All Pokémon Starters by Generation: The Full List!

Pokémon is one of the most popular and beloved video game franchises in the world, with millions of fans and players. One of the most exciting aspects of each new Pokémon game is choosing your starter Pokémon, the first Pokémon that you receive at the beginning of your adventure. Starter Pokémon are usually rare and powerful, and they often become your loyal companions throughout your journey.

There are nine generations of Pokémon games so far, each with its own set of starter Pokémon to choose from. In this article, we will list all the starter Pokémon by generation, along with their types, evolutions, and some trivia.

Generation I: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle (and Pikachu)

Generation II: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile

The second generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Gold and Silver (and later Crystal), introduced three new starter Pokémon: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. These three Pokémon are also grass, fire, and water types respectively, continuing the tradition from the previous generation. They each evolve twice, into Bayleef and Meganium, Quilava and Typhlosion, and Croconaw and Feraligatr.

In Pokémon Crystal, which added some features and changes to the original games, the player can choose their starter Pokémon’s gender for the first time.

Some trivia about Generation II starters:

• Chikorita is the only starter Pokémon that has a disadvantage against all eight gym leaders in its home region (Johto).
• Cyndaquil is the only starter Pokémon that does not have a secondary type in any of its evolutions.
• Totodile is the only starter Pokémon that has a different number of teeth in each of its evolutions: 10 in Totodile, 12 in Croconaw, and 14 in Feraligatr.

Generation III: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip

The third generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (and later Emerald), introduced another trio of starter Pokémon: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These three Pokémon are again grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Grovyle and Sceptile, Combusken and Blaziken, and Marshtomp and Swampert.

In Pokémon Emerald, which combined elements from both Ruby and Sapphire, the player can also obtain one of the Johto starters (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile) from Professor Birch after completing the Hoenn Pokédex.

Some trivia about Generation III starters:

• Treecko is the only starter Pokémon that has a different color scheme in its shiny form than its normal form: green instead of red.
• Torchic is the only starter Pokémon that has a different egg group (field) than its evolutions (field/human-like).
• Mudkip is the only starter Pokémon that has a meme associated with it: “So I herd u liek Mudkipz”.

Generation IV: Turtwig,Chimchar, Piplup

The fourth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (and later Platinum), introduced the fourth trio of starter Pokémon: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. These three Pokémon are once more grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Grotle and Torterra, Monferno and Infernape, and Prinplup and Empoleon.

In Pokémon Platinum, which added new features and story elements to the original games, the player can also obtain one of the Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) from Professor Oak after completing the Sinnoh Pokédex.

Some trivia about Generation IV starters:

• Turtwig is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (ground) in its final evolution than in its basic form.
• Chimchar is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (fighting) in its first evolution than in its basic form.
• Piplup is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (steel) in its final evolution than in its first evolution.

Generation V: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott

The fifth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Black and White (and later Black 2 and White 2), introduced the fifth trio of starter Pokémon: Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. These three Pokémon are again grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Servine and Serperior, Pignite and Emboar, and Dewott and Samurott.

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, which are direct sequels to the original games set two years later, the player can also obtain one of the Sinnoh starters (Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup) from Bianca after defeating Cheren at Aspertia City Gym.

Some trivia about Generation V starters:

• Snivy is the only starter Pokémon that has a higher speed stat than any other stat.
• Tepig is the only starter Pokémon that has a lower speed stat than any other stat.
• Oshawott is the only starter Pokémon that has a balanced stat distribution.

Generation VI: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie

The sixth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon X and Y (and later Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire), introduced the sixth trio of starter Pokémon: Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. These three Pokémon are grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Quilladin and Chesnaught, Braixen and Delphox, and Frogadier and Greninja.

In Pokémon X and Y, which introduced the new Mega Evolution mechanic, the player can also obtain one of the Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle) from Professor Sycamore after defeating him in Lumiose City. These starters can Mega Evolve into Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard X or Y, and Mega Blastoise.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, which are remakes of the third generation games, the player can also obtain one of the Johto starters (Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile) from Professor Birch after completing the Delta Episode. These starters can Mega Evolve into Mega Meganium, Mega Typhlosion, and Mega Feraligatr.

Some trivia about Generation VI starters:

• Chespin is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (fighting) in its final evolution than in its first evolution.
• Fennekin is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (psychic) in its final evolution than in its basic form.
• Froakie is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (dark) in its final evolution than in its first evolution.

Generation VII: Rowlet,Litten, Popplio

The seventh generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sun and Moon (and later Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), introduced the seventh trio of starter Pokémon: Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. These three Pokémon are grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Dartrix and Decidueye, Torracat and Incineroar, and Brionne and Primarina.

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, which introduced the new Z-Move mechanic, the player can also obtain a special Z-Crystal for their starter Pokémon after completing their island challenge: Decidium Z for Decidueye, Incinium Z for Incineroar, and Primarium Z for Primarina.

In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, which are enhanced versions of the original games with a different story and features, the player can also obtain a special Z-Crystal for their starter Pokémon after defeating Hau in a battle at Malie Garden: Decidium Z for Decidueye, Incinium Z for Incineroar, and Primarium Z for Primarina.

Some trivia about Generation VII starters:

• Rowlet is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (ghost) in its final evolution than in its basic form.
• Litten is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (dark) in its final evolution than in its first evolution.
• Popplio is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (fairy) in its final evolution than in its basic form.

Generation VIII: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble

The eighth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Sword and Shield, introduced the eighth trio of starter Pokémon: Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. These three Pokémon are grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Thwackey and Rillaboom, Raboot and Cinderace, and Drizzile and Inteleon.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, which introduced the new Gigantamax mechanic, the player can also obtain a special Gigantamax form for their starter Pokémon after completing the main story and defeating Leon in a battle at Wyndon Stadium: Gigantamax Rillaboom, Gigantamax Cinderace, and Gigantamax Inteleon.

Some trivia about Generation VIII starters:

• Grookey is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (rock) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (grass).
• Scorbunny is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (electric) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (fire).
• Sobble is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (sniper) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (water).

Generation IX: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly

The ninth generation of Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, introduced the ninth trio of starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. These three Pokémon are grass, fire, and water types respectively. They each evolve twice, into Sprigato and Sprigalion, Fuecobo and Fuecoro, and Quaxer and Quaxine.

Terastalising is a new feature in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that allows you to change your Pokémon’s type and power up their moves. Every Pokémon has a Tera type, which is usually the same as their normal type, but sometimes different or unique. To Terastalise your Pokémon, you need a Tera Orb, which you can get from Nemona at the Naranja Academy . You can use the Tera Orb once per battle, and it will last until the end of the fight1 . When you Terastalise your Pokémon, they will transform into their Tera type and gain a boost to their moves that match their Tera type and one of their original types12. For example, if you Terastalise a Fire-type Fuecoco into a Fighting-type Fuecoco, its Fire Punch move will deal more damage.

Some trivia about Generation IX starters:

• Sprigatito is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (fairy) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (grass).
• Fuecoco is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (fighting) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (fire).
• Quaxly is the only starter Pokémon that has a different type (flying) in its hidden ability than in its normal ability (water).

There you have it, the complete list of starter Pokémon by generation. As you can see, each generation has its own unique set of starter Pokémon, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages.

But choosing a starter Pokémon is more than just a strategic decision. It’s also a matter of personal taste and emotional bond. Your starter Pokémon will be your first partner in your Pokémon journey, and they will grow and evolve with you as you face various challenges and foes. So don’t worry too much about which starter Pokémon is the best or the worst. Just pick the one that appeals to you the most and enjoy your adventure.

After all, that’s what Pokémon is all about: having fun and making friends. And who knows, maybe along the way you’ll discover something new about yourself and your starter Pokémon. Good luck and have fun!