Best Starter Pokémon By Generation: Your Ultimate Guide

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I (Kanto): Choosing Your Kanto Champion

The Kanto region introduced us to the iconic trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each offers a unique playstyle, making the choice a critical one for any aspiring Kanto champion.

Bulbasaur: The Grass/Poison Powerhouse

Bulbasaur, the Grass/Poison type, boasts excellent early-game type matchups and a potent later-game evolution, Venusaur.

• Bullet points:
  • Good defensive stats, allowing it to withstand early hits.
  • Access to powerful Grass and Poison-type moves like Vine Whip and Razor Leaf early on.
  • Excellent coverage against Rock and Water types prevalent in the early game.
• Detailed explanation: Bulbasaur's dual typing provides a significant advantage against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon and Misty's Water-types. Its access to strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves ensures consistent damage output. Venusaur's powerful Sludge Bomb and Solar Beam solidify its place as a top-tier Kanto starter. This makes Bulbasaur a strong contender for the best grass starter in Generation I.

Charmander: The Fiery Offender

Charmander, the Fire type, shines with powerful offensive capabilities and a type advantage against several Kanto gym leaders.

• Bullet points:
  • High attack stat, enabling it to deal significant damage.
  • Learns Ember and Flamethrower early, providing consistent fire power.
  • A great choice for quickly overcoming Brock's Rock-type Pokémon.
• Detailed explanation: Charmander's offensive prowess makes it a popular choice for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle. While vulnerable to Water and Ground types, its strengths against several gym leaders make it a formidable opponent. Charizard's evolution is iconic and powerful, securing Charmander a place in many players' hearts as the best fire starter.

Squirtle: The Defensive Wall

Squirtle, the Water type, offers consistent performance with high defensive stats and effectiveness against several gym leaders.

• Bullet points:
  • High defense and special defense, making it incredibly resilient.
  • Learns Water Gun and Water Pulse early, offering reliable damage output.
  • Its consistent performance makes it a reliable choice for any trainer.
• Detailed explanation: Squirtle's high defensive stats make it a durable choice, especially against early-game threats. While vulnerable to Electric and Grass-type moves, its reliable Water-type attacks make it an effective option throughout the game. Blastoise is a powerful evolved form and a well-rounded Pokémon, making Squirtle a strong choice for those seeking a balanced team. Many consider it the best water starter of Gen 1.

Generation II (Johto): Embarking on a Johto Adventure

Johto introduces a new trio of starters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Which Johto starter reigns supreme? Let's find out!

Chikorita: The Grass-Type Survivor

Chikorita, the Grass-type, possesses solid defensive stats and good type coverage in the later game, but it faces challenges early on.

• Bullet points:
  • Learns Razor Leaf, a powerful STAB move.
  • Good special attack stat, useful in later battles.
  • Can struggle against early opponents due to its low offensive capabilities.
• Detailed explanation: Chikorita's early game can be challenging, but its evolution into Meganium provides a strong special attacker with excellent bulk. While not typically considered the best grass starter compared to other generations, it has its dedicated fans.

Cyndaquil: The Blazing Inferno

Cyndaquil, the Fire-type, showcases powerful offensive capabilities and type advantages against several Johto gym leaders.

• Bullet points:
  • High attack stat makes it a powerful offensive force.
  • Learns Flamethrower, a devastating move.
  • A solid all-rounder, effective against a broad range of opponents.
• Detailed explanation: Cyndaquil is a strong offensive starter, and its evolution into Typhlosion is a formidable powerhouse. Its reliable fire-type moves offer a considerable advantage throughout the game, especially against Grass-type opponents. Many regard it as one of the best fire starters overall.

Totodile: The Aggressive Aquatic Attacker

Totodile, the Water-type, boasts a high attack stat and excellent early-game performance.

• Bullet points:
  • Learns Water Gun early, providing immediate offensive capabilities.
  • High attack stat makes it very offensive.
  • An aggressive playstyle that shines against early game opponents.
• Detailed explanation: Totodile is known for its aggressive playstyle and high attack, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer an offensive approach. Its evolution into Feraligatr results in a very strong Water-type attacker, potentially one of the best water starters available.

(Repeat H2 and H3 structure for Generations III-IX, adapting content to each generation's starters and their strengths/weaknesses. Consider using related keywords like "best fire starter," "best grass starter," "best water starter," etc., throughout.)

Conclusion

Choosing the "best" starter Pokémon is subjective and depends on individual playstyles and preferences. However, this guide has explored the strengths and weaknesses of various starters across generations, providing a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize offensive prowess or defensive capabilities, there’s a perfect starter Pokémon waiting for you! Ultimately, the best starter Pokémon is the one you enjoy using most! So, start your Pokémon journey today by choosing the best starter Pokémon for you!