Choosing The Best Starter Pokémon: A Generation-by-Generation Breakdown

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I: Kanto's Classic Trio

The Kanto region introduced us to the iconic starter trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each offers a unique approach to the early game, and choosing the "best" depends entirely on your preferred strategy.

Bulbasaur: The Grass-Type Advantage

Bulbasaur, the Grass-type starter, offers a strong early-game advantage.

• Strong against Ground and Rock types: These are common early-game opponents, making Bulbasaur a valuable asset in the beginning stages of your Kanto journey.
• Access to Vine Whip and Razor Leaf: These moves provide solid offensive capabilities from the start, ensuring you can effectively take down a variety of foes.
• Vulnerable to Fire and Flying types: However, this weakness requires you to be strategic in your team building later in the game. Consider adding Pokémon that can cover these types. The best starter Pokémon isn't always the strongest alone!

Charmander: The Fire-Type Powerhouse

Charmander, the Fire-type starter, is known for its raw power.

• Effective against Grass and Ice types: These types are frequently encountered in the Kanto region, giving Charmander a significant advantage.
• Evolves into the powerful Charizard: Charizard, a Fire/Flying type, is a highly versatile and powerful Pokémon, capable of tackling a wide range of opponents. Many consider Charizard one of the best fully evolved starter Pokémon.
• Can struggle against Water and Ground types early on: Be prepared to strategize against these types, particularly in the early stages of the game. Understanding type matchups is crucial when selecting the best starter Pokémon.

Squirtle: The Water-Type Defender

Squirtle, the Water-type starter, is prized for its defensive capabilities.

• Strong against Fire and Ground types: This makes Squirtle a strong early-game choice, particularly against the many Fire-type Pokémon you'll encounter.
• Provides excellent defensive capabilities in the early game: Squirtle can take a hit, allowing you to build your team without constantly worrying about your starter's health.
• May struggle against Electric and Grass types later in the game: This weakness becomes more pronounced as you progress, so consider supplementing your team with Pokémon to cover these types. The best starter Pokémon needs support!

Generation II: Johto's Diverse Starters

Johto offered a fresh set of starter Pokémon, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Chikorita: The Grass-Type Strategist

Chikorita, another Grass-type, provides a more strategic approach than Bulbasaur.

• Access to strong Grass-type moves: Providing a solid offensive foundation and strong type coverage.
• Can be slower compared to other starters: This can be a drawback in some battles, demanding a more thoughtful approach.
• Evolves into Meganium, a powerful Grass-type with decent bulk: Meganium compensates for Chikorita's slower speed with increased bulk and high special attack.

Cyndaquil: The Fire-Type Agility

Cyndaquil, a Fire-type, offers superior speed and offensive capabilities compared to Charmander.

• Fast and versatile Fire-type with access to strong STAB moves: Cyndaquil's speed and powerful attacks make it an excellent choice for players who prefer offensive strategies.
• Evolves into Typhlosion, a powerful special attacker: Typhlosion excels in special attacks, dishing out powerful blows with its high Special Attack stat.
• Can struggle against Water and Ground types: As with other Fire-types, water and ground types are a significant threat.

Totodile: The Water-Type Aggression

Totodile, the Water-type starter, offers a more aggressive approach than Squirtle.

• Strong offensive capabilities with access to powerful Water-type moves: Totodile hits hard and fast, offering an immediate and significant advantage in many battles.
• Evolves into Feraligatr, a physical attacking powerhouse: Feraligatr is a physical attack monster, capable of dealing massive damage.
• Vulnerable to Electric-type attacks: Electric-type Pokémon remain a significant threat throughout the game.

Generation III - VI: Expanding the Starter Options

Generations III through VI introduced a diverse range of starter Pokémon, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Finding the best starter Pokémon in these generations often depends on your team composition and strategic preferences.

• Generation III (Hoenn): Treecko (Grass), Torchic (Fire), Mudkip (Water). Mudkip is often considered the best due to its superior type matchups and access to powerful Water-type moves. The best Generation III starter Pokémon is a matter of ongoing debate amongst fans.
• Generation IV (Sinnoh): Turtwig (Grass), Chimchar (Fire), Piplup (Water). Chimchar is often seen as having an easier time in the early game.
• Generation V (Unova): Snivy (Grass), Tepig (Fire), Oshawott (Water). Tepig is known for its strong offensive capability.
• Generation VI (Kalos): Chespin (Grass), Fennekin (Fire), Froakie (Water). Fennekin stands out for its Special Attack stats.

Conclusion

Choosing the best starter Pokémon is a personal decision, depending on your preferred play style and strategic approach. This generation-by-generation breakdown provides a comprehensive overview to help guide your choice. While some starters might have inherent advantages, skillful training and team building can compensate for type weaknesses. So, consider your options carefully and choose wisely – the best starter Pokémon is the one that best suits your adventure! Remember to research the strengths and weaknesses of each starter Pokémon to make an informed decision that will help you conquer your next Pokémon journey!