Starter Pokémon – your very first companion in every mainline Pokémon game – aren’t just your introduction to battling and adventuring. They symbolize the beginning of your personal journey through each generation. Traditionally, you’re offered three choices: one Fire-type, one Water-type, and one Grass-type. Exceptions exist, of course (looking at you, Pokémon: Let’s Go!), but this iconic trio formula remains a series staple.
Each starter Pokémon evolves twice, often gaining a secondary typing, and serves as a loyal partner throughout your adventure. Let’s dive into every starter Pokémon from Generation 1 to 9, including some unique additions that break the usual mold.
Generation 1 Starters: Kanto (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle)
Games: Pokémon Red, Blue, FireRed, LeafGreen
Platform: Game Boy, Game Boy Advance
Starters:
Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur
Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
Squirtle → Wartortle → Blastoise
These OG icons launched the franchise and are instantly recognizable – even decades later. Whether it’s the tactical strength of Venusaur, the brute power of Charizard, or the attitude-packed Squirtle Squad from the anime, these three started it all.
Also in Gen 1:
Pikachu (Pokémon Yellow)
Evolution: Pikachu → Raichu
This time, Pikachu took center stage, mirroring Ash’s companion in the anime. It’s one of the rare instances where only a single starter is available.
Generation 2 Starters: Johto (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile)
Games: Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver
Platform: Game Boy Color, Nintendo DS
Evolutions:
Chikorita → Bayleef → Meganium
Cyndaquil → Quilava → Typhlosion
Totodile → Croconaw → Feraligatr
Though not as universally beloved as Gen 1’s crew, Johto’s starters brought charm. Cyndaquil became a fan-favorite, while Chikorita…well, we’ll talk more about that later.
Generation 3 Starters: Hoenn (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip)
Games: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire
Platform: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 3DS
Evolutions:
Treecko → Grovyle → Sceptile
Torchic → Combusken → Blaziken
Mudkip → Marshtomp → Swampert
Gen 3 was a creative leap for the franchise, and its starters are still held in high regard. Blaziken became a battle staple, and Mudkip’s typing made it a beast with minimal weaknesses.
Generation 4 Starters: Sinnoh (Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup)
Games: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl
Platform: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch
Evolutions:
Turtwig → Grotle → Torterra
Chimchar → Monferno → Infernape
Piplup → Prinplup → Empoleon
This trio brought a mix of brute strength and balanced designs. Chimchar quickly became the popular pick, while the others carved their own niche thanks to Sinnoh’s in-depth lore and new mechanics.
Generation 5 Starters: Unova (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott)
Games: Black, White, Black 2, White 2
Platform: Nintendo DS
Evolutions:
Snivy → Servine → Serperior
Tepig → Pignite → Emboar
Oshawott → Dewott → Samurott
Gen 5’s starters had unique names and interesting final forms, but Tepig’s design received some backlash. Oshawott emerged as the surprise favorite, partly thanks to its anime portrayal.
Generation 6 Starters: Kalos (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie)
Games: Pokémon X & Y
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Evolutions:
Chespin → Quilladin → Chesnaught
Fennekin → Braixen → Delphox
Froakie → Frogadier → Greninja
A divisive generation. Froakie and its evolution into Greninja gained immense popularity – even being featured in Super Smash Bros. Fennekin’s final evolution, however, was polarizing.
Generation 7 Starters: Alola (Rowlet, Litten, Popplio)
Games: Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Evolutions:
Rowlet → Dartrix → Decidueye
Litten → Torracat → Incineroar
Popplio → Brionne → Primarina
Rowlet’s quirky design stole hearts, but Litten’s evolution into the wrestler-esque Incineroar left fans divided. Popplio’s clownish look wasn’t well-received at first, though its final form gained more love over time.
Bonus:
Pikachu & Eevee (Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee)
Platform: Nintendo Switch
These remakes gave players the option of partnering with Pikachu or Eevee, both of whom could learn exclusive moves and became integral to the story.
Generation 8 Starters: Galar (Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble)
Games: Sword & Shield
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Evolutions:
Grookey → Thwackey → Rillaboom
Scorbunny → Raboot → Cinderace
Sobble → Drizzile → Inteleon
Scorbunny and Sobble gained extra attention thanks to their roles in the Pokémon Journeys anime. Grookey, sadly, became a bit of a forgotten child.
Also in Gen 8:
Rowlet, Oshawott, Cyndaquil (Pokémon Legends: Arceus)
A bold experiment in open-world mechanics, Legends: Arceus reused starters from past generations, fitting its historic Hisui region setting.
Generation 9 Starters: Paldea (Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly)
Games: Scarlet & Violet
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Evolutions:
Sprigatito → Floragato → Meowscarada
Fuecoco → Crocalor → Skeledirge
Quaxly → Quaxwell → Quaquaval
With a strong Spanish influence and the introduction of the Terastal phenomenon, Gen 9’s starters were a hit. Fuecoco’s goofy charm, Quaxly’s sass, and Sprigatito’s cuteness made it hard to choose just one.
Upcoming in Gen 9:
Chikorita, Tepig, Totodile (Pokémon Legends: Z-A)
Confirmed in the February 2025 Pokémon Presents, this trio is making a comeback. Could this be Chikorita’s redemption arc? Time will tell when the game releases in late 2025.
Generation 10 and Beyond: What’s Next?
Games: TBA
Platform: TBA
We’re due for a new generation, especially with a potential new Nintendo console around the corner. Will Gen 10 be revealed in 2025? Here’s hoping.
Starter Pokémon FAQs
Q: How many unique starter Pokémon are there?
A: 29 in total, counting all unique starters across generations and spinoffs (excluding repeat appearances).
Q: What were the first starter Pokémon?
A: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – originally from the Kanto region.
Q: What’s considered the best starter Pokémon?
A: Many say Mudkip, thanks to its powerful Water/Ground typing that minimizes weaknesses.
Q: Who’s the strongest starter evolution?
A: Cinderace (from Scorbunny) is widely considered OP due to its powerful Pyro Ball move and battle utility.
Q: Has Pikachu been a starter more than once?
A: Yes – Pokémon Yellow and Let’s Go Pikachu.
Q: Which starter Pokémon is the least popular?
A: Chikorita, unfortunately. Weak move pool and lackluster stats keep it at the bottom for many fans.
Final Thoughts
Starter Pokémon are more than just your first choice – they define the flavor of each new region and reflect the game’s spirit. Whether you’re a veteran trainer or a fresh-faced rookie, picking your partner is always a meaningful moment.
For more Pokémon breakdowns, game guides, and other fandom favorites like Stardew Valley, Fortnite, and Overwatch 2, check out our blog. Happy catching!
