Ever want to see the Pokemon starters in order without any unneeded rankings? After eight generations and over 20 years, losing track of them is easy. While you’re sure to remember your favorite, there are over two dozen others in this catalog of creatures. Check out the complete list of starters from Gen I to Gen VIII.
Gen I Starters
The Pokemon series started in 1996 with Gen I’s Pokémon Red and Blue. Players explored the Kanto region on their journey to become Pokemon Champions. The first set of starters from Kanto introduced the three types that became standard for the duration of the franchise: Grass, Fire, and Water. After the original three starters, the first generation saw several more join the original trio later on.
Bulbasaur
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Pokémon | Grass/Poison | Overgrow |
The first entry in the Pokedex, Bulbasaur, is the first of the three choices in Red and Blue. The Seed Pokemon is also the only member of this starting trio that offers a dual type from the beginning, and the sprout on its back continues to grow through its evolutions. Eventually, the plant blooms into a flower that can absorb Solar energy after its final evolution as Venusaur.
Charmander
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Lizard Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
Pokemon’s first Fire-type starter and the second choice in Red and Blue, Charmander, is a fan-favorite. The Lizard Pokemon is an adorable little salamander with a glowing ember at the end of its tail from the time it is born. This fire symbolizes its life force, and if the flame went out, Charmander would die. Seriousness aside, this cutie only gets better as it evolves, with its final evolution, Charizard, remaining among the most popular Pokemon today.
Squirtle
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Turtle Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
What’s cuter than a tiny turtle with a charming smile? Only its plucky attitude! The final Pokemon in the original trio of starters is Squirtle, the first Water-type starter in the franchise. As its name indicates, this Pokemon squirts the liquid from its mouth and body when threatened, often retracting into its shell. As it grows, so too does its ability to manipulate water. Once it evolves into Blastoise, it’ll shoot water with enough force to pierce steel.
Pikachu
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Electric | Static |
After the release of Gen I, the franchise mascot got a unique game release several years later. In 1998’s Pokémon Yellow, Players don’t get a choice of starters, instead getting the Electric type, Pikachu, from the get-go. The Mouse Pokemon got a chance to shine thanks to the anime’s popularity. Pikachu also returned as a starter for the Gen I remake Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu back in 2018, adding another entry to the icon’s belt.
Eevee
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution Pokemon | Normal | Run Away / Adaptability |
Another standout Gen I Pokémon, Eevee, made its debut as a starter in the Gen I remakes. In 2018’s Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee, players get an Eevee as their partner instead of the original trio. Thanks to its abilities, players can learn moves from each of Eevee’s evolution types, but don’t expect it to evolve; this Eevee won’t change form.
Gen II Starters
It’s a whole new world we live in. Pokemon Johto! Gen II of the Pokemon Franchise introduced the Johto region and several new starters when Pokémon Gold and Silver debuted at the end of 1999. Like the starters from Gen I, the second trio adheres to the Grass, Fire, and Water type.
Chikorita
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
The first starter in the Johto region, Chikorita uses the leaf on its head to attack enemies, often shooting off shards for attacks. Chikorita also gives off a scent that calms its enemies and surrounding Pokemon when waving its head. Unlike Bulbasaur, Chikorita is strictly a Grass type, and each of its evolutions is as well.
Cyndaquil
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Mouse Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
Gen II’s Fire-type starter, Cyndaquil, is a tiny mouse Pokemon, but don’t let its size deceive you. Cydaquil can ignite several skin pockets on its back to create a cloak of flames. The angrier it gets, the more violent the fire. However, if this Pokemon uses its flame coat for too long, it’ll eventually fizzle out. As it evolves, its control over flames grows.
Totodile
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Big Jaw Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
Johto’s Water-type starter, Totodile, is an energetic little croc. Known for its powerful jaws and playful nature, this Pokemon can tear things apart with its bite force. Thanks to its jaw’s prowess, it’s a great attacker, but the rest of its body won’t catch up until Totodile evolves later.
Gen III Starters
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire introduced players to the third generation of Pokemon and the Hoenn region in 2002. Once players enter the Hoenn region during Gen III, they’ll meet another trio of starter Pokemon with distinct forms and abilities. Unlike the starters before Gen III, some of these Pokemon change type after evolving.
Treecko
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Gecko Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
Gen III’s Grass type, Treecko, known as the Wood Gecko Pokemon, spends time scaling walls and scouring trees while staying out of sight. When it gets into a fight, Treecko uses its thick tail to stun its enemies. Treecko is the only starter from Gen III that doesn’t change type upon evolution, which leads to its counterparts overshadowing it and Sceptile, the final evolution in this line.
Torchic
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Chick Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
The Fire-type starter in the Hoenn region, Torchic, loves to stick by its trainer’s side. You’ll likely find Torchic scurrying behind trainers to keep pace. Thanks to an internal fire source, this Pokemon can also spit fire at scalding temperatures, with its control over fire growing as it evolves. Its second and third evolutions take on another type (Fighting), making it the second starter ever to do so. Once it becomes Blaziken, it bounds across the battlefield with incredible speed.
Mudkip
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mud Fish Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
Gen III’s final starter is Mudkip, the Mud Fish Pokemon. This adorable little fish uses the fins on its head like sonar to keep track of objects and animals in the water. Though this aquatic ally loves the water, later evolutions enable it to live on land thanks to a Water/Ground typing. One of the biggest pros for this little guy is that Swampert, its final form, negates its aversion to Electricity. Just watch out for Grass-type moves, as they’re 4x effective.
Gen IV Starters
Almost four years after Gen III started, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl christened the fourth generation when they launched in 2006. During the journey through Gen IV’s Sinnoh region, three more options appear at the start of a new adventure. In this region, each of the starters gets a second type by the end.
Turtwig
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Leaf Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
Gen IV’s first starter, Turtwig, uses sunlight to nourish its body. The Tiny Leaf Pokemon has a shell made of hard soil and uses it to defend against attacks. Though this starter is only a Grass type to start, its final form, Torterra, boasts a Grass/Ground combo with a back so big that trees grow on top of it. The future is bright for this little fellow, provided it gets plenty of training and sunlight.
Chimchar
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Chimp Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
Sinnoh’s second starter is the flaming chimp Chimchar. The Chimp Pokemon has a butt cloaked in flames. The gas in Chimchar’s stomach keeps this inferno going; the better it feels, the stronger the flame. Its final evolution, Infernape, sports a Fire/Fighting mix and overwhelms others with its blistering speed and bombastic nature.
Piplup
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Penguin Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
Piplup is the most challenging starter Pokemon to bond in Gen IV with due to its proud personality. It’ll take some time to form a connection with Piplup and longer to get it to listen. Eventually, though, the Water-type will come around, and its final evolution, Empoleon, is a solid partner. The Water/Steel mashup swims as fast as jet boats, with sharp wings that can literally break the ice.
Related: All of the new Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet
Gen V Starters
Gen V takes place in the Unova region, introducing players to another set of new allies. Unova debuted alongside Pokémon Black and White in 2010, adding over 150 new Pokemon to the roster.
Snivy
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Snake Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
The Grass-type starter for Gen V is Snivy. This Grass Snake Pokemon uses its tail to absorb sunlight, and the more sunlight they ingest, the quicker they move. If you want to know how good your partner feels, look at its tail. Sick Snivy tails droop, and wilt, meaning your buddy may need a break. Unlike the fourth Gen’s starter, Turtwig, Snivy remains a Grass type through its evolutions. Its final form, Serperior, will only fight at full strength against worthy opponents, judging them with an icy glare.
Tepig
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Pig Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
The Fire Pig Pokemon, Tepig, often shoots fire from the tip of its snout, but getting too excited makes it lose control of its powers. Tepig is also the sole member of this trio to gain a second type by the end of its line. Once you have its final form, Emboar, on your team, there’ll be yet another Fire/Fighting starter to add to your collection.
Oshawott
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Otter Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
Unova’s Water starter is the Sea Otter Pokemon, Oshawott. This little sea-faring mammal often uses the shell on its stomach as a battle weapon, but you may also see it using the item to break open the berries it eats. Once this Pokemon reaches the final stage of its evolution, Samurott, it’ll use the armor plating its entire body as a weapon, including the large sword on its head.
Gen VI Starters
After Gen V, players head off to the Kalos region and Gen VI. Pokemon X and Y launched in 2013 for the 3DS. This is the first entry in the franchise to use 3D models and forgo the pixel art from Gen I-V. Players get three new starters during this Gen, each with a dual typing for their final evolution.
Chespin
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Spiny Nut Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
The first fresh face of Gen VI, Chespin, is an adorable ally. The Spiny Nut Pokemon gets its name from the formidable mass on its head. Though the green headdress is often soft, the critter can flex this part of its body, making it hard enough to stop a speeding truck. You’ll often see the little fighter using its head as a weapon. Once it hits its final form, Chesnaught, it’ll take on a Grass/Fighting combo.
Fennekin
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
The second starter in Kalos, Fennekin, is the Fox Pokemon. If you see this little mammal munching on something, don’t assume it’s food. Fennekin can chew up twigs to help power up attacks. You’ll want to avoid its ears when it’s chewing as it vents air over 375 degrees F. The final form of this furry starter is Delphox, a Fire/Psychic-type that uses a stick to focus the energy from its attacks.
Froakie
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Frog Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
The standout starter from Gen VI, Froakie, comes from humble beginnings. The white masses covering its body are bubbles it secretes from its skin, giving it the nickname: Bubble Frog Pokemon. Though its first form may look a bit goofy, it’s a powerful ally that only grows stronger over time. Froakie’s final form, Greninja, is a powerful Water/Dark-type that can throw shuriken made of water. These weapons are strong enough to sever metal, so be careful around this popular Pokemon.
Gen VII Starters
Gen VII takes us to the Alola region, a locale inspired by the tropical islands of Hawaii. Pokemon Sun and Moon launched in 2016 as the second mainline entries for the Pokemon series on the 3DS. Here in Alola, there are three new starters, each with a unique form, personality, and type pairing.
Rowlet
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Quill Pokémon | Grass/Flying | Overgrow |
The Grass Quill Pokemon, Rowlet, takes the role of Gen VII’s Grass-type starter. This Grass/Flying hybrid is a dual typing from the start, an irregularity for most starter Pokemon. This little bird often uses its feather quills to attack, which are sharp enough to break rock. Rowlet also has impressive kicking power and uses its legs to keep foes at bay. The final evolution of Rowlet, Decidueye, changes into a Grass/Ghost-type known for shooting arrows with blistering speed. Thanks to the shape of its headdress, it can transform its body into a bow.
Litten
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Cat Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
Litten is the Fire starter in Gen VII, and it’s a problematic Pokemon to train. Litten is often wary around people, and it can take some time to warm up to its trainer. Even after it bonds with a partner, it still values its independence, so offering too much attention can scare it away. This Pokemon can set its body on fire, and while it’s an excellent method for attacks, Litten also burns off its shedding fur twice a year. The final evolution in Litten’s line, Incineroar, is a Fire/Dark-type luchador known for flattening opponents with wrestling moves.
Popplio
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Lion Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
Popplio is the friendliest of Gen VII’s starters, often aiming to entertain those around it. The Sea Lion Pokemon can use its nose to balance balloons and bounce them, which it usually does. This limber Pokemon also does tricks on the balloons it creates, making it an acrobatic attacker. The final form for Popplio, Primarina, continues to perform, even during battles. Expect to see singing and dancing once this Water/Fairy-type appears on the field.
Gen VIII Starters
Gen VIII of the Pokemon series brought the franchise to the Nintendo Switch with Pokemon Sword and Shield back in 2019 as the first mainline entry in the home console catalog. Trainers in Sword and Shield explore the Galar region and meet several new starters as they begin their journey. The starters in this generation don’t change type, sticking with either Grass, Fire, or Water type throughout their evolution.
Grookey
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Chimp Pokémon | Grass | Overgrow |
The second ape-based starter in the catalog, Grookey takes the mantle for Grass starter in Gen VIII. This little monkey uses the stick in its hair to create beats on anything it thwacks. The Chimp Pokemon’s rhythms aren’t just for show, either. Thumps with its stick carry energy that heals plants via the sound waves it produces. Its final evolution, Rillaboom, holds a tree stump that it can use as a drum.
Scorbunny
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit Pokémon | Fire | Blaze |
The Rabbit Pokemon, Scorbunny, is an energetic starter. The more it runs, the more firepower it stores in its body, particularly in the pads on its feet and nose. It takes some time for Scorbunny to warm up, but after it does, it’s ready for battle! Cinderace, its final evolution, often juggles a pebble on its feet before cloaking it in a fireball to chuck at enemies.
Sobble
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Water Lizard Pokémon | Water | Torrent |
The Water-type starter of Gen VIII, Sobble, often cries when afraid. This Water Lizard Pokemon’s tears aren’t just for show, though. Attackers who get too close when Sobble is crying will inhale the chemicals it exudes and start sobbing. It’s an odd but effective defense method. The final evolution for Sobble, Inteleon, shoots water from its fingertips with pinpoint accuracy.
For more on Pokemon, stay tuned to Press SPACE to Jump!
