With almost a thousand Pokémon existing in their universe, the starter Pokémon are always given the most priority. Be it the bonding of the trainer and the Pokémon or the overall potential that a Pokémon has. Every time a new series of Pokémon is released, we see more unique and exciting creatures that the trainers train to become the best in their region.
Throughout nine generations, the series has introduced several Pokémon starters that are unique in design and quite amazing. However, there are no starters more iconic than the first generation because this is the generation that most of us grew up watching in the anime series, in all the Pokémon movies, and while playing the Pokémon games.
So, if you are interested in knowing about the other starter Pokémon as well, to refresh your memory or learn more about them, this article will help you. In this article, I have featured all the starters that the series has introduced throughout multiple generations and games!
From Generation 1 to Generation 9, I have covered everything you need to know about all the Pokémon starters below. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
All Starter Pokémon, From Gen 1 to Gen 9:
Generation 1 Starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle & Pikachu
The iconic generation one introduced us to the Pokémon starters of the Kanto region: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Pikachu. Even though Pikachu isn’t a starter Pokémon, it deserves a spot here!
The main trio of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle also have mega evolutions, which takes their skill set to a different level. These original Pokémon have built the whole franchise and carried various Pokémon games as well. So, let’s talk about each of them.
Bulbasaur is one of the most popular Pokémon from Generation 1, thanks to its cuteness and potential. It is the first Pokémon recorded in the Pokédex and transforms into Ivysaur at level 16 and Venusaur at level 32. Bulbasaur also makes a great starter due to his powerful leaf-type abilities. This makes this grass-type Pokémon the most formidable starter from Gen 1, as he can counter both Squirtle and Pikachu.
Charmander is a fire-type Pokémon that evolves into Charmeleon at level 16; however, the third form comes a little late as it further evolves into Charizard at level 36. Charizard is often considered overpowered as it is both fire and flying-type Pokemon, and its abilities give it a lot of edge in battles.
Squirtle is the cute little turtle rounding out the three Gen 1 starters. It is a water-type Pokemon and is quite durable in battles. The Pokémon evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and Blastoise at level 36. Squirtle is also an excellent starter but struggles in the Vermillion and Celadon City gyms.
And the final Pokémon in Gen 1 is, of course, Pikachu!
When we talk about the Pokémon Yellow game, you have no choice but to choose Pikachu as your first Pokémon as it is based on the main storyline. Pikachu might not be the strongest Pokémon in the series; however, the bond between Ash and Pikachu was unreal.
Pikachu, an electric-type Pokémon, is an evolved form of Pichu and can evolve further into Raichu when exposed to the Thunder Stone. As a starter Pokémon, Pikachu has it tough, but with enough experience, it can learn moves like Thunder or Volt Tackle that are considered catastrophic.
Generation 2 Starters – Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
The Johto Pokémon starters were iconic since we saw the famous trio of Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. The designs indicate the original and vintage Pokémon designs and had similar evolution stages to the predecessors.
Chikorita is one of the most popular grass-type Pokémon of all time, thanks to the series’ legacy. It evolves into Bayleef at level 16 and the overpowered Meganium at level 32. It had a charming personality, but it can be mean if someone is meaner to the trainer.
Cyndaquil is an extremely capable fire-type starter Pokémon from the second generation. It evolves into Quilava at level 14 and, ultimately, into Typhlosion at level 36. Cyndaquil is a safer option than Totodile or Chikorita because it is superior when we look at its attack stats, and the second evolution also comes reasonably early.
Totodile has a charming personality, unlike many crocodiles out there. It is a water-type Pokemon that evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30. By no means is Totodile a bad starter, but it evolves 4 levels later than Cyndaquil, making it a little harder for the starter trainers.
Generation 3 Starters – Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
Generation 3 also has popular starter Pokémon, thanks to games like Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip are starters of the Hoenn region that are full of potential, and each has its mega evolution in the 2014 games’ remakes.
Treecko was Ash’s personal choice and one of the best grass-type starters of all time. It evolves into Grovyle at level 16 and Sceptile at level 36. Even though Grovyle is considered the best second evolution, Sceptile is just mediocre, as Ash had to suffer a lot because of it.
Torchic is a great starter and a fire-type that evolves in Combusken at level 16 and Blaziken at level 36. Torchic is an excellent starter Pokémon because it has incredible moves that can be useful against the starter gyms. And after Torchic evolves all the way into Blaziken, the stats make it a superior Pokémon compared to others.
Finally, we have Mudkip, a water-type Pokémon that was quite popular in the Pokemon Sapphire series. It evolves into Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36.
Generation 4 Starters – Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
Sinnoh region’s starter Pokémon are some of the cutest Pokémon you’ll ever see. However, don’t judge them based on their looks because they can kick some serious butt. They all have great stats and a wide range of moves.
Turtwig is a grass-type Pokemon that evolves into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 36. It has good stats and can easily slay Roark’s Pokémon lineup, but it will have a hard time fighting against the grass-types at the Eterna gym battle.
Chimchar is considered the best starter Pokémon of Gen 4, the most popular out of the bunch. Even though Chimchar’s fire abilities are weak against Oreburgh City gym Pokémon, its final evolution, Infernape, is one of the strongest Pokemon in the whole Pokémon verse, thanks to its attacking abilities.
The cute little penguin, Piplup, is a water-type Pokémon that might seem harmless. Still, things get pretty interesting once it achieves its final evolution into Empoleon at level 36. Piplup is an excellent pick for the first few Pokémon gyms and makes an excellent overall starter.
Generation 5 Starters – Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
The Generation 5 Pokémon from Pokémon Black & White were quite interesting; however, they might be the weakest starters in the history of the whole series. Oshawott and Snivy have lower stats than all other grass and water-type starters. None of these Pokémon starters from the Unova region have mega-evolutions and are just mediocre starters if we look at the macro.
Snivy is a grass-type starter that evolves into Servine at level 17 and Serperior at level 36. Being a grass-type Pokémon, it is weaker than all other starters, and even in the series, Snivy had a lot of trouble settling itself in matches.
Tepig isn’t half bad as a fire-type Gen 5 starter Pokémon since it has an advantage against many gym leaders. It evolves into Pignite at level 17 and Emboar at level 36.
Oshawott is considered the best starter among the bunch for various reasons. Firstly, it has a little more potential against Snivy and Tepig. And even though Tepig is a good starter, Oshawott takes the cake after transforming into Samurott, its third evolution. In this evolution, it is pretty powerful with a variety of moves.
Generation 6 Starters – Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
Generation 6 was carried out by Froakie’s legacy as it evolved into a mighty Pokémon. All the Gen 6 starters from the Kalos region made a good impression compared to Gen 5.
Chespin is a cute-looking grass-type Pokémon that evolves into Quilladin at level 16 and Chesnaught at level 36. It handles the early battles greatly; however, it isn’t as good as Froakie or Fennekin.
Fennekin is a fire-type fox-shaped Pokémon known as the ideal starter in Pokémon X & Y. It evolves into Braixen at level 16 and Delphox at level 36. What makes this Pokémon interesting is its 3rd evolution, as it is pretty effective against most gym trainers.
Froakie blew everyone’s minds as it ended up being the strongest Pokémon in Ash’s arsenal. It evolves into Frogadier at level 16 and Greninja at level 36. The third evolution is probably one of the strongest evolutions in the history of X & Y.
Generation 7 Starters – Rowlet, Litten, Popplio
After a series of questionable designs, Pokemon Sun & Moon got a lovely update. The designs of Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio were quite good, and these Alola region starters had great stats. Generation 7 was the first generation where we saw a flying-type starter for the first time.
Rowlet is a grass-type and flying-type Pokémon that evolves in Dartrix at level 17 and Decidueye at level 34. Even with all the unique quirks, Rowlet is considered relatively weaker than other Pokémon starters.
Litten is a cat-like kitten and fire-type Pokémon that evolves into Torracat at level 17 and Incineroar at level 34. Litten takes the cake when it comes to attacking capabilities. With its third transformation being a fire and dark-type combination, you can easily fight against many opponents.
Popplio is the cutest yet most capable out of the bunch. It evolves into Brionne at level 17 and Primarina at level 34. Even though both Litten and Popplio are capable starters, Popplio generally has better stats that are pretty balanced.
Generation 8 Pokémon Starters – Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble
Generation 8 has become quite popular in recent years. But the designs are mediocre compared to the other generations and are also single-type, making them a little less versatile. However, one thing that’s quite cool about the trio is their Gigantamax forms and the final evolutions. So, let’s talk about them!
Of the three Pokémon starters of the Galar region, Grookey is a grass-type, and just like Bulbasaur, it gets ahead of the other starters thanks to its demand and usefulness initially in the game. The first two gyms are no problem for Grookey, and as it levels up to Thwackey at level 16 and Rillaboom at level 35, it becomes an even stronger Pokémon.
Being a fire-type, Scorbunny is also a great starter Pokémon. It evolves into Raboot at level 16 and Cinderace at level 35, making it one of the most powerful Pokémon because Cinderance is fast and possesses excellent attacking capabilities.
Sobble is the least popular of the Gen 8 starters. It evolves into Drizzile at level 16, then into Inteleon at level 35. The water-type is not strictly mediocre, but Grookey and Scorbunny are more versatile and useful in the Pokéverse.
Generation 9 Starter Pokémon – Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly
The official 9th generation is set to be released in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The three starters from the Paldea region are one of the most interesting Pokémon starters we’ll see.
The grass-type Sprigatito is probably one of the cutest Pokémon introduced in Gen 9. Using its paws, it unleashes a sweet smell that causes all the foes to stop battling. It can also use photosynthesis abilities, meaning that you can expect Sprigatito to use attacks like Solar Beam.
Fuecoco is a crocodile-like fire-type Pokémon that looks quite like Totodile. It has small arms and big feet and looks quite cute overall. The water-type starter Pokémon introduced in Gen 9 is Quaxly. It looks like an even more cartoonish version of Wingull but with actual eyes.
Conclusion
The world of Pokémon is vast. But what narrows the broad experience down are the starter Pokémon. That’s why we’ve covered all the starters from Generation 1 to Generation 9. We hope to see a more badass generation with cool Pokémon in the future.
Now that you know about all the Pokémon starters introduced throughout the generations, you might also want to look at all the legendary Pokémon that have appeared in the Pokéverse. And once you have seen that, you might want to look at the Pokémon type chart, which will be helpful when you play Pokémon games.
That’s all for today! I hope you liked reading about the starter Pokémon in the series. If you still want to read more about your favorite Pokémon, you can head to the Pokémon hub on our site!
Also Read: How Many Pokémon Types Are There?
