All Pokémon Starters by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Each new generation of *Pokémon* introduces a trio of starter Pokémon, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. As of the ninth generation, there are now 27 unique starter lines, each offering distinct characteristics and evolution paths. 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 evolutions marked with an asterisk (*) can undergo Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The iconic starters that launched the Pokémon series are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. They first appeared in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since returned in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, as well as Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. These beloved starters can also be found in other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The Johto region's starters, introduced in Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, are Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile. These starters also appear in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. They have been made available in subsequent generations, such as through the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Gen VIII starters.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

In Gen III’s Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, the Hoenn region introduced Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip as starters. These starters reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and can be obtained in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Gen IV's Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum introduced the Sinnoh starters Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. These starters return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While they are native to Sinnoh, they do not appear as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which is set in an ancient version of the region called Hisui. However, you can catch them in Legends: Arceus and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

The Unova region's starters in Gen V's Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. While remakes have not yet been announced, these starters can be caught in several other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The Kalos region's starters in Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form called Ash-Greninja, available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles. These starters have been available in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

Gen VII's Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio as starters. They returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. For Legends: Arceus evolution details, see the Gen VIII starters.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with different starter Pokémon. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the Galar region's starters. These can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus features Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters of the Hisui region, an ancient version of Sinnoh. Their evolution levels differ slightly from previous games, and each has a new regional form upon final evolution. You can also catch the Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Gen IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly as the Paldea region's starters. Sprigatito is a sassy Grass type, Fuecoco is a heartwarming Fire type, and Quaxly is a stylish Water type. While you need to trade to get all three, you can catch every past starter in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise concludes its ninth generation, fans eagerly await the Nintendo Switch 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

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