Top 10 Best Fully Evolved Starter Pokémon

Each final evolution brings something unique to the table, from striking designs to diverse battle strategies, not to mention the nostalgia they often hold for players. Maybe you remember sweeping through a region with your trusty fire-type or relying on a water-type's versatile move pool to get you out of a tight spot. Starter Pokémon play such a key role in every trainer's journey that their fully evolved forms are some of the most recognizable and beloved in the entire series.

Which starter evolutions are your favorites, and which ones do you think deserve the title of the best? Is it the classic charm of a certain fire-breathing dragon, or maybe you prefer something a bit more modern and tactical?

1. Primarina

   

   Primarina is a Water and Fairy-type Pokémon introduced in Generation VII, specifically in Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016). It evolves from Brionne, which itself evolves from Popplio. Primarina's singing-based battle style is characterized by sea lion-inspired fluid movements. It has appeared in the animated... read more

   My favorite final evolved starter ever and my second favorite Pokémon overall. It was a joy going through the game with Primarina, and I always bring it with me in online battles and official competitions.

   Primarina is better than Mega Blaziken because Fairy is a really good type with only two weaknesses. It's handy against Hala and Acerola in the Elite Four. It has insane special attack, which is awesome. Combine that with Sparkling Aria, and it does 110 damage. INSANITY.

   Primarina is my fifth favorite Pokémon. She needs more love. She gets bashed on every day thanks to the godforsaken Rowlet, a Pokémon that deserves the death penalty.

2. Swampert

   

   Swampert, known in Japan as Laglarge, is a dual-type Water and Ground Pokémon. It evolves from Marshtomp and is the final form of Mudkip, first introduced in Generation III. Swampert is known for its strong physical stats and also has a Mega Evolution that boosts its power and speed.

   Swampert is really strong, and it can learn a decent variety of moves to counter a lot of different types, like Earthquake and Hammer Arm, which together can counter eight types. They are both good against Steel and Rock, so it's eight, not ten. Some idiot said Torterra could easily kill any starter Pokémon, but honestly, it's one of the worst starters and is the slowest starter too.

   All the Water-type starters can learn Ice Beam, and Fire types have fire moves. Sure, it may survive and land an Earthquake or Rock Slide (for Charizard), but it is most likely going to lose. I'm sorry for those who love Torterra, but it's honestly not that good.

   If you play ORAS and want to counter everybody, pick Mudkip. Mudkip can counter the Rock gym. Marshtomp will take down the Electric, Fire, Normal (with Protect, since they use Slaking), and Flying (with Rock moves) gyms. Mega Swampert can take out the Psychic gym with Surf, since they are Rock types.

   In Omega Ruby, the battles will be easier since Primal Groudon's ability lets you take out the Water gym. Together, they can defeat the Elite Four and destroy Steven's team. Even without type advantages, there are no major Grass opponents (except for your rival's Sceptile). Also, Swampert has the highest base stats of any starter.

   Blaziken is my favorite starter, but stat-wise, Swampert is my pick.

3. Typhlosion

   

   Typhlosion, known in Japan as Bakphoon, is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It evolves from Quilava starting at level 36 and is the final form of the Fire-type starter Cyndaquil.

   Typhlosion also has a regional variant called Hisuian Typhlosion, which is a dual-type Fire and Ghost... read more

   Typhlosion is just awesome! Even his name just sounds cool! And his design as well as its evolution family! And strong too! It should get a Mega Evolution.

   My first Pokémon was Cyndaquil. I have always been attached to Typhlosion, and I would consider it a better starter than all other starters, even though it's only a single type.

   Come on! He's the world champion for 2011!

4. Charizard

   

   Charizard, known in Japan as Lizardon, is a Pokémon species created by Ken Sugimori. It first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and has since appeared in merchandise, spinoff titles, and various adaptations. Shin-ichiro Miki, who voices James in the original Japanese anime, also voices... read more

   Charizard is the best. It makes sense at second place, though, because Swampert has the best typing. Why do so many people complain that Charizard is overrated? Okay, okay, it probably is a bit overrated, but if it had the best stats over the other two starters, Bulbasaur and Squirtle wouldn't stand a chance of being chosen as a starter.

   Even so, this dragon is still chosen most often out of Gen 1. Stop complaining that Charizard is overrated and go thank the creators for nerfing it enough to give a little more love to that turtle people pick for its cuteness or that weird vegetable that people choose for no reason at all.

5. Samurott

   

   Samurott, known in Japan as Daikenki, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It evolves from Dewott starting at level 36 and is the final evolution of Oshawott. Samurott is known for its armor-like shell and the blade it draws from its foreleg.

   They have missed a lot of opportunities with Samurott when it comes to typing, movepool, and stats, but I love him for his creative design and overall. I don't see how a generic orange lizard can be more creative than a samurai shell-armored otter/sea lion who pulls swords out of his arms. You mess with Samurott, you mess with his double swords.

   Come on, Oshawott is adorable, Dewott is, well, cute in its own way, and Samurott is pretty epic. In-game, he's very good. Swords Dance at least once and get ready to sweep. I actually use him on Battle Spot. He actually takes down a few opponents.

   A new strategy I came up with is: EV train 184 Special Defense EVs, 72 Defense EVs, and 252 Attack. The moveset is Substitute, Swords Dance, Aqua Jet, and Razor Shell or Megahorn, your choice. The item is Salac Berry. I'll give my Samurott this set soon, but he has beaten many foes on Pokémon Showdown with this set.

6. Infernape

   

   Infernape, known in Japan as Goukazaru, was introduced in Generation IV and is the final evolution of Chimchar. It is a Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon known for its high speed and well-balanced offensive stats. Infernape evolves from Monferno starting at level 36 and is often praised for its versatility... read more

   Fire-Fighting has neutrality to Stealth Rock. It is extremely fast and can dish out some crazy high damage, especially if equipped with a Choice Band. Infernape manages to deal super-effective damage against both other final evolution starters in its generation, which is extremely impressive. Also, it's faster than Blaziken, so ggez.

   The monkey is awesome and has good stats. I will say I started liking him a lot after the finals in the anime against Electivire.

   Fighting Fire. Even though it's a recycled idea, it's good typing.

7. Greninja

   

   Greninja is a Water/Dark-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 6. It evolves from Frogadier and is the final evolution of the Water-type starter Froakie. In addition to the standard Torrent ability shared by Water-type starters, Greninja can have the Protean ability, which changes its type to match the... read more

   Protean Greninja is unreal. Confuse your enemies by changing type and always hitting with STAB attacks. He is the fastest fully evolved starter, so he will always attack first. He is also pretty badass looking. Should easily be top 5 in my opinion!

   Greninja is my favorite Pokémon ever. Is it overrated? Probably. Why did Game Freak give it Ash-Greninja? I don't know. But is it a freaking awesome frog ninja that darts in and out of the shadows and can literally slice metal with its shurikens? Heck yeah.

8. Torterra

   

   Torterra, known in Japan as Dodaitose, is a dual-type Grass and Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. It evolves from Grotle starting at level 32 and is the final form of Turtwig. Torterra is characterized by the tree and landscape-like structure growing from its shell.

   Torterra is one of the strongest starters I've ever trained, and it can beat Fire and Flying types as well. It beat every Pokémon except for Gym Leader Candice's Abomasnow and some other quicker Ice types such as Weavile.

   This is my personal favorite design for any starter despite its lackluster competitive appearance. I may well be doused in nostalgia, but how is a huge turtle with a tree on its back not cool?

   Torterra is definitely one of the most powerful Pokémon in Diamond. I beat all of my opponents until I reached the Ice gym with just my Torterra!

9. Feraligatr

   

   Feraligatr, known in Japan as Ordile, is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II. It first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver, which were released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color. Feraligatr is the final evolution of Totodile and evolves from Croconaw starting at level 30.

   Its access to the probably best boosting move, Dragon Dance, makes it such a hard hitter combined with Sheer Force and a Life Orb. So even though I think there are better starter Pokémon, I noticed such potential in this guy since his coverage, Ice Punch, is actually good combined with Sheer Force. He's probably the best user of an underrated move.

   Superpower, Aqua Jet, Swords Dance, and Earthquake are here too, to make his opponents shiver.

   My fourth favorite Pokémon (Croconaw is my first). This thing is usable in-game and competitively. Since the physical/special split in Gen 4, it's become a real beast. It has coverage against almost everything, and it can really make use of its hidden ability, Sheer Force.

10. Blaziken

    

    Blaziken, known in Japan as Bashāmo, was introduced in the third generation of games, beginning with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. It is the final evolved form of Torchic and is recognized for its powerful Fire and Fighting-type moves. Blaziken also has a Mega Evolution that enhances its abilities in battle... read more

    Mega Blaziken is one of the toughest fully evolved starters in the game. The original Fire/Fighting and the toughest one. Should easily be a top 5 with Greninja. They are the only two starters in the Uber tier for competitive battling.

    Blaziken is the best starter in my opinion. Sure, its shiny could've been better, but it is powerful and fast. It might have low defense, but if it defeats its opponent before he takes damage, he's really good. So he is the best starter in my opinion.

    It's got Speed Boost, it got a Mega form before the others of its generation, it was the original Fire/Fighting type that all the others try to copy, its Mega form was in Uber tier, and it looks like an absolute badass.

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Skeledirge

12. ?

    Meowscarada

The Contenders

13. Empoleon

    

    Empoleon, known in Japan as Emperte, is a Water and Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. It is the final evolution of Piplup, the Water-type starter Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Empoleon has a regal appearance and a trident-shaped beak that symbolizes its commanding presence.

    How the hell is this so far down? The only Steel-type final evolution of a starter, and therefore, it has the most resistance to all typings, cutting eight of them in half, two of them to a quarter strength, and one with completely no effect! Charizard is easily overrated (DUH, as one of the first starters) and could easily be defeated by Empoleon with the wide variety of moves it can learn.

    Might I add, one of, if not the best, shiny coloration of all starters!

    My Empoleon beats up my rival's Torterra every time! I just taught it Drill Peck, and adios Torterra!

    My Empoleon beat the Electric Gym by itself just using Surf. Water is definitely the best starter choice, and Empoleon gets Steel, which gives it so much more resistance than the other starters.

    Empoleon is the best!

14. Serperior

    

    Serperior, known in Japan as Jalorda, is a Grass-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It first appeared in Pokémon Black and White, released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS. Serperior is the final evolution of Snivy, evolving from Servine at level 36.

    I don't know why Serperior is this low. It should be at least in third place. Contrary + Leaf Storm + other moves (Dragon Pulse/Hidden Power Fire/Giga Drain) is honestly overpowered as hell and is only countered by, like... Heatran. It sweeps pretty much everything else. I've 1HKO'd a Charizard with this thing.

    It can learn Leaf Blade and Leaf Storm. This can beat the Swampert over there that is now in second place, and now this Serperior is in 12th place?! The Snivy in the anime can beat Ash's Pikachu that has fought in Kalos, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh! This Pikachu must be like level 100 or even more! But the Pikachu getting beaten up by a level 5 Snivy? Come on!

    Plus, if this super-strong Snivy has evolved to a Serperior, that means it can be ten times stronger than Ash's Pikachu! VOTE FOR SERPERIOR!

15. Emboar

    

    Emboar, known in Japan as Enbuoh, is a Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V. It is the final form of Tepig, evolving from Pignite starting at level 36. Emboar is featured as the Fire-type starter evolution in Pokémon Black and White and is notable for its powerful Fire-type and Fighting-type... read more

    Why do people hate him so much? He's awesome! Besides his bad speed, he kicks ass! While Blaziken and Infernape are better competitively, they're so overused that using them just feels unoriginal and redundant. This guy is rad and took me through Unova in BW with no problems (didn't choose him for B2W2).

    Tepig was my starter, and Emboar is incredibly powerful and reliable.

16. Sceptile

    

    Sceptile, known in Japan as Jukain, is a Grass-type Pokémon. It evolves from Grovyle and is the final form of Treecko, which is one of the starter Pokémon from the third-generation games. Sceptile also has a Mega Evolution and appears in video games, anime, and trading cards.

    This guy is awesome. I won't say that it's "stronger than Swampert" like everyone else is saying. It only beats Swampert because it has the type advantage, but it's still really good.

    What the heck, Sceptile should be much higher. Grass as a whole is definitely weaker than Fire and Water, but Sceptile learns awesome moves and is one of the fastest Grass types.

    He has one of the highest stats for starters. He has an amazing mega. And he can do some damage.

17. Blastoise

    

    Blastoise, known in Japan as Kamex, is a Water-type Pokémon and the final evolution of Squirtle. It evolves from Wartortle and is known for the powerful water cannons mounted on its shell. Blastoise is capable of shooting water with enough force to punch holes through steel.

    He's literally a hippo with tanks in his shell. He is super powerful and dominated all competition in LeafGreen. Why isn't he higher?

    This boy is a living water tank. He should be higher. I mean, come on, he's a darn tank. Make this guy higher in the list, like top 3.

    This guy's awesome. Too bad he lives in a region with such good Water-types.

18. Delphox

    

    Delphox, known in Japan as Mahoxy, was introduced in Generation VI and is a dual-type Fire/Psychic Pokémon. It evolves from Braixen at level 36 and is the final form of Fennekin. Delphox features a wand-like stick and a mystical appearance, reflecting its psychic and magical traits.

    Delphox isn't in the top 10? Better nerf Greninja! Seriously though, Delphox is awesome and deserves more love than the chestnut and overrated ninja. I don't hate Greninja, he just is way too popular and Delphox is better.

    A good starter. Delphox is overall a good starter Pokémon. Making it a Fire/Psychic type makes it not weak to Bug types. It's weak to Ground, Rock, Dark, and Ghost. I chose it because it has so much Special Attack!

    It can take down almost any Pokémon. Delphox is my star in competitive battles. It's so cool.

19. Decidueye

    

    This was my original Rowlet, and I was really surprised when it turned to Grass/Ghost typing! This is the best if you make it evolve during the Melemele Island trials because it is immune to Normal/Fighting type attacks. Vote Decidueye up to #1!

    Decidueye is super underrated. Its archer design is so cool.

    Now THIS one is very detailed, and I believe this Pokémon has a Hisuian form. I like the colors. I like birds. This is a big like and subscribe for me.

20. Chesnaught

    

    Chesnaught, known in Japan as Brigarron, is a dual-type Grass/Fighting Pokémon introduced in Generation VI of the Pokémon franchise. It evolves from Quilladin starting at level 36 and is the final form of Chespin, the Grass-type starter of that generation. Chesnaught is recognized for its protective... read more

    Honestly, Chesnaught needs some love. He has a cool design and pretty good attacks.

    How is Chesnaught here? He's a beast! How is Typhlosion in No. 3? He sucks!

    Such a cool design. Truly underrated.

21. Venusaur

    

    Venusaur, known in Japan as Fushigibana, is a dual-type Grass and Poison Pokémon. It evolves from Ivysaur starting at level 32 and is the final evolution of Bulbasaur. Venusaur first appeared in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games released in 1996 in Japan.

    What the hell, why is this thing so low?

    Mega Venusaur can tank both Charizard and Blastoise. Venusaur has the most original design of the three! A dragon! A turtle! (Didn't mean that, Blastoise, you're cool too, but Charizard's stupid and overrated.)

    Venusaur is very strong and should be ranked much higher than this.

22. Meganium

    

    Meganium, known in Japan by the same name, is the final evolution of Chikorita, the Grass-type starter from Generation II. It evolves from Bayleef and retains its Grass typing.

    Meganium is known for its peaceful nature and healing abilities. Its large floral frill releases a soothing aroma that... read more

    Meganium is really good. It actually one-shots every Pokémon I battle in my Pokémon games. It evolves pretty fast, too.

    Meganium is a majestic Pokémon that I think looks cool.

23. Incineroar

    

    Incineroar, known in Japan as Gaogaen, was introduced in Generation VII. It is a Fire and Dark-type Pokémon and is the final form of Litten, evolving from Torracat at level 34. Incineroar also appears as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

    Litten is my starter on Pokémon Brick Bronze (a Roblox game, not a real Pokémon game), but Popplio is my starter on Pokémon Moon, and I love it so much!

    Team Litten For Life! Kellan the Incineroar is pretty much impossible to beat! He has brought me a lot of new memories! Thanks!

    He is a powerful and loving guy. I don't get why we need to hate him. Two legs, fire (looking like a fighter but NOT), or he is bipedal, why hate him?! Aren't ALL fire starters like this?!

24. Cinderace

    

    Cinderace is definitely one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Pokémon. Certainly the best starter in the Galar region. Pyro Ball severely weakens Grass types, and it's kind of an overpowered move.

    Cinderace is a pretty decent Pokémon. Not my favorite ever, but it's probably my favorite Galar starter.

    She looks nice. She should be higher!

25. Rillaboom

    

    Drums and gorilla, and it has a busted signature move.

26. Inteleon

    

    Inteleon is a great starter because it is only weak to the first and easiest gym. Also, it feels great defeating Leon's Charizard. Lastly, Fire types are the strongest type, so its super effective Water moves are key.