Pokémon Starters: A Guide to Gens 1-9

Each generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, each featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations under its belt, the franchise now boasts 27 starter lines. Let's dive into the complete lineup of these beloved partner Pokémon 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. These beloved Pokémon debuted in the original US releases Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow and have returned in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They're also obtainable in various other mainline games, including 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, native to the Johto region. They've also appeared in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been made available in subsequent games through methods like the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Cyndaquil is also a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in every mainline game but Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip are the starters of Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, representing the Hoenn region. 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

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum of Gen IV feature Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as starter options, native to the Sinnoh region. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While not featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, you can catch all three in the first Legends release and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott are the starters of Gen V titles Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, from the Unova region. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these Unova partners can be caught in various other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie are the starters of Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y, representing the Kalos region. 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. The Kalos trio has been catchable in various other mainline titles and DLC since.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

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

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game but 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, offering different starter Pokémon. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, representing the Galar region. All three are also catchable in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starter trio of Hisui, an ancient Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ slightly from previous titles, and each final evolution has a new regional form. You can also catch all three Sinnoh starters from 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, representing the Paldea region. Sprigatito is a sassy cat-like Grass type, Fuecoco is a lovable Fire croc, and Quaxly is a stylish Water type. While trading is required to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past partner Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise concludes its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases with the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and the development of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

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