Pokémon Starters: A Guide Through Generations 1-9

Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. With the release of the ninth generation, fans now have a choice of 27 distinct starter lines across the franchise. Let's explore the diverse array of partner Pokémon that have graced the series over the years.

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 Gens VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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The iconic starters from the Kanto region that began it all are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. These beloved Pokémon first appeared in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since been featured in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They are also available 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 Johto region, introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been available through various means in subsequent generations, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For evolution details in Legends: Arceus, refer to the Gen VIII starters section.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

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The Hoenn region's starters in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These Pokémon reappeared in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been catchable in numerous other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

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Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup are the starters of the Sinnoh region, featured in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While they are not starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores the ancient Hisui region, all three can be caught in the first Legends release and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

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The Unova region's starters in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. While remakes are still speculated upon, these starters are available in several other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

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The Kalos region's starters in Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form called Ash-Greninja, available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles. The Kalos trio has been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC since their debut.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio are the Alola region's starters, introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available through DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For evolution details in Legends: Arceus, refer to the Gen VIII starters section.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

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Generation VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, offering different starter options. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the Galar region's starters, 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 reintroduced Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters of the Hisui region, an ancient version of Sinnoh. Each has unique regional evolutions and slightly different evolution levels compared to previous titles. Additionally, you can catch all three Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum within the game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly are the latest starters introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for the Paldea region. Sprigatito is a feisty Grass-type cat, Fuecoco is an endearing Fire-type crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water-type duck. While trading is required to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past starter Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise progresses into its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet along with the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are currently available for players to explore.