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The Best Starter Pokemon for Every Generation

The Best Starter Pokemon for Every Generation

    Last Updated on May 25, 2023

If you have ever played a Pokemon game, chances are you spent a good amount of time pondering which is the best starter Pokemon to choose. You want to make sure you have an edge against your opponent right off the bat and this means choosing the right starter Pokemon. 

But with so many generations available, how can you be sure which one is the best? In this article, we will go over the Best starter Pokemon in every region. From Generation 1 to Generation 9, we will discuss why certain starters make the cut and why some do not. 


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Image of Trainers with Starter Pokemon

First Generation- Charmander

If you are looking for raw power, then your best bet is Charmander. This little lizard packs a serious punch and can take down even the strongest foes. Who can forget the moment when Charmander evolves into Charizard? The dragon Pokemon (but sadly it is a Fire/Flying type) looks as regal and as awesome as anyone else. 

Second Generation- Cyndaquil

Cyndaquil is a Fire-type Pokémon, meaning it will be effective against Grass-, Bug-, and Ice-type enemies. It also has a useful move in Flamethrower, which inflicts serious damage on foes. Furthermore, as a Fire-type, Cyndaquil will benefit from using moves like Sunny Day and Solarbeam.

Third Generation- Torchic

The third generation of Pokemon games introduced some fan-favorite starters, including Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. While all three are great choices, I think Torchic is the best pick for most players. 

This fire/fighting type is fast and powerful and can hold its own against most of the Gym Leaders you will encounter. Plus, it evolves into one of the coolest-looking Pokemon in the game, Blaziken.

Fourth Generation- Turtwig

While all of the Sinnoh starters have their unique strengths and weaknesses, I have to give the edge to Turtwig. This little Grass-type Pokémon is not only adorable but also surprisingly powerful. 

With access to moves like Leaf Storm and Energy Ball, Turtwig can hold its own against some of the toughest opponents. Plus, its Grass/Ground typing gives it a decent amount of versatility in battle.

Fifth Generation- Snivy

Snivy is a great choice for a Grass-type Starter Pokemon. She is fast and has access to a variety of strong moves, making her a versatile fighter. Serperior’s hidden ability, Contrary, is broken beyond recognition. Contrary reverses any stat changes, making Leaf Storm so powerful and cementing Serperior’s reputation as a Sweeper. 

Sixth Generation- Froakie

The best starter is Froakie, a Water-type Pokemon. Froakie has high Speed and Special Defense, making it a great defensive option. It also has access to moves like Bubblebeam and Ice Beam, which are useful for taking down Grass-type. 

In addition to its usefulness, Froakie evolves into Greninja. Based on its name, Greninja is a Ninja Frog who throws Water Shurikens. It does not get more awesome than that. 

Seventh Generation- Litten

If you are looking for a strong starter Pokemon for the seventh generation, look no further than Incineroar. This powerful Fire/Dark type has high attack and defense stats, making it a great choice for taking down foes. Incineroar also has the ability Intimidate, which lowers the attack stat of opponents, giving you an edge in battle.

Eighth Generation- Grookey

Grookey has a fantastic ability in Grassy Surge, which boosts the power of Grass-type moves and heals any pokemon on your team when they’re low on health. It also comes with the move Solar Beam, which is incredibly powerful against water types. 

Rillaboom boasts incredible power with its Drum Beating and Grassy Glide. Power, bulk, and speed. Rillaboom is the most complete starter in the Eighth Generation.

Ninth Generation- Fuecoco

Fire types are a little harder to find early on than other water or grass types, which are pretty common. Fuecoco easily became the fan-favorite because of its adorable cuteness but it is also strong in the game. 

The earliest gyms in the game are both weak to fire. The final evolution of Fuecoco, Skeledirge, is a powerful Fire/Ghost type, a unique combination that renders it immune to Normal-type attacks. Skeledirge seems to have the best blend of stats overall, and its unique move is powerful to boot.


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Written By
Juan Cesar Torres

College student. Gamer since birth. Learned to read because of Pokémon. Dreams of buying a Nintendo Switch. Always looking for game recommendations (will play anything).

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