The Top Starter Pokémon Of Every Generation: Ranked And Reviewed

Laila Abdi

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle – The OG Trio

The original Kanto starters set the standard, each representing a classic Pokémon archetype.

Bulbasaur: Grass-type advantages and disadvantages

• Strengths: Bulbasaur's dual Grass/Poison typing offers excellent defensive coverage later in the game, making it surprisingly resilient. Its evolution, Venusaur, boasts high Special Attack and HP, making it a powerful force.
• Weaknesses: Early-game, Bulbasaur's vulnerability to Fire and Ice-type moves can be problematic. Its slow speed can also be a hindrance.
• Best Moveset Options: Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder, Sludge Bomb (later game).

Charmander: Fire-type dominance and strategic considerations

• Strengths: Charmander's Fire-type attacks are incredibly powerful, giving it a significant advantage against many early-game opponents. Its evolution, Charizard, is iconic and incredibly strong.
• Weaknesses: Charmander's vulnerability to Water and Ground-type attacks is a significant weakness that must be carefully managed.
• Best Moveset Options: Ember, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw (later game), Fire Blast (later game).

Squirtle: Water-type reliability and defensive prowess

• Strengths: Squirtle's high defense and access to reliable Water-type moves make it a solid early-game choice. Its evolution line boasts excellent defensive capabilities.
• Weaknesses: Squirtle's vulnerability to Electric and Grass-type attacks requires strategic thinking.
• Best Moveset Options: Water Gun, Water Pulse, Ice Beam (later game), Aqua Tail (later game).

Generation II: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile – Johto's Starters

Johto introduced a new trio of starters, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Chikorita: Grass-type evolution and strategic considerations

• Strengths: Chikorita's evolution, Meganium, possesses high HP and decent special attack, making it a formidable opponent. Its grass typing offers coverage against many opponents.
• Weaknesses: Its low offensive stats early-game and vulnerability to Fire and Ice-type attacks can present challenges.
• Best Moveset Options: Razor Leaf, Giga Drain, Sleep Powder, Energy Ball.

Cyndaquil: Fire-type evolution and strategic considerations

• Strengths: Cyndaquil's evolution, Typhlosion, is a powerful special attacker with high offensive stats. Fire-type moves deal significant damage.
• Weaknesses: Its vulnerability to Water and Ground types remains a consistent weakness across generations.
• Best Moveset Options: Ember, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Lava Plume.

Totodile: Water-type evolution and strategic considerations

• Strengths: Totodile’s evolution, Feraligatr, boasts high attack and defense, making it a physical powerhouse. Water-type coverage is always reliable.
• Weaknesses: Its vulnerability to Electric and Grass types remains a persistent challenge.
• Best Moveset Options: Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Ice Fang, Crunch.

Generation III - Generation IX: A Comparative Analysis of Each Generation's Starters

This section provides a concise overview of each generation's starters, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. For brevity, we'll focus on key characteristics.

• Generation III (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip): Treecko's evolution, Sceptile, is a strong special attacker. Torchic's Blaziken is a potent physical attacker. Mudkip's Swampert boasts high defense and balanced stats, often considered the best of the three.

• Generation IV (Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup): Turtwig's Torterra offers excellent defense. Chimchar's Infernape is an offensive powerhouse. Piplup's Empoleon is a balanced choice with high special attack.

• Generation V (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott): Snivy's Serperior is a swift special attacker. Tepig's Emboar is a physical attacker with high HP. Oshawott's Samurott is a balanced option with solid offensive and defensive stats.

• Generation VI (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie): Chespin's Quilladin is a strong defensive Pokémon. Fennekin's Delphox is a special attacker with high special attack. Froakie's Greninja excels in speed and special attack.

• Generation VII (Rowlet, Litten, Popplio): Rowlet's Decidueye is a special attacker with unique Ghost/Grass typing. Litten's Incineroar is a powerful physical attacker. Popplio's Primarina is a strong special attacker.

• Generation VIII (Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble): Grookey's Rillaboom is a physical attacker with Grass-type coverage. Scorbunny's Cinderace is a fast and powerful Fire-type. Sobble's Inteleon is a special attacker with unique Water-type moves.

• Generation IX (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly): Sprigatito's Meowscarada boasts high speed and balanced stats. Fuecoco's Skeledirge is a special attacker with unique Fire/Ghost typing. Quaxly's Quaquaval excels in balanced stats and Water-type coverage.

Overall Ranking and Justification

Based on overall stats, type effectiveness, movepool versatility, and competitive viability, here's our ranking of the best starter Pokémon:

1. Mudkip (Generation III): Swampert's balanced stats and excellent typing make it consistently strong.
2. Charmander (Generation I): Charizard's offensive power and iconic status solidify its position.
3. Froakie (Generation VI): Greninja's speed and special attack are unmatched in its generation.
4. Totodile (Generation II): Feraligatr's physical attack and high HP make it a durable choice.
5. Cyndaquil (Generation II): Typhlosion's powerful fire-type moves are always a valuable asset.

Best Starter Pokémon for Different Play Styles

• Aggressive: Charmander (all evolutions), Cyndaquil (all evolutions), Infernape (Gen IV).
• Defensive: Bulbasaur (Venusaur), Squirtle (Blastoise), Swampert (Gen III).
• Balanced: Mudkip (Swampert), Oshawott (Samurott), Totodile (Feraligatr).

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ultimate Starter Pokémon

This comprehensive review highlights the strengths and weaknesses of various starter Pokémon across generations. While our ranking offers guidance, the "best" starter ultimately depends on your preferred play style and personal preference. Remember to consider type matchups and strategic advantages when making your decision. Which starter Pokémon is your all-time favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Start your Pokémon journey today with the perfect starter! #PokemonStarters #BestStarterPokemon #Pokemon