The pivotal moment in any Pokemon game is choosing your starter Pokemon. This initial choice, often based on personal preference and vibes, sets the stage for your journey to becoming a Pokemon master. It's a decision filled with anticipation, as you're yet to uncover the gyms, rivals, and secrets that await in the region. We've conducted thorough research, analyzing base stats, strengths, weaknesses, and evolutions of each starter Pokemon, comparing them against their native regions to determine the best starter pick. Our goal is to guide you not just through the initial gyms, but all the way to conquering the Elite Four and beyond. Let's dive into our analysis across all generations.

Gen 1: Bulbasaur

Games: Pokemon Red & Blue, FireRed & LeafGreen

Starter options: Bulbasaur (grass), Charmander (fire), Squirtle (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow guide

Bulbasaur stands out as the top choice for dominating the Kanto region in Pokemon Red and Blue. While Charmander might initially seem appealing due to the rarity of Fire types and its advantage against Ground types in the final gym, Bulbasaur offers a smoother journey overall. Its Grass typing is super effective against Brock’s Rock Pokemon, Misty’s Water collection, and Giovanni’s final gym line-up, making it the best choice for tackling the first two members of the Elite Four. Challenges include Erika’s Grass type gym and Blaine’s Fire type gym, but with strategic play and the abundance of Water types in Kanto, these can be overcome.

Bulbasaur trainers will face issues with frequent Flying type encounters like Pidgey and Spearow, but caves filled with Ground and Rock types provide ample XP opportunities. Additionally, Bulbasaur's evolution into Venasaur, a Grass/Poison type, provides an edge over Charmander and Squirtle with well-balanced stats and additional type advantage.

Gen 2: Cyndaquil

Games: Pokemon Gold & Silver, Crystal, HeartGold & SoulSilver

Starter options: Chikorita (grass), Cyndaquil (fire), Totodile (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Gold, Silver and Crystal guide

In Pokemon Gold and Silver, Cyndaquil emerges as the best starter due to the limited number of Fire types introduced compared to Grass and Water types. Cyndaquil's Fire typing is advantageous against Bugsy’s Bug gym and Jasmine’s Steel gym, making it a versatile choice for Johto's challenges. While Totodile struggles with the lack of Fire, Ground, or Rock gyms, and Chikorita faces difficulties with early Bug and Flying type gyms, Cyndaquil's evolution into Typhlosion excels against Grass and Bug types in the Elite Four.

Challenges include Pryce's Ice gym and encounters with Rock and Ground types in caves, as well as Lance's Dragon/Flying types. However, Cyndaquil's advantages far outweigh these hurdles, making it the superior choice for Johto.

Gen 3: Mudkip

Games: Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire

Starter options: Treecko (grass), Torchic (fire), Mudkip (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald guide

Mudkip is the standout choice for Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, not just for its adorable appearance but for its strategic advantages. Both Mudkip and Treecko are effective against three of the eight gyms, but Mudkip's Water typing gives it an edge in Flannery’s Fire gym, while Treecko struggles against Flannery and Winona's Flying types. Torchic, on the other hand, lacks significant gym advantages.

Mudkip's evolution into Swampert, a Water/Ground type, provides a significant defensive boost and immunity to Electric attacks, crucial for overcoming the Elite Four. While the Hoenn region's frequent water encounters can be a grind, Mudkip's overall advantages make it the best starter choice.

Gen 4: Chimchar

Games: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Starter options: Turtwig (grass), Chimchar (fire), Piplup (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum guide

Chimchar is the top pick for Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, with the Sinnoh region introducing fewer Fire types compared to Water and Grass. Chimchar's Fire typing is advantageous against Gardenia’s Grass gym, Byron’s Steel gym, and Candice’s Ice gym. While Turtwig excels early on against Rock and Water types, Chimchar's late-game potential, evolving into Infernape, makes it superior against the Elite Four's diverse teams.

Challenges include Team Galactic's Bug types and the final gym's Electric types, but Chimchar's overall strengths and versatility make it the best choice for Sinnoh.

Gen 5: Tepig

Games: Pokemon Black & White

Starter options: Snivy (grass), Tepig (fire), Oshawott (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Black and White guide

In Pokemon Black and White, Tepig is the clear winner. Snivy struggles with only one gym advantage and numerous Bug and Flying type encounters, while Oshawott is effective against Clay’s Ground gym but lacks significant Elite Four advantages. Tepig's Fire/Fighting typing as Emboar allows it to excel against Burgh’s Bug gym, Brycen’s Ice gym, and Grimsley’s Dark type Elite Four team.

Challenges include Clay’s Ground gym and Caitlin's Psychic types, but Tepig's strong attacking stats and the presence of Team Plasma's Steel types make it the best choice for Unova.

Gen 6: Fennekin

Games: Pokemon X & Y

Starter options: Chespin (grass), Fennekin (fire), Froakie (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon X and Y guide

Fennekin is the standout starter in Pokemon X and Y, with its Fire typing being super effective against three gyms and resistant to two more. Its evolution into Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type, provides a significant advantage against the final three gyms and the Elite Four. Froakie and Chespin struggle against various gym types, making Fennekin the best choice for Kalos.

Gen 7: Litten

Games: Pokemon Sun & Moon

Starter options: Rowlet (grass), Litten (fire), Popplio (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon guide

Litten is the top choice for Pokemon Sun and Moon, despite early challenges. Its evolution into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type, excels against Mallow’s Grass trial, Sophocles’ Electric gym, and Acerola’s Ghost trial. Rowlet and Popplio struggle with late-game battles, making Litten's ability to clear trials crucial. The Alola region's diverse Elite Four and post-championship challenges further emphasize Litten's importance.

Gen 8: Sobble

Games: Pokemon Sword & Shield

Starter options: Grookey (grass), Scorbunny (fire), Sobble (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Sword and Shield guide

Sobble narrowly edges out Grookey and Scorbunny in Pokemon Sword and Shield. All three starters are effective against three gyms, but Sobble's advantage in the final gym and the Champion Cup's semi-final and final opponents gives it a slight edge. With balanced stats and less impact from random encounters and rivals, Sobble is the best choice for Galar.

Gen 9: Fuecoco

Games: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Starter options: Sprigatito (grass), Fuecoco (fire), Quaxly (water)

Full guide: IGN's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet guide

Fuecoco is the clear winner in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, despite the game's focus on player freedom. Its Fire typing and evolution into Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type, are advantageous against the highest level gyms and Team Star base raids. While Sprigatito and Quaxly have their strengths, Fuecoco's versatility and advantages in the Paldea region make it the best starter choice.

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