Choosing Your Starter

How to Choose the Best Starter Pokémon

Choosing your starter Pokémon is one of the most exciting and pivotal decisions you'll make at the start of any Pokémon game. That very first Pokémon will often become your trusted companion for many adventures and battles ahead. But with different types, abilities, and battle styles on offer, how do you pick the best starter Pokémon for your journey? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you choose wisely.

1. Understand the Starter Types

Starter Pokémon typically come in three types: Grass, Fire, and Water. Each type has strengths and weaknesses:

• Grass starters often have good defense and status moves but might struggle against Fire and Ice types.
• Fire starters tend to have strong offensive stats but can be weak defensively, especially against Water and Rock types.
• Water starters are balanced, often versatile with moves, and resist Fire threats, but tend to have weaknesses against Electric and Grass types.

Knowing these strengths and weaknesses can guide your tactical choices.

2. Consider Your Preferred Battle Style

Are you an offensive player who likes to go all out with attack moves? Or do you prefer to strategize with defensive or status-changing moves?

• Offensive players might favor Fire starters like Charizard or Infernape.
• More strategic players might enjoy Grass starters with status moves, like Bulbasaur or Torterra.
• Balanced players might prefer Water starters such as Blastoise or Greninja, which often have a variety of moves.

3. Think About Availability and Route Challenges

Some starters give easier advantages early in the game depending on the region and opponent Pokémon encountered early on. For example:

• A Fire starter may struggle if the first few gyms feature Rock or Water types.
• A Grass starter can be handy if many early opponents are Water types.
• Water starters often provide reliable coverage and fewer early-game disadvantages.

Researching the initial routes, gym types, and opponent Pokémon can help pick a starter that will breeze through the beginning stages.

4. Evaluate Evolution and Final Forms

Starter Pokémon usually evolve twice, becoming stronger and gaining new types or abilities.

• Some final forms have dual types, broadening their move pools and resistances (e.g., Sceptile is Grass/Dragon).
• Others might gain powerful abilities that change battle dynamics.
• Consider which final form aligns with your play style and strategy.

5. Personal Preference and Attachment

Sometimes, picking the best starter boils down to which Pokémon you connect with most. Whether it’s their design, lore, or nostalgia from past games, your attachment will make training and battling more enjoyable.

6. Check Competitive Viability (If Interested)

If you're aiming to battle others competitively:

• Some starters, like Infernape, Greninja, and Inteleon, tend to have better stats and move options for competitive play.
• Look at tier lists and battle stats from the current competitive meta.
• Consider a starter with good Speed and Special Attack/Attack stats for offensive roles or solid bulk for defensive/utility roles.

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Summary Table of Classic Starter Types

Type	Strengths	Weaknesses	Suitable For	Competitive Examples
Grass	Defense, Status moves	Weak to Fire, Ice	Strategy, Status effects	Sceptile, Venusaur
Fire	High offense, Speed	Weak to Water, Rock	Offensive playstyle	Charizard, Infernape
Water	Balanced, versatile moves	Weak to Electric, Grass	Balanced/all-rounder play	Greninja, Blastoise, Inteleon

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Final Tips

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different starters in different playthroughs.
• Consider what type of journey you want — easy, challenging, or balanced.
• Starter Pokémon are just the beginning; you can always build a strong, diverse team as you progress.

With this guide, you’re ready to choose the starter Pokémon that feels right for you and sets you on a path toward becoming a true Pokémon master. Enjoy your adventure!