Top Starter Pokemon by Generation

Choosing your partner Pokemon at the beginning of any Pokemon game is a defining moment, marking the start of a journey filled with adventure and growth. The initial encounter with your chosen companion, where you lock eyes and feel an instant bond, is more than just a selection—it's a personal experience that many fans believe reflects their personality. This crucial decision, often made based on intuition and aesthetic appeal, sets the stage for your quest to become a Pokemon master, navigating through gyms, facing rivals, and uncovering the mysteries of the region ahead.

To help you make the most informed choice, we've conducted extensive research, analyzing the base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of every starter Pokemon and their evolutions. We've also considered how each starter performs against the challenges of their native regions, from the early gym battles to the formidable Elite Four. Here's a detailed breakdown of the best starter pick for each generation to maximize your chances of success:

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 standout choice for dominating the Kanto region in Pokemon Red and Blue. Its Grass type gives it an immediate advantage against Brock's Rock Pokemon, making it the obvious pick for the first gym. Bulbasaur's effectiveness extends to Misty's Water Pokemon and Giovanni's Ground types, as well as the first two members of the Elite Four. The primary challenges for a Bulbasaur trainer include Erika's Grass type gym, where strategic play is crucial, and Blaine's Fire type gym, which can be navigated with the help of abundant Water types in Kanto.

While Bulbasaur may struggle against Flying types like Pidgey and Spearow in the wild, the numerous Ground and Rock types in caves offer ample opportunities for leveling up. Bulbasaur's evolution into Venasaur, a Grass/Poison type, further enhances its advantage over Charmander and Squirtle, making it a versatile and powerful choice throughout your journey.

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 emerges as the best starter due to its Fire typing, which is rare among the new Pokemon introduced in Johto. With only eight new Fire types compared to ten Grass and eighteen Water types, Cyndaquil adds crucial diversity to your team. It excels against Bugsy's Bug type gym and Jasmine's Steel type gym, where its Fire moves like Ember and Flame Wheel prove highly effective.

While Cyndaquil may face challenges against Pryce's Ice type gym, a well-balanced team can mitigate this. Cyndaquil's final evolution, Typhlosion, is particularly advantageous against the Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four, although Lance's Dragon/Flying types require strategic planning. Despite some difficulties with Rock and Ground types in caves, Cyndaquil's overall performance makes it the top choice for Johto.

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 stands out as the best starter for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire due to its Water typing, which is super effective against three of the eight gyms. It excels against Roxanne's Rock/Ground gym, Tate & Liza's Psychic gym, and Flannery's Fire gym. By the time you reach Wallace's Water gym, Mudkip will have evolved into Swampert, gaining a Ground typing and a significant defensive boost, making it immune to Electric attacks and only weak to Grass.

Although Mudkip struggles against Wattson's Electric type gym, its advantages elsewhere outweigh this challenge. The Elite Four's composition slightly favors Treecko's final form, Sceptile, but Swampert's well-rounded stats and type advantages make it a formidable choice for tackling the Hoenn region's challenges.

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

Chimchar is the top pick for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, with only five new Fire types introduced compared to fourteen Water and Grass types. Its Fire typing gives it an edge against Gardenia's Grass type gym, Byron's Steel type gym, and Candice's Ice type gym. While Turtwig can handle Roark's Rock and Crasher Wake's Water gyms, Chimchar's late-game potential is superior.

Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, is particularly effective against Aaron's Bug Pokemon in the Elite Four, although Turtwig's Torterra has advantages against Bertha's Water and Ground types. The frequent encounters with Team Galactic's Bug types tilt the balance in favor of Chimchar, making it the best choice for Sinnoh.

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, with its Fire typing proving advantageous against Burgh's Bug gym and Brycen's Ice gym. Its final evolution, Emboar, gains a Fighting type, which is super effective against Grimsley's Dark types in the Elite Four. While Tepig may struggle against Clay's Ground type gym, its overall performance and strong attacking stats make it the best choice for Unova.

The presence of Team Plasma's Steel types further supports Tepig's selection, as Emboar can handle these encounters effectively. Despite the challenge of facing the Elite Four twice, Tepig provides a smoother journey through the region.

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 stands out in Pokemon X and Y, being super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its final evolution, Delphox, gains a Psychic typing, making it well-suited for the final three gyms (Fairy, Psychic, and Ice). While Froakie's Greninja and Chespin's Chesnaught face more challenges, Delphox's versatility allows it to navigate the Kalos region with ease.

The balanced Elite Four in X and Y means no single type has a clear advantage, but Delphox's ability to resist Diantha's Gardevoir gives it a slight edge. Fennekin's overall performance makes it the best starter for Kalos.

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 is the best choice for Pokemon Sun and Moon, despite early challenges in the trials. Its Fire typing is super effective against Mallow's Grass trial and Sophocles' Electric trial, which includes Steel and Bug types. Litten's final evolution, Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type, excels against Acerola's Ghost trial and Mina's Fairy trial.

While Rowlet and Popplio have advantages in early trials, they struggle in later battles. The Alola region's diverse Pokemon League and the introduction of only eight Fire types compared to thirteen Grass and Water types make Litten a strategic choice for dominating the region.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokemon Sword & Shield
Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)
Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sword and Shield guide

Sobble edges out Grookey and Scorbunny in Pokemon Sword and Shield, being the best pick against three gyms, including Gordie and Raihan's Rock and Ground gyms. While the first three gyms (Grass, Water, and Fire) provide no advantage, Raihan's final gym gives Sobble and Grookey a slight edge.

In the Champion Cup, Sobble's final evolution, Inteleon, performs slightly better against Bede's Fairy types, Nessa's Water types, and Raihan's Fire and Ground heavy Dragon team. With balanced stats and minimal impact from rivals and random encounters, Sobble is the best starter for 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 clear winner in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, designed to dominate the Paldea region. Its Fire typing is advantageous against the highest-level gyms, Tulip's Psychic/Fairy and Grusha's Ice, as well as the lowest-level gyms, Katy's Bug and Brassius' Grass. Fuecoco's final evolution, Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type, excels against Team Star's Dark and Poison Pokemon and the Fairy and Fighting types in their bases.

While Quaxly and Sprigatito have their merits, Skeledirge's performance against the Elite Four, especially Poppy's Steel team, sets it apart. With player freedom to tackle challenges in any order, Fuecoco remains the top choice for Paldea.

The Best Starter Pokemon

By choosing the right starter Pokemon for each generation, you can significantly enhance your journey to becoming a Pokemon master. Each recommended starter offers strategic advantages that can help you overcome the unique challenges of their respective regions, from gym battles to the Elite Four and beyond. Make your choice wisely, and let your adventure begin!