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Discover the generation starters in Pokemon GO! Explore rankings of all generations, focusing on their viability and performance.
When deciding on a starter in Pokemon GO, you’re picking more than just a companion—you’re choosing a partner with unique strengths that can help you tackle everything from raids to PvP battles. The starters from every generation bring their own charm and abilities, but how do they stack up when it comes to practicality? Let’s break them down, generation by generation, to see which ones truly shine.
1) Generation 1
- Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle
The Kanto trio holds a special place in the hearts of trainers. Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise all offer strong performances, with access to Mega Evolutions adding extra value. Charizard, in particular, stands out with not one but two Mega forms, making it a versatile choice for PvP and raids. Its Fire/Flying typing can adapt depending on the situation.
However, for consistent success in battles, Venusaur edges out its peers. Its Grass/Poison typing gives it utility against water, rock, and ground types, and Frenzy Plant is an excellent Charged Move. Blastoise is reliable but struggles to keep up with the dynamic presence of Charizard and Venusaur.
- Top Pick: Bulbasaur
- Its early access to strong moves and utility in multiple scenarios make it the most balanced starter.
2) Generation 3
- Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip
Dual typing sets this trio apart. Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert are all incredibly useful, especially with access to their respective Mega Evolutions. Swampert takes the crown here with its Water/Ground typing, which minimizes weaknesses and maximizes effectiveness against key opponents. Hydro Cannon turns Swampert into a powerhouse, making it a PvP staple.
Sceptile and Blaziken, while powerful, are more situational. Sceptile excels with Grass-type moves, and Blaziken’s Fire/Fighting combination makes it deadly in certain matchups, but neither matches Swampert’s versatility.
- Top Pick: Mudkip
- Swampert’s flexibility and power ensure its dominance in most scenarios.
3) Generation 2
- Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile
This trio may not be as flashy as others, but they bring steady power to the table. Totodile evolves into Feraligatr, a Water-type with access to Hydro Cannon, making it a consistent performer in battles. Cyndaquil’s evolution, Typhlosion, boasts Fire-type moves that are excellent for clearing out common Grass- or Steel-type opponents in raids.
Chikorita, while adorable, doesn’t offer as much versatility. Meganium is useful in specific PvP leagues thanks to Frenzy Plant but lacks the overall punch of its counterparts.
- Top Pick: Cyndaquil
- With Typhlosion’s versatility in both PvE and PvP, it’s a safe and effective choice.
4) Generation 4
- Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup
The Sinnoh starters bring solid stats and interesting typings. Infernape’s Fire/Fighting combination makes it a formidable attacker, but its fragility holds it back. Empoleon, with its Water/Steel typing, is unique and offers resistance against common threats, making it a great choice in PvP. Torterra rounds out the group as a bulky Grass/Ground option with potential in specific scenarios.
Infernape evolves the quickest, which helps early in battles, but Empoleon’s utility in PvP gives it an edge for most trainers.
- Top Pick: Piplup
- Empoleon’s strength in Ultra League battles and unique resistance make it a standout choice.
5) Generation 7
- Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio
Each of these starters has something special. Decidueye’s Ghost/Grass typing is intriguing, while Incineroar’s Fire/Dark combination makes it a strong PvP choice. Popplio evolves into Primarina, which balances its Fairy/Water typing with strong moves that give it an edge in certain matchups.
Primarina has better overall usability in end-game content compared to the others. While Incineroar thrives in specific PvP setups, it doesn’t have the versatility that Primarina brings.
- Top Pick: Popplio
- Primarina’s balance and strong move pool make it a solid and dependable partner.
6) Generation 9
- Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly
The Paldean starters offer fun and effectiveness in equal measure. Fuecoco evolves into Skeledirge, a Fire/Ghost type with great utility in battle. Sprigatito’s final form, Meowscarada, focuses on Speed and Attack, making it a strong choice for competitive battles.
Fuecoco edges out its rivals due to Skeledirge’s ability to handle multiple gym leaders effectively. It’s the starter you want if you’re aiming for reliable performance throughout your adventure.
- Top Pick: Fuecoco
- Skeledirge’s wide utility and strong typing make it the ultimate Paldean starter.
7) Generation 6
- Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie
Greninja, the final form of Froakie, is the star of this group. Its Water/Dark typing and high-speed stat make it excellent for competitive play. While Chesnaught and Delphox offer unique roles, they can’t match Greninja’s raw power and adaptability.
- Top Pick: Froakie
- Greninja’s offensive capabilities make it a favorite for both raids and competitive battles.
8) Generation 5
- Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott
The Unova starters have always struggled to stand out. Serperior can use Frenzy Plant in PvP, making it useful in certain leagues, but it doesn’t excel beyond that. Tepig’s evolution, Emboar, brings Fire/Fighting typing that’s serviceable but not extraordinary.
Oshawott, evolving into Samurott, is the most viable option. Its Water typing and access to Hydro Cannon allow it to perform decently in both raids and PvP, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of other starters.
- Top Pick: Oshawott
- Samurott’s versatility and decent stats make it the best of the three.
9) Generation 8
- Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble
The Galar starters are straightforward. Rillaboom, with its Grass typing, performs well thanks to its high Attack stat and moves like Frenzy Plant. Scorbunny’s final form, Cinderace, shines with Pyro Ball and excellent Speed. Sobble evolves into Inteleon, a glass cannon with a strong offense but limited durability.
Among these, Cinderace provides the best results across multiple situations, especially with its high damage output.
- Top Pick: Scorbunny
- Cinderace’s firepower makes it the most reliable of the three.
Whether you’re battling in PvP, tackling raids, or just looking for a reliable partner, these rankings should help you make the best choice for your goals. Each starter has its moments to shine, but some stand taller when it really counts.
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