Ultimate Pokemon Starter Ranking Top Spot: With over 1,000 unique Pokémon spread across nine mainline generations, the franchise continues to expand its world of creatures to catch, train, and battle. While the legendary Pokémon often steal the spotlight, it’s the starters that truly define each new generation. Your starter is more than just your first partner it’s the one that sets the stage for the entire adventure, offering you a taste of what’s to come.
We’ve spent countless hours playing through each game (let’s just say we know the regions like a seasoned professor), and using a blend of experience and personal preference, we’ve ranked every Pokémon starter from the least to the most impactful. Here’s our breakdown:
Bulbasaur:
Let’s be real Bulbasaur is the true MVP of Pokémon starters. It may not have the flashy appeal of Charizard or the meme-worthy status of Mudkip, but Bulbasaur stands out as one of the most balanced and versatile starters. As a Grass/Poison-type, it gives players a distinct advantage over the early gym leaders and half of the Elite Four. Plus, Ivysaur and Venusaur feel like real evolutions of Bulbasaur, giving a satisfying sense of growth. For us, it’s the most reliable and strategically sound starter of them all.
Froakie
At first glance, Froakie may not seem like the most exciting starter from Gen 6, but its evolution into Greninja is one of the most dramatic and satisfying glow-ups in the entire series. Greninja’s sleek, ninja-inspired design, paired with its excellent battle abilities, made it an instant fan favorite. While Froakie may not have been the optimal choice in terms of early-game difficulty, Greninja’s design and power more than make up for it.
Charmander
Charmander, the iconic Fire-type from Gen 1, is a fan favorite for good reason. Charizard is one of the most recognizable Pokémon in the franchise, and for many, it’s a dream come true to watch their starter evolve into such a powerful and majestic creature. Charmander starts small, but its evolution line hits all the right notes—becoming stronger, more imposing, and undeniably cool.
Mudkip
Did we rank Mudkip here just because of the memes? Maybe a little. But there’s no denying how strong this little Water-type from Gen 3 is. When Mudkip evolves into Swampert, it gains the powerful Water/Ground typing, transforming into a formidable force in battle. It’s often considered one of the most reliable starters in terms of gameplay, with its versatility being a huge advantage throughout the game.
Cyndaquil
Cyndaquil’s design may be straightforward, but there’s a certain charm to its fiery spine that makes it irresistibly appealing. In Gen 2, Fire-types were undeniably powerful, making Cyndaquil an excellent starter for players looking for an easy ride through gyms and the Elite Four. While its evolution into Typhlosion is solid, it doesn’t have the same innovative flair as some other Fire-type starters, making it rank just outside the top tier.
Chimchar
Chimchar, the Fire-type from Generation 4, may seem like a copy of Charmander at first glance, but it quickly establishes its own identity. Its final evolution, Infernape, is a formidable force in battle, drawing inspiration from the legendary figure of Sun Wukong. Chimchar’s offensive prowess, especially in a region with few Fire-type Pokémon, gives it a strategic advantage over other starters in Gen 4.
Totodile
Totodile, the Water-type from Gen 2, was Generation 2’s answer to Squirtle, and though it doesn’t quite have the same iconic status, Totodile is a solid choice. It strikes a nice balance between cute and intimidating. Its evolutions are straightforward, but they work well for the type of Pokémon it is. Its early evolution also gives it an edge in terms of speed, making it one of the more practical choices for a Gen 2 run.
Fuecoco
Fuecoco might seem underwhelming at first glance—a Fire-type with a look reminiscent of Totodile. But as you play through Scarlet and Violet, Fuecoco’s full evolution into Skeledirge surprises you. As the first Fire/Ghost-type starter, Fuecoco’s final form is both powerful and unique, making it a fun and unexpected choice despite its odd middle evolution, Crocalor.
Sobble
Sobble, the Water-type from Gen 8, feels a bit uninspired when it comes to design and gameplay. Though its final evolution, Inteleon, brings a unique espionage-inspired aesthetic, the journey to get there feels a bit flat. The starter trio from Gen 8, in our opinion, lacked the distinctiveness we’d hoped for, and Sobble, while decent in battle, just doesn’t offer the same sense of excitement as other Pokémon.
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Tepig
Tepig, the Fire-type from Generation 5, ranks at the bottom of our list. Tepig’s evolutions don’t make a huge splash in terms of design. While its final form, Emboar, adds a Fighting-type to give it a tactical edge, the overall design lacks the memorable flair of other starters. It serves its role, but doesn’t stand out in the same way as other iconic Fire-types.
