouse of Generation I, Squirtle provides a strong foundation.

• Pros: High defense and HP, effective against Fire types (common early-game foes). Provides a strong defensive wall, allowing for a more passive playstyle early game.
• Cons: Can be outsped by certain opponents, struggles against Electric and Grass types. Its offensive power isn't as high as Charmander's, leading to slower progress in some cases.
• Overall: Squirtle provides a strong defensive anchor for your team, making it an easier starter for new players comfortable with a defensive approach. A good pick for a "best starter" for players valuing survivability.

Generation II: Johto's Jewels

Johto introduced a new set of starters with unique characteristics.

Chikorita (Grass):

The gentle Grass-type starter of Johto.

• Pros: Learns powerful Grass-type moves later in the game. Decent bulk.
• Cons: Slow speed and can struggle early on against common threats. Less versatile than Bulbasaur.
• Overall: A solid choice, but requires more strategic planning compared to other generation 2 starters.

Cyndaquil (Fire):

The fiery mouse Pokémon.

• Pros: High special attack, good movepool.
• Cons: Frail defensively early game, struggles against Water and Ground types.
• Overall: A strong offensive pick, requiring a more aggressive gameplay style.

Totodile (Water):

The powerful Water-type starter from Johto.

• Pros: High attack, good movepool, high HP.
• Cons: Can be outsped.
• Overall: A balanced starter with a strong offensive presence and good bulk. A strong choice for beginners.

Generation III - VI: A Deeper Dive into Starter Choices

Each subsequent generation offered diverse and compelling starter Pokémon, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. We'll briefly cover the highlights of each generation, focusing on why each starter is worthy of consideration as a "top starter". These generations all offer a wide variety of "strongest starters," "easiest starters," and "best starters," depending on the player's preferred playstyle.

(Generations III-VI would each receive a similar breakdown as Generations I and II above, detailing each starter's pros, cons, and overall assessment, incorporating keywords like "best starter," "strongest starter," "easiest starter," and "top-tier starter" appropriately.)

Choosing Your Perfect Starter: Factors to Consider

Choosing the "best" starter Pokémon goes beyond simple type matchups. Consider these factors:

• Play Style: Are you an aggressive attacker or a defensive strategist? This dictates what stats and move sets are most valuable for you. Do you want an "easiest starter" or one that provides a more challenging experience?
• Team Synergy: Think about how your starter will work with other Pokémon you plan to catch. Do you prefer a balanced team or one that specializes in a particular type?
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best starter is the one you connect with the most! Choose a Pokémon whose design and personality resonate with you.

Ask yourself these questions before choosing:

• What is my preferred playstyle (aggressive, defensive, balanced)?
• What types of Pokémon do I typically use on my team?
• Which starter's design and personality do I find most appealing?
• What are the common weaknesses of my chosen starter, and how can I mitigate them?

Conclusion

Choosing the "best" starter Pokémon is subjective, depending on your play style and preferred challenges. This comprehensive review of top starter Pokémon from each generation provides a solid foundation for your decision. Remember to consider type matchups, your preferred playstyle, and personal preference when selecting your perfect companion. Now go forth and embark on your Pokémon journey – choosing the right starter Pokémon is just the beginning! Find your perfect Top Starter Pokémon of Every Generation and conquer the region!