Pokémon Starters: A Gen-by-Gen Guide (1-9)

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces players to a new set of three starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. With nine generations now behind us, the franchise boasts a total of 27 starter lines. Let's take a comprehensive look at the evolution of these beloved partner Pokémon through the years.

Jump To:

• Gen 1
• Gen 2
• Gen 3
• Gen 4
• Gen 5
• Gen 6
• Gen 7
• Gen 8
• Gen 9

Note: Final starter evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Gens VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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The iconic starters that kicked off the Pokémon phenomenon are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, originating from the Kanto region. These beloved Pokémon first appeared in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. They have since been reintroduced in the remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as well as Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. Additionally, you can encounter them in numerous other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

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The second generation brought us Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, hailing from the Johto region. These starters were introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They made a comeback in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been accessible through various means in subsequent generations, such as the QR Scanner feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

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Generation III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald introduced us to Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip from the Hoenn region. These starters reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and are available in various ways across other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

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In Generation IV, Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum introduced Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup from the Sinnoh region. These starters returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although they are not featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, you can still catch all three in the first Legends release and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

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The Unova region's starters from Generation V's Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these Unova partner Pokémon are available in several other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

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Generation VI's Pokémon X and Y introduced Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie from the Kalos region. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, received a special form known as Ash-Greninja, featured in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime and available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo, transferable to the main titles. These Kalos starters have been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC since.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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Generation VII's Pokémon Sun and Moon brought us Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. These starters returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available to catch in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

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Generation VIII deviated from tradition with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble from the Galar region, all of which can be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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Pokémon Legends: Arceus saw the return of Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as starters in the ancient Sinnoh region known as Hisui. Their evolution levels differ slightly from past titles, and each receives a new regional form upon final evolution. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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Generation IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly from the Paldea region. Sprigatito is a cat-like Grass type, Fuecoco a charming Fire crocodile, and Quaxly a stylish Water type. While trading is required to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past partner Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise approaches the end of its ninth generation, anticipation grows for future releases, including Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are currently available.