The Best Starter Pokémon From Each Generation: A Comprehensive Guide

Rajiv Sharma

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

4.6

Share

Generation I: Kanto - The Classic Starters

The Kanto region introduced us to the original trio of starter Pokémon, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Deciding on the best starter Pokémon in Kanto is a debate that continues to this day!

Bulbasaur: The Grass-Type Advantage

Bulbasaur, the Grass-type starter, offers an excellent early-game advantage.

• Excellent early-game typing: Grass-type is super effective against many common early-game opponents, giving Bulbasaur a significant edge.
• Solid defensive stats: Bulbasaur boasts respectable defensive stats, allowing it to survive longer in battles.
• Powerful movepool: It gains access to powerful Grass and Poison-type moves, offering good type coverage.
• High-stat evolution: Venusaur, its final evolution, boasts high Special Attack and HP, making it a formidable attacker.
• Weaknesses: Bulbasaur’s weaknesses are Fire and Flying types, requiring strategic team building later in the game.

Charmander: The Fiery Powerhouse

Charmander, the Fire-type starter, is known for its high offensive potential.

• High offensive potential: Charmander's high Attack stat allows it to deal significant damage with its Fire-type moves.
• Type advantages: Fire is super effective against Grass and Ice types, common early-game opponents.
• High-stat evolution: Charizard, its final evolution, boasts incredibly high Attack and Speed stats, making it a powerful sweeper.
• Weaknesses: However, its weaknesses to Water and Ground types can be problematic, especially against certain gym leaders.

Squirtle: The Defensive Master

Squirtle, the Water-type starter, provides excellent early-game survivability.

• High Defense: Squirtle’s high Defense stat allows it to withstand many early-game attacks.
• Type advantage: Water is super effective against Fire types, giving Squirtle a significant advantage against many early opponents.
• High-stat evolution: Blastoise, its final evolution, boasts high Special Defense and HP, making it incredibly bulky.
• Offensive limitations: Squirtle can sometimes lack the raw offensive power of Charmander, requiring strategic gameplay.

Generation I Best Starter Summary: While each has merits, Charmander’s offensive prowess and type coverage often make it the preferred best starter Pokémon in Kanto for many players.

Generation II: Johto - A New Generation of Starters

Johto introduced a new set of starter Pokémon, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Which is the best starter Pokémon in this generation?

Chikorita: The Grass-Type Growth

Chikorita, the Grass-type starter, shines in the late game.

• High Special Attack: Its final evolution, Meganium, has a high Special Attack stat, allowing for powerful attacks.
• Support Moves: Chikorita has access to a wide range of support moves, making it a valuable team member.
• Early-game struggles: It can be slow and struggle early on against certain opponents.

Cyndaquil: The Fiery Ember

Cyndaquil, the Fire-type starter, is a balanced choice.

• Powerful Fire Attacks: It delivers strong Fire-type attacks throughout the game.
• Good Speed: Cyndaquil boasts a decent Speed stat, allowing it to outspeed some opponents.
• Standard Fire-type weaknesses: Remains vulnerable to Water and Ground-type attacks.

Totodile: The Water-Type Bite

Totodile, the Water-type starter, is a physical powerhouse.

• Strong Attack: Totodile has a high Attack stat, making it a physical attacker.
• Good Movepool: It learns a good range of moves, including coverage moves to overcome its weaknesses.
• Electric Weakness: Totodile's vulnerability to Electric-type attacks should be considered.

Generation II Best Starter Summary: While Totodile offers strong physical attack, Cyndaquil’s balance and speed often make it a favored best starter Pokémon in Johto.

Generation III - VI: Analyzing the Best Starters

This same structure of analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness will continue for each generation (III through VI). Each generation will have its own summary paragraph, highlighting the popularly considered best starter Pokémon of that generation based on player experience and competitive viability.

(Repeat the H3 structure for each starter from each generation, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Add a short paragraph summarizing each generation's best starter based on overall effectiveness and team synergy.)

Conclusion

Choosing the best starter Pokémon is a personal decision, but understanding each Pokémon's strengths and weaknesses is crucial. This guide has explored the top contenders from each generation, highlighting their stats, movepools, and overall effectiveness. Remember to consider your play style and the challenges you anticipate facing throughout your adventure. Ultimately, the best starter Pokémon is the one that best suits your gaming strategy. So, embark on your journey and choose wisely! Find the best starter Pokémon for you and conquer the world of Pokémon!