Pokémon Starters: A Guide Through Generations 1-9

Each new generation of *Pokémon* introduces a trio of starter Pokémon, consisting of a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. Over the course of nine generations, the franchise has amassed a collection of 27 unique starter lines. Let's explore the partner options available across these 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

The iconic starters that kickstarted the series are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved Pokémon debuted in the original US releases Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since reappeared 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

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are the starters introduced in the Gen II games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Native to the Johto region, these Pokémon also appear 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 except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Gen VIII starters section.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

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

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup are the starter options for Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum of Gen IV. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While these starters are native to the Sinnoh region, they are not featured as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui. However, you can catch all three in the first Legends game and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott form the starter trio of the 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 these Unova starters in several other mainline games and DLC. Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The starters of Pokémon X and Y from Gen VI are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained fame in 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 catchable in other mainline games and DLC since their introduction.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio were introduced as the starters for Pokémon Sun and Moon in Gen VII. They returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available through DLC in subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also serves 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 Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Gen VIII starters section.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII marked a shift in the traditional mainline release pattern with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the new starters for the Galar region, which are also catchable in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus reintroduced Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters for the Hisui region, an ancient version of Sinnoh. The evolution levels for these starters differ from previous games, and each final evolution gains a unique Hisuian form. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly debuted as the starters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for Gen IX. Sprigatito is a feisty Grass-type cat, Fuecoco is an endearing Fire-type crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water-type duck. While you need to trade to obtain all three native Paldea starters, you can catch every previous generation's starter in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon series concludes its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases with the upcoming 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 available now.