Pokémon Starters Ranked: Best Starter Pokémon of All Time

The Power of Pokémon Starters

Starter Pokémon are the first Pokémon trainers choose at the beginning of their journey. They set the tone for a player’s adventure and influence early battles, type advantages, and team strategy. Starters are often the face of their respective generations. They have unique designs, memorable evolutions, and in many cases, become fan favorites for life.

Every Pokémon trainer remembers their first starter. Some are chosen for their cool appearance. Others are selected for strategic advantages. Nostalgia also plays a role because starters often appear in games, anime, and merchandise.

The question is which starter Pokémon truly deserve the crown of the best of all time. This blog will rank every starter from Generation I to Generation IX and explore what makes them stand out.

Why Starter Pokémon Matter

Starter Pokémon are not just the first Pokémon in a trainer’s team. They shape gameplay and strategy. Early battles can be easier or harder depending on which starter is chosen. Starters influence how players approach gyms, opponents, and evolution paths.

Some starters are strong in battles and competitive play. Others are loved for design, personality, or iconic status. Popularity is not always linked to strength. Some starters like Bulbasaur are known for being easy to use early on, while others like Charmander require careful play.

Starter Pokémon also have cultural impact. They appear in anime, movies, and merchandise. They often become symbols of their generation. This is why the choice of a starter is a mix of strategy, design preference, and nostalgia.

Criteria for Ranking Starter Pokémon

When ranking starter Pokémon, several factors are considered.

1. Battle Strength – How effective the Pokémon is in early game, gyms, and competitive play.
2. Design Appeal – Visual attractiveness and how iconic the design is among fans.
3. Type Advantages – How well the Pokémon performs against common types in its game.
4. Evolutions – Strength and appeal of middle and final forms.
5. Popularity and Cultural Impact – Fan reception, appearances in anime, and merchandise influence.

Special forms like Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax forms, and regional variants also affect rankings. These unique forms often enhance battle potential or change the design appeal.

Starter Pokémon Rankings Generation by Generation

We will now explore each generation and their starters to see which ones shine the most.

1. Generation I (Kanto)
2. Bulbasaur: Bulbasaur is known for being a strong and balanced starter. It has a dual Grass/Poison type, giving it advantages against early Water and Rock types. Its final evolution, Venusaur, is powerful and versatile in battles. Bulbasaur is also iconic and beloved for its role in the anime.
3. Charmander: Charmander starts weak but evolves into Charizard, which becomes one of the most iconic Pokémon in history. Its Fire/Flying type makes it strong but also vulnerable to Rock-type attacks. Charmander is loved for its design and fiery personality.
4. Squirtle: Squirtle is easy to use in early gameplay. Its Water type counters many gym leaders effectively. Blastoise, the final evolution, is strong in defense and has a cool design. Squirtle is also remembered fondly from the Squirtle Squad in the anime.
5. Generation II (Johto)
6. Chikorita: Chikorita has a supportive role with Grass-type moves. It is less effective in battles early on but evolves into Meganium, which is strong defensively. Chikorita is popular for its cute design.
7. Cyndaquil: Cyndaquil has fast speed and good Fire-type moves. Its evolution into Typhlosion gives it strong offensive capabilities. Cyndaquil is a fan favorite for both gameplay and design.
8. Totodile: Totodile is balanced and strong. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, is a powerful Water-type attacker. Totodile is energetic and loved by many players.
9. Generation III (Hoenn)
10. Treecko: Treecko evolves into Sceptile, a fast Grass-type Pokémon. Sceptile has high speed and can learn moves to counter a variety of opponents. Treecko is known for sleek design and competitive potential.
11. Torchic: Torchic evolves into Blaziken, one of the strongest Fire/Fighting types in Pokémon history. Blaziken can Mega Evolve, increasing its attack power and speed. Torchic is popular due to its strong evolutions.
12. Mudkip: Mudkip is a strong Water-type starter. Its final evolution, Swampert, has excellent attack and defense. Swampert is also notable for its dual Water/Ground type, giving it fewer weaknesses. Mudkip is a fan favorite because of its cute appearance and usefulness in battle.
13. Generation IV (Sinnoh)
14. Turtwig: Turtwig evolves into Torterra, a Grass/Ground type with high defense. It is strong in battles but slower than some other starters. Turtwig is loved for its turtle design.
15. Chimchar: Chimchar evolves into Infernape, a fast and versatile Fire/Fighting type. Infernape is highly competitive and widely used in battles. Chimchar’s speed and offensive power make it a popular choice.
16. Piplup: Piplup evolves into Empoleon, a Water/Steel type. It has strong defensive capabilities and looks elegant. Piplup is famous from the anime and is beloved for its unique personality.
17. Generation V (Unova)
18. Snivy: Snivy evolves into Serperior, a fast Grass-type Pokémon. Its elegance and speed make it popular, but it is less strong offensively early in the game.
19. Tepig: Tepig evolves into Emboar, a Fire/Fighting type with strong attack power. Emboar is powerful but slower in battle. Tepig is liked for its fiery design.
20. Oshawott: Oshawott evolves into Samurott, a balanced Water-type with good attack moves. Oshawott is friendly and effective in early gameplay.
21. Generation VI (Kalos)
22. Chespin: Chespin evolves into Chesnaught, a Grass/Fighting type. It has high defense and is popular for its tough appearance.
23. Fennekin: Fennekin evolves into Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type. It is strong in special attacks and has an elegant design.
24. Froakie: Froakie evolves into Greninja, one of the most popular starters in modern Pokémon. Greninja is fast, versatile, and even has a unique Ash-Greninja form in the anime.
25. Generation VII (Alola)
26. Rowlet: Rowlet evolves into Decidueye, a Grass/Ghost type with unique moves. It is a strategic choice for battles.
27. Litten: Litten evolves into Incineroar, a Fire/Dark type with strong offensive moves. Incineroar is popular in competitive play.
28. Popplio: Popplio evolves into Primarina, a Water/Fairy type. Primarina has strong special attacks and an elegant design.
29. Generation VIII (Galar)
30. Grookey: Grookey evolves into Rillaboom, a Grass type with strong physical moves. It is fun to use in battles and has a cute design.
31. Scorbunny: Scorbunny evolves into Cinderace, a fast Fire type. Cinderace is popular for its speed and versatility.
32. Sobble: Sobble evolves into Inteleon, a Water type with high speed and special attack. Sobble became popular for its shy and relatable personality.
33. Generation IX (Paldea)
34. Sprigatito: Sprigatito evolves into Floragato, a Grass type with fast attacks. It is appealing for design and strategy.
35. Fuecoco: Fuecoco evolves into Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type. It is strong and popular for its unique typing.
36. Quaxly: Quaxly evolves into Quaquaval, a Water/Fighting type. Quaquaval is versatile in battles and has a fun design.

Special Starters and Unique Forms

Some starters gain special forms that increase their battle potential.

• Mega Evolutions: Pokémon like Charizard, Blaziken, and Venusaur can Mega Evolve to become stronger and faster.
• Gigantamax Forms: Certain starters like Charizard and Inteleon have Gigantamax forms that change their appearance and moves.
• Regional Variants: Alolan and Galarian starters have new types and designs, offering fresh strategies in battles.

These forms often affect which starter is considered the best for competitive play or design appeal.

Fan Favorites vs. Battle Meta

Not all starters are chosen for strength. Some are loved for personality, anime appearances, or design.

• Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow is technically a starter and remains iconic.
• Squirtle Squad in the anime increased Squirtle’s popularity.

Starters that are strong in battles may not always be the most beloved. Fan favorites often combine design, nostalgia, and personality with battle effectiveness.

Evolution of Starter Pokémon Design

Early starters were simple and focused on core types. Modern starters have more complex designs and type combinations.

• Cute starters appeal to younger players.
• Fierce or cool designs appeal to competitive players.
• Type diversity has increased, giving players more strategic choices.

The design of starters reflects the evolution of Pokémon games themselves, balancing aesthetics, strategy, and fan appeal.

Top 10 Best Starter Pokémon of All Time

Based on design, battle strength, and fan popularity, here is the top 10 list:

1. Charizard – Iconic design, Fire/Flying type, Mega Evolutions.
2. Greninja – Fast, versatile, unique anime form.
3. Blaziken – Strong Fire/Fighting type, Mega Evolution.
4. Bulbasaur – Balanced, iconic, easy early game.
5. Squirtle – Popular from anime, reliable Water type.
6. Infernape – Fast, strong, versatile in competitive play.
7. Feraligatr – Powerful Water type, fan favorite.
8. Empoleon – Unique Water/Steel type, anime appeal.
9. Inteleon – Fast, stylish, strong special attacker.
10. Cinderace – High speed, strong Fire type, fun design.

These starters combine nostalgia, design, and battle effectiveness to earn their spots.

Tips for Choosing Your Starter Pokémon

When picking a starter, consider:

• Type Advantage – Choose a starter that helps in early battles.
• Personal Preference – Pick the Pokémon you enjoy the most.
• Game Mechanics – Some starters evolve faster or have better moves.

Remember to fully evolve your starter to unlock its true potential.

10. Conclusion: The Legacy of Starter Pokémon

Starter Pokémon are central to every Pokémon journey. They set the tone for early battles, influence strategy, and often become symbols of their generations.

Design, evolution, and popularity all contribute to what makes a starter Pokémon great. Whether you value nostalgia, strength, or design, each trainer has their own favorite.

Which starter is your all-time favorite? Share your top picks and join the discussion with other Pokémon fans.