Picking your first Pokémon is one of the most memorable moments in any trainer’s life. Whether you were staring down a Poké Ball in Professor Oak’s lab or choosing a companion under the stars in Paldea, your starter defines your early battles, your bond with the world, and sometimes even your identity as a trainer. With 9 mainline generations, spinoffs, and alternate forms, there are more starters than ever before.
In this ultimate 2025 guide, we’ve ranked and revisited every official starter Pokémon, organized by region and type—Grass, Fire, and Water. We’ll explore their final evolutions, fan love (or criticism), and legacy, all while keeping it fun and nostalgic for fans new and old.
📍 All Starter Pokémon by Region
| Region | Grass Starter | Fire Starter | Water Starter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanto | Bulbasaur | Charmander | Squirtle |
| Johto | Chikorita | Cyndaquil | Totodile |
| Hoenn | Treecko | Torchic | Mudkip |
| Sinnoh | Turtwig | Chimchar | Piplup |
| Unova | Snivy | Tepig | Oshawott |
| Kalos | Chespin | Fennekin | Froakie |
| Alola | Rowlet | Litten | Popplio |
| Galar | Grookey | Scorbunny | Sobble |
| Paldea | Sprigatito | Fuecoco | Quaxly |
🌿 Grass-Type Starters (Ranked by Legacy)
1. Rowlet (Alola) → Decidueye (Grass/Ghost)
A fan-favorite from the moment it rolled onto the scene, Rowlet’s evolution into the stealthy Decidueye gave it cool factor and competitive utility. Ghost-typing made it unique among starters, and its animations charmed everyone.
2. Treecko (Hoenn) → Sceptile (Grass)
Sleek, fast, and edgy. Sceptile became cooler with a Mega Evolution and even appeared in Super Smash Bros. The original speedster among Grass-types.
3. Sprigatito (Paldea) → Meowscarada (Grass/Dark)
Despite backlash over bipedal evolution, Meowscarada’s magician-thief style won fans over. It’s also a competitive gem thanks to Protean and great Speed.
4. Turtwig (Sinnoh) → Torterra (Grass/Ground)
A tanky, grounded design that became beloved over time. Torterra’s dual typing and tree-on-back motif made it a memorable addition to Sinnoh.
5. Bulbasaur (Kanto) → Venusaur (Grass/Poison)
The OG. Often underrated next to Charizard, Venusaur became a competitive wall with Sleep Powder and Leech Seed. Mega Venusaur helped solidify its place.
6. Snivy (Unova) → Serperior (Grass)
Stylish and smug. Serperior isn’t bulky, but its Contrary ability turned Leaf Storm into a power move. A staple in fan lists for elegance alone.
7. Chespin (Kalos) → Chesnaught (Grass/Fighting)
Not everyone loved its bulkier evolution, but Chesnaught has defensive flair and a unique niche. Grass/Fighting was a fun change.
8. Grookey (Galar) → Rillaboom (Grass)
Booming into the meta with Grassy Surge, Rillaboom became a competitive monster. Some fans felt Grookey was less charming than other starters, though.
9. Chikorita (Johto) → Meganium (Grass)
Meganium gets the least love—both competitively and in-game. Still, its gentle healer vibe appeals to certain nostalgic trainers.
🔥 Fire-Type Starters (Ranked by Popularity)
1. Charmander (Kanto) → Charizard (Fire/Flying)
The ultimate fan-favorite. With two Mega Evolutions and a Gigantamax form, Charizard has been everywhere—from anime battles to Smash Bros. Love it or loathe the overexposure, it’s iconic.
2. Froakie (Kalos) → Greninja (Water/Dark)
Yes, it’s a Water-type, but Greninja’s Ash-Greninja form and ninja design made it the de facto Fire rival in Kalos. It was voted the most popular Pokémon globally.
3. Cyndaquil (Johto) → Typhlosion (Fire / Fire-Ghost in Hisui)
The original cozy Fire-type, Typhlosion saw renewed fan love with Hisuian form. Ghost typing gave it the edge it lacked before.
4. Chimchar (Sinnoh) → Infernape (Fire/Fighting)
A fiery martial artist with brains and brawn. Infernape’s balanced stats and anime presence (Ash’s ace) make it an enduring fan favorite.
5. Torchic (Hoenn) → Blaziken (Fire/Fighting)
Blaziken introduced Speed Boost and kicked off the Fire/Fighting trend. Powerful, stylish, and a Mega Evolution to match.
6. Fuecoco (Paldea) → Skeledirge (Fire/Ghost)
Goofy to majestic. Skeledirge sings ghostly lullabies while tanking hits. A solid choice for story and postgame battles.
7. Scorbunny (Galar) → Cinderace (Fire)
A soccer star bunny with Libero ability, Cinderace was dominant in Gen VIII. Some found the humanoid form off-putting, but others loved the energy.
8. Litten (Alola) → Incineroar (Fire/Dark)
A heel wrestler with personality. Incineroar became a pro in VGC and Smash Bros. Still, some fans were bummed Litten didn’t stay sleek and feline.
9. Tepig (Unova) → Emboar (Fire/Fighting)
After two Fire/Fighting starters, fans weren’t thrilled with Emboar. Though design-wise it’s unique, slow Speed held it back.
💧 Water-Type Starters (Ranked by Strength & Style)
1. Froakie (Kalos) → Greninja (Water/Dark)
Yes, again. Greninja is both stylish and dominant in battle, with Battle Bond, Protean, and ninja flair. It’s the Water-type to beat.
2. Mudkip (Hoenn) → Swampert (Water/Ground)
Few weaknesses, big bulk. Swampert’s Mega Evolution made it unstoppable. Memes helped too: “I herd u liek Mudkipz.”
3. Piplup (Sinnoh) → Empoleon (Water/Steel)
Adorable with a regal twist. Empoleon’s Steel typing and anime popularity via Dawn made it a cultural icon.
4. Totodile (Johto) → Feraligatr (Water)
A wild, energetic croc. Feraligatr isn’t meta-defining, but packs nostalgia and raw bite. It’s got attitude to spare.
5. Oshawott (Unova) → Samurott / Hisuian Samurott (Water → Water/Dark)
Divisive due to drastic evolution changes, but Hisuian form redeemed it. Samurai styling and unique moves make it memorable.
6. Popplio (Alola) → Primarina (Water/Fairy)
Initially mocked but grew into a fan-favorite. Primarina’s dual typing and singer-themed evolution gave it both style and strategy.
7. Quaxly (Paldea) → Quaquaval (Water/Fighting)
Dancing its way into battle, Quaquaval brings flamboyance and flair. Not everyone vibed with it, but it’s strong and unique.
8. Squirtle (Kanto) → Blastoise (Water)
Cool, classic, and dependable. Mega Blastoise gave it offensive power, but it’s often overshadowed by its fiery rival.
9. Sobble (Galar) → Inteleon (Water)
Started with relatable anxiety, ended as a slick spy. Fans are mixed on its humanoid design, though it hits hard in battle.
Bonus: Alternate & Spinoff Starters
- Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee (Kanto): Unique movesets and enhanced stats made Pikachu and Eevee feel fresh.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus: Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott returned with Hisuian evolutions, sparking renewed love.
- Mystery Dungeon Series: Starters expanded to include non-traditional picks like Eevee, Cubone, and Meowth, offering emotional, story-driven adventures.
- Pokémon GO: Community Day starters let players relive starter moments in AR with special moves and evolutions.
Ultimate Tier List: Best Starters Overall (2025 Edition)
S Tier – Timeless, iconic, and top-performing
Greninja, Charizard, Infernape, Swampert, Decidueye, Typhlosion (Hisuian)
A Tier – Fan-favorites with strong competitive value
Blaziken, Rillaboom, Cinderace, Empoleon, Skeledirge, Sceptile
B Tier – Beloved by some, mixed reception from others
Primarina, Torterra, Serperior, Meowscarada, Incineroar, Feraligatr
C Tier – Underrated or underused, but still have charm
Meganium, Emboar, Inteleon, Quaquaval, Chesnaught
Who’s Your Starter Soulmate?
Whether you chose your starter because it looked cool, had a type advantage, or just felt right, that decision stays with you. Starters are more than battlers they’re companions, symbols of a beginning, and reminders of why we all fell in love with Pokémon.
So… who was your first starter? And which one do you always go back to? Share your pick, Trainer and may your journey always be super effective. 🌟