At the February 27th, 2025, Pokemon Presents, The Pokemon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, including the three starters players will choose from: Totodile, Chikorita, and Tepig. Choosing a starter is always a pivotal decision, sparking lively debates among fans. So, let's dive into which starter you should pick for your adventure in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*.
Totodile
One of the iconic Johto starters, Totodile first appeared in *Pokemon Gold* and *Silver*. As a Water type, it evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and then into Feraligatr at level 30. With a base stat total of 314, Totodile boasts the second-best stats among the starters in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*. Its final form, Feraligatr, is particularly impressive with a base stat total of 530, including a robust 100 Defense. This makes Totodile a solid choice for players looking for a strong and durable companion.
Chikorita
Another Johto starter, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile. Despite often being overshadowed, Chikorita holds the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. As a Grass type, it evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, with base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively. While its evolutions may not match the power of its peers, Chikorita's initial stats make it a competitive choice, especially for players who enjoy starting strong.
Tepig
Hailing from the Unova region and introduced in *Pokemon Black and White*, Tepig rounds out the trio of starters. This Fire type may not get as much attention as other fire starters, but its base stat total of 308 is respectable. The real allure of Tepig lies in its final evolution, Emboar, which not only has a high base stat total of 528 but also gains the Fighting type. This dual-typing adds versatility and strategic depth to your team.
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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?
Selecting the best starter for *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* can be challenging without knowing the full scope of the game's challenges. However, we can make an informed decision based on the available data.
With the return of Mega Evolutions in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, the potential for new forms for the starters is exciting. Additionally, considering the move sets is crucial. Chikorita can learn powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain, Totodile can master Hydro Pump and Superpower, while Tepig can utilize Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All these moves have the potential to significantly impact your playthrough.
However, Tepig stands out due to its final evolution, Emboar, gaining a dual-typing of Fire and Fighting. This grants Emboar resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark, offering the most versatile defensive capabilities among the starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, Emboar's dual-typing provides a strategic advantage that can't be overlooked.
Therefore, for a balanced and versatile gameplay experience in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, Tepig is the recommended starter to choose.
*Pokemon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.*