Pokémon Starters: A Complete Guide by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Each new generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, consisting of a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With the release of the ninth generation, the franchise now boasts a total of 27 unique starter lines. Here's a comprehensive look at the starter options from each generation.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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The original trio that kickstarted the Pokémon phenomenon includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved starters debuted in the US with Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since been reintroduced in remakes such as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as well as Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They are also obtainable in several other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

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The second generation introduced Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile in the Johto region, featured in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been made available in subsequent generations, such as through the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in all mainline games except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Generation VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

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 starters make a return in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and are available in various other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

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Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup are the starters introduced in the Sinnoh region with Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although they are not starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which takes place in an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, you can catch them in this game and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

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The Unova region's starters, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, were introduced in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While there are no remakes yet, you can catch all three in various other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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 known as Ash-Greninja through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo, which was transferable to the main titles upon release. The Kalos trio has been available to catch in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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The Alola region's starters introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon are Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. They returned in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available in 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 all mainline games except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Generation VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

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Generation VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with different starter Pokémon. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, all of which are available in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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Pokémon Legends: Arceus brought back Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters of the ancient Sinnoh region, Hisui. Their evolution levels differ slightly from past titles, and each receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. You can also catch the Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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The Paldea region's starters in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. While you need to trade to get all three native starters, you can catch every past starter Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise reaches the end of its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases, including Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are now available.