Best Starter Pokémon Of Every Generation: A Ranked List

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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Embark on a nostalgic journey through the Pokémon world as we explore the ultimate question: which Starter Pokémon reigns supreme? This ranked list analyzes the best Starter Pokémon of every generation, considering their stats, movepools, evolutionary lines, and overall competitive viability. Get ready to relive your childhood and discover which pocket monster deserves the title of the best starter of all time!

<h2>Generation I: Kanto's Classic Trio</h2>

Choosing your first Pokémon is a momentous occasion, and Kanto offered a fantastic trio. Let's examine each:

<h3>Bulbasaur – The Grass-Type Advantage</h3>

Bulbasaur, the Grass-type starter, offers an excellent early-game advantage. Its access to powerful Grass-type moves allows for effective strategies against Rock-type opponents prevalent in the early game. Its evolution into Ivysaur and then Venusaur results in a Pokémon with impressive bulk and potent offensive capabilities. Venusaur's high HP and Special Attack make it a formidable force throughout the game. However, its weaknesses to Fire and Ice-type moves should be considered.

• High HP: Ensures survivability in tough battles.
• Good Special Attack: Allows for powerful Grass-type attacks like Solar Beam and Razor Leaf.
• Access to powerful Grass-type moves: Provides offensive coverage against many common opponents.

<h3>Charmander – The Fiery Powerhouse</h3>

Charmander, the Fire-type starter, boasts incredible offensive potential but suffers from early-game struggles against Water-type Pokémon. However, its evolution into Charmeleon and finally the iconic Charizard transforms it into a powerful Fire/Flying-type powerhouse. Charizard's high Attack stat and access to powerful Fire-type moves like Flamethrower make it a fearsome opponent. However, its relatively fragile defense needs to be managed strategically.

• High Attack: Delivers devastating blows to opponents.
• Access to powerful Fire-type moves: Provides significant offensive firepower.
• Impressive speed stat (Charizard): Allows for first-strike advantages in many battles.

<h3>Squirtle – The Defensive Master</h3>

Squirtle, the Water-type starter, provides a strong early-game advantage against Fire-type Pokémon, which are common early on. Its solid defensive stats throughout its evolutionary line, evolving into Wartortle and Blastoise, make it a reliable tank. Blastoise’s high Defense and Special Defense stats provide excellent protection against many attacks. However, it struggles against Electric and Grass-type attacks.

• High Defense: Withstands many attacks effectively.
• Good Special Defense: Mitigates damage from special attacks.
• Learns useful Water-type moves: Water Gun and Hydro Pump provide crucial offensive capabilities.

<h2>Generation II: Johto's Elemental Choices</h2>

Johto introduced a new set of compelling starter Pokémon.

<h3>Chikorita – The Grass-Type Contender</h3>

Chikorita, the Grass-type starter, is known for its graceful movements and surprisingly powerful offensive capabilities once evolved into Meganium. While not as immediately impressive as some other starters, Meganium's access to powerful Grass-type moves and solid bulk makes it a viable choice.

• Good Special Attack (Meganium): Allows for strong Grass-type attacks.
• Solid bulk (Meganium): Provides decent survivability.
• Aromatic moves: Offers unique strategic options.

<h3>Cyndaquil – The Fiery Spirit</h3>

Cyndaquil, the Fire-type starter, evolves into Typhlosion, a powerful Fire-type Pokémon known for its blazing attacks. Its high Attack stat and access to strong Fire-type moves make it a force to be reckoned with. However, the usual Fire-type weaknesses should be kept in mind.

• High Attack (Typhlosion): A significant offensive asset.
• Access to powerful Fire-type moves (Typhlosion): Provides crucial offensive coverage.
• Evolves into a powerful Fire-type: A strong choice for many battles.

<h3>Totodile – The Water-Type Warrior</h3>

Totodile, the Water-type starter, evolves into Feraligatr, a strong physical attacker. Its high Attack and Defense make it a well-rounded fighter, excelling in both offense and defense.

• High Attack and Defense (Feraligatr): A balanced approach to combat.
• Access to powerful Water-type moves (Feraligatr): Provides strong offensive coverage.
• Solid physical bulk: Withstands many physical attacks.

(Generations III-VIII would follow a similar structure, with images of each Pokémon included. Each section would delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the starter Pokémon, comparing them to each other within their generation.)

<h2>Conclusion</h2>

Choosing the "best" Starter Pokémon is subjective and depends on personal preference and playstyle. However, by considering stats, movepools, and evolutionary lines, we've aimed to provide a helpful overview of the best Starter Pokémon across all generations. This guide helps you choose the best starter Pokémon for your next playthrough, whether you're a veteran trainer or a new adventurer. Ultimately, the best Starter Pokémon is the one that best suits your journey. So, choose wisely and embark on your adventure! Find the best starter Pokémon for you today!