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

Each new generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations now under its belt, the franchise boasts a total of 27 starter lines. Let's explore all the partner options 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 kicked off the series are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved Pokémon first appeared in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. They've made a comeback in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee, and are also obtainable in other mainline games such as Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are the starters of the Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Hailing from 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. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

The starters of Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. The Hoenn trio reappears in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and they can be caught in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum of Gen IV feature Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as starter options. Each returns in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While native to the Sinnoh region, none are featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient Sinnoh known as Hisui. However, you can catch all three in the first Legends release, as well as in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott make up the starter trio of Gen V titles Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes remain a topic of speculation, you can catch all three Unova partner Pokémon in several other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, 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 Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, received a special form known as Ash-Greninja, featured in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime and offered through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo. The Kalos trio has been available to catch in other mainline titles and DLC since.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Gen VII titles Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio as starters. All three returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available to catch in DLC for mainline games that followed. Rowlet has also appeared as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII deviated from the traditional mainline release formula with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The former introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as starter Pokémon, which can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus saw Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott return as the starter trio of Hisui, an ancient Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ slightly from those featured in past titles, and each partner Pokémon receives a new regional form upon its final evolution. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly made their starter debut in the Gen IX titles Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a cat-like Grass type with attitude; Fuecoco, a wholesome Fire croc; and Quaxly, a poised Water type with flair. Though you need to trade to get all three native starters, you can catch every past partner Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

Now at the tail-end of its ninth generation, the Pokémon franchise is expected to continue with the Nintendo Switch 2's announcement and the highly-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which is currently in development.

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