All Pokémon Starters by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Each generation of *Pokémon* brings with it a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations under its belt, the franchise now boasts a total of 27 unique starter lines. Let's explore the full array of partner options across the 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. Introduced in the original US-released games Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, these beloved Pokémon have returned in remakes such as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. You can also encounter them in several other mainline titles, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal introduced Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile as the starters of the Johto region. These Pokémon also appear in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been made catchable in subsequent games, 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. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

The Hoenn region's starters in Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. They reappear in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and can be caught in various other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

In Gen IV's Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, the starters are Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although not featured as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, all three can be caught in the first Legends game 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 are still a topic of speculation, 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 known as Ash-Greninja, available through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles. These starters have been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC since their introduction.

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 appears as a starter 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 introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with different starters. Sword & Shield brought Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble to the Galar region, all of which can be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

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

As the Pokémon franchise concludes its ninth generation, anticipation builds for the future with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the eagerly awaited Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

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