Best Starter Pokémon Of Each Generation: Your Complete Guide To Picking The Perfect Partner

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Generation I (Kanto): The Classic Trio

The original Kanto starters set the standard for generations to come. Each offers a unique play style and presents different challenges and rewards.

Bulbasaur: The Grass-Type Advantage

• Strengths: Bulbasaur boasts a significant advantage early on with its Grass/Poison typing. Access to powerful Grass and Poison-type moves like Vine Whip and Poison Powder allows for effective damage against a wide range of early-game opponents, especially Rock and Ground types. Its solid defense also provides survivability.
• Weaknesses: However, Bulbasaur's dual typing makes it vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Flying, and Psychic types. These weaknesses need to be considered strategically, especially in the later stages of the game.
• Overall: Bulbasaur is a balanced and reliable starter Pokémon, particularly effective against early game opponents. Its balanced stats make it a solid all-around choice for new trainers.

Charmander: The Fiery Favorite

• Strengths: Charmander’s high offensive potential shines throughout its evolution line. Its Fire typing provides an advantage against Grass-type Pokémon, common in the early game. Its evolution into Charmeleon and then Charizard, a powerful Fire/Flying type, offers significant late-game strength.
• Weaknesses: Water, Ground, and Rock types pose a significant threat to Charmander and its evolutions. Early battles against Water-type Pokémon can prove challenging.
• Overall: Charmander is a powerful offensive choice. However, strategic play is required in the early game to overcome its elemental weaknesses.

Squirtle: The Defensive Dynamo

• Strengths: Squirtle's high Defense and HP stats provide a strong defensive foundation. Its Water typing offers excellent coverage against the common Fire-type Pokémon found early in the game. This makes the early game relatively easy.
• Weaknesses: Electric and Grass types can significantly hinder Squirtle's progress. Strong Electric attacks become a major threat later in the game.
• Overall: Squirtle provides a stable and reliable starting point, acting as a sturdy defensive wall for your team. Its consistent performance makes it a safe bet for new trainers.

Generation II (Johto): A New Breed of Starters

Johto introduces a new set of challenges and a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.

Chikorita: The Grass-Type Guardian

• Strengths: Chikorita and its evolutions offer strong defensive capabilities and decent special attack. Its Grass typing provides good early game coverage.
• Weaknesses: Fire, Ice, Flying, Poison, Bug, and Ice types are significant threats.
• Overall: A solid, if somewhat slow, starter with good defensive capabilities.

Cyndaquil: The Fiery Ember

• Strengths: Cyndaquil’s Fire typing provides an advantage against Grass and Ice types, crucial in Johto's diverse environments. High offensive stats in its later evolutions.
• Weaknesses: Water, Ground, and Rock types pose a considerable threat.
• Overall: A strong offensive starter, offering good power and type coverage.

Totodile: The Water-Type Warrior

• Strengths: Totodile boasts high attack and good early game coverage thanks to its Water typing. Its evolution into Feraligatr makes it a potent physical attacker.
• Weaknesses: Electric and Grass types remain a consistent threat throughout its evolution line.
• Overall: A powerful physical attacker, a reliable choice for those who prefer a more aggressive playstyle.

(The H2 sections for Generations III-VIII will follow the same structure as Generations I and II, detailing each starter's strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness within the context of their respective generation, including the impact of evolutions, new types, and generation-specific mechanics like Dynamaxing.)

Conclusion: Choosing Your Perfect Partner

Choosing the best starter Pokémon depends largely on your preferred play style and strategic approach. This guide has explored the strengths and weaknesses of each generation's starters, offering insights into making the perfect choice. Whether you prefer a powerful offensive powerhouse like Charmander or a sturdy defensive wall like Squirtle, remember to consider your team composition and the challenges ahead. Remember, the "best" starter is ultimately the one that best suits your journey. So, choose wisely, trainer, and embark on your adventure with the perfect best starter Pokémon by your side! Start your Pokémon journey today by researching your favorite generation's best starter Pokémon!