The Pokemon Legends: Z-A trailer gave fans of the long-running franchise something to look forward to, but provided little information as to what the game has in store for players. However, it is reasonable to expect the starter lineup for the new addition to the Pokemon Legends spin-off series to follow the same format as the previous title.

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Pokemon Legends: Arceus, which took place in a historical version of the Sinnoh region, shocked fans by showcasing starters not native to the fourth generation game. Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlett appeared as the starter Pokemon for the region, with their final evolutions gaining unique regional variants of their classic models. Pokemon Legends: Z-A also teased the return of Mega Evolution. Some starter Pokemon, namely all the generation one and generation three starters, already have Mega Evolution forms, and may not make a return to this iteration of the game. With this in mind, there are certain aspects that players should keep in mind when expecting the starter Pokemon to be revealed.

10 Totodile

The "Big Jaw" Pokemon Hasn't Appeared In The Spotlight Since 2009

The tiny blue crocodile Pokemon from generation two may make an appearance as the water starter for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. A favorite among fans, Totodile, and its evolutions haven't been in the spotlight since 2009, when Pokemon HeartGoldand SoulSilver were released.

Perhaps one of the few things bringing down Totodile's chances of making a return is the argument that Game Freak might prefer to choose starters from a game that hasn't gotten a regional variant at all. Since Cyndaquil appeared in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and its final evolution, Typhlosion, received a regional form, Game Freak may decide to turn away from the generation 2 starters as a whole.

9 Chikorita

The "Leaf" Pokemon's Low Popularity May Actually Help Its Chances

Similar to the Totodile situation, Chikorita stands a chance at making a return as a starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Standing as the least popular of all starter Pokemon, Chikorita is in much need of a boost. Should Game Freak choose to include the leaf Pokemon, a regional form of its final evolution, Meganium, may charm players into choosing this underrated grass type.

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As with the water-type starter from generation two, Chikorita's chances may be hindered by Cyndaquil's inclusion as the fire-type starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Even so, fans shouldn't count out Chikorita just yet!

8 Litten

Nintendo's Favoritism Towards The "Fire Cat" Pokemon May Hint At Its Return

Pokemon Sun and Moon, as well as their sequels, marked the final addition to the franchise's run on the Nintendo 3DS. Litten, the Alola region's fire-type starter, has plenty of room to make a memorable comeback in the next iteration of the Pokemon Legends series.

Litten's final evolution, Incineroar, has received some extra attention from Nintendo, appearing as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. A fan-favorite Pokemon, Litten and its evolutions could potentially be seen making an appearance in the Kalos region.

7 Snivy

Fans' Desire For A Generation 5 Remake May Result In The "Grass Snake" Pokemon's Return

Coming from the popular generation five games, Snivy fits the regal aesthetic of Kalos. A regional variant of its final evolution, Serperior, may soothe fans' desire for additional generation 5 content.

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However, as with previous entries, Snivy may have its chances hindered by the water-type starter from its same region. Oshawott, who appeared beside Snivy in Pokemon Black and White, also appeared as a starter for Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

6 Sobble

The "Water Lizard" Pokemon Has Received Suspiciously Little Attention From Game Freak

One of the newer starter Pokemon of the franchise from the Galar region, Sobble has the potential to make a return.

Sobble's final evolution, Inteleon, did receive a special appearance in the form of Gigantamax Inteleon, but with the gimmick power-up ability unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon, this form will likely only remain in generation 8 games. With Mega Evolution making a return, however, Sobble's final evolution may have a chance to make a grand return with a new form in tow.

5 Scorbunny

The "Rabbit" Pokemon's Single Typing May Warrant A New Regional Form

Similarly to Sobble, Scorbunny debuted in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Scorbunny hasn't received much attention since the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield. Should the rabbit Pokemon make a return as the fire-type starter for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, fans should expect either a regional variant of its final evolution, Cinderace, or even a Mega Evolution form.

Especially since all three of the starter trio from Pokemon Sword and Shield evolved into single-type evolutions, a dual-typing variant form of the Galar starters may be in the cards.

4 Popplio

The Water Type Starter's Final Evolution Typing May Lead To Kalos

This starter from the Alola region may stand more of a chance at making a return than its fire-type counterpart. While Litten's final evolution received additional attention from Nintendo through Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Popplio has been seemingly left in the shadows since its debut.

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Popplio's final evolution, Primarina, is a favorite among fans. Since the Kalos region, where Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes place, introduced the fairy typing, the return of this charming Pokemon is more than likely.

3 Turtwig

An Influx In Generation 4 Content May Point To The "Tiny Leaf" Pokemon

Generation 4 received a remake through the additions of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in 2021. Many fans were excited about the games receiving a much-needed overhaul, while others found the games to be lacking in content.

Even so, Turtwig, as the representative grass-type starter for the Sinnoh region, has plenty of ground to stand on in the hopes of making a return. Turtwig's final evolution, Torterra, has no regional variant form, and no Mega Evolution, making it the perfect candidate as a starter for Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

2 Chimchar

The "Chimp" Pokemon May Receive Special Privileges For Its Popularity

Much like Turtwig, Chimchar hasn't received much attention from Game Freak, even despite its reappearance in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, has no variant form and no Mega Evolution.

Chimchar is an incredibly popular Pokemon, and not just because of its debut as a generation 4 starter. As Game Freak and the Pokemon Company continue to adapt, taking a fan favorite Pokemon and granting it a Mega Evolution and/or variant form would excite fans.

1 Piplup

The "Penguin" Pokemon Has Nothing In Common With Previous Pokemon Legends Starters

Piplup stands a fantastic chance of making a return as a starter for Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Seeing as how none of the starters from Pokemon Legends: Arceus hailed from generation 4, Piplup, with its adorable charm and fan-favorite status, may make a return in the spin-off series.

Piplup's final evolution, Empoleon, has no Mega Evolution and no variant form, making it the perfect candidate for such features. Fans of this endearing penguin Pokemon may be treated to a return as Pokemon Legends: Z-A continues to make announcements.

Pokemon Legends Z-A

Platform(s)

Switch

Franchise

Pokemon

Released

2025-00-00

Developer(s)

Game Freak