The 20 Best Pokemon Starters of All Time

The first real decision in every Pokemon game, made before you know anything about the game. Grass, fire or water — pick the one you would choose again.

1

Charmander

The Kanto fire starter that evolves into Charizard, the most-requested Pokemon in the series.

2

Bulbasaur

The Kanto grass starter and the easiest early game, number one in the National Pokedex.

3

Squirtle

The Kanto water starter, leader of the Squirtle Squad in the anime.

4

Cyndaquil

The Johto fire starter with a flame collar, later a Hisui starter too.

5

Totodile

The Johto water starter, a small blue crocodile with a heavy bite.

6

Chikorita

The Johto grass starter, widely considered the hardest early game in the series.

7

Torchic

The Hoenn fire starter that evolves into the fighting-type Blaziken.

8

Treecko

The Hoenn grass starter, a lean gecko that becomes Sceptile.

9

Mudkip

The Hoenn water starter and the subject of one of the internet's oldest Pokemon memes.

10

Chimchar

The Sinnoh fire starter that becomes Infernape, a competitive staple.

11

Piplup

The Sinnoh water penguin starter, a mascot of the Diamond and Pearl era.

12

Turtwig

The Sinnoh grass starter, a turtle with a sapling on its head.

13

Oshawott

The Unova water starter, later a Hisui starter and an anime regular.

14

Snivy

The Unova grass starter, a smug serpent with a strong design following.

15

Froakie

The Kalos water starter that becomes Greninja, voted the fan favourite Pokemon in Japan.

16

Rowlet

The Alola grass starter, a round owl and the most-picked starter of its generation.

17

Scorbunny

The Galar fire starter, a rabbit that evolves into the striker Cinderace.

18

Sobble

The Galar water starter, a nervous chameleon that cries when upset.

19

Sprigatito

The Paldea grass starter, a cat that became a viral favourite before release.

20

Fuecoco

The Paldea fire starter, a cheerful crocodile that evolves into Skeledirge.