# 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.

*By YPB Team · Published August 14, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-20-best-pokemon-starters-of-all-time*

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## Current results (0 votes)

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.

Tags: nintendo, pokemon, video games, starter pokemon