Best Starter Pokémon in Every Generation: Which Starter Should You Choose?

Choosing your starter Pokémon is the first and most important decision in any Pokémon game. Each generation offers three options — Grass, Fire, and Water — and your choice can significantly impact your early-game experience. This guide ranks the best starter Pokémon across all nine generations to help you decide which one is right for your next playthrough.

Generation I: Kanto (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle)

The original trio set the template for all future starters. Bulbasaur is the easiest choice for a first playthrough thanks to its type advantage against the first two Gym Leaders (Brock and Misty). Squirtle offers solid defenses and a great Water-type movepool. Charmander struggles early against Rock-types but evolves into the fan-favorite Charizard, which is excellent in the late game. For beginners, Bulbasaur is the best pick. For experienced players, Charmander offers the most rewarding challenge.

Generation II: Johto (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile)

Cyndaquil is the clear winner here. Its evolution line, Typhlosion, has high Special Attack and solid Speed, making it a fantastic offensive Pokémon throughout the Johto and Kanto regions. Totodile is a close second with Feraligatr offering a great Attack stat and good move coverage. Chikorita is the weakest of the trio — Grass is a poor type against the first two Gyms (Flying and Bug) and the Champion is also Flying-type.

Generation III: Hoenn (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip)

Mudkip is the community favorite for good reason — its evolution Swampert is Water/Ground, giving it only one weakness (Grass) while offering powerful STAB moves and excellent stats. Torchic evolves into Blaziken, a Fire/Fighting powerhouse with Speed Boost (Hidden Ability) that dominates competitive play. Treecko becomes Sceptile, a fast special attacker, but struggles early due to several Flying and Bug-type Gyms.

Generation IV: Sinnoh (Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup)

Chimchar is the most practical choice for Sinnoh. Its evolution Infernape is fast and hits hard, and Fire is crucial against the many Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel-type Pokémon you encounter. Piplup evolves into Empoleon (Water/Steel), which has fantastic defensive typing with 11 resistances. Turtwig becomes Torterra (Grass/Ground), a bulky physical attacker that struggles against the Ice and Flying-type threats common in Sinnoh.

Generation V: Unova (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott)

Oshawott is the best balanced choice. Samurott offers good Attack and Speed stats, and Water is a strong type throughout Unova. Tepig evolves into Emboar, a Fire/Fighting type that hits hard but has a shallow movepool. Snivy is the weakest — Serperior has great Speed and defensive stats but lacks offensive power until it gets Contrary + Leaf Storm in late-game.

Generation VI: Kalos (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie)

Froakie is the standout star. Its final evolution, Greninja, has incredible Speed, great Special Attack, and the Protean ability which gives STAB on all moves. Fennekin evolves into Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type with high Special Attack. Chespin becomes Chesnaught, a Grass/Fighting defensive tank that is the weakest of the three offensively.

Generation VII: Alola (Rowlet, Litten, Popplio)

Litten wins this generation. Its final evolution, Incineroar (Fire/Dark), is one of the best Pokémon in competitive play thanks to its Intimidate ability and excellent movepool. Rowlet evolves into Decidueye (Grass/Ghost), a unique typing with great design. Popplio becomes Primarina (Water/Fairy), a special attacking powerhouse with strong Fairy-type STAB moves.

Generation VIII: Galar (Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble)

Scorbunny is the top pick. Cinderace (Fire-type with Libero ability) changes its type to match each move it uses, similar to Protean. This makes it incredibly versatile. Sobble evolves into Inteleon, a fast special attacker with Sniper ability and high crit rate moves. Grookey becomes Rillaboom, a Grass-type physical attacker with Grassy Surge that sets up Grassy Terrain.

Generation IX: Paldea (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly)

Fuecoco is our top recommendation for Paldea. Its evolution Skeledirge (Fire/Ghost) has fantastic bulk, access to Torch Song which boosts Sp. Atk, and the Unaware ability which ignores opponent stat boosts. Sprigatito becomes Meowscarada (Grass/Dark) with Protean and high Speed. Quaxly evolves into Quaquaval (Water/Fighting), a fast physical attacker with Moxie that snowballs through teams.

Ultimate Starter Rankings

If we had to pick the best starter overall across all generations: Froakie (Greninja) takes the top spot for its incredible speed, versatility, and Protean ability. Close runners-up include Mudkip (Swampert), Chimchar (Infernape), and Scorbunny (Cinderace).

For a complete walkthrough of each game, check out our guide on building the best team for a Pokémon Scarlet & Violet playthrough and our Indigo Disk DLC legendary catching guide.