From the first trio to the last, Starter Pokémon are among the most popular in the franchise. Your Starter will always be your special little pal, even as you gather more Pokémon throughout your journey. There are multiple unique Starter Pokémon for each generation of the franchise.
These Pokémon vary as the Pokémon games continue to expand throughout the series. Here’s every Starter Pokémon and their respective games from the first to ninth generation.
Pokémon Starter Cheat Sheet
Quick Answers relating to everything with the Pokémon starters.- Latest Mainline Starters: Browt (Grass), Pombon (Fire), and Gecqua (Water), officially revealed for Generation 10.
- Legends: Z-A Starters: Chikorita (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Totodile (Water) will be your partners in Lumiose City.
- Strongest Starters (Competitive/Meta): Incineroar dominates the official VGC doubles format due to Intimidate and Fake Out. Cinderace (Libero) and Greninja (Protean) lead single battles, while Skeledirge anchors defensive teams with Unaware.
- Total Starter Count: There are 30 core mainline starters across Generations 1–10, expanding to 38 when including unique side-game and spin-off starters.
Updated on May 2026: Includes the newly revealed Generation 10 starters from Pokémon Winds and Waves and the upcoming lineup for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Generation One: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander
Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue
- Release date: Feb. 27, 1998
- Platform: Game Boy
Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen
- Release date: Jan. 28, 2004
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
The trio that started it all. These are the first three Pokémon from the first game, Pokémon Red and Blue. Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander are the most popular Starter Pokémon ever created. Many of us agonized over which Starter to take with us on our first adventure through the Kanto region as kids. These three have become a mainstay in the franchise, and are often featured in other Pokémon titles.
Original Release: Feb. 27, 1998 (Pokémon Red & Blue)
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Grass/Poison | Venusaur | The ideal choice for an easy early-game run. | Kanto |
| Charmander | Fire | Charizard | Eternal nostalgia and massive cross-media popularity. | Kanto |
| Squirtle | Water | Blastoise | Squirtle Squad anime memes and sunglasses. | Kanto |
Generation 2: Chikorita, Totodile, Cyndaquil
Pokémon Gold & Pokémon Silver
- Release date: Nov. 21, 1999
- Platform: Game Boy Color
Pokémon Crystal
- Release date: Dec. 14, 2000
- Platform: Game Boy Color
Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver
- Release date: Sept. 12, 2009
- Platform: Nintendo DS
While the second trio of Pokémon Starters isn’t nearly as popular as the first, they’re still a wonderfully designed group of Pokémon. Many fans tend to gravitate towards Totodile or Cyndaquil due to their final evolutions, but each Starter is well-liked by a majority of the community. It’s an age-old debate for any Pokémon player to decide who they choose; unfortunately, Chikorita falls short in popularity.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | Meganium | Infamous for providing the hardest challenge run in Johto. | Johto |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Typhlosion | Its signature sleek, neck-flame design. | Johto |
| Totodile | Water | Feraligatr | High-energy anime personality and Sheer Force utility. | Johto |
Generation 3: Treecko, Mudkip, Torchic
Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire
- Release date: Nov. 21, 2002
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
- Release date: Nov. 21, 2014
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Gen III of Pokémon is where things began to change for the franchise. The graphics improved, and the game finally saw an expanded Pokédex. The Hoenn region was also headlined by arguably the three strongest Starters in the franchise: Treecko, Mudkip, and Torchic.
All three Pokémon were viable by the end of their evolutions, making them a huge hit with fans. Torchic and Mudkip were considered the better Starters due to their overall move sets and final type combinations. Again, the Grass-type starter, Treecko, fell short, but its overall design remains one of the more substantial Grass-type choices.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Grass | Sceptile | Fast, anime-cool design with a twig in its mouth. | Hoenn |
| Torchic | Fire | Blaziken | Kickstarting the Fire/Fighting trend and Mega Evolution dominance. | Hoenn |
| Mudkip | Water | Swampert | The classic “So i herd u liek mudkips” internet meme. | Hoenn |
Generation 4: Turtwig, Piplup, Chimchar
Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl
- Release date: Sept. 28, 2006
- Platform: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Platinum
- Release date: Sept. 13, 2008
- Platform: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl
- Release date: Nov. 19, 2021
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Gen IV and the region of Sinnoh are easily one of the most beloved by longtime fans of the Pokémon series. The region had a terrific group of new Pokémon, an exciting story, different weather elements on the map, and a great trio of Starters. It was one of the rare generations where the Grass-type, Turtwig, wasn’t left behind by the other two and remains a popular choice in the Pokémon franchise.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtwig | Grass | Torterra | Carrying a literal miniature ecosystem on its shell. | Sinnoh |
| Chimchar | Fire | Infernape | Ash’s emotional anime arc and elite competitive speed. | Sinnoh |
| Piplup | Water | Empoleon | Distinctive royal penguin design and unique Water/Steel typing. | Sinnoh |
Generation 5: Snivy, Oshawott, Tepig
Pokémon Black & Pokémon White
- Release date: Sept. 18, 2010
- Platform: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2
- Release date: June 23, 2012
- Platform: Nintendo DS
This trio was not as popular as previous Pokémon games and generations. Because the Fire-type Pokémon had been a Fire and Fighting-type for the past two games, players were exhausted to discover that Tepig’s final evolution, Emboar, fell into the same category. To make matters worse, the overall designs of these three starters were not as beloved, and many fans of the Pokémon series prefer to forget Pokémon Black and White and their sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snivy | Grass | Serperior | Sleek, smug expression and the Contrary + Leaf Storm combo. | Unova |
| Tepig | Fire | Emboar | Heavy-hitting physical bulk and fiery beard aesthetic. | Unova |
| Oshawott | Water | Samurott | Using its detachable “scalchop” shell as a sword. | Unova |
Generation 6: Chespin, Froakie, Fennekin
Pokémon X & Pokémon Y
- Release date: Oct. 13, 2013
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
After the debates from Pokémon Gen V, we have heated discussions from Pokémon Gen VI as we make our way to Pokémon X and Y on the Nintendo 3DS. Surprisingly, the Grass-type, Chespin, is not the main focus of the debate, but is typically ignored by players who want to add the Water-type, Froakie, to their team. Froakie’s final evolution, Greninja, is widely beloved by Pokémon fans, and many wanted to add their team as a Water and Dark-type. Famous for its RPG-inspired final classes (Paladin, Mage, Rogue).
However, the main focus of the ire was the design of the Fire-type Starter Pokémon Fennekin’s final form, Delphox. It’s a Fire and Psychic-type, with the typing seen as a middling choice, but the overall design of a standing fox is the reason for the debate. It’s widely criticized, unfortunately.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Grass | Chesnaught | Spiky shield physical defense. | Kalos |
| Fennekin | Fire | Delphox | Magical witch aesthetic and mystical branch wand. | Kalos |
| Froakie | Water | Greninja | Exploding in popularity to win official “Pokémon of the Year” votes. | Kalos |
Generation 7: Rowlet, Popplio, Litten
Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon
- Release date: Nov. 18, 2016
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
- Release date: Nov. 17, 2017
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
When we reach Gen VII of the Pokémon franchise in Pokémon Sun and Moon, we welcome Rowlet, Popplio, and Litten to the growing family. Players do not widely dislike any of these choices, but have chosen favorites among the three. The designs were considered a solid development for the Pokémon franchise, but the company still couldn’t hit the same admiration as the initial three Pokémon generations.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass | Decidueye | Infinite round bird memes and its dapper bowtie. | Alola |
| Litten | Fire | Incineroar | Dominating competitive VGC doubles tournaments for years. | Alola |
| Popplio | Water | Primarina | High special attack and beautiful, operatic theme. | Alola |
Generation 8: Grookey, Sobble, Scorbunny
Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield
- Release date: Nov. 15, 2019
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Gen VIII in the Pokémon franchise introduces Grookey, Sobble, and Scorbunny as the three Starter Pokémon to the Pokémon Sword and Shield games. These three were a pleasant sight for most fans, and many were excited to add them to their teams.
As for each of the Starters’ final evolution typings, the developers decided to play it safe and not give any Pokémon a secondary typing. The opinion on this decision changes based on who you ask, but the Starters from Gen VIII were undoubtedly a step in the right design direction.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Rillaboom | Grassy Surge ability dominating battlefield terrain. | Galar |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Cinderace | Soccer player motifs and the versatile Libero ability. | Galar |
| Sobble | Water | Inteleon | Secret agent finger guns and high critical-hit damage. | Galar |
Generation 9: Sprigatito, Quaxly, Fuecoco
Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet
- Release date: Nov. 18, 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Whichever one of the three you choose, you’ve got a great buddy to battle, travel, and eat sandwiches with while exploring the open world of the Paldea region. The final forms for these Pokémon are widely admired, especially Fuecoco’s Skeledirge, which sees the Fire-type starter as a creature on all four legs, and it’s a Fire and Ghost-type.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprigatito | Grass | Meowscarada | The massive online plea to keep the grass cat on all four legs. | Paldea |
| Fuecoco | Fire | Skeledirge | Clueless, lovable expression and a singing bird companion. | Paldea |
| Quaxly | Water | Quaquaval | Elaborate, non-stop dancing animations in battle. | Paldea |
Generation 10: Browt, Pombon, Gecqua
-
Pokémon Winds and Waves
- Release date: 2027
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
With the latest livestream, Generation 10’s starters have finally been revealed, marking the first major choice for trainers in the new era. Players can begin their journey with Browt, the lively but clumsy Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon, Pombon, the guileless and friendly Fire-type Puppy Pokémon, or Gecqua, the intelligent Water-type Gecko Pokémon. The new game also features an explorable underwater area.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Why it stands out | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browt | Grass | Unknown | An energetic “Bean Chick” bird with leaf brows. | Archipelago |
| Pombon | Fire | Unknown | Fluffy Pomeranian puppy design that instantly went viral. | Archipelago |
| Gecqua | Water | Unknown | A sly, highly intelligent Water Gecko. | Archipelago |
While the evolutions are them aren’t confirmed yet, we’ll update the piece when the developer reveals them closer to the release.
Mainline Side-Games & Regional Variations
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow
- Release date: Sept. 12, 1998
- Platform: Game Boy
Some players might forget Pikachu was a Gen I Starter as well. Pikachu was the only Starter option in Pokémon Yellow, released after the original games of Red, Blue, and Green. Despite being only featured as a Starter Pokémon from Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu remains the flagship Pokémon featured throughout the Pokémon Company and is often associated with the Pokémon brand as a whole.
Evolution path for starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | Electric | Raichu (or Alolan Raichu) | Kanto |
Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! & Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!
Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! & Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!
- Release date: Nov. 16, 2018
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
A forgotten era of Gen VII, the Pokémon Let’s Go games were released before Sword and Shield, which kicked off Gen VIII. These games weren’t a massive hit with a broader audience, but they introduced a new way of playing. Eevee debuted as a Starter, while Pikachu returned for a second go-round. For anyone with a child who had never played the first game, this was a great way to introduce the franchise to a younger audience.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolutions | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pikachu | Electric | Raichu (or Alolan Raichu) | Kanto |
| Eevee | Normal | Vaporeon (Water) Jolteon (Electric) Flareon (Fire) Espeon (Psychic) Umbreon (Dark) Leafeon (Grass) Glaceon (Ice) Sylveon (Fairy) |
Kanto |
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
This game takes past starters from different generations and gives them entirely new typings via ancient regional forms.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Release date: Jan. 28, 2022
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon: Legends Arceus was the first significant departure from the classic gameplay loop fans had come to know. The open-world game featured a new way to catch and battle Pokémon and saw players take on missions. The Starters for the game were a mix of different generations, with Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet making an appearance.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution | New Regional Typing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass / Flying | Hisuian Decidueye | Grass / Fighting |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Hisuian Typhlosion | Fire / Ghost |
| Oshawott | Water | Hisuian Samurott | Water / Dark |
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025)
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
- Release date: 16 October, 2025
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the next upcoming Pokémon game, but it’s still part of Gen IX. Game Freak shocked everyone by bringing two of the same generation of Pokémon back for the Starters alongside a lone Unovan fire pig.
Evolution path for each starter Pokémon:
| Starter | Type | Final Evolution |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | Meganium |
| Tepig | Fire | Emboar |
| Totodile | Water | Feraligatr |
Most Popular Starter Pokémon Ever
A few Pokémon starters have completely transcended their games to become global pop-culture icons.
- Charizard: The undisputed king of trading card values and nostalgia. It has received more special forms (two Megas, a Gigantamax) than any other starter.
- Greninja: Voted the most popular Pokémon in the world in official global polls, thanks to its central role in the anime and its unique “Ash-Greninja” form.
- Mudkip: Captured the internet’s heart in the mid-2000s, turning a simple Hoenn choice into one of the oldest and most recognizable gaming memes in history.
- Fuecoco: The breakout star of the Switch era. It’s a completely vacant, joyful expression that spawned thousands of fan animations and pieces of merchandise overnight.
- Rowlet: A modern community favorite that entirely dominated Generation 7 popularity polls. Its completely round, dapper bowtie aesthetic spawned endless memes and an absolute mountain of merchandise.
- Blaziken: The golden standard for Fire-type starters. It broke the mold by introducing the Fire/Fighting type combo, single-handedly defined the competitive meta with its Speed Boost hidden ability, and features one of the most popular Mega Evolutions ever designed.
