The Top 5 Grass-Type Starters In Pokémon: Strengths, Weaknesses, And More

Hugo van Dijk

6 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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#1 Bulbasaur (and Evolutions): The Classic Grass-Poison Powerhouse

Bulbasaur, the iconic Grass-Poison starter from Kanto, consistently ranks among the best. Its dual typing and well-rounded stat distribution make it a formidable opponent throughout the game.

Strengths:

• Excellent early-game performance: Bulbasaur's balanced stats provide a smooth start, allowing it to handle various early-game challenges effectively. It’s rarely outclassed early on.

• Dual typing for strategic advantage: The Grass/Poison typing offers excellent coverage, giving Bulbasaur an edge against many common opponents. This dual typing offers a strategic advantage.

• Learns a wide array of moves: From powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves like Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb to helpful support moves, Bulbasaur's movepool is incredibly versatile. This flexibility is a key factor in its enduring popularity.

  • High Special Attack and Defense stats: Bulbasaur excels at both dealing and mitigating damage.
  • Access to powerful STAB moves like Razor Leaf and Sludge Bomb: These moves deal significant damage against vulnerable opponents.
  • Relatively high HP for survivability: Bulbasaur can withstand more hits than many other early-game Pokémon.
  • Good type coverage against Water, Ground, and Fairy types: This makes it an effective counter to several common threats.

Weaknesses:

Bulbasaur's dual typing, while beneficial, also introduces vulnerabilities.

* 4x weakness to Fire: This can be a significant challenge in early-game fire-heavy areas, requiring careful strategy.
* Requires careful team building: To mitigate its weaknesses, you will need to build a team that supports Bulbasaur's vulnerabilities.  A strong Water or Ground type is beneficial.
* Vulnerable to Ice, Flying, Psychic, and Poison types:  These type matchups need to be carefully considered when battling.

#2 Grookey (and Evolutions): The Agile Grass-Type

Hailing from the Galar region, Grookey and its evolutions offer a different playstyle compared to Bulbasaur. This line prioritizes speed and physical attacks.

Strengths:

• High Speed stat: Grookey’s high speed stat allows it to strike first, gaining an advantage in many battles. Speed is critical in competitive play.

• Access to strong physical attacks: Moves like Drum Beating and Grassy Glide deliver powerful blows, making Grookey a potent physical attacker. Its offensive capabilities are impressive.

• Versatile movepool: Grookey can learn a mix of physical and special attacks, offering tactical flexibility. Adaptability is a vital asset.

  • Can outspeed many opponents: This makes it a valuable asset in competitive Pokémon battles.
  • Learns powerful physical moves like Drum Beating and Grassy Glide: These moves deal significant damage with high power.
  • Good for those who prefer physical attackers: This offers a change in playstyle compared to other Grass starters.

Weaknesses:

Despite its speed, Grookey has some weaknesses.

* Lower Defense stats compared to Bulbasaur line: Grookey is more fragile and needs strategic support.
* Requires a supportive team to survive crucial battles:  Its lower defenses mean that support from other Pokémon is essential.
* Still vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice types: These typing matchups require careful consideration.

#3 Chespin (and Evolutions): The Defensive Grass-Type

Chespin, from the Kalos region, represents a sturdy and defensive Grass-type starter.

Strengths:

• High Defense and HP: Chespin's ability to withstand attacks is unmatched among Grass-type starters. Its durability is a significant advantage.

• Great for taking hits: Chespin acts as an excellent wall, absorbing damage and protecting your team. Defensive strategies are its strength.

• Learns powerful physical attacks: Despite its defensive nature, Chespin can also dish out significant damage with physical moves. A balanced approach to combat.

  • Can withstand many attacks that would KO other Grass starters: Its high defense makes it a key asset in difficult battles.
  • Excellent physical wall: It's an ideal choice for trainers who favor defensive strategies.
  • Strong against Water and Ground types: These type matchups are significant advantages.

Weaknesses:

Chespin's reliance on defense comes with trade-offs.

* Low speed: Chespin's low speed makes it vulnerable to faster opponents.  This is a significant weakness.
* Relies heavily on defensive maneuvers: Its offensive capabilities are less pronounced compared to other starters.
* Still susceptible to Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice types:  These type matchups require a careful team strategy.

#4 Squirtle (and Evolutions): A Surprising Contender (Water-Type, but strong against Grass weaknesses)

While not a Grass-type, Squirtle's effectiveness against common Grass-type weaknesses makes it a compelling alternative.

Strengths:

• Excellent early and late-game performance: Squirtle's consistent performance throughout the game makes it a reliable partner. This consistency makes it highly valued.

• High defense and special defense: Squirtle's durability is a key factor in its success. It can take many hits.

• Counters many Grass-type weaknesses: Its Water typing is particularly effective against Fire-types, a common weakness for Grass starters. Addressing weaknesses is key to its success.

  • Very strong against Fire types: This is a crucial advantage against a major Grass-type weakness.
  • Good overall stat distribution and movepool: Its balanced nature makes it a valuable asset.
  • A reliable and versatile partner: Squirtle’s versatility makes it a strong contender.

Weaknesses:

Choosing Squirtle comes with considerations.

* Not a Grass type:  It doesn't offer the same typing advantages as other Grass starters.  This is its major drawback.
* Weak against Electric and Grass types:  These type matchups require careful team building.
* Needs strategic team building to counter grass weaknesses in early-game scenarios:  This requires a more proactive approach to team building.

#5 Rowlet (and Evolutions): The Stealthy Grass/Flying Dual Type

Rowlet, from the Alola region, offers a unique dual typing with interesting strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

• Unique dual typing offers advantages: The Grass/Flying combination provides advantages against Fighting and Bug types. This dual type is a distinct advantage.

• Good Special Attack: Rowlet excels at dealing special damage. Special attacks are its strength.

• Access to useful support moves: Rowlet can learn moves like Roost for healing and recovery, adding support capabilities. Support is a key asset.

  • Effective against Fighting and Bug types: These type matchups are significant advantages.
  • Can learn moves like Roost for healing and recovery: This enhances its survivability.
  • Strong special attacker: Its offensive capabilities are particularly strong.

Weaknesses:

Rowlet's dual typing expands its vulnerabilities.

* Vulnerable to Ice, Fire, Rock, and Electric types: This requires careful consideration when battling.  These are significant weaknesses.
* The dual typing adds more weaknesses:  This needs to be considered when building your team.
* Careful team building is essential:  Strategic team building is vital to mitigate these weaknesses.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Grass-Type Starter

Choosing the best Grass-type starter ultimately depends on your playstyle and preferences. While Bulbasaur offers classic reliability and Grookey provides raw speed, Chespin excels at defense, and Rowlet offers a unique dual typing. Each starter Pokémon presents its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Consider the pros and cons carefully before embarking on your Pokémon journey! Remember to research the different Grass-type starter Pokémon and their evolutionary lines to make the best choice for your adventure. Happy adventuring, and may the best Grass-type starter win!