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Your very first friend in every mainline Pokémon game, starter Pokémon are not only your means of adventuring and fighting. They represent your starting point on your individual trip through every generation. You have three options historically: one Fire-type, one Water-type, and one Grass-type. Of course there are exceptions (looking at you, Pokémon: Let’s Go!), but this classic trio formula is still a mainstay.
Every starting Pokémon develops twice, usually acquiring a secondary typing, and acts as a devoted friend all through your journey. Let’s dive into every starter Pokémon from Generation 1 to 9, including some unique additions that break the usual mold.
Kanto (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle) is Generation 1 Starters.
Games: FireRed, LeafGreen, PokéRed, Blue
Platform: Game Boy, Game Boy Advance
Starrs:
- Bulbasaur; Ivysaur; Venusaur
- Charmander first then Charmeleon then Charizard.
- Wartortle ← Squirtle → 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, or Pokémon Yellow
- Evolution: Pikachu → Raichu.
Pikachu stole front stage this time, reflecting Ash’s anime buddy. This is one of the rare cases when there is just one starting available.
Generation 2 Starters: Johto (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile)
Games: Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, SoulSilver
Platform: Nintendo DS from Game Boy Colour
Evolution:
- Chikorita --> Bayleef --> Meganium
- Cyndaquil → Quilava → Typhlosion.
- Totodile then Croconaw then Feraligatr.
Though not as generally adored as Gen 1’s crew, Johto’s starters had appeal. Cyndaquil became a fan favorite; Chikorita…well, we will discuss later.
Hoenn (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip) Generation 3 Starters
Games are Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire.
Platform: Nintendo 3Ds and Game Boy Advance
Change:
- Treecko → Grovley → Sceptile
- Torchic → Combusken → Blazeken
- mudkip → marshtomp → swampert
Gen 3 was a creative leap for the franchise, and its starters are still held in high regard. Blaziken evolved into a fighting staple, and Mudkip’s typing was a beast with few flaws.
Generation 4 Starters: Sinnoh (Piplup, Turtlewig, Chimchar)
Games: Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl
Platform: Nintendo DS then Nintendo Switch
Adaptations:
- Turtwig first then Grotle then Torterra.
- From chimchar to monferno to infernape
- Piplup → Princtive → Empoleon
This trio combined balanced designs with sheer power. While the others found their own niche thanks to Sinnoh’s in-depth knowledge and fresh mechanics, Chimchar became the popular pick very fast.
Generation 5 Starters: Unova (Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott)
Black, White, Black 2, White 2 games
Nintendo DS is the platform.
Versions:
- Serperior → Servine → Snivy
- Tepig first then Pignite then Emboar.
- Oshawott then Dewott then Samurott.
Though Tepig’s design drew some criticism, Gen 5’s starters had original names and intriguing final forms. Oshawott became the unexpected favorite in part because of its anime interpretation.
Generation 6 Starters: Kalos (Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie).
Games: Pokémon X & Y
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Adaptations:
- Chespin→ Quilladin→ Chesnaught
- Fennekin → Braixen → Delph ox
- Froakie → Frogbour → Greninja
A divisive generation. Froakie and its development into Greninja became quite well-known; even Super Smash Bros. features it. Fennekin’s final evolution, however, was polarizing.
Alola (Rowlet, Litten, Popplio) Generation 7 Starters
Games: Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
changes:
- Rowlet → dartrix → decidueye
- Litten then Torracat then Incineroar.
- Popplio first → Brionne second → Primarina
Though Litten’s development into the wrestler-esque Incineroar left viewers split, Rowlet’s oddball design won hearts. Though Popplio’s clownish appearance wasn’t popular at first, over time more people came to enjoy it.
Plus: Bonus
Let’s Go Pikachu and Evengee Pikachu and 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, Scorb Bunny, Sobble).
Activities: Sword and Shield
Nintendo Switch’s platform
Developments:
- Grookey → Thwackey → Rillaboom
- Scorb bunny → Raboot → Cinderace.
- Sobble then drizzle then inteleon.
Thanks to their parts in the Pokémon Journeys anime, Scorbunny and Sobble attracted more interest. Sadly, Grookey started to seem as a somewhat forgotten child.
Additionally 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)
- Activities: Violet & Scarlet
- Platform is Nintendo Switch.
Development:
- Sprigatito → Floragato → Meow Scarade
- Fuecoco; then Crocalor; then Skeledirge.
- Quinctly → Quaxwell → Quaquaval
Gen 9’s starters were popular with a strong Spanish influence and the Terastal phenomena introduced. Fuecoco’s goofy charm, Quaxly’s sass, and Sprigatito’s cuteness made it hard to choose just one.
Future in Gen 9:
- Totodile (Pokémon Legends: Z-A), Chikorita, Tepig
Verified in the Pokémon Presentues for February 2025, this trio is returning. Could this be the redemption arc for Chikorita? Late 2025 game release will be revealed with time.
Generation 10 and Beyond: What’s Next?
Games: TBA
Platform: TBNA.
Particularly given a possible new Nintendo console just around the horizon, we are due for a new generation. Revealed in 2025 will be Will Gen 10 Here’s hoping.
Questions about Starting Pokémon
Q: How many unique starter Pokémon are there?
A: 29 overall, counting all original founders across generations and spinoffs (except from repeat appearances).
Q: What were the first starter Pokémon?
Originating in the Kanto area, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle
Q: Which is the ideal beginning Pokémon?
A lot of people claim Mudkip since its strong Water/Ground typing reduces flaws.
Q: Whose starting evolution is strongest?
A: Cinderace (from Scorb Bunny) has great Pyro Ball move and battle value, thus most people agree OP.
Q: Has Pikachu been a starter more than once?
A: Indeed; Pokémon Yellow and Let’s Go Pikachu.
Q: Which starter Pokémon is the least popular?
A: Chikorita sadly. For many viewers, weak move pool and poor stats keep it at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
Not only your first choice, starter Pokémon capture the essence of the game and define the taste of every new area. 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!
