Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red: A Guide

Embarking on your journey in the Pocket Monsters universe begins with choosing your first fighter, a decision that sets the tone for your entire adventure. Each of the three starter Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed offers unique strengths and strategic advantages. In this guide, we'll delve into the characteristics of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander, helping you determine the best starter for a successful start in the game.

Table of Contents

• Squirtle
• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

Squirtle

Image: ensigame.com

Squirtle, resembling a small turtle, is equipped with a sturdy shell that serves both as protection and a tool for high-speed swimming due to its hydrodynamic shape. This Water-type Pokémon can also shoot precise water jets from its mouth, making it effective both in and out of water. While generally calm, Squirtle can be challenging to train, falling between Bulbasaur and Charmander in terms of difficulty.

Ideal for beginners, Squirtle offers high defense and balanced stats, providing a strategic advantage against Rock and Water-type trainers like Brock and Misty. Its final evolution, Blastoise, boasts powerful Water attacks and high survivability, enhanced by the Torrent ability, which boosts Water moves, and the hidden Rain Dish ability, which heals during rain. However, Squirtle struggles against Grass and Electric types, and its attacks are less potent compared to Charmander's, with speed also being a notable weakness.

Bulbasaur

Image: ensigame.com

Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison-type, is a versatile starter with a bulb on its back that stores energy, enabling it to survive without food during dry spells. This bulb grows by absorbing sunlight, signaling its imminent evolution into Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy. Bulbasaur's balanced stats make it an excellent choice for new players, effectively countering the early Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty.

Its Leech Seed ability drains opponents' HP over time, while Vine Whip uses its vines to strike and manipulate objects. The hidden ability Chlorophyll doubles its speed in sunlight, offering a tactical edge. However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, and its speed and later-stage vulnerabilities can be challenging in advanced battles.

Charmander

Image: ensigame.com

Charmander, a Fire-type lizard, has a flame on its tail that reflects its health and emotions. Despite its popularity, it poses initial challenges due to its weaknesses against Rock and Water types, making the first Gym battles tough. However, Charmander's high Attack and Speed stats make it a formidable choice as it evolves into Charizard, gaining access to powerful moves and Mega Evolution.

Charmander's low defense is a significant drawback early on, but its potential to become a powerful ally later in the game makes it an appealing choice for players who relish a challenge.

Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

Image: ensigame.com

The choice of your first Pokémon depends on your preferred play style. For an easy start, Bulbasaur is recommended due to its effectiveness against the initial Gym Leaders. If you're up for a challenge, Charmander could be your pick, despite its early struggles. For balance and versatility, Squirtle is a solid choice.

Ultimately, we recommend Bulbasaur for a smooth progression through the game. Its Grass type gives it an edge against the first two Gyms, and its solid Defense and Stamina make it a reliable choice for beginners. Bulbasaur proves its worth early and remains useful throughout your journey.

Each starter Pokémon shapes your adventure differently, influencing your strategy and battle approach. Consider both the early game challenges and your long-term goals when making your choice. No matter which Pokémon you select, it will be the cornerstone of your adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.