With the 20th anniversary of Pokémon recent behind us and the recent reveal of Sun and Moon info, we're feeling a bit in the mood. Let's the say that we might've caught Pokérus... Anyway, we decided to take a trip (especially since we haven't done a Top 10 in almost a year...) and revisit a memorable event in any trainer's journey: getting their first Pokémon. We will only be looking at starters from the main series of games and will be grading them and their evolutions on design, stats and their usefulness in battle. We will not be incorporating at the Mega Evolutions into evaluations, as that gives an unfair advantage to the Kanto and Hoenn starters.
Honorable Mentions
Cyndaquil
Pokédex #: 155-157 First Appearance: Generation II
Evolves into: Quilava starting at Level 14 and then Typhlosion starting at Level 36
Type: Fire
Starter in: Johto region in Gold/Silver/Crystal/Heart Gold/Soul Silver
Fennekin
Pokédex #: 155-157 First Appearance: Generation II
Pokédex #: 653-655 First Appearance: Generation VI
Evolves into: Braixen starting at Level 16 and then Delphox starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Delphox, then it becomes Fire/Psychic
Starter in: Kalos region in X & Y
Starter in: Kalos region in X & Y
Totodile
Pokédex #: 158-160 First Appearance: Generation II
Evolves into: Croconaw starting at Level 18 and then Feraligatr starting at Level 30
Type: Water
Starter in: Johto region in Gold/Silver/Crystal/Heart Gold/Soul Silver
As much as we liked our honorable mentions, they didn't make the list. They were in the initial running and were sideswept by the competition. Now we head to the top tier.
Starter in: Johto region in Gold/Silver/Crystal/Heart Gold/Soul Silver
10. Pikachu
Pokédex #: 172, 025-026 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves from: Pichu when leveled up with high friendship
Evolves into: Raichu with a Thunderstone
Evolves into: Raichu with a Thunderstone
Type: Electric
Starter in: Kanto region in Yellow
Pikachu is a very special Pokémon in many trainer's hearts. As the official franchise mascot, it has become as recognizable as Mickey Mouse and Mario. This Mouse Pokémon was a rare find in Viridian Forest in Red and Blue, but became the only starter in the third Yellow version thanks to its appearance as Ash Ketchum's partner in the Pokémon anime.
There are many things that make Pikachu special. It's design is great and simplistic. It's also a very early Electric type Pokémon in the game to find (and the only Electric starter). But one of the biggest reasons Pikachu got onto this list is its stats. Pikachu is a bit fleshy and has decent attack stats but it's one of the speediest starters while being only a middle evolution. In Yellow, your Pikachu acts just like Ash's and refuses to evolve into a Raichu. And this is Generation I, where Pichu didn't exist, making Pikachu the first in its evolutionary line. Despite that at the time, Pikachu has a 90 in it's Speed Stat. This means that as a middle evolution, it can still outspeed most of the other starter's final evolutions. Pikachu can also learn a variety of special, physical and status moves via TM as well. Maybe this is the reason that Ash keeps his Pikachu with him at all times...
Starter in: Kanto region in Yellow
Pikachu is a very special Pokémon in many trainer's hearts. As the official franchise mascot, it has become as recognizable as Mickey Mouse and Mario. This Mouse Pokémon was a rare find in Viridian Forest in Red and Blue, but became the only starter in the third Yellow version thanks to its appearance as Ash Ketchum's partner in the Pokémon anime.
There are many things that make Pikachu special. It's design is great and simplistic. It's also a very early Electric type Pokémon in the game to find (and the only Electric starter). But one of the biggest reasons Pikachu got onto this list is its stats. Pikachu is a bit fleshy and has decent attack stats but it's one of the speediest starters while being only a middle evolution. In Yellow, your Pikachu acts just like Ash's and refuses to evolve into a Raichu. And this is Generation I, where Pichu didn't exist, making Pikachu the first in its evolutionary line. Despite that at the time, Pikachu has a 90 in it's Speed Stat. This means that as a middle evolution, it can still outspeed most of the other starter's final evolutions. Pikachu can also learn a variety of special, physical and status moves via TM as well. Maybe this is the reason that Ash keeps his Pikachu with him at all times...
9. Oshawott
Pokédex #: 501-503 First Appearance: Generation V
Evolves into: Dewott starting at Level 17 and then Samurott at Level 36
Type: Water
Starter in: Unova region in Black/White/Black 2/White 2
Oshawott is the little Otter Pokémon that evolves into Dewott and then the sea lion Samurott. The tiny otter comes with a scalchop on its chest that it uses to attack and crack open berries. When it becomes Dewott, it gains another and when Samurott comes about it gains seamitars that are holstered in its front scabbards. It has been called the saving grace of the Unova starters, as Emboar and Serperior are among the lower tiers when it comes to starters.
Samurott can deal a lot of damage and take a lot of damage. Samurott can learn a lot of different attack moves and has great Attack/Special Attack. Its is very much the swiss army knife of the sea. This makes the Oshawott family a surprise when the they show up in battle, because you never know what they're going to throw at you.
Starter in: Unova region in Black/White/Black 2/White 2
Oshawott is the little Otter Pokémon that evolves into Dewott and then the sea lion Samurott. The tiny otter comes with a scalchop on its chest that it uses to attack and crack open berries. When it becomes Dewott, it gains another and when Samurott comes about it gains seamitars that are holstered in its front scabbards. It has been called the saving grace of the Unova starters, as Emboar and Serperior are among the lower tiers when it comes to starters.
Samurott can deal a lot of damage and take a lot of damage. Samurott can learn a lot of different attack moves and has great Attack/Special Attack. Its is very much the swiss army knife of the sea. This makes the Oshawott family a surprise when the they show up in battle, because you never know what they're going to throw at you.
8. Piplup
Pokédex #: 393-395 First Appearance: Generation IV
Evolves into: Prinplup starting at Level 16 and then Empoleon starting at Level 36
Type: Water until Empoleon, then it becomes Water/Steel
Starter in: Sinnoh region in Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
Piplup is the adorable Penguin Pokémon who can get in the Sinnoh region that will one day become the emperor penguin Empoleon. Its design really does catch the eye and Piplup is just adorable, even with Prinplup being the meh middle evolution. The Piplup family has a very good role as bulky Special Attackers and there's a reason they fit the bill.
When Prinplup evolves into Empoleon, it gets the prestigious (and unique) Water/Steel typing. This allows it to cover its weaknesses and strike with a lot of moves Water types don't usually get. It gets Flying type moves naturally to counter Fighting, Water for Ground and Ground type moves by TM to easily counter Electric types. That plus its solid stats and design will make you fear these penguins at all times... Well maybe not every single time.
Type: Water until Empoleon, then it becomes Water/Steel
Starter in: Sinnoh region in Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
When Prinplup evolves into Empoleon, it gets the prestigious (and unique) Water/Steel typing. This allows it to cover its weaknesses and strike with a lot of moves Water types don't usually get. It gets Flying type moves naturally to counter Fighting, Water for Ground and Ground type moves by TM to easily counter Electric types. That plus its solid stats and design will make you fear these penguins at all times... Well maybe not every single time.
7. Charmander
Pokédex #: 004-006 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Charmeleon starting at Level 16 and then Charizard starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Charizard, then it becomes Fire/Flying
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
Pokédex #: 004-006 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Charmeleon starting at Level 16 and then Charizard starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Charizard, then it becomes Fire/Flying
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
Probably the most popular Pokémon starter, Charmander (like most of the Generation 1 starters) has a very simple and solid design. These guys had the distinguished pleasure of being the first and most solid Fire Type family in Generation I. This allowed it to easily infiltrate the hearts and minds of many early adopters of Pokémon.
Charizard does get the dual Fire/Flying, which is a help and a great hindrance as it makes it immune to its old Ground Type weakness and opens up the door for new vulnerabilties. To add onto that, Charizard's moveset is very bland, it mainly just involves many differnt, yet similar, Fire Type attacks. It's Charizard's expanded moveset that makes it so viable. With TMs, Charizard gets a plethora of various and unique moves. Charizard has some great stats as well. It has great Special Attack and Speed with above average Attack for mix ups and decent defensive capabilities.
Charizard does get the dual Fire/Flying, which is a help and a great hindrance as it makes it immune to its old Ground Type weakness and opens up the door for new vulnerabilties. To add onto that, Charizard's moveset is very bland, it mainly just involves many differnt, yet similar, Fire Type attacks. It's Charizard's expanded moveset that makes it so viable. With TMs, Charizard gets a plethora of various and unique moves. Charizard has some great stats as well. It has great Special Attack and Speed with above average Attack for mix ups and decent defensive capabilities.
6. Chimchar
Pokédex #: 390-392 First Appearance: Generation IV
Evolves into: Monferno starting at Level 14 and then Infernape starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Monferno, then it becomes Fire/Fighting
Starter in: Sinnoh region in Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
Pokédex #: 390-392 First Appearance: Generation IV
Evolves into: Monferno starting at Level 14 and then Infernape starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Monferno, then it becomes Fire/Fighting
Starter in: Sinnoh region in Diamond/Pearl/Platinum
A fan favorite of ours is definitely Chimchar. Keeping with the Fire/Fighting trend from Generation III, Gen IV's starter is this fiery monkey. Chimchar and the gang got real lucky as Gen IV introduced the concept that attacks wouldn't be determined either Special or Physical by typing alone. This let Infernape, who's a mixed Sweeper shine even further. The family's design is also great as it feels much more simplistic like the old generations whilst also keeping it fresh and up to date.
Infernape's specialty as a Mixed Sweeper is great, especially with this movepool. It's Hidden Ability is Iron Fist which improves all moves with Punch in the name and has access to Grass, Dark, Poison, Bug and Flying Type moves, making Infernape hard to assess in battle right off that bat. Because Attack and Special Attack sit a a nice 104 base and Speed lying at 108, it hits hard and it hits first. There's a reason this starter is such an editor favorite.
Infernape's specialty as a Mixed Sweeper is great, especially with this movepool. It's Hidden Ability is Iron Fist which improves all moves with Punch in the name and has access to Grass, Dark, Poison, Bug and Flying Type moves, making Infernape hard to assess in battle right off that bat. Because Attack and Special Attack sit a a nice 104 base and Speed lying at 108, it hits hard and it hits first. There's a reason this starter is such an editor favorite.
5. Mudkip
Pokédex #: 258-260 First Appearance: Generation III
Evolves into: Marshtomp starting at Level 16 and then Swampert starting at Level 36
Type: Water until Marshtomp, then it becomes Water/Ground
Starter in: Hoenn region in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
We heard that y'all liek Mudkipz... WELL SO DO WE. Mudkip is one of those things that looks a bit weird, but is also just too adorable as well. By the time it hits Swampert, it loses most of its cute for a more monstrous look. Swampert and co. are pretty diverse as the only Water/Ground starter, which sets them apart from the rest.
Swampert is a fairly good Sweeper, as you only need to be wary of Grass-Type moves and can absolutely absorb Electric-Type attacks that would fry other Water-Types. Outside of its ability to learn great Water and Ground moves, it was access to diverse Rock, Fighting and Ice-Type attacks to fend off combatants. Ice specifically is what this family needs to beat out its Grass opponents. While Swampert's Speed is below average, it more than makes up the difference with literally every other stat being above average or better. That's what makes it so deserving of this spot on the list.
Pokédex #: 258-260 First Appearance: Generation III
Evolves into: Marshtomp starting at Level 16 and then Swampert starting at Level 36
Type: Water until Marshtomp, then it becomes Water/Ground
Starter in: Hoenn region in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
Swampert is a fairly good Sweeper, as you only need to be wary of Grass-Type moves and can absolutely absorb Electric-Type attacks that would fry other Water-Types. Outside of its ability to learn great Water and Ground moves, it was access to diverse Rock, Fighting and Ice-Type attacks to fend off combatants. Ice specifically is what this family needs to beat out its Grass opponents. While Swampert's Speed is below average, it more than makes up the difference with literally every other stat being above average or better. That's what makes it so deserving of this spot on the list.
4. Squirtle
Pokédex #: 007-009 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Wartortle starting at Level 16 and then Blastoise starting at Level 36
Type: Water
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
Going back to Gen I we have the adorable Squirtle and Co. Squirtle is by no means a huge fan favorite (and is actually my least favorite of the Kanto starters), but Squirtle was my first ever Pokémon... I had to chose Squirtle since I had Blue version. YOU WERE A SINNER IF YOU DIDN'T! Squirtle got better with Wartortle and even better with Blastoise. Those water cannons go a long way in terms of cool.
Blastoise has access to a lot of the same variety of moves as Swampert as well. Nice Water, Fighting, Rock and Ground attacks in its movepool. The thing with Blastoise is that it goes further beyond that: it can utilize some Steel-Type moves and even Dragon Pulse. Being a great defense starter and a non-Dragon that can learn Dragon moves is very useful. Blastoise is also a tank with few weaknesses, being able to soak up a lot of damage and dish out damage just as easily, making this a real powerhouse Pokémon.
Pokédex #: 007-009 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Wartortle starting at Level 16 and then Blastoise starting at Level 36
Type: Water
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
Blastoise has access to a lot of the same variety of moves as Swampert as well. Nice Water, Fighting, Rock and Ground attacks in its movepool. The thing with Blastoise is that it goes further beyond that: it can utilize some Steel-Type moves and even Dragon Pulse. Being a great defense starter and a non-Dragon that can learn Dragon moves is very useful. Blastoise is also a tank with few weaknesses, being able to soak up a lot of damage and dish out damage just as easily, making this a real powerhouse Pokémon.
3. Bulbasaur
Pokédex #: 001-003 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Ivysaur starting at Level 16 and then Venusaur starting at Level 32
Type: Grass/Poison
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
And wrapping up the Generation I trio is Bulbasaur. Probably the least picked by fans, Bulbasaur is actually the best Kanto starter. Bulbasaur, Ivysaur and Venusaur all thrive in the more simplistic tastes of the original 151 Pokémon. It is also the only starter (so far) to have a dual type in its base form, as Grass/Poison was heavily implemented in Red/Blue/Yellow in most Grass-Types.
Unlike most of our entries thus far, Venusaur's movepool of attacks is quite limited. It has access to Grass, Poison, Normal and a few Ground-Type moves but nothing else... That's because attack moves aren't the only thing Venusaur has up its sleeves. Venusaur has access to a huge plethora of status moves too. Sleep Power to doze off opponents, Worry Seed to switch out their Ability with Insomina, Synthesis to restore HP and so much more. Venusaur also has the Hidden Ability Chlorophyll which makes it faster in sunny weather and can be easily incorporated into its skill set. It's this combined with its all around great stats that bring these Plant Pokémon to the No. 3 slot.
Pokédex #: 001-003 First Appearance: Generation I
Evolves into: Ivysaur starting at Level 16 and then Venusaur starting at Level 32
Type: Grass/Poison
Starter in: Kanto region in Red/Blue/Fire Red/Leaf Green
Unlike most of our entries thus far, Venusaur's movepool of attacks is quite limited. It has access to Grass, Poison, Normal and a few Ground-Type moves but nothing else... That's because attack moves aren't the only thing Venusaur has up its sleeves. Venusaur has access to a huge plethora of status moves too. Sleep Power to doze off opponents, Worry Seed to switch out their Ability with Insomina, Synthesis to restore HP and so much more. Venusaur also has the Hidden Ability Chlorophyll which makes it faster in sunny weather and can be easily incorporated into its skill set. It's this combined with its all around great stats that bring these Plant Pokémon to the No. 3 slot.
2. Froakie
Pokédex #: 656-658 First Appearance: Generation VI
Evolves into: Frogadier starting at Level 16 and then Greninja starting at Level 36
Type: Water until Greninja, then it becomes Water/Dark
Starter in: Kalos region in X & Y
Starter in: Kalos region in X & Y
A part of the recent Generation VI, Froakie is adorable and magnificent as it is deadly and swift. Froakie seemed to be the favorite pic when X and Y were announced and deserves that recognition. This family has a great design among the trends that Chespin and Fennekin also fall under. Each starter is based off of a standard RPG class, with these guys obviously taking inspiration from the Rogue/Ninja class.
As a Water-Type starter, Greninja can learn Hyrdro Cannon which is the best summary of this Pokémon. Greninja can dish out massive amounts of damage but is really vulnerable, a literal glass cannon. Luckily Greninja's base 122 Speed makes it the fastest Water Pokémon ever. Greninja has access to awesome attacks and can also set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes as a fast Lead as well. Even though it is super fragile, it also has access to U-Turn. This separates it from the usual slow Leads that try and U-Turn after they get hit and then try to escape with this move. Greninja's Hidden Ability is Protean, an ability that changes Greninja's type to the type of the last attack it used. Truly a sneaky one...
A part of the recent Generation VI, Froakie is adorable and magnificent as it is deadly and swift. Froakie seemed to be the favorite pic when X and Y were announced and deserves that recognition. This family has a great design among the trends that Chespin and Fennekin also fall under. Each starter is based off of a standard RPG class, with these guys obviously taking inspiration from the Rogue/Ninja class.
As a Water-Type starter, Greninja can learn Hyrdro Cannon which is the best summary of this Pokémon. Greninja can dish out massive amounts of damage but is really vulnerable, a literal glass cannon. Luckily Greninja's base 122 Speed makes it the fastest Water Pokémon ever. Greninja has access to awesome attacks and can also set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes as a fast Lead as well. Even though it is super fragile, it also has access to U-Turn. This separates it from the usual slow Leads that try and U-Turn after they get hit and then try to escape with this move. Greninja's Hidden Ability is Protean, an ability that changes Greninja's type to the type of the last attack it used. Truly a sneaky one...
1. Torchic
Pokédex #: 255-257 First Appearance: Generation III
Evolves into: Combusken starting at Level 16 and then Blaziken starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Combusken, then it becomes Fire/Fighting
Starter in: Hoenn region in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
What can we say that hasn't been said before? Torchic, Combusken and Blaziken are the cream of the crop. Despite their rad designs, they're also some of the fiercest competition you'll ever see. Think of Blaziken and co. as a variation of Greninja. Sacrificing some of that god-tier Speed of a bigger boost for an incredible boost in Attack and Special Attack.
Blaziken is also a handy bags of different tricks and attacks. This kickin' chicken specializes in Fire, Fighting and Flying-Type attacks while also being able to use Ground, Grass and Dark as well. What also drives Blaziken to the top of the of this list is it's amazing Hidden Ability, Speed Boost, which ups its Speed by one stage at the end of every turn. As a starter with already above average Speed and in a generation of Pokémon where stat boosting can make and break a match. Getting that free boost as long as Blaziken is standing is nasty and is what helps put this start at our top spot. Flame on friend.
Pokédex #: 255-257 First Appearance: Generation III
Evolves into: Combusken starting at Level 16 and then Blaziken starting at Level 36
Type: Fire until Combusken, then it becomes Fire/Fighting
Starter in: Hoenn region in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald/Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
Blaziken is also a handy bags of different tricks and attacks. This kickin' chicken specializes in Fire, Fighting and Flying-Type attacks while also being able to use Ground, Grass and Dark as well. What also drives Blaziken to the top of the of this list is it's amazing Hidden Ability, Speed Boost, which ups its Speed by one stage at the end of every turn. As a starter with already above average Speed and in a generation of Pokémon where stat boosting can make and break a match. Getting that free boost as long as Blaziken is standing is nasty and is what helps put this start at our top spot. Flame on friend.
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