Ranking The Best Grass-Type Pokémon Starters

Luna Greco

9 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Bulbasaur and its Evolutions (Venusaur, Ivysaur): A Classic Choice

Bulbasaur, the iconic Grass/Poison starter from Kanto, remains a fan favorite. Its balanced stat distribution and diverse movepool make it a strong contender for a top spot among Grass-type Pokémon starters.

Competitive Viability:

Bulbasaur's high HP and decent Special Attack make it surprisingly resilient in competitive battles. However, its vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Flying, and Poison types requires careful strategy.

• Strengths: High HP, good Special Attack, access to powerful Grass and Poison moves.
• Weaknesses: 4x weakness to Fire, significant weakness to Ice, Flying, and Poison.
• Best Movesets: Giga Drain, Sludge Bomb, Sleep Powder, Hidden Power (Fire/Ice). Venusaur's access to Chlorophyll boosts its speed in sunlight, making it a formidable threat.

Design and Popularity:

Bulbasaur's design is instantly recognizable: a charming, small dinosaur with a bulb on its back. This iconic image has cemented Bulbasaur's place in Pokémon culture, appearing in countless pieces of merchandise and featuring prominently in the anime.

• Memorable Moments: Bulbasaur's role in the original anime series, its many appearances in trading card games, and its enduring presence in fan art all contribute to its popularity.
• Evolution Line: The evolution from Bulbasaur to Ivysaur to Venusaur showcases a stunning visual transformation, with the final evolution exuding power and grace.

Overall Usefulness:

Bulbasaur's balanced stats and movepool make it effective in both story mode and competitive battles. Its ability to learn both physical and special attacks offers strategic depth.

• Effectiveness: Bulbasaur proves remarkably effective against early-game opponents, and with strategic training, can remain a valuable team member throughout various gameplay experiences.

Chikorita and its Evolutions (Bayleef, Meganium): The Gentle Giant

Chikorita, the Johto starter, offers a gentler approach than Bulbasaur. While its bulk and defensive capabilities are notable, its lower speed and less diverse movepool can hinder it in competitive battles compared to other top Grass-type Pokémon starters.

Competitive Viability:

Meganium, Chikorita's final evolution, boasts high HP and solid defensive stats. However, its slower speed can be a significant drawback in competitive battles. Its movepool is less versatile than some other starters.

• Strengths: High HP, good bulk, access to some supportive moves.
• Weaknesses: Low speed, limited offensive options.
• Best Movesets: Focus on defensive strategies; using moves like Giga Drain for recovery and protection.

Design and Popularity:

Chikorita's adorable, herbivore-like design appeals to many players, though it's arguably less iconic than Bulbasaur. Its evolution line maintains a calm, peaceful aesthetic.

• Memorable Moments: While not as dominant in the anime as some other starters, Chikorita has a dedicated fanbase appreciating its unique charm.
• Evolution Line: The evolutionary progression is smooth and consistent, reflecting a calm and gentle nature.

Overall Usefulness:

Chikorita is useful in story mode, particularly in battles against early-game opponents. In competitive play, its defensive capabilities make it a viable option, but its slow speed and limited offensive pressure are its significant disadvantages when compared to other stronger Grass-type Pokémon starters.

Treecko and its Evolutions (Grovyle, Sceptile): The Agile Assassin

Treecko, the Hoenn starter, brings speed and agility to the table. Sceptile, its final evolution, is renowned for its high speed and potent offensive capabilities, making it a prominent contender in the Grass-type starter rankings.

Competitive Viability:

Sceptile's high speed and Special Attack are its greatest assets. Its access to powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves makes it a dangerous offensive threat.

• Strengths: High Speed, high Special Attack, access to powerful STAB moves.
• Weaknesses: Fragile defense, vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison, and Bug.
• Best Movesets: Leaf Storm, Focus Blast, Dragon Pulse, Hidden Power (Fire/Ice).

Design and Popularity:

Treecko's sleek, reptilian design is stylish and modern. Sceptile's evolution retains the grace and speed, adding a powerful and elegant presence.

• Memorable Moments: Sceptile's appearance in the Hoenn anime and its frequent representation in artwork demonstrates its popularity.
• Evolution Line: The evolution line is visually appealing, smoothly transitioning from a nimble lizard to a powerful, graceful Pokémon.

Overall Usefulness:

Treecko excels in speed-based strategies, making it a great choice for players who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. Its high speed is a significant advantage in competitive play, even if it lacks the bulk of some other starters.

Turtwig and its Evolutions (Grotle, Torterra): The Defensive Powerhouse

Turtwig, the Sinnoh starter, is a defensive powerhouse. Torterra, its final evolution, excels at tanking hits and providing support for its teammates.

Competitive Viability:

Torterra's high defense and HP are its defining features. While not a glass cannon, it boasts good bulk and decent attack, making it a solid defensive presence.

• Strengths: High HP and Defense, good bulk, access to several defensive and supportive moves.
• Weaknesses: Low Speed, vulnerability to Fire, Flying, Ice, and Bug.
• Best Movesets: Earthquake, Wood Hammer, Stone Edge, Synthesis.

Design and Popularity:

Turtwig's turtle-like design is endearing, and its evolution into the formidable Torterra is visually striking.

• Memorable Moments: Torterra's strong presence in the Sinnoh games and its appearances in fan art maintain a consistent level of popularity.
• Evolution Line: The design clearly evolves from a cute turtle to a powerful, grounded Pokémon.

Overall Usefulness:

Turtwig is incredibly useful for players who prioritize a defensive strategy. Its bulk allows it to withstand significant damage and support teammates effectively.

Snivy and its Evolutions (Servine, Serperior): The Elegant Serpent

Snivy, the Unova starter, is known for its speed and elegant design. Serperior, its final evolution, embodies grace and power.

Competitive Viability:

Serperior's high speed and Special Attack are its major strengths. Its access to powerful Grass-type moves makes it a dangerous attacker.

• Strengths: High Speed, high Special Attack, access to powerful STAB moves.
• Weaknesses: Fragile defense, vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice.
• Best Movesets: Leaf Storm, Giga Drain, Dragon Pulse, Hidden Power (Fire/Ice).

Design and Popularity:

Snivy's sleek, serpentine design is visually striking, with a regal and elegant presence that remains through its evolutions.

• Memorable Moments: Serperior's elegant design has earned it a devoted fanbase.
• Evolution Line: The evolution line exhibits elegance and grace, culminating in Serperior's sophisticated appearance.

Overall Usefulness:

Snivy is exceptionally useful for players who prefer a high-speed offensive strategy. Serperior can swiftly take down opponents, making it a valuable asset to any team.

Chespin and its Evolutions (Quilladin, Chesnaught): The Spiky Defender

Chespin, the Kalos starter, is a defensive powerhouse similar to Turtwig. Chesnaught, its final evolution, is particularly strong defensively.

Competitive Viability:

Chesnaught's high Defense and HP provide strong defensive capabilities. Its unique typing offers some resistances that other Grass-types lack.

• Strengths: High Defense and HP, decent Attack, unique Fighting/Grass typing.
• Weaknesses: Flying, Fire, Psychic, Ice, and Fairy types.
• Best Movesets: Spiky Shield, Hammer Arm, Earthquake, Synthesis.

Design and Popularity:

Chespin's spiky design is unique and charming, evolving into the more formidable but equally interesting Chesnaught.

• Memorable Moments: Chesnaught's powerful presence in the Kalos region games has resonated with many trainers.
• Evolution Line: The evolution line highlights a transition from a spiky, defensive design to a mature and powerful appearance.

Overall Usefulness:

Chespin offers a solid defensive core, capable of taking significant hits and supporting its teammates with defensive capabilities.

Rowlet and its Evolutions (Dartrix, Decidueye): The Owl Archer

Rowlet, the Alola starter, stands out with its unique Ghost/Grass typing. Decidueye, its final evolution, is a powerful special attacker with excellent coverage.

Competitive Viability:

Decidueye's Ghost/Grass typing grants it valuable resistances and immunities. Its potent special attack and access to powerful STAB moves make it a top-tier competitive Pokémon.

• Strengths: Unique Ghost/Grass typing, high Special Attack, access to powerful STAB moves.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Poison, Ghost, Dark, Flying, and Bug.
• Best Movesets: Spirit Shackle, Leaf Blade, Brave Bird, Shadow Sneak.

Design and Popularity:

Rowlet's owl-like design is adorable and distinct, evolving into the impressive and mysterious Decidueye.

• Memorable Moments: Decidueye's unique design and powerful presence in the Alola region games has earned it considerable popularity.
• Evolution Line: The evolution displays a smooth progression, showcasing a clear transformation into a majestic avian warrior.

Overall Usefulness:

Rowlet’s unique type and its final evolution’s high special attack make it a very useful starter Pokémon, especially in competitive battles.

Grookey and its Evolutions (Thwackey, Rillaboom): The Drumming Gorilla

Grookey, the Galar starter, brings powerful physical attacks to the table. Rillaboom, its final evolution, is a physical powerhouse with some unique traits.

Competitive Viability:

Rillaboom excels as a physical attacker with high Attack and access to powerful Grass-type moves. Its signature move, Grassy Glide, is particularly potent.

• Strengths: High Attack, access to powerful physical Grass-type moves, unique abilities.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Flying, Ice, Poison, Bug, and Poison types.
• Best Movesets: Grassy Glide, Wood Hammer, Knock Off, Earthquake.

Design and Popularity:

Grookey's cheerful and energetic design evolves into the impressive and powerful Rillaboom, who uses a drum to enhance its powers.

• Memorable Moments: Rillaboom's signature move and powerful presence in the Galar region have resonated well with players.
• Evolution Line: The evolution line showcases a clear transformation from a playful monkey into a powerful, musical gorilla.

Overall Usefulness:

Grookey offers a strong physical attacking strategy, and Rillaboom's powerful attacks make it a valuable asset in both story mode and competitive battles.

Conclusion:

Ranking the best Grass-type Pokémon starters is subjective, depending on personal preference and playstyle. However, considering competitive viability, design, and overall usefulness, several stand out. Decidueye's unique typing and offensive power, along with Serperior's speed and Sceptile's offensive prowess, make them top contenders. Bulbasaur remains a classic choice, and Torterra's bulk provides a solid defensive option. Ultimately, the "best" Grass-type starter is the one that best fits your playstyle. What's your favorite Grass-type Pokémon starter? Share your thoughts on the best Grass-type Pokémon starters in the comments below!