Top Starter Pokémon: A Generation-by-Generation Ranking

5 min read Post on May 14, 2025

Top Starter Pokémon: A Generation-by-Generation Ranking

Kanto (Generation I) Starter Pokémon Ranking

The Kanto region introduced the world to Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – three iconic Starter Pokémon that set the standard for generations to come.

Bulbasaur: Grass-type. Benefits from early access to Vine Whip and Razor Leaf, but struggles against Fire and Flying types. Its evolved forms, Ivysaur and Venusaur, offer solid bulk and potent special attacks.
Charmander: Fire-type. Charmander's early-game struggles against Water types are well-documented. However, its evolution into Charmeleon and finally the powerful Charizard makes it a formidable late-game powerhouse. Charizard boasts excellent offensive stats and access to strong Fire and Flying-type moves.
Squirtle: Water-type. Squirtle offers a balanced approach, with good defensive stats and access to effective Water-type moves early on. Its evolutions, Wartortle and Blastoise, are known for their impressive defenses and Water-type coverage.

Ranking: While Squirtle provides a solid and consistent experience, Charmander ultimately takes the top spot. Its initial weakness is overshadowed by Charizard's incredible power and versatility, making it a top choice for many Kanto playthroughs. The access to powerful STAB moves in the late game is a big advantage.

Johto (Generation II) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Johto introduced a new trio of Starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

Chikorita: Grass-type. Chikorita and its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, are known for their defensive prowess but can struggle against Fire and Poison types.
Cyndaquil: Fire-type. Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava and Typhlosion, a powerful Fire-type Pokémon with access to strong special attacks. Its speed and offensive power make it a strong contender.
Totodile: Water-type. Totodile's evolution line, Croconaw and Feraligatr, offers a powerful physical attacker with high Attack stats and strong Water-type moves.

Ranking: In Johto, Totodile edges out the competition. Feraligatr's incredible physical attack stat and impressive movepool give it a significant advantage, especially in the later stages of the game.

Hoenn (Generation III) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Hoenn brought us Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip, each with unique advantages and disadvantages.

Treecko: Grass-type. Treecko evolves into Grovyle and Sceptile, a fast and powerful Grass-type Pokémon with access to strong physical and special attacks. Mega Evolution further boosts its power.
Torchic: Fire-type. Torchic evolves into Combusken and Blaziken, a powerful Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon known for its speed and physical attack power. Blaziken also benefits from Mega Evolution.
Mudkip: Water-type. Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp and Swampert, a physically defensive Water/Ground-type Pokémon known for its bulk and power. Mega Evolution enhances its defensive prowess.

Ranking: The Hoenn starters are remarkably balanced. However, Swampert’s incredible bulk and typing give it a slight edge, making it the top choice for Hoenn.

Sinnoh (Generation IV) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Sinnoh offered Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup.

Turtwig: Grass-type. Turtwig's evolutions, Grotle and Torterra, provide great defense and decent offensive capabilities.
Chimchar: Fire-type. Chimchar evolves into Monferno and Infernape, a fast and powerful Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon.
Piplup: Water-type. Piplup evolves into Prinplup and Empoleon, a strong Water/Steel-type Pokémon with excellent defensive capabilities.

Ranking: In Sinnoh, Infernape's speed and offensive prowess make it the superior choice.

Unova (Generation V) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Unova's starters were Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.

Snivy: Grass-type. Snivy evolves into Servine and Serperior, an elegant and powerful Grass-type with high special attack.
Tepig: Fire-type. Tepig evolves into Pignite and Emboar, a strong Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon with high attack.
Oshawott: Water-type. Oshawott evolves into Dewott and Samurott, a powerful Water-type with strong physical attack and a unique design.

Ranking: Serperior's special attack power and speed make it the best option in Unova.

Kalos (Generation VI) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Kalos provided Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.

Chespin: Grass-type. Chespin's evolutionary line is defensively strong, but often outclassed offensively.
Fennekin: Fire-type. Fennekin evolves into Braixen and Delphox, a powerful special attacker.
Froakie: Water-type. Froakie evolves into Frogadier and Greninja, known for its incredible speed and powerful Water-type attacks. Mega Evolution enhances Greninja's capabilities.

Ranking: Greninja's speed, power, and unique abilities give it a clear advantage in Kalos.

Alola (Generation VII) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Alola offered Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio.

Rowlet: Grass/Flying-type. Rowlet evolves into Dartrix and Decidueye, a powerful Grass/Ghost type.
Litten: Fire-type. Litten evolves into Torracat and Incineroar, a formidable Fire/Dark type.
Popplio: Water-type. Popplio evolves into Brionne and Primarina, a powerful special attacking Water/Fairy type.

Ranking: Incineroar's raw power and unique typing solidify its place as the top Alola starter.

Galar (Generation VIII) Starter Pokémon Ranking

Galar's starters were Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.

Grookey: Grass-type. Grookey evolves into Thwackey and Rillaboom, a powerful Grass-type.
Scorbunny: Fire-type. Scorbunny evolves into Raboot and Cinderace, a fast and powerful Fire-type.
Sobble: Water-type. Sobble evolves into Drizzile and Inteleon, a powerful special attacking Water-type.

Ranking: Cinderace's speed and devastating Pyro Ball secures its position as the top Galar starter.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Starter Pokémon

This generation-by-generation ranking has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each Starter Pokémon, considering their stats, type matchups, movepools, and evolutionary lines. From Charizard's fiery power in Kanto to Cinderace's blazing speed in Galar, each generation offers a unique and exciting choice. What are your top Starter Pokémon choices? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don't forget to check out our other articles for more Pokémon insights!