Top Starter Pokemon of Every Generation Revealed

Choosing your starter Pokémon is one of the most pivotal decisions in any Pokémon game, setting the tone for your entire journey to becoming a Pokémon master. This choice, often made based on personal preference, can significantly influence your path through the gyms, rival battles, and the secrets of each region. To help you make an informed decision, we've analyzed the base stats, strengths, and weaknesses of every starter Pokémon across all generations, along with their evolutions and the challenges posed by their native regions.

Gen 1: Bulbasaur

Games: Pokémon Red & Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen

Starter options: Bulbasaur (grass), Charmander (fire), Squirtle (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow guide

Bulbasaur is the top choice for dominating the Kanto region, particularly excelling in the early game with its advantage against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon. While Charmander might seem appealing due to its rarity as a Fire type and effectiveness against certain late-game challenges, Bulbasaur's versatility shines through. It can handle Misty's Water types, Giovanni's Ground types, and the first two members of the Elite Four with ease. The Grass/Poison typing of its final evolution, Venasaur, provides a solid edge over other starters, despite challenges posed by Flying types and certain rival battles.

Gen 2: Cyndaquil

Games: Pokémon Gold & Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver

Starter options: Chikorita (grass), Cyndaquil (fire), Totodile (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal guide

In Johto, Cyndaquil stands out as the best starter due to the limited number of Fire types introduced in Generation 2. It effectively tackles Bugsy's Bug types and Jasmine's Steel types, providing a strong start and solid mid-game performance. While Cyndaquil struggles against Pryce's Ice types, its final evolution, Typhlosion, excels against many of the Elite Four's Pokémon, particularly Grass and Bug types. This makes Cyndaquil a strategic choice despite some challenges with Rock and Ground types.

Gen 3: Mudkip

Games: Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

Starter options: Treecko (grass), Torchic (fire), Mudkip (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald guide

Mudkip emerges as the best starter for the Hoenn region, primarily due to its effectiveness against three of the eight gyms. Its Water/Ground typing as Swampert provides a significant defensive boost, making it resilient against many types, including Electric. Although it struggles against Wattson's Electric types, Mudkip's advantages outweigh its challenges, especially with the abundance of water in Hoenn.

Gen 4: Chimchar

Games: Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Starter options: Turtwig (grass), Chimchar (fire), Piplup (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum guide

Chimchar's Fire typing gives it a strong advantage in Sinnoh, particularly against Gardenia's Grass types, Byron's Steel types, and Candice's Ice types. Its final evolution, Infernape, is well-suited for the Elite Four, especially against Aaron's Bug types. While Turtwig offers early-game advantages, Chimchar's late-game potential and effectiveness against Team Galactic's Bug types make it the superior choice.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokémon Black & White

Starter options: Snivy (grass), Tepig (fire), Oshawott (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Black and White guide

Tepig is the standout starter in the Unova region, with its Fire/Fighting typing as Emboar offering significant advantages against Burgh's Bug types and Brycen's Ice types. Its strong attacking stats and effectiveness against Team Plasma's Steel types make it a formidable choice, despite challenges with Clay's Ground types.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokémon X & Y

Starter options: Chespin (grass), Fennekin (fire), Froakie (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon X and Y guide

Fennekin's Fire/Psychic typing as Delphox provides a strong advantage against three of the Kalos gyms, making it the best starter choice. It handles the Fairy, Psychic, and Ice types effectively, positioning it well for the Pokémon League. While Froakie and Chespin have their strengths, Fennekin's versatility and late-game potential give it the edge.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokémon Sun & Moon

Starter options: Rowlet (grass), Litten (fire), Popplio (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon guide

Litten's Fire/Dark typing as Incineroar makes it the best choice for the Alola region, particularly effective against Mallow's Grass types and Acerola's Ghost types. While Rowlet and Popplio have their moments, Litten's ability to clear the trials and handle the diverse challenges of the Pokémon League make it the superior starter.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokémon Sword & Shield

Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Sword and Shield guide

Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny in the Galar region, thanks to its effectiveness against Gordie's Rock types and Raihan's Ground types. Its final evolution, Inteleon, has balanced stats and performs well in the Champion Cup, particularly against Bede's Fairy types and Nessa's Water types.

Gen 9: Fuecoco

Games: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Starter options: Sprigatito (grass), Fuecoco (fire), Quaxly (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guide

Fuecoco is the clear winner in the Paldea region, with its Fire/Ghost typing as Skeledirge providing a significant advantage against the Bug, Grass, Psychic, and Fairy types found in the gyms and Team Star bases. Its versatility and strong performance against the Elite Four make it the best choice, despite the freedom to tackle challenges in any order.

The Best Starter Pokémon

Each generation offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the best starter Pokémon is often the one that aligns best with the region's gym leaders, Elite Four, and other key battles. By choosing wisely, you can set yourself up for success on your journey to becoming a Pokémon master.