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The 20 Best Starter Pokemon

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With over 800 Pokemon to choose from in the Pokemon Universe and tens of types such as Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Psychic, Electric, Steel, Ghost, etc., it is difficult to determine the audience’s favorites. Furthermore, with different categories such as Legendary, the Pokemon Universe is full of interesting characters. If you were to pick fan favorites, though, Starter Pokemon would undoubtedly be among the top choices for most Pokemon fans.

Starter Pokemon are Pokemon that the trainer chooses at the beginning of their journey.

This basically means that once your Pokemon journey starts either as a player or as an anime watcher, you are first introduced to this very specific group of Pokemon. It’s because of this reason that they are beloved by fans. The emotional connection leads to them being fan favorites.

As with other Pokemon, they are divided into Generations in which they were presented. These Pokemon usually come in trios and are one of three types: Fire, Grass, Water. Each of them represents different regions. Naturally, they can evolve in more powerful forms, and they represent some of the most powerful Pokemon you can find. Starter Pokemon are separated as follows:

Gen I-Kanto Region 

  1. Bulbasaur (Evolves to: Ivysaur,Venusaur)- Grass
  2. Charmander (Evolves to: Charmeleon,Charizard)-Fire 
  3. Squirtle (Evolves to: Wartortle,Blastoise)-Water

Gen II-Johto Region

  1.  Chikorita (Evolves to: Bayleef, Meganlum)-Grass
  2. Cyndaquil (Evolves to: Quilava, Typhlosion)-Fire
  3. Totodile (Evolves to: Croconaw, Feraligatr)-Water

Gen III- Hoenn Region

  1. Treecko (Evolves to: Grovyle, Sceptile)-Grass
  2. Torchic (Evolves to: Combusken,Blaziken)-Fire
  3. Mudkip (Evolves to: Marshtomp,Swampert)-Water

Gen IV- Sinnoh Region

  1. Turtwig (Evolves to: Grotle, Torterra)-Grass
  2. Chimchar (Evolves to: Monferno, Infernape)-Fire
  3. Piplup (Evolves to: Prinlup, Empoelop)-Fire

Gen V- Unova Region 

  1. Snivy (Evolves to: Servine, Serperior) Grass
  2. Tepig (Evolves to: Pignite, Emboar) Fire
  3. Oshawott (Evolves to:Dewott,Samurott) Water

Gen VI- Kalos Region

  1. Chespin (Evolves to: Quilladin,Chesnaught)-Grass
  2. Fennekin (Evolves to: Braixen,Delphox)-Fire
  3. Froakie (Evolves to: Frogadier,Greninja)-Water

Gen VII- Alola Region

  1. Rowlet (Evolves to: Dartrix, Decidueye) Grass
  2. Litten (Evolves to: Torracat,Incineroar)-Fire
  3. Popplio (Evolves to: Brionne,Primarina)-Water

Gen VIII- Galar Region 

  1. Grookey (Evolves to: Thwackey,Rillaboom)-Grass
  2. Scorbunny (Evolves to: Raboot,Cinderace)-Fire
  3. Sobble (Evolves to: Drizzile,Inteleon)-Water

There are certain exceptions in different games and in the anime. Ash famously receives his starter Pokemon Pikachu after he arrives late to the lab. There are other Pokemon games in which Pokemon is given to the player as a starter Pokemon. Now that we know that these Pokemon are fan favorites, the question arises: Well, which ones are the strongest?.  We’re going to list the top 20 strongest starter Pokemon. The names will be based on their beginning form, but the ranking is made with their final evolution in mind. 

20. Turtwig

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Pokemon

Turtwig is a grass-type Pokemon. What makes it unique is that it undertakes photosynthesis in its body and creates oxygen. When Turtwig undergoes evolution to Torterra, it becomes a very well-balanced Pokemon. With an attack standing at 200, defense of 193, and stamina of 190, it is as versatile of a Pokemon as you will find in terms of sheer base stats. While Turtwig’s lack of mobility puts it at a disadvantage, it makes up for it with its steady build and very well-rounded abilities. Having this Pokemon by your side means you’re going to have a Pokemon that can last long in battle.

19. Sobble

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Pokemon

Sobble is a water-type Pokemon. With its ability to camouflage itself in water and make everyone around it cry when they cry, this Pokemon can hide as well as escape if caught. These two skills are valuable. What makes it worth fighting with however is its evolution form: Inteleon. Inteleon is called” The Secret Agent Pokemon”. This is due to its unique combination of hiding and water shooting abilities. Inteleon is also highly intelligent. While its base stats are not extraordinary, its special attack stands at 229. Combined with its above-average speed this Pokemon is a valuable asset to have. 

18. Fennekin

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Pokemon

Fennekin is a fire-type Pokemon. While its base form is okay, its evolved form to Delphox is what makes it stand out more. Delphox attack score is 230, while its resistance to Fairy, Fighting, Fire, Grass, Ice, Psychic, and Steel types makes it easy to rely on when against a wide range of Pokemon.  With its signature move being the famous Fire Spin, it has a good balance of offensive damage and resistance. 

17. Tepig

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Pokemon

This fire/fighting type Pokemon famously caught by Ash, evolves into a seriously strong Pokemon. Emboar is its second evolution form, and it is one of the most powerful Pokemon in terms of sheer power. Its disbalance between its 123 attack and 65 defense means that you need to strategize in order to utilize it. With its low defense and speed but high attack level, Emboar is best utilized among a fast Pokemon who can give Emboar time to charge and deliver its blows.

16. Squirtle

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Pokemon

As 1/3 of the First Generation of Starter Pokemon, Squirtle holds a legendary status among the fans. A water type, it evolves in Blastoise. With two water cannons on its shell at all times, it is said that Blastoise can shoot through a mountain and at a distance of 10km. While it cannot use precise shooting, it shoots water at a large density so that it can overpower enemies. With its legendary status, overwhelming water power, and high stats of attack and defense, this Pokemon is a huge help in battle.

15. Litten

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Pokemon

This Fire-type Pokemon evolves into Incineroar. While in its first form it is an unassuming kitten, when it transforms in its second evolution, it becomes a muscular cat. Incineroar is an aggressive Pokemon and is known to enjoy attacking trainers and other Pokemon who are in a weaker position. Its attack stat of 115 is good, but what separates this Pokemon is its special attacks. 

14. Treecko

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Pokemon

Treecko is a Grass Type, and it becomes a Grass/Dragon when it evolves to Sceptile. Sceptile has the ability to use a piece of its tail as a weapon and shoot it, all while the tail regenerates by itself. With the ability to be both a Grass-type and a Dragon it is able to cover weaknesses that usually these two types have against each other. With a Special Attack of 145, its offensive powers are strong enough to be considered a powerful presence in any battle.

13. Chespin

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Pokemon

A Grass Type Pokemon, Chespin uses its shell as a defense mechanism. Its evolution form, Chesnaught however, takes it to a whole other level. It can flip things that weigh tens of tons, as well as it can shield itself from extreme damage that includes bombs. A defensive force like this in a Pokemon battle is very difficult to overcome especially for long periods of time.

12. Totodile

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Pokemon

Totodile is a Water Type Pokemon. While it is a fan favorite due to its friendly nature, its jaws have the capability to destroy almost anything. Its second-evolution form Feraligatr, has the special ability to increase the effect of attacks with secondary effects, in exchange for neutralizing the second effect. This makes it very formidable in its offensive capabilities.

11. Chimchar

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Pokemon

Chimchar is a Fire-type. Its evolved form,  Infernape is a highly efficient offensive Pokemon, practicing a specific type of Martial Art. This martial art involves the use of all limbs. The fire created by Infernape never goes out.  It is a Fire/Fighting Type.

10. Piplup

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Pokemon

Piplup is a Water-type Pokemon. While its first form is not extraordinary, its second evolution Is one of the more impressive ones. Empoleon is much larger than Piplup and uses its wings to slice anything it believes is a target. Those wings can also be used as a powerful defense tool as Empoleon is also a Steel type.

9. Popplio

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Pokemon

A water type, Popplio can swim fast in the water. Its second evolution form, Primarina, has a balanced offensive and defensive skill set. It can use its melodic powers to create water bubbles that explode. As a Fairy type, it uses fairy special attacks to further increase damage. Primarina represents a very tricky opponent for anyone in a PvP. 

8. Snivy

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Pokemon

A Grass-type Pokemon, Snivy evolves into Serperior. Serperior is a snake-like Pokemon that can transmit solar rays from its body. Its signature move, however, is its speed with which it causes considerable damage. With a Speed stat of 113, combined with its Leaf Storm signature move, Serperior’s speed becomes a problem for enemies in battle.

7. Bulbasaur

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Pokemon

One of the most iconic Pokemon ever, part of the first Gen. Its evolved form to Venusaur is a Grass Type Pokemon. Venusaur uses sun rays to double its speed, by having the flower on his back take in the sun rays. The ability to double his already respectable stats to 160 speed, for a Pokemon of its size and robustness is very popular with fans around the world.

6. Froakie

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Pokemon

A Water Type Pokemon, it evolves to Greninja. This Pokemon is characterized by its ninja-like movement. With swift and unpredictable speed and accuracy, Greninja is considered one of the most lethal Pokemon you could battle, especially in its Ash’s Greninja form. The water/dark type has an attack of 223. This Pokemon’s abilities have made it so popular, that it was chosen as 2020’s most popular Pokemon.

5. Charmander

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Pokemon

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic Pokemon of all time, Charmander evolves into the legendary Charizard. The Fire/Flying-type possesses a wing hotter than magma and fire that is over 3000 degrees. With its ability to become stronger through sunshine, even with the downturns, Charizard remains a very powerful Pokemon that can cause damage from the sky.

4. Mudkip

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Pokemon

A Water-type, Mudkip evolves to Swampert. Swampert has extreme strength and extreme speed. It is stronger than most Pokemon with strength as their main ATK and faster than pokemon with speed as their main ability. Besides offensive ability, Swampert can be very useful defensively through its defensive walls. 

3. Torchic

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Pokemon

Torchic is a Fire-type that evolves into Blaziken, one of the strongest start Pokemon ever. Blaziken can release fire from his body and does a martial art style that allows him to perform damaging kicks. Its power directly corresponds with its body temperature and they go in parallel. With many attacks such as Fire Spin and Blaze Kick and a 240 ATK, it is a very powerful Pokemon.

2. Grookey

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Pokemon

A Grass-type, Grookey evolves to Rillaboom. This Pokemon resembles a Gorilla, and through its drum, it is able to create different attacks, the most famous of which is Grassy Surge. This attack makes the terrain grassy, helping it launch counterattacks quicker. With ATK stats that of around 240, the strength of this Pokemon is undeniable.

1. Scorbunny

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Pokemon

Scorbunny’s evolution form, Cinderace can change its type to its next planned move. This fact alone should let you know that this Pokemon Is unique. Cinderace can create extremely damaging attacks with relative ease. Its ability to use Libero, use its enemies' moves against them is one more advantageous factor that makes Cinderace the strongest starting Pokemon, and not only. 

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