Pokémon Starters: A Complete Guide by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starters, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations now behind us, the franchise boasts 27 unique starter lines. Let's delve into all the partner options available throughout the series.

Jump To:

• Gen 1
• Gen 2
• Gen 3
• Gen 4
• Gen 5
• Gen 6
• Gen 7
• Gen 8
• Gen 9

Note: Final evolutions marked with an asterisk (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The iconic trio that kicked off the Pokémon saga includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These starters debuted in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since graced the remakes Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as well as Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They can also be obtained in various other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are the beloved starters of the Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Hailing from the Johto region, they also feature prominently in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. These starters have become catchable through various means in subsequent generations, including the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For evolution details in Legends: Arceus, refer to the Gen VIII section.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

The starters of Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These Hoenn natives reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and have been made available in various other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum of Gen IV feature Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as starter options. Each returns in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While native to the Sinnoh region, they do not serve as starters in Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient Sinnoh known as Hisui. However, all three can be caught in the first Legends release, as well as in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott make up the starter trio of Gen V titles Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, all three Unova starters can be caught in several other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott also serves as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The starters of Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, received a special form known as Ash-Greninja in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime, which was available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles upon release. The Kalos trio has since been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Gen VII titles Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio as starters. All three returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available to catch in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For evolution details in Legends: Arceus, refer to the Gen VIII section.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, deviating from the traditional mainline release formula. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as starter Pokémon, while Legends: Arceus featured past starters with new regional evolutions. The Galar starters can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Sword & Shield

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus features Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starter trio of Hisui, an ancient Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ from past titles, and each starter receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. All three Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are also catchable in Legends: Arceus.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly made their starter debut in the Gen IX titles Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a sassy cat-like Grass type, Fuecoco is an adorable Fire croc, and Quaxly is a stylish Water type. While you need to trade to obtain all three native starters, every past partner Pokémon can be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise approaches the end of its ninth generation, fans eagerly anticipate the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are now available.