Choosing your first Pokémon is a big deal. It is much like picking a career at age ten. It can set the tone for your happiness. When you step into the Pokémon world, especially classics like Red and Blue, you face the classic dilemma: Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur?
The Starter Pokémon Showdown: Kanto Edition
This choice is not simple. It shows your trainer style. It can affect your early game experience. Forget personality quizzes. Your starter choice reveals the real you.
Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle: A Triad of Tough Choices
Trainers have asked this question for generations. “Which is better overall?” Many online discussions raged on. “Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle?” they ask. These are not just questions. They are cries from confused gamers. There is no right answer, despite polls suggesting otherwise. Charmander gets a lot of love, but let’s dig deeper.
Each Pokémon offers unique benefits. As noted, “All three Kanto starters have good reasons for being chosen.” It’s not just about one being “better.” It’s about which one connects with your style.
Trainer Types: Which Starter Aligns with Your Style?
Do you plan every move? If you do, Bulbasaur is a solid choice. “A careful trainer may lean towards Bulbasaur.” Bulbasaur is like the reliable friend. It supports you, especially in tough gym battles.
Or are you a strategic thinker? If so, consider Squirtle. “A trainer who believes a strong defense will go with Squirtle.” Squirtle is tough. It withstands strong hits and survives battles better than others.
If you are an action seeker, then Charmander is your fit. “A trainer who prefers offense will choose Charmander.” Charmander is risky but powerful. It brings high rewards and risks.
Stats and Moves: Peeking Under the Hood
Let’s dive into the stats. We need cold, hard numbers. Statistically, Bulbasaur leads the pack with “a total of 318.” Squirtle has 314, while Charmander comes in last at 309. This makes Bulbasaur statistically the best starter in this game.
Yet, stats do not tell the full story. Move sets matter greatly here. “Squirtle learns specific moves faster.” It can pick up powerful moves like “Dig” and “Mega Punch.” Plus, it’s the only starter that can learn “Surf.” Surf is crucial to navigate the game.
When you break it down, they all have strengths. “Bulbasaur is well-rounded, Charmander is offensive, and Squirtle is defensive.” It’s about what fits your playing style. Choose wisely.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Gym Leader Domination
Now, let’s talk about how these starters handle the Kanto challenges, particularly Gym Leaders. Gym Leaders stand between you and victory. Your starter’s performance can make or break your experience.
Bulbasaur is often considered the best starter. “For Kanto playthroughs, Bulbasaur has strong matchups against early Gym Leaders.” It shines in early battles, making it a star performer.
Its Grass/Poison typing gives it early power. “Venusaur’s typing excels against Brock and Misty.” Grass-type overpowers Brock’s Rock types and also resists Lt. Surge’s Electric moves. Bulbasaur is tailored to succeed through the first stage of your journey.
Charmander struggles early on. “Fire Type suffers against water and rock types.” Charmander becomes strong as Charizard. However, against early Gym Leaders, it faces challenges. Early training requires commitment.
Squirtle is in between them. “Blastoise can shine as a Water type.” Water types provide consistency. They perform well overall but struggle against Brock’s Rock types. Squirtle is not as powerful as Bulbasaur in early battles.
Gym Matchups: A Leader-by-Leader Breakdown
Let’s break Gym Leader matchups down further. “Bulbasaur beats 4 gyms (Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, Erika).” That’s half of Kanto’s Gym Leaders with advantages. Bulbasaur dominates during early and mid-game.
Charmander only excels against one Gym (Erika), and that depends on Charmeleon’s level. Before that, it struggles against hard-hitting foes and must navigate difficult areas first. Charmander trainers need patience.
Squirtle battles are mixed. It’s neutral against Brock, weak to Erika, and strong against Blaine. Its steady performance offers reliability through the journey without extreme strengths or weaknesses.
Game Completion Utility: HMs and Beyond
Beyond battling Gym Leaders, there’s the necessity of completing the game. This means exploring caves, surfacing water, and reaching all objectives smoothly. HMs are crucial for moves that aid in exploration.
Squirtle, thanks to clever design, “is also…
the only starter Pokémon that can learn Surf.” Surf is key for crossing large bodies of water, expanding game areas. A Pokémon with Surf is essential. Squirtle’s unique ability to learn it offers a significant advantage in game progression.
Squirtle has competition. “Bulbasaur can learn the HM “Cut.” This move is effective in battle, but necessary for progression.” Cut clears small trees, allowing access to shortcuts and new zones. Learning Cut enhances Bulbasaur’s utility throughout the game.
Charmander lacks any HM utility in the overworld. Charizard can Fly, but this isn’t considered true HM use for game progression. Charmander depends on battling strength, which isn’t much help in tight spaces or crossing lakes.
Charmander: The Fiery Underdog (or Overdog?)
Despite early challenges, Charmander stays popular. “Why is Charmander the best starter?” “Each Kanto starter has solid reasons for selection based on battle strategy or preference. Charmander appeals to aggressive players with its evolution and strong move set.” It offers an enticing image, fueled by its fire-breathing nature and potential for fierce attacks. Charmander embodies rebellion but has outstanding potential.
Evolutionary Journey: From Cute to Charizard
Charmander’s evolution line is iconic. “Ash’s Charmander belonged to trainer Damian, who cruelly abandoned it, telling it to wait on a rocky outcrop until he returned.” In the anime, Charmander starts isolated and alone. This backstory connects with fans; it triumphs despite challenges and becomes a powerful ally.
Charmander’s early game may present difficulties. “Charmander has the smoothest early game of all 3 starters unless you refuse to train up other Pokémon…” While manageable, it requires effort and maybe catching additional Pokémon for balance. The rewards are worth the effort.
The change from sweet Charmander to Charizard is notable. “To make him a better Pokémon.” It leaves us wondering how the innocent Charmander became a sassy Charizard. Charizard, while powerful, can be stubborn. It doesn’t always obey well, especially in anime. But who wants a pet that is too compliant?
Aggressive Playstyle: Unleash the Firepower
Charmander thrives on offense. “A trainer who prefers aggressive combat with high damage may choose Charmander.” If you prefer overwhelming foes quickly, Charmander suits you. It charges in first, dictating battle flow, and isn’t afraid to endure some hits to gain advantage.
Power isn’t all; speed matters too. “While its stats are the lowest of the trio, it surpasses Bulbasaur and Squirtle in Speed.” Though it has the least base stats, Charmander stands out in speed. This advantage in Pokémon battles often lets Charizard strike first, taking opponents out before they respond.
Fire Type Prowess: Burning Through the Competition
Fire types offer pluses and minuses. “Charmander, as a Fire-type, weakens against Ground, Rock, and Water moves.” It excels against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. This helps against certain Gym Leaders you’ll meet during the adventure. “Fire Type Advantage: Charizard handles early game well but faces challenges from water types.” Early on, Charmander struggles against Rock and Water, but Charizard tackles Grass and Ice types effectively later.
Charmander’s Achilles’ Heel: Type Weaknesses
However, the Fire typing brings vulnerabilities. “As a Fire-type Pokémon, Charmander is weak to Ground, Rock, and Water-type moves.” These types appear often, especially early encounters. Gym Leaders Brock and Misty use Rock and Water types, respectively. Trainers must account for these weaknesses when forming a team.
In competitive Pokémon GO, “The best counters for Charmander include Primal Kyogre, Shadow Kyogre, Mega Diancie, Mega Garchomp, Shadow Excadrill & Shadow Rampardos.” These powerful Pokémon highlight Charmander’s weaknesses even at advanced stages.
Ultimately, “For in-game success, pick Bulbasaur.” Charmander struggles against the first two gyms. Relying on a weak starter may lead to frustrations for inexperienced players lacking alternatives. Bulbasaur simplifies gameplay while teaching game mechanics effectively.
Bulbasaur: The Dependable Early Game MVP
Bulbasaur stands as an underrated starter Pokémon. “Is Bulbasaur the best starter?” “Why choose Bulbasaur?” “For Kanto playthroughs, Bulbasaur/Venusaur is widely seen as the best starter due to favorable matchups against early Gym Leaders.” It’s the practical option that eases your journey in Kanto.
Early Game Domination: Breezing Through Gyms
“Trainers opting for Bulbasaur find their journey through first two gyms smooth.” This isn’t rhetoric. Bulbasaur’s Grass/Poison typing proves effective against Brock and Misty’s challenges. Vine Whip, Razor Leaf, Sleep Powder – Bulbasaur’s moves dismantle Rock and Water opponents efficiently.
“For in-game success, choose Bulbasaur.” In your first playthrough, Bulbasaur’s strength is vital for developing your skills without overwhelming Gym battles early. You’ll have time to explore and catch new Pokémon while studying gameplay mechanics instead of facing constant gym struggles.
Also note the Pikachu comparison. “Bulbasaur excels beyond Pikachu; it has better stats unless considering speed.” Pikachu’s stats don’t impress. Bulbasaur surpasses it in most categories except for Speed. For starters needing early power, Bulbasaur is the better fit.
HM Utility: Cut Through Obstacles
“An essential benefit of choosing Bulbasaur is its ability to learn “Cut.” Cut serves as an attack in battle and is vital for progression.” Cut enables navigating environments smoothly. Learning Cut elevates Bulbasaur’s utility as both a fighter and a valuable explorer companion.
Grass/Poison Typing: A Double-Edged Sword, Mostly Edged in Advantage
“Venusaur’s Grass/Poison typing gives it an edge against the early Gym Leaders (Brock and Misty) and resists Electric from Lt. Surge.” This typing allows Bulbasaur to handle early challenges effectively. It fights Rock and Water types well while resisting Electric attacks making…
It is a powerhouse against the first three Gym Leaders. Grass/Poison typing has weaknesses. It’s weak to Fire, Flying, Psychic, and Ice types. These types appear more later, causing Bulbasaur’s dominance to fade as you progress. But early on, its type gives a massive advantage.
Stat Comparison: Bulbasaur vs. Pikachu (Again)
“Bulbasaur is better than Pikachu as it has better stats than Pikachu. It is weak to many types because it is a Grass-type Pokémon.” To reiterate, Bulbasaur’s stats generally surpass Pikachu’s. This makes it more reliable for a first-time player. Pikachu has charm, but Bulbasaur is stronger statistically.
Squirtle: The Balanced and Versatile Water Warrior
Squirtle is a calm Water-type starter. “Why is Squirtle the best Pokémon?” Opinions differ. Squirtle holds a special place in many hearts. It’s balanced, versatile, and offers a good foundation. It avoids being overly specialized or having glaring early weaknesses.
Strong Water Type: Ride the Wave to Victory
“Water Type Advantage: Blastoise is a strong water type, but there are other great water types in the game.” Blastoise, Squirtle’s last evolution, is a formidable Water type. Water types are strong and versatile. They work well against Fire, Ground, and Rock types common in Pokémon games.
Surf’s Up: Master of the Waves and the Overworld
“Squirtle is the only starter Pokémon that can learn Surf.” This is important. Surf is a powerful Water-type move vital for progressing in the game. Squirtle’s ability to learn Surf provides a significant advantage for navigating and accessing hidden areas.
Gym and Elite Four Effectiveness: Consistent Performance
“AI Overview: Squirtle’s evolution, Blastoise, is often seen as the best Gen 1 starter due to its strong water-type moves and Surf.” Squirtle’s effectiveness goes beyond the early game. “Strong Water-Type: Blastoise’s water-type attacks are effective against Gym Leaders and Elite Four members.” Water types are useful throughout the game. Blastoise’s powerful moves make it reliable for Gym Leaders and the Elite Four, the game’s ultimate challenge.
Cut Too? Versatility Unleashed
“Can Learn Cut: Squirtle and its evolutions can learn Cut for navigating.” While not as unique as Surf, Squirtle’s ability to learn Cut enhances its utility. It’s a Pokémon that battles well and assists in navigating the game world. This makes it a practical choice.
Johto Starters: A Gen 2 Diversion
We’re deep in starter Pokémon territory. Briefly, we hop to Johto, home of Pokémon Gold and Silver (and remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver). Here, the choices are Cyndaquil (Fire), Totodile (Water), and Chikorita (Grass). “Which Johto starter is best?” “For a versatile playthrough, Feraligatr, Totodile’s evolution, is generally considered the top starter.” Similar to Kanto, there’s no clear “best,” but some starters shine more.
Johto Starter Strengths and Weaknesses: A Quick Rundown
Let’s break down Johto starters and their pros and cons. “Feraligatr (Totodile’s evolution): Strengths: Feraligatr benefits from the physical/special split in Gen 4, using strong moves like Aqua Tail and Waterfall. Its level-up moves like Bite, Ice Punch, and Crunch also aid against leaders like Morty, Claire, and Lance. Its movepool is wider than Typhlosion’s.” Feraligatr is often the top Johto starter. Its strong physical Water moves and diverse movepool strengthen it in battle. It benefits from the physical/special split introduced later, utilizing its offensive stats fully.
“Typhlosion (Cyndaquil’s evolution): Strengths: Typhlosion is a powerful fire-type with a good movepool, including Burn Up, a damage-dealing move. Weaknesses: Typhlosion’s fire type can struggle against some Gym Leaders and later bosses.” Typhlosion is a strong Fire type with useful moves, but Fire types can face challenges against certain Gym Leaders.
“Meganium (Chikorita’s evolution): Strengths: Meganium is a tanky grass type with good early moves. Weaknesses: Meganium’s typing can be weak against certain bosses.” Meganium is tanky with decent moves early on. However, Grass types have many weaknesses, leading to Meganium being less popular than Feraligatr and Typhlosion.
Feraligatr: Johto’s Top Dog (or Gator)
“For a strong Johto playthrough, Feraligatr is the best starter, especially in Gen 4 due to its moves and movepool.” Feraligatr’s power, versatile movepool, and Water typing make it a strong choice. It is reliable, powerful, and handles numerous challenges well.
Typhlosion: Firepower with Limitations
“Typhlosion (Cyndaquil’s evolution): Strengths: Typhlosion is a powerful fire type with a good move pool and can learn Burn Up.” Typhlosion is strong and can unleash devastating Fire attacks. If you like Fire types, Typhlosion can be rewarding despite its type weaknesses.
Meganium: The Underwhelming Grass Type
“Meganium (Chikorita’s evolution): Strengths: Meganium is tanky with good early moves. Weaknesses: Its typing can be weak against bosses.” “Meganium is regarded as the worst starter in the franchise. The line is plain and bland.” Ouch. Meganium gets a bad rap. While not terrible, it is seen as the least effective Johto starter and among the weaker versions overall. Its Grass typing isn’t as beneficial in Johto, and its stats and movepool don’t compare to Feraligatr or Typhlosion.
Starter Pokémon: A Generational Ranking
The starter Pokémon debate goes beyond Kanto and Johto. Trainers struggle over starter choices for generations. “What is the #1 best starter Pokémon?” Ranking starters across generations is challenging and subjective. But let’s look at some opinions.
“This update adds five more of the best starters: 1 Tepig. 2 Grookey. 3 Cyndaquil. 4 Bulbasaur. 5 Squirtle. 6 Oshawott. 7 Litten. 8 Totodile.” This list is interesting. Tepig at number one? Grookey at two? Cyndaquil, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle are included! Oshawott and Litten also make the cut. It highlights that “best” is subjective.
“This update mentions top starters.” Another vague mention of “best starter Pokémon.” The search for the ultimate starter Pokémon is ongoing.
“The best starter Pokémon: Squirtle.” Ah, Squirtle shines again! Its versatility, Surf access, and performance resonate with many trainers. It remains popular and highly ranked.
“Cyndaquil. From Johto, Pokémon Gold & Silver’s fiery echidna deserves a strong silver medal on any top list.” Cyndaquil, the fiery echidna, gets praise! Its evolution, Typhlosion, is powerful and stylish, raising Cyndaquil’s ranking.
“Scorbunny.” A shoutout to Scorbunny from Pokémon Sword and Shield. Each generation adds contenders for the “best starter” title, ensuring the debate stays lively.
Find more rankings and discussions about starter Pokémon at resources like the
Journal of Geek Studies, USA Today’s FTW, and Sportskeeda feature facts about starter Pokémon. They discuss stats, movepools, and overall viability.
What Makes a “Best” Starter? Defining the Criteria
What defines a “best” starter Pokémon? Is it stats? Type matchups? Or coolness? Choosing a starter affects a trainer’s journey. Many starter Pokémon have dual typings and strong stats in later evolutions. Several factors combine to create the best choice.
“Popular choices include iconic starters like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pikachu.” These Pokémon have iconic status. Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pikachu (not a primary starter in main series games) are popular choices due to nostalgia and their visibility in anime and merchandise.
Playstyle and Game Progression: Starter Choice Considerations
The “best” starter suits your playstyle and game experience. “All three starters from Kanto have great reasons for selection, whether for strategy or personal choice.” This decision reflects how you approach Pokémon training.
“A trainer who dislikes risk might choose a balanced approach like Bulbasaur.” For a reliable start in early game, Bulbasaur is ideal.
“If Defense is your top priority, you may pick Squirtle.” For those who value defense and versatility, Squirtle stands out.
“If you lean towards offense and embrace risk, choose Charmander.” For a bold player who enjoys fiery attacks, Charmander is your best choice.
