Picking The Perfect Partner: Best Starter Pokémon By Generation

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Kanto (Generation I): The Classic Trio

The Kanto region introduced us to the iconic original three: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Choosing the right Best Starter Pokémon in Generation I sets the tone for your entire adventure.

• Bulbasaur: This Grass-type Pokémon boasts a unique dual typing, being both Grass and Poison.

  • Strengths: Highly effective against Water-type Pokémon. Poison typing provides coverage against Fairy types. Its evolution, Venusaur, is a powerful tank.
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Flying, Psychic, and Bug-type moves.
  • Notable Moves: Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder, Sludge Bomb.

• Charmander: The fiery Charmander is a classic choice for a reason.

  • Strengths: Fire-type is incredibly strong against Grass and Ice types, common early-game opponents.
  • Weaknesses: Extremely vulnerable to Water, Ground, and Rock-type attacks.
  • Notable Moves: Ember, Flamethrower, Dragon Claw (later evolutions).

• Squirtle: The Water-type starter, Squirtle, offers a reliable and defensive approach.

  • Strengths: Water-type is super effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon.
  • Weaknesses: Electric and Grass-type moves can significantly hinder its effectiveness.
  • Notable Moves: Water Gun, Aqua Jet, Hydro Pump.

Overall Kanto Starter Recommendation: While all three are viable, Charmander often provides a smoother early game due to its effectiveness against many common early opponents. However, Bulbasaur's dual typing makes it a solid contender for long-term strategy.

Johto (Generation II): Expanding the Choices

Johto introduces a new batch of Best Starter Pokémon with unique capabilities. The decision here is even more nuanced.

• Chikorita: This Grass-type starter is known for its defensive capabilities.

  • Strengths: Access to strong Grass-type moves, good bulk.
  • Weaknesses: Standard Grass-type weaknesses (Fire, Ice, Flying, Bug, Poison).
  • Notable Moves: Razor Leaf, Giga Drain, Sleep Powder.
  • Team Synergy: Works well with Fire and Water types to cover weaknesses.

• Cyndaquil: The Fire-type Cyndaquil evolves into the powerful Typhlosion.

  • Strengths: Effective against Grass and Ice types, common in the Johto region.
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to Water, Ground, and Rock-type attacks.
  • Notable Moves: Ember, Flamethrower, Eruption.
  • Team Synergy: A good offensive partner to a Water or Grass type.

• Totodile: The Water-type Totodile provides a balanced approach.

  • Strengths: Effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock types.
  • Weaknesses: Struggles against Electric and Grass-type attacks.
  • Notable Moves: Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Crunch.
  • Team Synergy: A robust choice offering good coverage alongside Grass and Fire.

Overall Johto Starter Recommendation: Totodile offers excellent type coverage in Johto, making it a strong contender for the best starter Pokémon in Generation II.

Hoenn (Generation III): A Diverse Trio

Hoenn offers a diverse set of Best Starter Pokémon Generation III options, each with its strengths.

• Treecko: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Torchic: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Mudkip: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Hoenn Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Sinnoh (Generation IV): The Best Starter Pokemon Generation IV

Sinnoh's starters provide compelling choices, each with unique benefits.

• Turtwig: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Chimchar: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Piplup: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Sinnoh Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Unova (Generation V): A New Generation of Starters

Unova introduces a refreshing set of Best Starter Pokémon Generation V, each bringing different advantages to the table.

• Snivy: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Tepig: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Oshawott: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Unova Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Kalos (Generation VI): The Best Starter Pokemon Generation VI

The Kalos region offers distinct advantages and disadvantages with each of its Best Starter Pokemon Generation VI.

• Chespin: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Fennekin: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Froakie: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Kalos Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Alola (Generation VII): Sun and Moon Starters

The Alola region presents another compelling choice of Best Starter Pokémon Generation VII.

• Rowlet: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Litten: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Popplio: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Alola Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Galar (Generation VIII): A Modern Trio

Galar's Best Starter Pokémon Generation VIII continue the trend of diverse options.

• Grookey: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Scorbunny: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Sobble: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Galar Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Hisui (Generation VIII - Legends: Arceus): Ancient Choices

Hisui offers a unique twist on the starter selection.

• Rowlet: (Grass-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Cyndaquil: (Fire-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Oshawott: (Water-type, strengths, weaknesses, notable moves, team synergy)
• Overall Hisui Starter Recommendation: (with reasoning)

Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Pokémon Partner

Choosing the right starter Pokémon significantly impacts your journey through each generation. From the classic Kanto trio to the diverse options in Galar and Hisui, each starter offers unique strengths and weaknesses. We've explored the best starter Pokémon for each generation, considering type advantages, move sets, and overall effectiveness. Remember to consider your playstyle and preferred battling strategy when making your final decision. Finding your perfect starter Pokémon is a key element to a successful adventure. Which starter Pokémon is your ultimate pick? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's discuss the best starter Pokémon across all generations!