Pokémon Starters: A Complete Guide from Gen 1 to 9

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh set of three starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. With nine generations now, the franchise boasts a total of 27 starter lines, each with its own unique charm and evolutionary journey. Let's explore all the starter options across the generations.

Jump To:

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

Note: Final starter evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Gens VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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The iconic trio that kickstarted the Pokémon phenomenon are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved starters first appeared in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have made memorable comebacks in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They are also obtainable in various other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

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Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are the starters of the Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Hailing from the Johto region, these starters also feature in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. They've been made available in subsequent generations through various means, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil is a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

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The starters of Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These Hoenn region favorites reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and can be caught in various other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

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Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum of Gen IV feature Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as starter options. These Sinnoh region starters return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While they are not featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient Sinnoh known as Hisui, you can catch all three in the first Legends release, as well as in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

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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, you can catch all three Unova partner Pokémon in several other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

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

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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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 mainline games that followed. Rowlet has also appeared as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

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Gen VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, deviating from the traditional mainline release formula. Sword & Shield brought in Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as starter Pokémon, all of which can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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Pokémon Legends: Arceus saw Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott return as the starter trio of Hisui, an ancient Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ slightly from those featured in past titles, and each partner Pokémon receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly made their starter debut in the Gen IX titles Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a cat-like Grass type with attitude; Fuecoco, a wholesome Fire croc; and Quaxly, a poised Water type with flair. Though you need to trade to get all three native starters, you can catch every past partner Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise reaches the end of its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the highly-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

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