Top 10 Best Starter Pokemon

Choosing your first Pokémon is like selecting your very first partner for an epic quest across diverse lands filled with trials, gyms, and legendary battles. It's not just about snagging a Pokémon that has the "aww" factor or the "cool" vibe. Your starter is your trusty teammate in all the turn-based face-offs and puzzle-solving challenges that await you.

The Pokémon universe has given us a wide variety of starter options over the years, each one brilliantly designed and imbued with unique abilities and quirks that make them memorable. Whether it's the iconic Charmander with its scorching Flamethrower or Mudkip who makes the ground shake with its Earthquake, some starters have become legends in their own right. But what about the unsung heroes of the starter world?

That's where you, the ultimate Pokémon aficionado, come in. Thousands have weighed in on which starters are the ultimate champions in terms of battle stats, adaptability, and their legacy in the Pokémon saga. And now, after crunching the numbers and checking them twice, we're thrilled to present you with the definitive top ten list of starter Pokémon.

1. Charmander

   

   Charmander is a fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small orange dragon with a flame burning at the tip of its tail. It is known for its fierce and independent nature and can evolve into Charmeleon and later Charizard.

   I have played Generations 1-6. I have always named my character RED in all caps. For me, it's between Charmander, Torchic, and Cyndaquil. Cyndaquil is cool but has no Mega. Torchic evolves into Blaziken, which is Fire and Fighting, and Fighting Pokémon have a lot of weaknesses. I still love Lucario, though.

   Charmander? Flaws? No. Charizard is the best starter without a doubt. "Oh, but Squirtle is so cute!" Well, Charmander is, in fact, ten times cuter. Charizard also has skill. Charizard learns Flamethrower at level 38, while Blastoise learns Hydro Pump at level 42. Don't argue with stats. Charizard is the better choice.

   Sure, Charmander is super weak at first with only Scratch and Growl, but if you give it enough love and attention, Charmander can grow to be an amazing Charizard with many awesome moves: Fire, Flying, Fighting, and Dragon-type moves.

   It's really too bad that nobody could see Charmander's true greatness because of its disadvantages with most of the gym leaders. With Charizard, Grass, Bug, Ice, Steel, and Fighting types are pathetically easy to beat (even though there are no Steel types in the first couple of games).

2. Mudkip

   

   Mudkip is a water-type Pokémon that resembles an amphibious blue creature with a large fin on its head and orange gills on its cheeks. It can evolve into Marshtomp and later Swampert.

   Ah, Mudkip. It's kind of hard to know where to start. Mudkip is one of the best dual-type starter Pokémon threats in the entire game. Considering the fact that it can learn nearly twice the number of moves as other Pokémon, this powerhouse is often not traded away for another Pokémon.

   Easily the best Water-type starter in the game (since Squirtle, Totodile, and Oshawott are solely Water-type and can't learn as many TMs, while Piplup is a close second), it could arguably be called the best starter Pokémon ever. Not to mention that if you max out its potential, at level 100, you can have a Swampert that knows 1) Hydro Pump, 2) Hydro Cannon, 3) Earthquake, 4) Hammer Arm. Note: to get Hydro Pump, keep Mudkip unevolved until level 48.

   Personally, choosing Mudkip as a starter, I thoroughly enjoyed its versatility. As a Swampert, its dual-type threat along with its high attack and defense stats kept it both strong and powerful. I've played every main-series Pokémon game, and overall, Mudkip has been the easiest and best starter to play with.

3. Squirtle

   

   Squirtle is a water-type Pokémon that looks like a small blue turtle with a brown shell and a tail shaped like a squirrel's. It is known for its laid-back and easygoing personality and can evolve into Wartortle and later Blastoise.

   Squirtle is the best for sure. Charmander is so overrated just because people think Charizard looks cool. But would you rather have a plain old dragon or a bazooka turtle with amazing tanking power and special attack?

   I'm tired of everyone saying Charizard did all this stuff in the anime. The only reason he could do it is because he was owned by the main character of the show, and the fanbase liked him the most, so the animators made him do what is literally impossible. In Pokémon Origins, I don't know how, but somehow this stupid dragon managed to take out a Blastoise with more than half HP with a Fire Blast attack. Seems pretty false to me.

4. Cyndaquil

   

   Cyndaquil is a fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small blue-gray quadrupedal creature with flames on its back. It is known for its timid and cautious nature but can be a powerful ally once it warms up to a trainer. It can evolve into Quilava and later Typhlosion.

   Ah, Cyndaquil. It was the first starter Pokémon I completed a game with. I played Emerald, but I was a kid back then and Pokémon wasn't my type of game, so I left my Treecko in the void. A few years later, I played Pokémon Crystal and chose Cyndaquil as my starter. It evolved into Quilava and completely destroyed Sprout Tower along with Falkner. It even defeated the Miltank of Doom without any help.

   The real fun started when Quilava evolved into Typhlosion. From that point on, all the trainers were doomed. Eruption, Flare Blitz, and Thunder Punch were also useful against water types. I just love Typhlosion. Yes, he may be worse than Feraligatr (which is also an awesome Pokémon), and he is not really strong in competitive battles (I heard that from many people), but he is still the best starter in my heart, even though I agree that there are many better starters out there.

5. Torchic

   

   Torchic is a fire-type Pokémon that looks like a small fluffy chick with an orange body and a tuft of feathers on its head that resembles a flame. It is known for its energetic and enthusiastic personality and can evolve into Combusken and later Blaziken.

   Torchic is super cute, and while Combusken is kind of awkward, it's totally worth it when you get the awesome Blaziken. Although Mudkip was my first starter, I chose Torchic this time because I noticed that you can't encounter Fire types early in the game in Pokémon Emerald. It was a decision I don't regret.

   My Blaziken literally Blaze Kicked our way through Victory Road, the Elite Four, the Champion, and the Battle Frontier. Plus, Blaziken can learn Flying-type moves, which none of the other Fire-Fighting starters can learn. Not to mention its incredible Mega Evolution - Mega Blaziken is awesome in both design and stats.

6. Bulbasaur

   

   Bulbasaur is a grass and poison-type Pokémon that resembles a small squat green dinosaur with a bulb on its back. It is known for its calm and collected demeanor and can evolve into Ivysaur and later Venusaur. Its bulb releases oxygen into the air and is a source of energy for it.

   Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon I ever received. I began playing the Pokémon games on my Game Boy Advance at age 5. Now, at 14, I still consider Bulbasaur to be one of the best Pokémon. He can incapacitate you with Sleep Powder without you even laying a finger on him. Additionally, he can heal himself with Synthesis, while you have to waste money buying potions for other Pokémon.

   The only complaint I have about him is that his powerful attacks have very limited PP. Nevertheless, he can still crush you with ease. So you'd better get your Charizard ready and bring lots of potions, because Venusaur will still beat you.

   Bulbasaur is clearly the best, considering that its diverse move set can pretty much guarantee victory. It's great for people new to the world of Pokémon since it evolves sooner than the other two starters and is the easiest to raise.

   Big whoop, Charizard knows Flare Blitz and Flamethrower to decimate foes. Venusaur's superior Special Attack and Special Defense make him a powerful adversary. He can use Sleep Powder to make your Charizard totally defenseless, then use Leech Seed to slowly drain your health while charging up Solar Beam. You can also give him a Focus Sash so Venusaur can't be one-hit KO'd. He can then use Synthesis to heal himself. I had no trouble whatsoever beating my rival's Pidgeot and Charizard with Venusaur.

7. Treecko

   

   Treecko is a grass-type Pokémon that resembles a small green gecko with a red belly and large eyes. It is known for its cool and collected demeanor and can evolve into Grovyle and later Sceptile. It has the ability to climb any surface and can attack its foes with powerful tail whips.

   The two reasons people often look down on Treecko are his movepool and his type. His movepool in RSE is pretty terrible, but with a bit of TM hunting, you can have a fine Pokémon. If you obtain Solar Beam and Giga Drain, Sceptile becomes a beast.

   Secondly, he is a Grass type, a Pokémon with the most weaknesses out of the three starter types. In the new games, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, Sceptile can evolve into Mega Sceptile (Grass and Dragon Type). This means he becomes a beast and is only weak to Ice, Flying, Bug, and Dragon moves. Although that still sounds bad, Bug type is weak on both offense and defense, and Sceptile's speed can be used to finish the others off.

8. Totodile

   

   Totodile is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a small blue crocodilian with red dorsal spikes and powerful jaws. It can evolve into Croconaw and later Feraligatr.

   When Silver first came out, I instantly knew that I would want Totodile, as I have a preference for Water types. He is super cute, versatile, and powerful in his own right. The separation of Attack and Special Attack for the same typing was a blessing for his family, allowing them to finally have powerful Water moves.

   Feraligatr is very handy also because of his versatility. If you can activate his hidden ability, Sheer Force, and have a complementary nature, Feraligatr becomes a powerful sweeper. Good moves for him to know are Crunch (Dark), Ice Fang (Ice), Waterfall or Aqua Tail (Water), and any powerful Fighting-type attack.

9. Piplup

   

   Piplup is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a small blue penguin with a white belly and a yellow beak. It is known for its cheerful and bubbly personality and can evolve into Prinplup and later Empoleon.

   Piplup is adorable and unbeatable. My little Piplup, Snuggles, will never evolve because I want him to stay cute forever. He also has good stats. Despite his poor speed, his overall stats are well-rounded. Even though I will not evolve him into Empoleon, he still has good stats and eleven resistances. That makes him the most powerful starter.

   By the way, why is Treecko in the top ten? He is an outcast. I hate him the most out of all starters.

   He is the only starter that has never been cute at any evolutionary stage. He just looks like an evil iguana plant that would sneak into your house in the middle of the night and eat your family and you.

10. Chimchar

    

    Chimchar is a fire-type Pokémon that looks like a small orange monkey with a flame burning at the base of its tail. It can evolve into Monferno and later Infernape.

    This was the best choice for Pearl, Diamond, and Platinum. Gym 1 featured a level 14 Monferno, who destroyed with his Mach Punch. Gym 2 was Grass-type, so it doesn't really need an explanation. The third was Fighting-type, I believe, and due to Monferno's high attack, it wasn't that hard.

    The fourth gym was Water-type, and some of the Pokémon hit hard, so not even my Luxio could compete. The fifth gym was Ghost-type, and once again, Monferno being a hard hitter had no problem here. The sixth was a Steel-type gym, and I had finally evolved my Monferno into an Infernape, who kicked serious butt. With Close Combat and Flame Wheel, he never slowed down.

    The seventh gym was Ice-type, and ever since either Generation 1 or 2, Ice has been literally powerless against Fire. Infernape excels again. He packs a punch against the eighth gym and can knock out Aaron of the Elite Four. However, he can't beat Bertha, won't do much against Flint, and won't stand much of a chance against Lucian. He can, however, do well against Cynthia's Lucario due to Close Combat, and Roserade is pretty much a goner. Charmander is overrated and is really quite powerless.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Quaxly

    

    Quaxly is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a small white duck with a blue crest shaped like a hat. It can evolve into Quaxwell and later Quaquaval.

12. ?

    Fuecoco

    

    Fuecoco is a fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small red reptilian creature with a yellow face and a single flame patch atop its head. It can evolve into Crocalor and later Skeledirge.

    Fuecoco is cute and has lots of potential.

    So go Fuecoco!

The Contenders

13. Oshawott

    

    Oshawott is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a small light blue otter with a white belly and a scallop shell on its stomach that it uses as a weapon. It is known for its curious and enthusiastic personality and can evolve into Dewott and later Samurott.

    Gen 5 is really underestimated. Once you think about it, it was the best generation in quite some time. It did get rid of Zubat, which upset some players, but there's no need to use repellent when you go into caves anymore. Sure, it has some bad Pokémon, like the "ice cream Pokémon" that older fans criticize, but all generations have some bad Pokémon.

    Oshawott is a beast. He is absolutely adorable, evolves into an epic Samurott, and has only two weaknesses. He can easily take on Fire types with Water-type moves, and if he knows Ice Beam, Serperior doesn't stand a chance. Oshawott also has balanced stats and doesn't focus on just one. So, in my opinion, Oshawott is an amazing starter.

14. Turtwig

    

    Turtwig is a grass-type Pokémon that looks like a small light green turtle with a brown shell and a sprout growing from the top of its head. It is known for its docile and friendly nature and can evolve into Grotle and later Torterra.

    Dual Grass/Ground final evolution? If this alone isn't enough to convince you, how about the amazing design for the evolutions? What about Turtwig's overall cuteness factor? Its combat stats are impressive, not to mention its expansive movepool. When you have a powerhouse with great design, versatile type coverage, strong defenses, and the ability to unleash immensely powerful attacks, there's not much to fear. That is, except for ice-types.

    However, while people look down on Torterra due to its x4 weakness to ice, they seem to lose sight of the fact that this bulky tortoise has a diverse set of moves to cover its weaknesses. Easily the best.

15. Froakie

    

    Froakie is a water-type Pokémon that looks like a blue frog with a white foam-like collar around its neck. It is known for its lively and curious personality and can evolve into Frogadier and later Greninja. Its foam-like collar can be transformed into a blade, which it uses to attack its foes.

    Protean. I really don't think I have to say more, but I will. He is literally the fastest starter ever with a 122 base speed (as Greninja). When you're going first and using Protean to get STAB on high-power moves like Ice Beam or anything else he can learn, you're hitting very hard. You can also switch your type at will to cover your weaknesses. Enough said?

    And if you don't want to use him as a sweeper, you can give him one of his two signature moves, Mat Block, to protect your teammates from damage and set up in double or triple battles.

    Water Shuriken, though? While it's a cool priority move, its low power can be disappointing. If you get unlucky and only hit twice, you might regret having used it. Overall, Froakie/Frogadier/Greninja is most likely the best starter with his endless number of ways to be run strategically or brutally.

16. Snivy

    

    Snivy is a grass-type Pokémon that looks like a small green serpent with a yellow collar and a leafy tail. It is known for its haughty and independent personality and can evolve into Servine and later Serperior.

    Snivy is the most powerful because Grass-type Pokémon are generally able to take on more gyms. One of its only weaknesses is fire, and there is only one fire gym leader. In addition to this, he can take on most of the gym leaders in the game, with the exception of the first, third, and eighth.

    And for the eighth, he isn't weak against him. He just can't defeat him alone without using a lot of items or being at a much higher level. So for this, I would say he is by far the best of the Pokémon Black and White starters.

    With the release of its hidden ability, Serperior has become a major threat. Just slap Leaf Storm on it and watch its Special Attack soar.

    Couple that with nice Speed and decent defensive stats, and it's pretty much top-tier now. Of course, there's still the old Coil strategy for in-game purposes, which pretty much carried my horribly underleveled White team through most of the endgame.

17. Chikorita

    

    Chikorita is a grass-type Pokémon that resembles a small green dinosaur with a large leaf on its head. It is known for its gentle and affectionate nature and can evolve into Bayleef and later Meganium.

    I think, of all starter Pokémon, Chikorita's evolution line stays the cutest up until its final evolution, Meganium.

    For that reason, it's definitely my favorite of the starters, and I just love Grass-types in general.

    Firstly, I have no idea why Chikorita ranks so low on this list. When properly raised, Chikorita can be incredibly powerful. A level 100 Meganium with the moveset of Sunny Day, Synthesis, Solar Beam, and Razor Leaf can be a bit too overpowered (OP). Add a Mystery Seed to ramp up the power of grass-type moves, and you can take on anything.

    Secondly, while grass types do have several weaknesses, they usually boast an extremely high Special Attack and Special Defense stat.

18. Fennekin

    

    Fennekin is a fire-type Pokémon that looks like a small orange fox with big ears and a white-tipped tail. It is known for its clever and curious nature and can evolve into Braixen and later Delphox.

    I literally remember getting my copy of Pokemon X in late 2013, the time it was released, and I wanted to have this little guy/gal so badly. And, just like my hopes and dreams, it was worth it. He/she can easily decimate a ton of wild Pokemon with its vast array of Fire/Psychic moves, as well as having an amazing and cute design. It can also beat a Greninja. That's how awesome it is.

    Fennekin is a miniature powerhouse disguised as a cute fox. Its evolutions are like 100 times better. I know this is unrelated, but I still have memories of Pokemon X. I also played albums such as The Marshall Mathers LP 2 when I was doing my playthrough, while my friends played albums such as Random Access Memories while playing their copies of Pokemon X and Y. And I was a huge fan of Adventure Time, as well. Ah, 2013, how I miss you...

19. Pikachu

    

    Pikachu is an electric-type Pokémon that looks like a small yellow mouse with black-tipped ears and a lightning bolt-shaped tail. It is known for its friendly and spunky personality and can evolve into Raichu with the help of a Thunder Stone.

    Pikachu is one of the first Pokémon that comes to mind when you think of the word "Pokémon." It's very famous for appearing in just about every Pokémon season. Pikachu is known for being Ash's partner, from the Indigo League to the latest movie, episode, or season. Plus, Pikachu can be very strong with moves like Volt Tackle, Electro Ball, and Iron Tail.

    Although Pikachu can perform actions in the TV show that he wouldn't be able to do in the game, he can still be very powerful. For those who care about appearance, Pikachu looks very cute and is based on a mouse, which is also small and cute. Pikachu could easily be the most favorite starter.

20. Tepig

    

    Tepig is a fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small pig with orange and black coloration and a red orb at the tip of its tail. It can evolve into Pignite and later Emboar.

    Now, this is complicated. I do not like pigs. I despise pigs. But Tepig is just too sweet. I don't like the evolutions as much, but he himself is great.

    Most people hate it, but it really is good. It has a far better design than Charmander and is so much cuter. I personally haven't played the Black and White games, but from what I've seen, it's one of the better starters. It's always being punched around like it's some useless, boring piece of crap, which it isn't.

    Now, onto the evolutions: Pignite has a cute name and an overall good design. Not the best out of the evolutions, but it's better than that individual known as Charmander. Emboar, on the other hand, has an amazing and cool design. Tepig isn't loved enough. Please do not hurt the little pig. Also, why is Charizard higher up when it isn't even a starter?

21. Eevee

    

    Eevee is a normal-type Pokémon that resembles a small, fluffy brown creature with big ears and a bushy tail. It is known for its ability to evolve into different forms depending on its environment or the use of certain items or techniques. Its possible evolutions include Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon.

    Eevee, or the "Master of Evolution" as I call it, is this cat/dog hybrid. Actually, what is this thing, anyway? Whatever, as I was saying, Eevee can evolve into eight different Pokemon. I mean, it can only become one of them, but why do people care?

    Fire, Electric, Water, Grass, Fairy, Psychic, Ice, and Dark, not to mention Normal itself. Seriously? And it's hard to catch? And it's good in battle? Plus, you have to catch it twice with a Friend Ball if you want the best evolutions: Psychic and Dark? Amazing. Just AMAZING. I mean this as a comment, just so you know.

    Eevee is just amazing - what is there not to love?

    I know it can't evolve in Let's Go since it's the partner Pokémon, but I think that's exactly what it's good at. It's a perfect buddy!

22. Chespin

    

    Chespin is a grass-type Pokémon that resembles a small, round, brown and green hedgehog with a tough shell on its head and back. It is known for its spunky and playful attitude and can evolve into Quilladin and later Chesnaught.

    Now, I like Treeko, but I'm a grass-type guy. I don't mind their five weaknesses. Heck, Terrakion has more than pure grass starters.

    Chespin is a cute Pokémon, especially in the anime, and has a very good defense stat. Also, grass-fighting? I don't think I've ever seen a grass-fighting type Pokémon, so it being a starter and surprising me like that is similar to how Mega Sceptile's typing surprised me. I think I've said enough, so Chespin, move up the ranks!

    It's simple. When you get a Gen 1 starter, who wouldn't pick Charmander? So obviously, you choose Charmander. Then later in the game, you receive the starter that your starter is strong against.

    In other words, all people who started with Chespin also get Froakie. With this setup, you get an awesome starter for each type.

23. Popplio

    

    Popplio is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a blue and white sea lion with a ruff of pink fur around its neck. It is known for its playful and entertaining personality and can evolve into Brionne and later Primarina.

    I think Popplio should be the best because I never tried it until now. I used to pick Litten or Froakie. When one of my friends introduced me to Popplio, I thought, "Sure, why not?" When I actually used it, though, I figured out it was pretty powerful.

    At levels 20 to 30, it learns good moves such as Disarming Voice, Bubble Beam, and Aqua Jet. Also, it starts off at level five with Pound and Water Gun. Since it is a special attacker and has good Special Defense and Defense, this helps it beat trainers when it's at levels 5 to 10.

    For its final evolution, Primarina can learn many moves, such as Moonblast, Sparkling Water, Hydro Cannon, and Ice Beam. Trust me, use Popplio. I use it in every game I play.

24. Litten

    

    Litten is a fire-type Pokémon that resembles a small black kitten with red-orange markings and a flaming tail. It is known for its prideful and independent nature and can evolve into Torracat and later Incineroar.

    Honestly, Litten made the best first impression out of the Gen 7 starters to me. I loved the design, and it just sort of spoke to me. However, I'll have to know more about all three before I fully commit to one.

    I feel it will become a Fire & Dark-type based on the color scheme, which is good since I really love dark types. Again, though, I'm still going to have to wait and see.

    I think Litten is cool. I honestly have no issues with his evolutionary line. He gets kind of overshadowed by Rowlet (not that I dislike it).

    A certain episode in the anime featuring him almost made me cry. Overall, I love this sassy fire cat.

25. Rowlet

    

    Rowlet is a grass and flying-type Pokémon that looks like a small, round owl with a leafy bowtie. It is known for its calm and collected personality and can evolve into Dartrix and later Decidueye.

    I love Rowlet! He is so adorable and somewhat original, and I like his role in the anime. When I first saw the starters, Rowlet was my favorite of the three. However, I thought Litten's final stage would look better. But it turns out that Decidueye is my favorite-looking non-Mega Evolution Pokemon of all time.

    Decidueye is in the Underused tier on Smogon, in comparison, the fan-favorite Charizard is in the Neverused tier, which is two tiers below. Well, that's without Mega Evolution, but since Decidueye doesn't have one, it's not a fair comparison. Also, my Decidueye destroyed the Totem Mimikyu in Pokemon Sun.

    Rowlet is super cute and has a really interesting personality in the anime. Its typing is good for forest areas, which allows you to pick whichever starter you like.

26. Sprigatito

    

    Sprigatito is a grass-type Pokémon that resembles a small green feline with leaf-like fur patterns. It can evolve into Floragato and later Meowscarada.

    My Violet starter, Sprigatito, is my favorite design of the Gen 9 starters!

    I find it a bit sad that I don't like its evolution line much. I think a more feminine line would've been wonderful, but it's fair since starters are 70% male.

    Sprigatito's final evolution form is massive "furry bait". People are posting videos and images of it online, showing people "kissing" it through the "picnic" feature. If that doesn't convince you why Sprigatito is one of the most popular starter Pokémon of all time, then I don't know what will.

27. Sobble

    

    Sobble is a water-type Pokémon that resembles a small, timid chameleon with big eyes and a distinctive fin on its head. It is known for its shy and introverted nature and can evolve into Drizzile and later Inteleon.

    Sobble is adorable and is far too low down on this list (28th is far too low for such a good starter).

    Though I may have chosen Scorbunny as my starter, I still love Sobble almost as much.

    I have an Inteleon, and it can do a lot of damage. Plus, its good speed and amazing accuracy are hard to keep up with.

    In my opinion, it is the best Sword and Shield starter!