The latest major game releases in the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon: Scarlet & Violet have left players with the wide, sprawling open-world of the Paldea region. It's full of Pokemon of all shapes, sizes, and origins, as well as a wide selection of Pokemon the player can choose from before their first gym battle.
With such a wide selection of paths and very little direction once they’ve set off on their adventure in Pokemon: Scarlet & Violet, figuring out which Pokemon to prioritize is a challenge, to say the least. Fortunately, with an abundance of choice, players will have plenty of options. Here are the Pokemon that will allow them to take on their first gym with a well-rounded team that still feels unique to them.
10 Igglybuff
One of the earlier Pokemon players can encounter in their Paldea adventures, Igglybuff is a valuable asset to add to the team early on. It has moves having moves like Sing and Defense Curl from an early level, which make it a formidable defensive Pokemon for an early-game trainer.
Additionally, having a Normal/Fairy-type Pokemon on the team is a solid move for anyone tackling the early game gyms. Since this typing has few weaknesses, Igglybuff is less likely to be hit with super effective moves. Thanks to it evolving through friendship, Igglybuff has the added bonus of being an easy Pokemon to evolve before taking on the first gym.
9 Fletchling
For anyone who doesn’t choose a Fire-type starter at the beginning of the game, acquiring a Fire-type Pokemon as soon as possible is a reliable move to make sure the growing team covers all its bases. Not only is Fletchling a reliable Pokemon with an incredibly strong evolution line, but it’s relatively easy to catch, level and evolve.
It’ll take an evolution before it trades its primary Normal typing for Fire. But once players get Fletchinder, having a Fire/Flying Pokemon on the team is every bug gym’s worst nightmare.
8 Mudbray
Every Pokemon team needs at least one member that’s capable of taking a lot of hits. Fortunately, Mudbray is just the powerhouse that early-game Pokemon trainers need. Players can find this Ground-type all around the Paldea region.
In addition to having high defense and attack stats that make it great for standing its ground and hitting hard at the same time, Mudbray with the ability Stamina are extra tanky. This ability raises the Pokemon's Defense by one level every time they’re attacked while in battle.
7 Maschiff
Finding a Pokemon that can hit hard and stand its ground is an important step while training the best team possible. As early-game Dark-types go, Maschiff is an important contender while building a team that needs a physical attacker.
Trainers who choose to add a Maschiff for their team will benefit not just from a strong fighter with moves that can induce flinching, but also have a decent chance of catching a Maschiff with Intimidate as its ability. This will allow it to lower the attack of opponents when it's sent out.
6 Shinx
Another good choice for trainers building their early-game team is the Gen 4 Electric-type Shinx. With great offensive stats and moves like Bite, Thunder Shock, Spark, and Roar, Shinx’s evolutionary line is primed for heavy hitting while still maintaining a strong defense by inflicting paralysis or making its enemies flinch.
While it may not have a type advantage against the early gyms, it won’t be facing battles where it’s at a disadvantage, either. The abilities that Shinx can have are yet another reason for players to consider adding a Shinx to their team. Shinx and its evolved forms can have Intimidate, Rivalry, or even Guts as a hidden ability.
5 Makuhita
Trainers who are looking to add a Fighting-type Pokemon early on in their adventure have an array of solid choices. Makuhita is one of the contenders they should consider.
In addition to being a hard-hitting physical attacker with plenty of HP, abilities like Thick Fat, Guts, and Sheer Force are perfect for helping Makuhita land harsh blows and stand its ground. With attacks like Arm Thrust, Fake Out, Arm Thrust, and Bulk Up, as well as a relatively low evolution level, Makuhita is more than worthy of a place on an early-game trainer’s Pokemon team.
4 Drowzee
A favorite for anyone who enjoys creepy Pokedex entries, Drowzee is useful for far more than giving people nightmares. As a Psychic-type, they have a type disadvantage against the Bug-type gym; however, Drowzee remains a solid choice to have as a member of the team. This goes for both inside of gym and titan battles, especially while exploring the regions of Paldea.
Drowzee has access to moves like Hypnosis and Disable almost right away, as well as abilities like Forewarn that can help players predict what moves their opponent has. It is a solid option for reconnaissance and catching new Pokemon as well as combat.
3 Skiddo
Those looking for a Grass-type Pokemon to join the ranks of their team will have a hard time finding a better candidate than Skiddo. It has high stats all around, making it a great fighter for a variety of team styles.
Not only that, but having Sap Sipper as an ability will make it immune to Grass-type attacks, which will boost its Attack stat instead of inflicting damage. While a Grass-type Pokemon may not be as advantageous in the Bug-type gym, having a Skiddo with Sap Sipper while tackling the Grass-type gym in Artazon is an assured victory.
2 Flamigo
A flying-type Pokemon is a must while taking on the first two gyms, since they have a type advantage against both the Bug and Grass-type gyms. Flamigo is a surprisingly easy Pokemon to acquire in the early game, especially considering what it’s capable of.
Moves like Detect, Wing Attack, and Double-Kick are learned early on. While many single evolution Pokemon eventually run into the issue of keeping up with an evolving team as the game progresses, Flamigo’s stats are on par with many of the stronger fully-evolved Pokemon. This puts it above the level of most early-game Pokemon.
1 Wooper
One of several Pokemon to gain a new regional variant with the release of Scarlet and Violet, Paldean Wooper trades its original Water/Ground typing for a poison-ground combination instead.
With abilities like Poison Point or Water Absorb, Paldean Wooper is a great Pokemon for taking hits. These abilities either have a chance of inflicting poison any time a Pokémon makes direct contact with it, or render it immune to water-type moves, respectively. Additionally, thanks to its Poison typing. it has a type advantage against the first two gyms.