The Pokémon franchise boasts a rich history of starter Pokémon, with each generation introducing a captivating 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 (*) 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—launched the franchise in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. They've reappeared in remakes (FireRed and LeafGreen, Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee) and other mainline games (HeartGold and SoulSilver, X and Y).
| 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 debuted in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Johto region), and were remade in HeartGold and SoulSilver. They've appeared in later games, such as via Pokémon Sun and Moon's QR Scanner. Cyndaquil is also a starter 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) |
(Note: Cyndaquil's evolution level to Quilava varies in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII for details.)
Generation III
Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip (Hoenn region) started in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, and were remade in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. They are available in various other games and DLC.
| 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 launched Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (Sinnoh region) and were remade in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While absent as starters in Legends: Arceus, they are catchable in that game and others.
| 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 starred in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels (Black 2 and White 2, Unova region). They're available in other mainline games and DLC. Oshawott is also 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 (Kalos region) launched Pokémon X and Y. Froakie's evolution, Greninja, gained an Ash-Greninja form via the Sun and Moon demo. The Kalos starters are in other games and DLC.
| 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 debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon, returning in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. They're also in DLC for later games. Rowlet is a starter 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) |
(Note: Dartrix's evolution level to Decidueye varies in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII for details.)
Generation VIII
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble (Galar region). Pokémon Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott with Hisuian regional forms. All Galar starters are in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.
| 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
Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott with altered evolution levels and Hisuian regional forms. Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are also available.
| 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. All previous starters are obtainable via the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero 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 and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are currently available.
