Every Generation of Pokémon Starters

Starter Pokémon have always been a fan favorite within the franchise, cherished from the very first trio introduced to the most recent ones. Your Starter is your first companion on your adventure, remaining special even as you catch additional Pokémon. Each generation offers a variety of distinct Starter Pokémon.

As the Pokémon series has evolved, so have these Pokémon. Initially, each Starter was primarily a single type, but as more titles in the franchise were released, the developers expanded their characteristics and complexity, increasing their utility in battles.

Despite the fluctuations in popularity throughout the series, Starter Pokémon hold a unique place in the hearts of many trainers. Below is a comprehensive list of every Starter Pokémon along with the games they appeared in, ranging from the first to the ninth generation.

Generation One: Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander

Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue

Release date: Feb. 27, 1998
Platform: Game Boy

Pokémon FireRed & Pokémon LeafGreen

Release date: Jan. 28, 2004
Platform: Game Boy Advance

Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander, the first three Pokémon from the original games, have become iconic. Many trainers remember the dilemma of choosing their first partner in their quest across the Kanto region. As mainstays, these Pokémon frequently appear in various other titles in the series.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Bulbasaur: Ivysaur evolves into Venusaur.
Squirtle: Wartortle evolves into Blastoise.
Charmander: Charmeleon evolves into Charizard.

Generation One: Pikachu

Pokémon Yellow

Release date: Sept. 12, 1998
Platform: Game Boy

Some players may overlook Pikachu as a Generation I Starter. It served as the sole Starter choice in Pokémon Yellow, which followed the original titles. Despite its limited Starter role, Pikachu has become synonymous with the Pokémon brand and is its most recognizable figure.

Evolution path for the Starter Pokémon:

Pikachu: Evolves into Raichu.

Generation Two: Chikorita, Totodile, Cyndaquil

Pokémon Gold & Pokémon Silver

Release date: Nov. 21, 1999
Platform: Game Boy Color

Pokémon Crystal

Release date: Dec. 14, 2000
Platform: Game Boy Color

Pokémon HeartGold & Pokémon SoulSilver

Release date: Sept. 12, 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS

While the second generation’s trio hasn’t reached the same appeal as their predecessors, they each carry their own charm. Many players tended to prefer Totodile or Cyndaquil due to their strong final forms, but all three are generally well-liked.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Chikorita: Bayleef evolves into Meganium.
Totodile: Croconaw evolves into Feraligatr.
Cyndaquil: Quilava evolves into Typhlosion.

Generation Three: Treecko, Mudkip, Torchic

Pokémon Ruby & Pokémon Sapphire

Release date: Nov. 21, 2002
Platform: Game Boy Advance

Pokémon Omega Ruby & Pokémon Alpha Sapphire

Release date: Nov. 21, 2014
Platform: Nintendo 3DS

The third generation marked a pivotal moment for the series, with improved graphics and a larger Pokédex. The Hoenn region introduced three remarkable starters: Treecko, Mudkip, and Torchic–even with fans leaning towards the latter two due to their impressive final evolutions.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Treecko: Grovyle evolves into Sceptile.
Mudkip: Marshtomp evolves into Swampert.
Torchic: Combusken evolves into Blaziken.

Generation Four: Turtwig, Piplup, Chimchar

Pokémon Diamond & Pokémon Pearl

Release date: Sept. 28, 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS

Pokémon Platinum

Release date: Sept. 13, 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl

Release date: Nov. 19, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Generation IV created a strong following, bolstered by an engaging narrative and vibrant new Pokémon. Players found it very difficult to choose between Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup given their appealing designs. In this generation, Turtwig was on par with its counterparts rather than being overshadowed.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Turtwig: Grotle evolves to Torterra.
Piplup: Prinplup evolves to Empoleon.
Chimchar: Monferno evolves to Infernape.

Generation Five: Snivy, Oshawott, Tepig

Pokémon Black & Pokémon White

Release date: Sept. 18, 2010
Platform: Nintendo DS

Pokémon Black 2 & Pokémon White 2

Release date: June 23, 2012
Platform: Nintendo DS

Unfortunately, this particular trio didn’t garner the same level of affection as previous generations. Following previous games with Fire and Fighting-types, many were disappointed that Tepig’s final form, Emboar, followed this trend as well. Overall, these starters did not resonate well with fans, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for these games.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Snivy: Servine evolves to Serperior.
Oshawott: Dewott evolves to Samurott.
Tepig: Pignite evolves to Emboar.

Generation Six: Chespin, Froakie, Fennekin

Pokémon X & Pokémon Y

Release date: Oct. 13, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Generation VI sparked lively discussions among fans, especially concerning the choices in Pokémon X and Y. Froakie emerged as the fan favorite with its final evolution, Greninja, while the design of the Fire-type, Fennekin, and its last form, Delphox, drew mixed reactions for being viewed as lackluster.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Chespin: Quilladin evolves to Chesnaught.
Froakie: Frogadier evolves to Greninja.
Fennekin: Braxien evolves to Delphox.

Generation Seven: Rowlet, Popplio, Litten

Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon

Release date: Nov. 18, 2016
Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon

Release date: Nov. 17, 2017
Platform: Nintendo 3DS

In the seventh generation, players welcomed Rowlet, Popplio, and Litten. All three starters were well-received, with individual favorites chosen by players. The designs for this generation were seen as positive, although they didn’t achieve the iconic status of the initial three generations.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Rowlet: Dartrix evolves to Decidueye.
Popplio: Brionne evolves to Primarina.
Litten: Torracat evolves to Incineroar.

Generation Seven: Pikachu and Eevee

Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! & Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee!

Release date: Nov. 16, 2018
Platform: Nintendo Switch

In this generation, Pikachu and Eevee returned as starter options in the Let’s Go games, which offered a new approach to gameplay and were geared towards introducing younger players to the Pokémon universe.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Pikachu: Evolves into Raichu.
Eevee: Can evolve into multiple forms.

Generation Eight: Grookey, Sobble, Scorbunny

Pokémon Sword & Pokémon Shield

Release date: Nov. 15, 2019
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Generation VIII introduced Grookey, Sobble, and Scorbunny as starters within the Pokémon Sword and Shield games. Fans praised the creative designs, and while the final evolutions played it safe by not introducing secondary typings, they were generally well-received.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Grookey: Thwackey evolves to Rillaboom.
Sobble: Drizzile evolves to Inteleon.
Scorbunny: Raboot evolves to Cinderace.

Generation Eight: Rowlet, Oshawott, Cyndaquil

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Release date: Jan. 28, 2022
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Pokémon: Legends Arceus marked a significant shift in the franchise with its open-world format and the introduction of a mix of older starters: Cyndaquil, Oshawott, and Rowlet.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Rowlet: Dartrix evolves to Decidueye.
Oshawott: Dewott evolves to Samurott.
Cyndaquil: Quilava evolves to Typhlosion.

Generation Nine: Sprigatito, Quaxly, Fuecoco

Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet

Release date: Nov. 18, 2022
Platform: Nintendo Switch

The latest generation introduces Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco, with Sprigatito’s design captivating many fans. However, Fuecoco and Quaxly also enjoy a dedicated fan base. All three are well-received, especially Fuecoco’s final form, Skeledirge, which adopts an impressive four-legged design and embodies both Fire and Ghost types.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Sprigatito: Floragato evolves to Meowscarada
Quaxly: Quaxwell evolves to Quaquaval
Fuecoco: Crocalor evolves to Skeledirge

Generation Nine: Chikorita, Tepig, Totodile

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Release date: Late 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch

Upcoming is Pokémon Legends: Z-A, expanding on the ninth generation. This title surprised fans by reintroducing two previous generation Pokémon alongside a new Unovan fire starter. Details on whether these starters will receive regional forms remain unclear, yet it’s confirmed that players will have notable options at launch.

Evolution paths for each Starter Pokémon:

Chikorita: Bayleef evolves into Meganium.
Tepig: Pignite evolves to Emboar.
Tododile: Croconaw evolves into Feraligatr.

Generation Ten: ?

Pokémon ? & Pokémon ?

Release date: TBA
Platform: TBA

With new hardware on the horizon, a next-gen Pokémon title is anticipated. Following a trend of releasing new games every three years, a teaser for the upcoming generation is likely to arrive in 2024, with a full release expected in 2025.