The Pokémon franchise boasts a rich history of starter Pokémon, with each generation introducing a captivating trio of Grass, Fire, and Water types. This comprehensive guide explores all 27 starter lines across nine generations.
Note: Final evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.
All Starter Pokémon by Generation
Generation I: Kanto Region
The iconic Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – debuted in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. They've reappeared in numerous remakes and subsequent games.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Grass/Poison | Ivysaur (Level 16) Venusaur* (Level 32) |
| Charmander | Fire | Charmeleon (Level 16) Charizard* (Level 36) |
| Squirtle | Water | Wartortle (Level 16) Blastoise* (Level 36) |
Generation II: Johto Region
Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile hail from the Johto region, introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They've also appeared in remakes and later games. Note: Cyndaquil's evolution level differs in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | Bayleef (Level 16) Meganium (Level 32) |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Quilava (Level 14) Typhlosion (Level 36) |
| Totodile | Water | Croconaw (Level 18) Feraligatr (Level 30) |
Generation III: Hoenn Region
Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip debuted in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, and have made appearances in remakes and other titles.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Grass | Grovyle (Level 16) Sceptile* (Level 36) |
| Torchic | Fire | Combusken (Level 16) Blaziken* (Level 36) |
| Mudkip | Water | Marshtomp (Level 16) Swampert* (Level 36) |
Generation IV: Sinnoh Region
Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup were the Sinnoh starters in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, returning in their remakes. While absent as starters in Legends: Arceus, they are catchable within the game.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Turtwig | Grass | Grotle (Level 18) Torterra (Level 32) |
| Chimchar | Fire | Monferno (Level 14) Infernape (Level 36) |
| Piplup | Water | Prinplup (Level 16) Empoleon (Level 36) |
Generation V: Unova Region
Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott represent the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels. They are obtainable in various subsequent games.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Snivy | Grass | Servine (Level 17) Serperior (Level 36) |
| Tepig | Fire | Pignite (Level 17) Emboar (Level 36) |
| Oshawott | Water | Dewott (Level 17) Samurott (Level 36) |
Generation VI: Kalos Region
Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie (whose evolution Greninja gained a special Ash-Greninja form) are the Kalos starters from Pokémon X and Y.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Grass | Quilladin (Level 16) Chesnaught (Level 36) |
| Fennekin | Fire | Braixen (Level 16) Delphox (Level 36) |
| Froakie | Water | Frogadier (Level 16) Greninja (Level 36) |
Generation VII: Alola Region
Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio represent the Alola region in Pokémon Sun and Moon and their sequels. Note: Rowlet's evolution level differs in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass/Flying | Dartrix (Level 17) Decidueye (Level 34) |
| Litten | Fire | Torracat (Level 17) Incineroar (Level 34) |
| Popplio | Water | Brionne (Level 17) Primarina (Level 34) |
Generation VIII: Galar Region & Hisui Region
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble. Pokémon Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott with unique Hisuian regional forms and altered evolution levels.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Thwackey (Level 16) Rillaboom (Level 35) |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Raboot (Level 16) Cinderace (Level 35) |
| Sobble | Water | Drizzile (Level 17) Inteleon (Level 35) |
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Grass/Flying | Dartrix (Level 17) Hisuian Decidueye (Level 36) |
| Cyndaquil | Fire | Quilava (Level 17) Hisuian Typhlosion (Level 36) |
| Oshawott | Water | Dewott (Level 17) Hisuian Samurott (Level 36) |
Generation IX: Paldea Region
Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly debuted in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
| Starter Pokémon | Type | Evolutions |
|---|---|---|
| Sprigatito | Grass | Floragato (Level 16) Meowscarada (Level 36) |
| Fuecoco | Fire | Crocalor (Level 16) Skeledirge (Level 36) |
| Quaxly | Water | Quaxwell (Level 16) Quaquaval (Level 36) |
With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A in development, the Pokémon journey continues. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC are currently available.
