There are few more crucial decisions in gaming than selecting a starter pokemon. It can make or break a breakthrough, from how useful they are in the early game to how effective they will be against Gym Leaders in their final evolutionary form. That said, historically there has been a gap in the quality of the offerings, both from game to game and within each release. While choosing the best starters may have been relatively easy after the first few generations, later releases have clouded the waters.
Likewise, bias based on a particular Pokémon’s fame in the wider universe is misleading and there are multiple examples of pocket monsters whose power doesn’t translate from the anime or trading card game to video game releases. Taking into account their stats and abilities to counter the game as a whole, there are some standout choices for any beginner trainer.
Hoenn is an underrated gem thanks to Torchic & Mudkip
Hoenn is unique as a region in that it has two of the most powerful starter options ever proposed. Both Torchic and Mudkip have great stats, good move-type usability and, in the case of Torchic/Blaziken, a hidden ability that makes it almost unstoppable in the later game. While Mudkip may look unappealing at first glance, by the time it fully evolves into Swampert, it will have the highest base stat of any starter Pokemon ever.
Torchic’s high special attack stats make it great for early game. By the time it reaches its final evolution and the later game, the aforementioned special attack and attack stats scale to truly exceptional. His hidden ability, Speed Boost, can also claim to be the very best in any of the games, increasing this stat once per turn. Although Treecko is the weakest of the three, it has some notable advantages that make it viable, including its sheer speed.
Chimchar can dominate Sinnoh
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Sinnoh differs from the other entries in that it has one starter Pokemon that stands out way above the other. Chimchar and its evolutions, Monferno and Infernape, can dominate the region thanks to being one of the few Fire types available, at least in the original Diamond and Pearl. With an excellent base speed and a more than respectable Attack and Special Attack, it is no slouch. Additionally, the hidden ability Iron Fist from the Chimchar line adds a 20% boost to all punch attacks (of which there are many).
Piplup is also a great option, staying under the radar despite its high Special Attack and Special Defense as well as more than reasonable health and defense stats. Turtwig has become a bit of a meme in recent years, but it’s better than its reputation suggests. It’s icy slow, but has decent HP, Attack and Defense and is playthrough viable. While Sinnoh isn’t quite the strongest spot overall, Chimchar is arguably the most relatively overpowered.
The original Kanto starters remain the best ever
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There’s no denying how iconic Charmander is, transcending the immediate Pokémon universe and forging a place in the cultural canon. While Charmander and its evolutions have gone through the wringer in recent years, with many citing the Pokémon’s reputation as being overblown, it remains the most genuinely brilliant starter ever.
The first thing that should never be underestimated is the versatility that Charmander and his evolutions can bring into battle, with access to moves from a wide variety of species, including Grass and Electric. Statistically, Charmander isn’t slow either. In addition to an impressive base speed that scales massively as Charmander levels and evolves, he can be enhanced even further with Dragon Dance, a move that also boosts his attack.
Both Bulbasaur and Squirtle are strong too, with their final forms particularly notable for their prowess in the later game. While Bulbasaur is the weakest, with plenty of other Pokémon able to counter him effectively, his high special attack and defense can make him a tough nut to crack. Likewise, Squirtle has a very effective defense stat meaning he can stick around in any given fight for a while. While Charmander is a standout, all three original Kanto starters are not only viable but immensely enjoyable and effective.
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