Pokemon Starters
Pokémon Starters are the Pokémon that players choose from at the beginning of their journey in most mainline Pokémon games.
Typically, a player selects one of three available Pokémon, each representing one of the three primary elemental types: Grass, Fire and Water.
All Starters
A fully in-depth database to search Pokemon starters by all the mainline Pokemon Games.
Gen 1-9
Discover all the Pokemon Starters from generation 1 up to the latest generation 9.
About Pokemon Starters
Pokémon starters play a crucial role in the Pokémon games for several reasons, primarily to introduce new players to the game mechanics and to create a bond between the player and their Pokémon.
Here’s an in-depth look at why Pokémon starters are integral to the game design:
1.Introduction to Gameplay Mechanics:
Pokémon starters are designed to teach new players the basic principles of Pokémon battles, particularly the elemental type system. The Grass-Fire-Water trio exemplifies the concept of type advantages and disadvantages, a core mechanic of Pokémon battles.
2.Player Attachment and Progression:
The starter Pokémon often becomes a player’s first Pokémon, creating a personal connection. This bond encourages players to invest time in training and evolving their starter, making it a central part of their team throughout the game.
3.Balanced Starting Point:
By providing a choice of three different types (Grass, Fire, Water), players can start their journey with a Pokémon that suits their preferred playstyle. This variety ensures that players have diverse experiences and can explore different strategies from the beginning.
4.Guided Learning Curve:
Starting with a basic Pokémon allows the game to gradually introduce more complex mechanics and challenges. The starter Pokémon is typically designed to be strong against early-game challenges and helps ease players into the game’s increasing difficulty.
5.Story and Lore Integration:
The selection of a starter Pokémon is often integrated into the game’s story. Professors or mentors provide the starters, linking them to the game’s narrative and setting. This creates a sense of beginning and establishes the player’s role as a new trainer embarking on their journey.
6.Diverse Team Building:
Starting with one of three types helps players begin forming a well-rounded team. As they encounter new Pokémon, they can diversify their team to cover various types and strategies, promoting exploration and team customization.
7.Tradition and Branding:
The concept of starters has become a beloved tradition in the Pokémon series. Each generation introduces new starters, creating excitement and anticipation among fans. They often become iconic symbols of their respective generations, contributing to the branding and marketing of the games.
What Do Generations Mean?
In Pokémon, Generations refer to different sets of games released over time. Each generation introduces a new region, new Pokémon species, new game mechanics, and often new features. As of now, there are nine generations:
- Generation I (Kanto Region): Introduced with Pokémon Red/Green/Blue (1996).
- Generation II (Johto Region): Introduced with Pokémon Gold/Silver (1999).
- Generation III (Hoenn Region): Introduced with Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire (2002).
- Generation IV (Sinnoh Region): Introduced with Pokémon Diamond/Pearl (2006).
- Generation V (Unova Region): Introduced with Pokémon Black/White (2010).
- Generation VI (Kalos Region): Introduced with Pokémon X/Y (2013).
- Generation VII (Alola Region): Introduced with Pokémon Sun/Moon (2016).
- Generation VIII (Galar Region): Introduced with Pokémon Sword/Shield (2019).
- Generation IX (Paldea Region): Introduced with Pokémon Scarlet/Violet (2022).
Each generation usually brings a new storyline and new gameplay features, while also expanding the roster of available Pokémon.
Gen 1 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation I, the starter Pokémon are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, appearing in the games Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, and Pokémon Green. Bulbasaur, a Grass/Poison-type known as the Seed Pokémon, is friendly and loyal, with a bulb on its back that grows through sunlight; it evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and Venusaur at level 32. Charmander, the Fire-type Lizard Pokémon, is brave and energetic, with a tail flame that reflects its health and mood; it evolves into Charmeleon at level 16 and Charizard at level 36. Squirtle, the Water-type Tiny Turtle Pokémon, is bold and playful, using its hard shell for protection and its strong tail for swimming; it evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and Blastoise at level 36.
Gen 2 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation II, the starter Pokémon are Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, appearing in the games Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, and Pokémon Crystal. Chikorita, a Grass-type known as the Leaf Pokémon, is calm and gentle, using the leaf on its head to sense its surroundings and emit soothing aromas; it evolves into Bayleef at level 16 and Meganium at level 32. Cyndaquil, the Fire-type Fire Mouse Pokémon, is timid and ignites flames on its back when threatened or excited; it evolves into Quilava at level 14 and Typhlosion at level 36. Totodile, a Water-type known as the Big Jaw Pokémon, is playful and energetic, using its strong jaws to nip playfully; it evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30.
Gen 3 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation III, the starter Pokémon are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip, appearing in the games Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire, Pokémon LeafGreen, Pokémon FireRed, and Pokémon Emerald. Treecko, a Grass-type known as the Wood Gecko Pokémon, is calm and confident, using its agility and sharp instincts to expertly climb trees and sense changes in its surroundings; it evolves into Grovyle at level 16 and Sceptile at level 36. Torchic, the Fire-type Chick Pokémon, is warm and affectionate, often following its trainer closely and using the intense flames from its beak for defense; it evolves into Combusken at level 16 and Blaziken at level 36. Mudkip, a Water-type known as the Mud Fish Pokémon, is cheerful and brave, using its strong tail to swim and its powerful fin to sense movements in water; it evolves into Marshtomp at level 16 and Swampert at level 36.
Gen 4 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation IV, the starter Pokémon are Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, appearing in the games Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, Pokémon HeartGold, Pokémon SoulSilver, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, and Pokémon Shining Pearl. Turtwig, a Grass-type known as the Tiny Leaf Pokémon, is hardy and determined, with a small plant on its back that grows when it absorbs sunlight and water; it evolves into Grotle at level 18 and Torterra at level 32. Chimchar, the Fire-type Chimp Pokémon, is energetic and playful, with a fiery tail that ignites when it gets excited and can be used for both defense and warmth; it evolves into Monferno at level 14 and Infernape at level 36. Piplup, a Water-type known as the Penguin Pokémon, is proud and independent, skilled at swimming and using its flippers to navigate through water, while maintaining its self-groomed appearance; it evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and Empoleon at level 36.
Gen 5 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation V, the starter Pokémon are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, appearing in the games Pokémon White, Pokémon Black, Pokémon White 2, and Pokémon Black 2. Snivy, a Grass-type known as the Grass Snake Pokémon, is elegant and composed, using the leaf on its tail to photosynthesize and move gracefully; it evolves into Servine at level 17 and Serperior at level 36. Tepig, the Fire-type Fire Pig Pokémon, is lively and cheerful, with a penchant for food and a snout that emits flames when excited; it evolves into Pignite at level 17 and Emboar at level 36. Oshawott, a Water-type known as the Sea Otter Pokémon, is brave and curious, wielding a shell-like scalchop on its belly as a weapon and tool; it evolves into Dewott at level 17 and Samurott at level 36.
Gen 6 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation VI, the starter Pokémon are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, appearing in the games Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Chespin, a Grass-type known as the Spiny Nut Pokémon, is curious and enthusiastic, protected by the tough, spiny shell on its head; it evolves into Quilladin at level 16 and Chesnaught at level 36. Fennekin, the Fire-type Fox Pokémon, is clever and spirited, often chewing on twigs for comfort and using its ear flames to release intense heat; it evolves into Braixen at level 16 and Delphox at level 36. Froakie, a Water-type known as the Bubble Frog Pokémon, is alert and agile, using the bubbles it produces to protect itself and reduce damage; it evolves into Frogadier at level 16 and Greninja at level 36.
Gen 7 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation VII, the starter Pokémon are Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, appearing in the games Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Rowlet, a Grass/Flying-type known as the Grass Quill Pokémon, is observant and stealthy, using its head rotation to survey its surroundings and its feathers to attack silently; it evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and Decidueye at level 34. Litten, the Fire-type Fire Cat Pokémon, is independent and stoic, using the oils in its fur to produce powerful flames and often licking itself to stay ready for battle; it evolves into Torracat at level 17 and Incineroar at level 34. Popplio, a Water-type known as the Sea Lion Pokémon, is playful and energetic, creating water balloons with its nose for tricks and combat, and enjoying performing acrobatics; it evolves into Brionne at level 17 and Primarina at level 34.
Gen 8 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation VIII, the starter Pokémon are Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, appearing in the games Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Grookey, a Grass-type known as the Chimp Pokémon, is cheerful and curious, using its stick to rhythmically tap on objects and rejuvenate plants; it evolves into Thwackey at level 16 and Rillaboom at level 35. Scorbunny, the Fire-type Rabbit Pokémon, is energetic and enthusiastic, using the fiery pads on its feet to ignite flames with every jump and kick; it evolves into Raboot at level 16 and Cinderace at level 35. Sobble, a Water-type known as the Water Lizard Pokémon, is timid and shy, camouflaging itself in water when scared and becoming invisible; it evolves into Drizzile at level 16 and Inteleon at level 35.
Gen 9 Starter Pokemon & Games
In Generation IX, the starter Pokémon are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, appearing in the games Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Sprigatito, a Grass-type known as the Grass Cat Pokémon, is playful and attention-seeking, using its aromatic fur to charm others and create calming effects; it evolves into Floragato at level 16 and Meowscarada at level 36. Fuecoco, the Fire-type Fire Croc Pokémon, is easygoing and always hungry, absorbing heat from its surroundings to fuel its internal fire; it evolves into Crocalor at level 16 and Skeledirge at level 36. Quaxly, a Water-type known as the Duckling Pokémon, is tidy and disciplined, keeping its feather crest groomed and using its strong legs to navigate swiftly through water; it evolves into Quaxwell at level 16 and Quaquaval at level 36.
