Best Starter Fighter for Pokémon Fire Red Revealed

Author: Brooklyn May 25,2025

Choosing your first fighter in the Pocket Monsters universe is a pivotal decision that sets the tone for your entire journey. The three starter Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed each bring their unique strengths to the table, influencing your strategy and gameplay. Let's delve into the characteristics of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander to help you decide which one will lead you to a successful start.

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Squirtle Bulbasaur Charmander Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey? 0 0 Comment on this Squirtle

Squirtle pokemonImage: ensigame.com

Squirtle, the Water-type turtle Pokémon, is an excellent choice for beginners. Its sturdy shell not only provides protection but also enhances its hydrodynamics, allowing it to swim at impressive speeds. Additionally, Squirtle can shoot precise water jets from its mouth, making it a versatile fighter both in water and on land. While Squirtle may be slightly more challenging to train than Bulbasaur due to its occasionally stubborn nature, it's easier to manage than Charmander.

Squirtle pokemonImage: alphacoders.com

With high defense and balanced stats, Squirtle is a solid pick for those starting their adventure. It offers a significant advantage early on by easily defeating Brock's Rock-type Pokémon and Misty's Water-type challengers. Evolving into Blastoise, Squirtle gains powerful Water attacks and high survivability, along with the ability to use Surf, which is beneficial for both combat and traversing the game world. Its Torrent ability boosts Water moves, while its hidden ability, Rain Dish, restores health during rain. However, Squirtle struggles against Grass and Electric types, particularly in battles against Erika and Lt. Surge, and its attacks are less potent compared to Charmander, with speed being another area for improvement.

Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur pokemonImage: ensigame.com

Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison type, is a versatile starter with balanced stats, making it an ideal choice for new players. Its unique bulb serves as an energy storage organ, allowing it to survive without food for days during dry periods. The bulb grows by absorbing sunlight, and when it becomes too heavy, it signals Bulbasaur's evolution into Ivysaur.

Bulbasaur pokemonImage: pinterest.com

Bulbasaur's Leech Seed ability allows it to deal damage over time, draining the opponent's HP. Its Vine Whip move uses its vines to strike enemies and manipulate objects, showcasing impressive strength. The hidden ability Chlorophyll doubles its speed in sunlight, providing a crucial advantage in battle. However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Pokémon like Charmander. Its speed can be a disadvantage, and in later stages, its evolution retains these weaknesses, with less powerful attacks compared to other evolved forms like Charizard or Blastoise.

Charmander

Charmander pokemonImage: ensigame.com

Charmander, the Fire-type lizard Pokémon, is popular yet challenging at the start. The flame on its tail reflects its health and emotions, burning brightly when strong and dimming when weak. A healthy Charmander's flame can endure even in rain. With high Attack and Speed, Charmander's Fire moves are effective against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. Its evolution into Charizard grants access to powerful moves and the ability to Mega Evolve, making it a formidable ally in later adventures.

Charmander pokemon Image: alphacoders.com

However, Charmander faces early challenges, struggling against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon and Misty's Water-type fighters. Its relatively low defense makes it vulnerable in battle. Despite these initial difficulties, Charmander can become a powerful ally if the trainer is prepared to face the challenges, offering significant rewards in the long run.

Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

starters pokemon in pokemon FireRedImage: ensigame.com

Each of the three Pokémon offers distinct advantages and challenges, making the choice dependent on your preferred playstyle. For an easy start, Bulbasaur is the best choice, handling the first two gyms effectively with its Grass type. If you enjoy challenges, Charmander is a compelling option, though it requires patience and strategy. For balance and versatility, Squirtle stands out, providing a solid foundation for your journey.

In our opinion, Bulbasaur is the optimal choice for a comfortable progression. Its early-game advantages and balanced stats make it a reliable companion from the start, suitable even for beginners. It remains useful throughout the game, proving its worth in various situations.

Each starter Pokémon shapes your playstyle and approach to battles. Consider not only the initial challenges but also your long-term strategy when making your choice. No matter which Pokémon you select, it will be the cornerstone of your adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.