Choosing Your First Partner: A Guide To The Best Starter Pokémon In Each Generation

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I (Kanto): Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle?

The original Kanto region presented players with three iconic choices: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each boasts unique strengths and weaknesses, making the decision far from straightforward.

Bulbasaur (Grass/Poison)

• Strengths: Bulbasaur’s dual typing offers a strong early-game advantage, particularly against Rock and Ground types commonly encountered in the beginning. Its access to powerful Grass-type moves like Vine Whip and Razor Leaf provides consistent damage output. Its evolution, Venusaur, gains access to powerful moves like Sludge Bomb and Solar Beam.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Flying, Ice, and Psychic-type moves pose significant threats. Careful team composition is essential to mitigate these weaknesses.
• Effective Movesets: Vine Whip/Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder/Stun Spore, Sludge Bomb/Giga Drain, Solar Beam.

Charmander (Fire)

• Strengths: Charmander's offensive prowess is undeniable. Fire-type moves are super effective against many common opponents, and its evolution line, culminating in the powerful Charizard, boasts impressive offensive stats and movepool.
• Weaknesses: Water, Ground, and Rock types significantly counter Charmander's offensive capabilities. Early-game struggles against these types are common.
• Effective Movesets: Ember/Flamethrower, Dragon Claw/Fly, Fire Blast, Flare Blitz.

Squirtle (Water)

• Strengths: Squirtle's defensive capabilities make it a reliable choice. Its Water-type moves are effective against many early-game opponents, and its evolution, Blastoise, becomes a formidable tank.
• Weaknesses: Grass and Electric types can exploit Squirtle's weaknesses. Careful strategic planning is crucial to manage these threats.
• Effective Movesets: Water Gun/Water Pulse, Tackle/Aqua Tail, Ice Beam/Rain Dance, Hydro Pump.

Comparative Analysis:

Each Kanto starter offers a different play style. Bulbasaur provides balanced offense and defense, Charmander is purely offensive, and Squirtle leans toward a defensive strategy. The "best" choice depends on your preferred gameplay. Consider your team composition; a balanced team often complements a starter's weaknesses.

Generation II (Johto): Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile?

Johto introduced a new trio of starters, each with its own unique characteristics.

Chikorita (Grass)

• Strengths: Chikorita's evolution, Meganium, possesses high HP and Special Attack, making it a solid special attacker.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug and Ice are all super-effective against Chikorita.
• Effective Movesets: Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder, Giga Drain, Energy Ball.

Cyndaquil (Fire)

• Strengths: Cyndaquil evolves into Typhlosion, a powerful Fire-type Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities.
• Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves are particularly damaging.
• Effective Movesets: Ember, Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Earthquake.

Totodile (Water)

• Strengths: Totodile and its evolutions offer high defense and Attack stats, making it a well-rounded physical attacker.
• Weaknesses: Electric and Grass types can cause significant damage.
• Effective Movesets: Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Ice Fang, Crunch.

Comparative Analysis:

The Johto starters offer diverse strategies. Chikorita excels with Special Attacks, Cyndaquil with raw Fire power, and Totodile with physical strength. The best choice depends on your team composition and desired battle approach.

Generation III (Hoenn): Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip?

Hoenn's starters presented a compelling set of options.

Treecko (Grass)

• Strengths: Treecko evolves into Sceptile, a powerful Grass-type with high Speed and Special Attack.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug and Ice are all super-effective against Treecko.
• Effective Movesets: Leaf Blade, Giga Drain, Dragon Pulse, Focus Blast.

Torchic (Fire)

• Strengths: Torchic evolves into Blaziken, a powerful Fire/Fighting type with high Attack and Speed.
• Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves are particularly damaging.
• Effective Movesets: Ember, Flamethrower, Flare Blitz, Double Team.

Mudkip (Water)

• Strengths: Mudkip evolves into Swampert, a formidable Water/Ground type with high defenses and Attack.
• Weaknesses: Grass moves are super effective against Mudkip.
• Effective Movesets: Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Earthquake, Ice Punch.

Comparative Analysis:

Treecko offers speed and Special Attack, Torchic boasts physical strength, and Mudkip provides balanced stats and a powerful typing. The best choice hinges on player preference and strategic planning.

Generation IV (Sinnoh) & Beyond:

This pattern continues through Generations IV (Sinnoh – Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup), V (Unova – Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott), VI (Kalos – Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie), VII (Alola – Rowlet, Litten, Popplio), VIII (Galar – Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble), and IX (Paldea – Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly). Each generation presents new starter Pokémon with unique strengths and weaknesses, requiring careful consideration for a successful playthrough. We recommend researching the individual strengths and weaknesses of each starter within these generations to make the best decision for your playstyle. Many online resources provide in-depth analyses of each.

Conclusion:

Choosing your first partner is a pivotal decision in any Pokémon game. By carefully considering the type matchups, your preferred play style, and your overall team synergy, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each generation's best starter Pokémon choices is key to optimizing your starter Pokémon selection and finding the perfect starter Pokémon for you. Share your own experiences and favorite starter Pokémon in the comments below! Let's discuss the best starter Pokémon choices and help fellow trainers make informed decisions!