The Best Starter Pokémon Of Each Generation: A Comprehensive Guide

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I: Kanto - The Classic Trio

The original Kanto starters set the standard for all future generations. Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle each offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

Bulbasaur: Grass/Poison Powerhouse

• Early game advantages: Bulbasaur's dual typing provides a significant early-game advantage. Grass/Poison is super effective against Rock and Ground types, common early-game opponents. This makes navigating the early routes significantly easier.
• Disadvantages: Bulbasaur's biggest weakness lies in its vulnerability to Fire and Flying types. These types are prevalent throughout Kanto, requiring careful strategizing in battles.
• Long-term viability: Bulbasaur boasts an excellent stat spread, making it a versatile Pokémon throughout the game. Its diverse movepool potential allows for various playstyles, from a physical attacker to a special attacker. Venusaur, its final evolution, is a powerful and reliable partner.

Charmander: Fiery Frenzy

• Early game advantages: Charmander's fiery attacks provide a powerful offensive presence early on. Its effectiveness against Grass-type opponents provides a significant advantage in the beginning stages of the game.
• Disadvantages: Charmander's weakness to Water and Ground types can pose a considerable challenge, especially in the early game where Water-type Pokémon are relatively common.
• Long-term viability: Charizard, Charmander's final evolution, boasts a high Attack stat, making it an exceptional physical attacker. Access to powerful Fire-type moves makes it a force to be reckoned with in later stages of the game.

Squirtle: Water-Type Wonder

• Early game advantages: Squirtle's defensive capabilities provide a solid foundation for early-game battles. Its resistance to Fire types is particularly useful, allowing it to counter a significant portion of early-game threats.
• Disadvantages: Squirtle's vulnerabilities to Electric and Grass types can be problematic, particularly when facing powerful Electric-type attacks later in the game.
• Long-term viability: Blastoise, Squirtle's final evolution, possesses good bulk, meaning high HP and Defense stats, and access to powerful Water-type moves. This makes it a reliable tank and special attacker.

Conclusion for Gen I: While all three Kanto starters have their merits, Bulbasaur offers the most balanced early and late-game performance, making it the best starter Pokémon of Generation I for overall versatility.

Generation II: Johto - A New Breed of Starters

Johto introduced a new trio of starters, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Chikorita: Grass-Type Growth

• Early Game: Chikorita struggles against early Rock and Ground types, making the initial stages of the game a bit challenging.
• Late Game: Meganium, its final evolution, is a solid special attacker, but requires careful strategic move choices to maximize its potential.

Cyndaquil: Fiery Determination

• Early Game: Cyndaquil possesses a solid offensive presence, making it effective against common Grass-type opponents.
• Late Game: Typhlosion, its final evolution, boasts excellent speed and high attack, making it a formidable and desirable Pokémon in competitive battling.

Totodile: Water-Type Prowess

• Early Game: Totodile offers good defense, allowing it to withstand hits and making it effective against Fire-type opponents.
• Late Game: Feraligatr, its final evolution, has high attack and good defense, contributing to its impressive overall stats.

Conclusion for Gen II: Cyndaquil stands out due to its consistent offensive strength and high competitive viability, making Typhlosion one of the best fire-types in the game. This makes Cyndaquil the best starter Pokémon of Generation II.

Generation III: Hoenn - A Trio of Titans

Hoenn's starters – Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip – each provide a unique gameplay experience. Treecko, the Grass-type, offers strong speed and a unique movepool. Torchic, the Fire-type, is a powerful offensive Pokémon. Mudkip, the Water-type, boasts excellent bulk and defense. After careful consideration of their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game, Mudkip emerges as the best Hoenn starter. Its excellent bulk and access to powerful Water-type moves make it a reliable and powerful choice throughout the Hoenn region and beyond.

Generation IV: Sinnoh - The Diamond and Pearl Duo

Sinnoh's starters – Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup – are all excellent choices. Turtwig provides excellent defense. Chimchar offers powerful offensive presence. Piplup is a well-rounded Water-type. However, Chimchar's offensive power and versatility give it an edge, making it the best Sinnoh starter Pokémon. Infernape, its final evolution, is incredibly fast and hits hard.

Generation V: Unova - A New Beginning

The Unova starters—Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott—present another compelling choice. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, Tepig's powerful offensive capabilities and balanced stats make Emboar its final evolution, the best Unova starter Pokémon.

Generation VI: Kalos - A Region of Fairy Tales

Kalos introduced Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. While all three are strong contenders, Froakie's speed, versatility, and powerful final evolution, Greninja, make it the best Kalos starter Pokémon.

Generation VII: Alola - Island Adventures

Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio all offer a unique approach to island adventures. Litten provides powerful fire attacks, but Rowlet’s versatile movepool and unique typing make it the best Alola starter Pokémon. Decidueye, its final evolution, is a powerful and well-rounded grass/ghost type Pokémon.

Generation VIII: Galar - A New Frontier

Galar's starters – Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble – offer diverse playstyles. Scorbunny's speed and offensive power, culminating in the powerful Cinderace, make it the best Galar starter Pokémon.

Generation IX: Paldea - A Vast Region

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly each offer unique advantages in the vast Paldea region. Fuecoco's powerful Fire/Ghost typing and overall stats make it the best Paldea starter Pokémon.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Starter Pokémon

Choosing the best starter Pokémon often comes down to personal preference and playstyle. However, by considering factors such as type matchups, movepools, and overall competitive viability, we've analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of each generation's starter Pokémon. While each generation offers compelling choices, this guide has highlighted the Pokémon that consistently excel throughout their respective games. Remember, the "best" starter Pokémon is subjective, but hopefully, this guide has provided you with the information needed to make an informed decision! Start your Pokémon journey today with your best starter Pokémon!