The Pokémon franchise boasts a rich history of starter Pokémon, with each generation offering a compelling trio of Grass, Fire, and Water types. This comprehensive guide explores all 27 starter lines across nine generations.
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 () are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.)**
Starter Pokémon by Generation
Generation I
The Kanto region's original trio—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—debuted in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since reappeared in numerous remakes and subsequent games.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Grass/Poison | Ivysaur (Level 16) Venusaur* (Level 32) |
| Charmander | Fire | Charmeleon (Level 16) Charizard* (Level 36) |
| Squirtle | Water | Wartortle (Level 16) Blastoise* (Level 36) |
Generation II
Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile hail from the Johto region, starring in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, and their remakes. They've also been accessible in various later games. Note that Cyndaquil's evolution level differs in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | Bayleef (Level 16) Meganium (Level 32) |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Quilava (Level 14) Typhlosion (Level 36) |
| Totodile | Water | Croconaw (Level 18) Feraligatr (Level 30) |
Generation III
Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip, the Hoenn starters from Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, have made numerous appearances in subsequent games and remakes.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Grass | Grovyle (Level 16) Sceptile* (Level 36) |
| Torchic | Fire | Combusken (Level 16) Blaziken* (Level 36) |
| Mudkip | Water | Marshtomp (Level 16) Swampert* (Level 36) |
Generation IV
Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup debuted in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, and their remakes. While absent as starters in Legends: Arceus, they are catchable within the game.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Turtwig | Grass | Grotle (Level 18) Torterra (Level 32) |
| Chimchar | Fire | Monferno (Level 14) Infernape (Level 36) |
| Piplup | Water | Prinplup (Level 16) Empoleon (Level 36) |
Generation V
Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, the Unova starters from Pokémon Black and White, are featured in several later games, with Oshawott also appearing as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Snivy | Grass | Servine (Level 17) Serperior (Level 36) |
| Tepig | Fire | Pignite (Level 17) Emboar (Level 36) |
| Oshawott | Water | Dewott (Level 17) Samurott (Level 36) |
Generation VI
Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, the Kalos starters from Pokémon X and Y, are notable for Greninja's Ash-Greninja form. They are available in various other games.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Grass | Quilladin (Level 16) Chesnaught (Level 36) |
| Fennekin | Fire | Braixen (Level 16) Delphox (Level 36) |
| Froakie | Water | Frogadier (Level 16) Greninja (Level 36) |
Generation VII
Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, from Pokémon Sun and Moon, have also appeared in the sequels and DLC. Rowlet's evolution levels differ in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass/Flying | Dartrix (Level 17) Decidueye (Level 34) |
| Litten | Fire | Torracat (Level 17) Incineroar (Level 34) |
| Popplio | Water | Brionne (Level 17) Primarina (Level 34) |
Generation VIII
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. Pokémon Legends: Arceus featured different starters with regional variants.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Thwackey (Level 16) Rillaboom (Level 35) |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Raboot (Level 16) Cinderace (Level 35) |
| Sobble | Water | Drizzile (Level 17) Inteleon (Level 35) |
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Starters
Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott with Hisuian regional forms and altered evolution levels.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass/Flying | Dartrix (Level 17) Hisuian Decidueye (Level 36) |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Quilava (Level 17) Hisuian Typhlosion (Level 36) |
| Oshawott | Water | Dewott (Level 17) Hisuian Samurott (Level 36) |
Generation IX
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Past starters are available via DLC.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Sprigatito | Grass | Floragato (Level 16) Meowscarada (Level 36) |
| Fuecoco | Fire | Crocalor (Level 16) Skeledirge (Level 36) |
| Quaxly | Water | Quaxwell (Level 16) Quaquaval (Level 36) |
With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A in development, the Pokémon journey continues. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, along with the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, are currently available.
