All Pokemon Starters By Generation: Complete Guide 2025

Starter Pokémon are the first Pokémon that players receive from Pokémon professors in each generation, typically offering a choice between Grass, Fire, and Water types.

The best starters across all generations include Charizard (Gen 1), Swampert (Gen 3), Infernape (Gen 4), and Cinderace (Gen 8) for their competitive viability and overall usefulness throughout their respective games.

As someone who has played through every Pokémon game since the original Red and Blue, I’ve experienced firsthand how each generation’s starter trio has evolved in design, typing, and strategic value. This comprehensive guide covers all 33 starter Pokémon across nine generations, with detailed evolution paths and competitive analysis.

Throughout this guide, you’ll discover the unique characteristics of each starter, their evolution chains, and insights into which Pokémon provide the best gameplay experience for different playstyles.

Generation 1: Kanto Starters

The original Kanto starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—set the template for all future generations and remain the most iconic starter trio in gaming history.

Released in 1996 for the Game Boy, these three Pokémon established the Grass-Fire-Water triangle that defines starter selection strategy. Their simple yet effective designs and memorable evolutions make them perennial favorites among both new and returning players.

Bulbasaur (Grass/Poison)

Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and then Venusaur at level 32. As the only dual-type starter in Generation 1, Bulbasaur has a type advantage against the first two gyms (Rock and Water), making it strategically advantageous for new players.

Venusaur’s Grass/Poison typing gives it resistance to Fighting, Fairy, and other Grass types, while providing immunity to powder and spore moves. Its special attack stat makes it effective against Water, Ground, and Rock types throughout the Kanto region.

Charmander (Fire)

Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16 and Charizard at level 36. Despite early disadvantages against the first two gyms, Charizard’s Fire/Flying typing after evolution provides excellent coverage and resistance to Ground-type attacks.

Charizard’s versatility in competitive play, especially with access to moves like Dragon Pulse and Solar Beam, makes it one of the most popular starters. Its Mega Evolutions in Generation 6 further enhanced its competitive viability and fan appeal.

Squirtle (Water)

Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and Blastoise at level 36. With balanced stats and excellent defensive capabilities, Blastoise provides consistent performance throughout the game.

Blastoise’s Water typing gives it advantages against Fire, Ground, and Rock types, including the first gym leader. Its access to moves like Ice Beam provides additional coverage against Dragon and Grass types that typically threaten Water Pokémon.

Generation 2: Johto Starters

The Johto starters—Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile—introduced more complex designs and the first evolution mechanics influenced by time of day for certain Pokémon.

Released in 1999 for Game Boy Color, these starters continued the tradition while introducing subtle design innovations that would influence future generations. Their evolutions maintain the classic typing while introducing more specialized roles in battle.

Chikorita (Grass)

Chikorita evolves into Bayleef at level 16 and Meganium at level 32. As a pure Grass type, Meganium faces challenges against many Johto gyms but excels as a support Pokémon with access to moves like Reflect and Light Screen.

Meganium’s defensive stats make it a reliable team member, though its offensive capabilities are limited compared to other starters. Its design draws inspiration from prehistoric plants, reflecting the Johto region’s connection to ancient history.

Cyndaquil (Fire)

Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 and Typhlosion at level 36. Typhlosion’s pure Fire typing and high special attack make it effective against many Johto gym leaders, including Bugsy (Bug) and Jasmine (Steel).

Typhlosion’s simple yet powerful design and consistent performance make it a popular choice for Johto playthroughs. Its Hisuian form introduced in Legends: Arceus added a Fire/Ghost typing, expanding its strategic possibilities.

Totodile (Water)

Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30. Feraligatr’s high attack stat and Water typing provide excellent coverage throughout Johto, with advantages against Fire, Ground, and Rock types.

Feraligatr’s powerful physical attacks and balanced stats make it one of the most effective starters for completing Johto gym challenges. Its design evolves from a cute crocodile to a formidable bipedal predator.

Generation 3: Hoenn Starters

The Hoenn starters—Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip—represent a significant evolution in starter design, introducing more complex secondary typings in their final evolutions.

Released in 2002 for Game Boy Advance, these starters reflect the tropical environment of the Hoenn region. Their evolutions introduce dual-type combinations that became more common in future generations.

Treecko (Grass)

Treecko evolves into Grovyle at level 16 and Sceptile at level 36. Sceptile’s pure Grass typing and high speed make it an excellent special attacker, though its defensive capabilities are limited.

Sceptile’s Mega Evolution introduced a Grass/Dragon typing, the first of its kind for starter Pokémon. Its design draws inspiration from geckos and other tree-dwelling reptiles, reflecting Hoenn’s lush rainforest environments.

Torchic (Fire)

Torchic evolves into Combusken at level 16 and Blaziken at level 36. Blaziken’s Fire/Fighting typing introduced the first dual-type starter evolution, setting a precedent for future generations.

Blaziken’s Speed Boost ability and powerful attacks make it one of the most competitively viable starters. Its design incorporates elements of fighting chickens and roosters, with a dramatic evolution from cute chick to formidable fighter.

Mudkip (Water)

Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36. Swampert’s Water/Ground typing provides excellent offensive coverage, though it adds a 4x weakness to Grass types.

Swampert’s high attack and defense stats make it one of the most durable and powerful starters. Its axolotl-inspired design and mudfish themes perfectly capture the swampy environments of Hoenn.

Generation 4: Sinnoh Starters

The Sinnoh starters—Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup—benefit from the physical/special split introduced in this generation, making their stat distributions more strategically important than ever.

Released in 2006 for Nintendo DS, these starters reflect the diverse climates of the Sinnoh region, from snowy mountains to tropical lakes. Their evolutions offer some of the most competitive starter options in Pokémon history.

Turtwig (Grass)

Turtwig evolves into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 32. Torterra’s Grass/Ground typing gives it unique offensive capabilities but adds weaknesses to Fire, Ice, Flying, and Bug types.

Torterra’s design combines elements of tortoises with continental drift themes, reflecting the ancient geography of Sinnoh. Its high defense stats make it a physical tank, though its speed is notably low.

Chimchar (Fire)

Chimchar evolves into Monferno at level 14 and Infernape at level 36. Infernape’s Fire/Fighting typing and balanced stats make it an excellent mixed attacker with high speed and power.

Infernape’s design draws inspiration from Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Chinese mythology, fitting Sinnoh’s theme of mythology and creation. Its competitive viability and versatile movepool make it a top-tier starter choice.

Piplup (Water)

Piplup evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and Empoleon at level 36. Empoleon’s Water/Steel typing provides excellent defensive capabilities, with resistance to 10 different types including Dragon.

Empoleon’s design incorporates elements of emperor penguins with naval themes, reflecting Sinnoh’s connection to royalty and hierarchy. Its high special defense and typing make it one of the most strategically valuable starters.

Generation 5: Unova Starters

The Unova starters—Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott—represent a soft reboot of the Pokémon franchise, with designs that echo the original Kanto starters while introducing unique elements.

Released in 2010 for Nintendo DS, these starters reflect the diverse urban and natural environments of the Unova region, based on New York City. Their evolutions introduce unique typing combinations that set them apart from previous generations.

Snivy (Grass)

Snivy evolves into Servine at level 17 and Serperior at level 36. Serperior’s pure Grass typing and high speed make it an excellent status-move user, though its offensive capabilities are limited.

Serperior’s design draws inspiration from royalty and snakes, with a smug expression that reflects its confident personality. Its Contrary ability in later generations makes it strategically interesting, allowing it to reverse stat changes.

Tepig (Fire)

Tepig evolves into Pignite at level 17 and Emboar at level 36. Emboar’s Fire/Fighting typing repeats the pattern set by Blaziken and Infernape, though with a focus on physical attacks.

Emboar’s design combines elements of pigs and professional wrestlers, with fire patterns inspired by Chinese opera masks. Its high HP and attack stats make it a powerful physical attacker, though its speed is notably low.

Oshawott (Water)

Oshawott evolves into Dewott at level 17 and Samurott at level 36. Samurott’s pure Water typing and balanced stats make it a versatile attacker with both physical and special options.

Samurott’s design draws inspiration from samurai warriors and sea otters, with shell-themed armor that reflects its warrior heritage. Its unique design evolution from cute otter to formidable samurai makes it one of the most dramatic starter transformations.

Generation 6: Kalos Starters

The Kalos starters—Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie—introduce more complex designs and emphasize the new Fairy type introduced in this generation.

Released in 2013 for Nintendo 3DS, these starters reflect the French-inspired aesthetics of the Kalos region. Their evolutions showcase the transition to 3D graphics and more detailed character designs.

Chespin (Grass)

Chespin evolves into Quilladin at level 16 and Chesnaught at level 36. Chesnaught’s Grass/Fighting typing provides unique offensive coverage and defensive capabilities against Dark, Rock, and Ice types.

Chesnaught’s design combines elements of chestnuts with knights and warriors, featuring armor-like plating and defensive posture. Its high defense and HP stats make it an excellent physical tank.

Fennekin (Fire)

Fennekin evolves into Braixen at level 16 and Delphox at level 36. Delphox’s Fire/Psychic typing provides unique offensive coverage against Fighting, Steel, and Fairy types.

Delphox’s design draws inspiration from witches and foxes, with a wand-like tail that reflects its magical abilities. Its high special attack and speed make it an effective special attacker with access to Psychic and Fire moves.

Froakie (Water)

Froakie evolves into Frogadier at level 16 and Greninja at level 36. Greninja’s Water/Dark typing and Protean ability make it one of the most competitively viable starters in Pokémon history.

Greninja’s design combines elements of ninjas and frogs, with a dramatic tongue-scarf that has become iconic among Pokémon fans. Its high speed and special attack, combined with the ability to change types with Protean, make it a top-tier competitive choice.

Generation 7: Alola Starters

The Alola starters—Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio—emphasize personality and cultural themes inspired by the Hawaiian-inspired Alola region.

Released in 2016 for Nintendo 3DS, these starters reflect the tropical environment and cultural elements of Alola. Their evolutions introduce unique typing combinations and emphasize regional variants and signature moves.

Rowlet (Grass/Flying)

Rowlet evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and Decidueye at level 34. Decidueye’s Grass/Ghost typing provides unique offensive coverage and defensive capabilities against Fighting, Normal, and Poison types.

Decidueye’s design combines elements of owls with archers, featuring leaf-arrow quills and ghostly aesthetics. Its unique typing and design make it one of the most visually distinctive starter evolutions.

Litten (Fire)

Litten evolves into Torracat at level 17 and Incineroar at level 34. Incineroar’s Fire/Dark typing provides unique offensive coverage and defensive capabilities against Ghost and Psychic types.

Incineroar’s design draws inspiration from tigers and professional wrestlers, with a dramatic personality shift from cool cat to showy performer. Its Intimidate ability and powerful Dark-type moves make it excellent for competitive doubles battles.

Popplio (Water)

Popplio evolves into Brionne at level 17 and Primarina at level 34. Primarina’s Water/Fairy typing provides excellent offensive coverage against Dragon, Fighting, and Dark types.

Primarina’s design combines elements of sea lions with performers and singers, featuring elegant water-based performances. Its high special attack and unique typing make it an effective special attacker with access to powerful Fairy and Water moves.

Generation 8: Galar Starters

The Galar starters—Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble—reflect the UK-inspired themes of the Galar region, with designs that incorporate British cultural elements.

Released in 2019 for Nintendo Switch, these starters showcase the transition to console gaming with more detailed animations and designs. Their evolutions emphasize the Gigantamax mechanic introduced in this generation.

Grookey (Grass)

Grookey evolves into Thwackey at level 16 and Rillaboom at level 35. Rillaboom’s pure Grass typing and high attack stats make it an effective physical attacker with access to powerful Grass-type moves.

Rillaboom’s design draws inspiration from gorillas and drummers, with a drum-themed evolution that reflects musical elements. Its Grassy Surge ability creates Grassy Terrain, enhancing Grass-type moves for the entire team.

Scorbunny (Fire)

Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at level 16 and Cinderace at level 35. Cinderace’s pure Fire typing and high speed make it an excellent physical attacker with access to powerful Fire-type moves.

Cinderace’s design combines elements of rabbits with soccer players, featuring athletic movements and goal-scoring celebrations. Its Libero ability allows it to change types when using attacks, similar to Greninja’s Protean.

Sobble (Water)

Sobble evolves into Drizzile at level 16 and Inteleon at level 35. Inteleon’s pure Water typing and high special attack/speed make it an excellent special attacker with sniper-like precision.

Inteleon’s design combines elements of chameleons with spies and secret agents, featuring a dramatic personality shift from timid crybaby to cool intelligence operative. Its Sniper ability increases critical hit damage, making it a precision attacker.

Generation 9: Paldea Starters

The Paldea starters—Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—reflect the Spain/Portugal-inspired themes of the Paldea region, with designs that incorporate cultural elements from the Iberian Peninsula.

Released in 2022 for Nintendo Switch, these starters emphasize the Terastal mechanic introduced in this generation. Their evolutions showcase the continued evolution of starter design philosophy and personality development.

Sprigatito (Grass)

Sprigatito evolves into Floragato at level 16 and Meowscarada at level 36. Meowscarada’s Grass/Dark typing provides unique offensive coverage against Psychic and Ghost types.

Meowscarada’s design combines elements of cats with magicians and performers, featuring flower-themed magic tricks and a showy personality. Its Protean ability allows it to change types when using attacks, making it strategically versatile.

Fuecoco (Fire)

Fuecoco evolves into Crocalor at level 16 and Skeledirge at level 36. Skeledirge’s Fire/Ghost typing provides unique offensive coverage and defensive capabilities against Fighting, Normal, and Bug types.

Skeledirge’s design combines elements of crocodiles with opera singers, featuring a fiery bird companion that sings powerful attacks. Its unique typing and special attack focus make it an effective special attacker with access to Ghost and Fire moves.

Quaxly (Water)

Quaxly evolves into Quaxwell at level 16 and Quaquaval at level 36. Quaquaval’s Water/Fighting typing provides unique offensive coverage against Normal, Ice, Dark, and Steel types.

Quaquaval’s design combines elements of ducks with dancers and performers, featuring acrobatic movements and celebratory dances. Its high attack and speed make it an effective physical attacker with access to powerful Water and Fighting moves.

Special and Variant Starters

Beyond the traditional Grass-Fire-Water trios, several special and variant starters have appeared throughout Pokémon history, offering unique alternatives for players seeking different experiences.

Pikachu and Eevee serve as special starters in Pokémon Yellow and Let’s Go games, while regional forms like Hisuian Typhlosion and Alolan variants provide new typing combinations and strategies.

Pikachu (Electric)

Available as a starter in Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu breaks the traditional starter typing with its Electric type. Its evolution is blocked by the player’s choice, maintaining its cute base form throughout the adventure.

Pikachu’s popularity and iconic status make it a special case among starters, with unique mechanics and a special bond with the player character that differs from traditional starter relationships.

Eevee (Normal)

Available as a starter in Let’s Go, Eevee!, this Normal-type Pokémon offers multiple evolution paths instead of a single predetermined evolution chain.

Eevee’s versatility and multiple evolution options make it unique among starters, allowing players to choose from eight different evolution types based on their strategic preferences and team needs.

Regional Form Starters

Regional variants like Hisuian Typhlosion (Fire/Ghost) and Alolan Exeggutor (Grass/Dragon) demonstrate how starter concepts can evolve with regional influences and new typing combinations.

These variants provide fresh takes on familiar Pokémon while maintaining the core starter philosophy of providing players with reliable partners throughout their journey.

Which Generation Has the Best Starters?

While starter preference ultimately comes down to personal taste and playstyle, Generation 3 (Hoenn) and Generation 4 (Sinnoh) are widely regarded as having the strongest starter trios overall.

Generation 3’s starters feature the most diverse secondary typings in their final forms, with Sceptile (Grass), Blaziken (Fire/Fighting), and Swampert (Water/Ground) providing excellent strategic variety.

Generation 4’s starters benefit from the physical/special split and feature some of the most competitively viable options, with Infernape’s balanced stats, Empoleon’s unique Water/Steel typing, and Torterra’s powerful Ground-type coverage.

For new players, Generation 1 (Kanto) offers the most straightforward experience with classic typings and balanced designs, while Generation 9 (Paldea) provides the most modern mechanics and personality-driven designs.

Ultimately, the best generation for starters depends on your preferred playstyle: competitive players might prefer Generation 4’s balanced options, while those who enjoy unique designs might favor Generation 7’s personality-driven starters.