Picking a starter Pokemon can be a defining moment for any budding trainer. The first partner that the player has on their journey can be crucial in any save. Starting with Pokemon Red & Blue back in 1999 starter Pokemon have been around since the beginning.
The 25 Best Held Items In The Pokemon Games
Choosing any Pokemon's Held Items wisely can make all the difference in the world, so knowing which ones are the best should be a huge help.
Some Pokemon are incredible, and they have great movesets and typings, but others are less than favorable among fans. At the start of each game, the player will get a choice of a Grass, Water, or Fire Pokemon, and here are ten of the best.
Updated on June 5, 2024, by Ben Painter: Choosing a starter Pokemon in a game is very important, it could be make or break for how the run is going to go. Throughout the game's history, there is a choice between a Grass, Water, or Fire first partner Pokemon. There are some exceptions to this, with Pikachu and Eevee the designated first Pokemon in a few games. If gamers have the latest entry 'Pokemon Scarlet & Violet' then they can capture every starter in the Indigo Disk DLC. They just need to spend some Blueberry Points in the Blueberry Academy Terrarium in order to unlock the ability to do so. This update adds five more of the best starting Pokemon and gives more context to what makes them the best 'mons to start a journey with in a game.
15 Oshawott
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, White 2 & Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Generation: 5
- Type: Water
- Region: Unova
This otter Pokemon was a star in the anime under the control of Ash Ketchum, but he did not evolve it until its final form, the samurai Samurott. Although it does not gain a different type, it is still an awesome Pokemon to use in a playthrough of a Unova game.
It is also one of the starting Pokemon in Legends: Arceus, a game set in the ancient Hisui. This version of Samurott gains the Dark typing, also giving it a bonus for STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), Dark moves, and a whole host of advantages in-game. Oshawott would be a noble choice for any run, and it is one of the best starting Pokemon in the franchise.
Oshawott's Base Stats:
HP: | 55 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 55 |
Defense: | 45 |
Sp. Atk: | 63 |
Sp. Def: | 45 |
Speed: | 45 |
Total: | 308 |
14 Litten
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
- Generation: 7
- Type: Fire
- Region: Alola
Alola has some awesome starting Pokemon and Litten is no exception. The fiery cat looks cute, but it has a mean streak to it. This is confirmed when it becomes its final form, the dirty wrestler Incineroar. This 'mon also gains the Dark typing, striking opponents hard with its signature move, Darkest Lariat.
Best Pokemon Based On Food
The Pokemon series has always looked to real world animals and items for inspiration. When it comes from Pokemon inspired by food, these are the best.
Incineroar is a very popular Pokemon, gamers may recognize it from Ash's use of it in the anime and also as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Litten is one of the best starting Pokemon, gamers will need to boost the biodiversity in the Canyon Biome in the Blueberry Terrarium in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet if they want to use it in the latest Pokemon game.
Litten's Base Stats:
HP: | 45 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 65 |
Defense: | 40 |
Sp. Atk: | 60 |
Sp. Def: | 40 |
Speed: | 70 |
Total: | 320 |
13 Totodile
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver
- Generation: 2
- Type: Water
- Region: Johto
The lovable, energetic, and adorable Totodile was famous for Ash's use in the anime. He used a lot of starters throughout his journey. Its final form, Feraligatr, is a beast to use in the game. Although it remains a mono Water-type, this isn't a bad thing as it has just two weaknesses in Grass and Electric.
The Johto starters, as a trio, are fairly solid, but Totodile is the most favored among fans, and it deserves its ranking among the best first-partner Pokemon in the franchise. There is a strong case that Totodile should have received a Dark typing alongside Water. Maybe in Pokemon Legends Z-A it will receive a regional form and gain another type as one of the starter Pokemon in the next game.
Totodile's Base Stats:
HP: | 50 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 65 |
Defense: | 64 |
Sp. Atk: | 44 |
Sp. Def: | 48 |
Speed: | 43 |
Total: | 314 |
12 Turtwig
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl
- Generation: 4
- Type: Grass
- Region: Sinnoh
The Grass starter of Sinnoh completes a really awesome trio of starters. All three have their placings among the best Pokemon of the franchise, but Turtwig is the weaker of the three. It evolved into the mighty Torterra, a tortoise with a landscape growing on its back, including trees.
Best Pokemon Anime Seasons, Ranked
The Pokemon anime has been around for a long time. As such, it's worth considering which seasons were the best of the bunch.
In its final form, it gains the Ground type, making it 4x weak to Ice, but it allows for powerful Ground moves such as Earthquake and an immunity to Electric moves. Turtwig is also another Pokemon that was owned by Ash and a plot point of the anime was it learning how to make use of its extra weight upon evolving.
Turtwig's Base Stats:
HP: | 55 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 68 |
Defense: | 64 |
Sp. Atk: | 45 |
Sp. Def: | 55 |
Speed: | 31 |
Total: | 318 |
11 Torchic
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
- Generation: 3
- Type: Fire
- Region: Hoenn
Surprisingly, Ash did not use Torchic in the anime. Instead, his traveling companion May made use of the fire chick, evolving it all the way into its final form, Blaziken, to aid her in her contests. The Fire/Fighting started the trend of three of the same type combination in a row.
It kicked it off with a bang with a solid final design, a signature move in Blaze Kick, and eventually received a Mega Evolution when the remakes of Ruby & Sapphire came around in Generation 6. The Hoenn starters are regularly tipped as the best three in the franchise, and Torchic is certainly among the best starters in the Pokemon games.
Torchic's Base Stats:
HP: | 45 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 60 |
Defense: | 40 |
Sp. Atk: | 70 |
Sp. Def: | 50 |
Speed: | 45 |
Total: | 310 |
10 Fuecoco
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
- Generation: 9
- Type: Fire
- Region: Paldea
The cute little fire crocodile has been the star of the show when it comes to the starting Pokemon of Scarlet & Violet. Fuecoco eventually evolves into Skeledirge which has an amazing design and most impressively is the Fire/Ghost type which adds a uniqueness to this Pokemon.
Out of the new starters in Paldea Fuecoco takes the cake quite comfortably and deserves a place on this list. The other two have left fans divided about their questionable designs.
Fuecoco's Base Stats:
HP: | 67 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 45 |
Defense: | 59 |
Sp. Atk: | 63 |
Sp. Def: | 40 |
Speed: | 36 |
Total: | 310 |
9 Eevee
Starting Pokemon in Pokemon Let's Go Eevee!, Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness & Pokemon Conquest
- Generation: 1
- Type: Normal
- Region: Kanto
Eevee isn't the standard starter Pokemon, but it is the starter in the mainline game Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and a couple of spin-off games; Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Pokemon Conquest, which earns it a place in this ranking. However, this isn't the normal Eevee that can be caught in any of the other Pokemon games it comes with brand-new moves and improved stats.
The 38 Most Horrifying Pokedex Entries Across The Pokemon Games
There are some truly terrifying Pokemon out there, and their horrifying Pokedex entries only drive that home.
This is handy because this Eevee cannot evolve, so if gamers are planning to turn this one into Vaporeon, Flareon, or Jolteon, then they should look for another Eevee. There is no doubt that Eevee is an iconic Pokemon and has become somewhat of a mascot for the franchise alongside Pikachu.
Eevee's Base Stats:
Base Eevee | Partner Eevee | |
HP: | 55 | 65 |
Attack: | 55 | 75 |
Defense: | 50 | 70 |
Sp. Atk: | 45 | 65 |
Sp. Def: | 65 | 85 |
Speed: | 55 | 75 |
Total: | 325 | 435 |
8 Rowlet
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon & Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Generation: 7
- Type: Grass/Flying
- Region: Alola
Rowlet is absolutely adorable, and he got a lot of love in the anime, being one of Ash's star Pokemon in his first-ever Pokemon League win in Alola.
What is special about Rowlet is that it is a Grass/Flying type from the get-go, giving it an extra move with STAB, which is great in battle. When it evolves, it becomes Decidueye, which is well-designed and also Ghost-type, which has its advantages. It was so well received that it became a starter Pokemon in the Pokemon Legends: Arceus spin-off game.
Rowlett's Base Stats:
HP: | 68 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 55 |
Defense: | 55 |
Sp. Atk: | 50 |
Sp. Def: | 50 |
Speed: | 42 |
Total: | 320 |
7 Chimchar
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl
- Generation: 4
- Type: Fire
- Region: Sinnoh
The Sinnoh starters as a trio are some of the best in all of the franchise and Chimchar is no exception. The fiery monkey is designed perfectly and also deserves some plaudits for its anime appearances.
Pokemon: The 32 Best Fire Moves, Ranked
In addition to generally high damage output, many fire-based attacks also carry the chance of burning the opponent. These are the best of them.
When it reaches its final form, it becomes an Infernape. Although it was the second Fire/Fighting starter in a row, it was still universally loved by all. Infernape's Close Combat has won many battles for trainers over the years. Fighting type is a useful type to have, and it helps to have both a Fire & Fighting in one spot of the player's party.
Chimchar's Base Stats:
HP: | 44 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 58 |
Defense: | 44 |
Sp. Atk: | 58 |
Sp. Def: | 44 |
Speed: | 61 |
Total: | 309 |
6 Piplup
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shinning Pearl
- Generation: 4
- Type: Water
- Region: Sinnoh
Piplup just takes the place over Chimchar because look how adorable it is, Dawn's Piplup in the anime was perfect, and it proved that not every Pokemon needs to evolve.
But if gamers did choose to evolve their Piplup in the games they would get a beast of a Pokemon, Empoleon. The Water/Steel emperor penguin Pokemon has a unique typing which really works well with Water, countering some of its weaknesses very well.
Piplup's Base Stats:
HP: | 53 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 51 |
Defense: | 53 |
Sp. Atk: | 61 |
Sp. Def: | 56 |
Speed: | 40 |
Total: | 314 |
5 Treecko
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
- Generation: 3
- Type: Grass
- Region: Hoenn
Just like with the Sinnoh starters, the starting Pokemon of the Hoenn games are solid and Treecko takes this spot in the ranking. The Grass gecko performs well in battle and is useful in the Hoenn games, which aren't filled with too many solid Grass options.
The Best Non-Legendary Pokémon of Every Generation
Legendary and Mythic Pokemon are the most powerful in every generation, but there are some common ones that are almost as good.
Treecko evolves into Sceptile with some training and its design is flawless, bettered by its Mega Evolution, which gives it a Dragon secondary typing. Gamers will need to play Pokemon OmegaRuby or AlphaSapphire in order to get a Mega Sceptile, as they are not included in any later installments of the franchise.
Treecko's Base Stats:
HP: | 40 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 45 |
Defense: | 35 |
Sp. Atk: | 65 |
Sp. Def: | 55 |
Speed: | 70 |
Total: | 310 |
4 Mudkip
Starting Pokemon In Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Generation: 3
- Type: Water
- Region: Hoenn
Mudkip became an internet meme back in the early 10s, older fans will remember 'I Heard U Leik Mudkips'. This cemented its place as an amazing starter Pokemon.
The water type of Hoenn evolves into a Swampert which just like Sceptile is absolutely stunning. There is nothing to fault with Swampert. Its Ground typing is a nice addition and fits the mudskipper design perfectly, just make sure to watch out for Grass-type Pokemon, as they are weak to Grass.
Mudkip's Base Stats:
HP: | 50 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 70 |
Defense: | 50 |
Sp. Atk: | 50 |
Sp. Def: | 50 |
Speed: | 40 |
Total: | 310 |
3 Pikachu
Starting Pokemon Yellow & Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu!
- Generation: 1
- Type: Electric
- Region: Kanto
What would a best Pokemon list be without the franchise's mascot, Pikachu? The Electric Mouse Pokemon is known to even non-Pokemon fans and, although it isn't a traditional starter, it is included as one in two games, Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu!
Both instances said Pikachu cannot evolve. Nonetheless, Pikachu is a great starter Pokemon (thanks to its boosted stats in the games it is a starter). Pikachu will forever be an icon, even if it won't feature in the anime as Ash's partner anymore.
Pikachu's Base Stats:
Base Pikachu | Partner Pikachu | |
HP: | 35 | 45 |
Attack: | 55 | 80 |
Defense: | 40 | 50 |
Sp. Atk: | 50 | 75 |
Sp. Def: | 50 | 60 |
Speed: | 90 | 120 |
Total: | 320 | 420 |
2 Froakie
Starting Pokemon in Pokemon X & Y
- Generation: 6
- Type: Water
- Region: Kalos
A newer Pokemon such as Froakie rarely gets as much love as it has received, but fans have taken it like a frog to water. Froakie is so clear above the over Kalos starters in design, and use in battle and anime appearances.
Greninja is the final form, and it is one of the best-designed Pokemon in the franchise, a ninja frog with the perfect dual typing of Water/Dark. Its shiny form is even better being all black with a red tongue. Greninja is famous in the anime for being one of Ash's best Pokemon, bonding together with him to create Ash Greninja, a phenomenon not seen elsewhere in the franchise.
Froakie's Base Stats:
HP: | 41 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 56 |
Defense: | 40 |
Sp. Atk: | 62 |
Sp. Def: | 44 |
Speed: | 71 |
Total: | 314 |
1 Charmander
Starting Pokemon in Pokemon Red, Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen
- Generation: 1
- Type: Fire
- Region: Kanto
It could be any of the original 151 starters that take this spot but in this case, it goes for Charmander. GameFreak is a big fan of Charmander and its evolutions, and it is just the quintessential starter Pokemon that deserves all the love it gets.
Charmander has some great moments in the anime, but it is its final evolution that gives it this ranking. Charizard arriving to save Ash from Entei in the third Pokemon Movie was a beautiful piece of cinema. Although some fans may see that Charmander is overused, there is no denying its icon status.
Charmander's Base Stats:
HP: | 39 |
|---|---|
Attack: | 52 |
Defense: | 43 |
Sp. Atk: | 60 |
Sp. Def: | 50 |
Speed: | 65 |
Total: | 309 |
6 Most Wasted Pokemon In Ash's Team
Not every Pokemon on Ash's team has received a spotlight despite being theoretically quite powerful Pokemon.
