Discover All Pokémon Starters: Every First Partner From Kanto To Paldea

Catharine Leannon 04 Aug 2025

There are hundreds of fascinating creatures known as Pokémon scattered across many regions, yet you always gotta start with only one special friend. This very first choice sets the tone for your whole grand adventure, shaping how you explore the vast world and face its many challenges. It's a moment many players remember fondly, picking that one creature that will stay by their side through thick and thin.

This article is here to help you get a good look at all Pokémon starters, from the very first generation, all the way through to the newest discoveries in the Paldea region. We want to simplify the process of choosing the right pal, or maybe just help you remember old friends. So, if you carefully choose your starting Pokémon to make sure you have the best beginning for your adventure, then this article is definitely for you.

Every generation of Pokémon brings with it a fresh set of three starters, each with its own charm and unique abilities. These are the first partner Pokémon for each main Pokémon game in the series. Your starter will always be your special little pal, even as you gather more Pokémon throughout your journey. Today, we're listing all Pokémon starters by generation, starting from Pokémon Red & Blue and going right up to Scarlet & Violet!

The Meaning of a First Partner Pokémon
Generation I: Kanto – The Beginning
Generation II: Johto – A New Era
Generation III: Hoenn – Diverse Climates
Generation IV: Sinnoh – Myths and Legends
Generation V: Unova – A Fresh Start
Generation VI: Kalos – Style and Mega Evolution
Generation VII: Alola – Tropical Adventures
Generation VIII: Galar – The Wild Area Awaits
Generation IX: Paldea – Open-World Exploration
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Starters
Your First Friend: A Lasting Bond

The Meaning of a First Partner Pokémon

A first partner Pokémon, which some people call a starter Pokémon, is the very first creature a trainer gets at the start of their Pokémon journey. This special bond is something that really shapes the trainer's path. It's almost like a rite of passage, you know, getting your first companion.

These are not just any Pokémon; they represent the beginning of a grand adventure, a symbol of growth and friendship. They often become one of the most powerful members of a trainer's team, and very often, they are kept all the way to the very end of the game, too. It's a choice that many players think about quite a bit.

Generation I: Kanto – The Beginning

The Kanto region, which many remember from Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, is where it all began. Professor Oak, a truly famous researcher, offers new trainers a choice of three distinct creatures. This original trio set the standard for every generation that followed, so it's a very important group.

Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur is a Grass and Poison-type Pokémon, known for the large bulb on its back. This creature is often seen as a gentle yet sturdy choice, able to handle early challenges with its unique typing. It evolves into Ivysaur and then the powerful Venusaur, which can be quite a strong ally in battles, you know.

Charmander

Charmander, the Fire-type lizard Pokémon, is a popular pick for many trainers. It's a bit of a fiery spirit, and its final form, Charizard, is incredibly well-liked and very powerful. Choosing Charmander often means you might have a slightly tougher time in the early parts of the game, but it pays off later, in a way.

Squirtle

Squirtle is the Water-type tiny turtle Pokémon, and it's quite a charming choice. It evolves into Wartortle and then the formidable Blastoise, which has cannons on its back, actually. Squirtle is often a solid choice for new trainers, providing a good balance of offense and defense, you know, right from the start.

Generation II: Johto – A New Era

The Johto region, featured in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, brought with it a whole new set of first partners. Professor Elm in New Bark Town introduces trainers to these three, who offer a fresh feel while still keeping that classic Pokémon charm. This generation really expanded the world, too.

Chikorita

Chikorita is a Grass-type Pokémon that looks a bit like a small dinosaur with a leaf on its head. It's known for its sweet disposition and its ability to heal others. It evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, which is a truly elegant creature, you know. Choosing Chikorita often means focusing on support in battles.

Cyndaquil

Cyndaquil, the Fire-type mouse Pokémon, is a bundle of energy. It's quite shy but can unleash powerful flames from its back when it needs to. It evolves into Quilava and then Typhlosion, which is a fast and strong Fire-type. Many trainers love Cyndaquil for its speed and fiery attacks, so it's a good pick for offensive players.

Totodile

Totodile is a Water-type crocodile Pokémon, full of lively spirit and a big grin. This little guy is known for its strong bite and playful nature. It evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr, a powerful Water-type that can really make a splash in battles. Totodile is a solid choice for those who like a strong physical attacker, pretty much.

Generation III: Hoenn – Diverse Climates

The Hoenn region, which you explore in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, presents a world with a lot of different environments, from volcanoes to deep oceans. Professor Birch, who you meet in Littleroot Town, has three more interesting first partners for new trainers. This set of starters is quite unique, too.

Treecko

Treecko is a Grass-type gecko Pokémon, known for its cool and collected demeanor. It's very agile and can stick to walls, which is pretty neat. It evolves into Grovyle and then Sceptile, a very fast Grass-type. Choosing Treecko means you'll have a swift attacker on your team, which can be a real advantage, you know.

Torchic

Torchic is a Fire-type chick Pokémon that is quite small but has a lot of spirit. It can breathe fire and is known for its bravery. It evolves into Combusken, which gains a Fighting type, and then Blaziken, a powerful Fire and Fighting-type. Blaziken is quite popular for its strong attacks, actually.

Mudkip

Mudkip is a Water-type mud fish Pokémon, and it's quite adorable with its big head fin. It's able to live both on land and in water, which is kind of special. It evolves into Marshtomp, which also gains a Ground type, and then Swampert, a powerful Water and Ground-type. Swampert is known for being very sturdy in battles, too.

Generation IV: Sinnoh – Myths and Legends

The Sinnoh region, found in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, is a place filled with ancient myths and very tall mountains. Professor Rowan, a serious but kind researcher, offers the first partners here. This generation brought some truly memorable creatures, and many people have fond memories of them, too.

Turtwig

Turtwig is a Grass-type tiny turtle Pokémon, with a small sapling growing on its head. It's a very grounded creature, known for its sturdy build. It evolves into Grotle and then Torterra, which is a massive Grass and Ground-type with a whole tree on its back. Torterra is a very strong physical defender, you know.

Chimchar

Chimchar is a Fire-type chimpanzee Pokémon, known for its fiery tail and acrobatic moves. It's a very playful and energetic creature. It evolves into Monferno, gaining a Fighting type, and then Infernape, a quick and powerful Fire and Fighting-type. Infernape is often a favorite for its speed and mixed attacks, pretty much.

Piplup

Piplup is a Water-type penguin Pokémon, known for its pride and determination. It can be a little stubborn, but it's very loyal. It evolves into Prinplup and then Empoleon, a majestic Water and Steel-type. Empoleon is quite unique with its dual typing and special attack prowess, so it's a very interesting choice.

Generation V: Unova – A Fresh Start

The Unova region, which is the setting for Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, is quite different, with a more urban feel and a very diverse landscape. Professor Juniper, a kind and helpful person, provides the first partners in this region. This generation felt like a fresh beginning for many, in a way.

Snivy

Snivy is a Grass-type grass snake Pokémon, known for its calm and cool attitude. It's very graceful and can move quickly. It evolves into Servine and then Serperior, a regal Grass-type. Serperior is known for its speed and special abilities, making it a very strategic choice, you know.

Tepig

Tepig is a Fire-type fire pig Pokémon, known for its cheerful nature and its ability to snort fire. It's quite a lively little creature. It evolves into Pignite, gaining a Fighting type, and then Emboar, a powerful Fire and Fighting-type. Emboar is a strong physical attacker, and it's quite sturdy, too.

Oshawott

Oshawott is a Water-type sea otter Pokémon, known for the shell blade on its belly which it uses to fight. It's a bit clumsy but very determined. It evolves into Dewott and then Samurott, a Water-type that looks quite like a samurai. Samurott is known for its balance of attack and defense, so it's a good all-around pick.

Generation VI: Kalos – Style and Mega Evolution

The Kalos region, from Pokémon X and Y, introduced players to a very stylish and beautiful land, inspired by France. Professor Sycamore, a very friendly and passionate researcher, offers the first partners here. This generation brought in Mega Evolution, which changed battles quite a bit, actually.

Chespin

Chespin is a Grass-type spiny armor Pokémon, known for its cheerful disposition and its protective shell. It's a bit clumsy but very brave. It evolves into Quilladin and then Chesnaught, a sturdy Grass and Fighting-type. Chesnaught is a very good physical defender, and it can take a lot of hits, too.

Fennekin

Fennekin is a Fire-type fox Pokémon, known for its intelligent and somewhat mischievous nature. It breathes hot air from its ears. It evolves into Braixen and then Delphox, a graceful Fire and Psychic-type. Delphox is a powerful special attacker, and it has a very unique look, you know.

Froakie

Froakie is a Water-type bubble frog Pokémon, known for its stealthy movements and the bubbles around its neck. It's a very quick and clever creature. It evolves into Frogadier and then Greninja, a very popular Water and Dark-type. Greninja is incredibly fast and has strong special attacks, so it's a really popular choice, pretty much.

Generation VII: Alola – Tropical Adventures

The Alola region, from Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, is a chain of tropical islands, full of sunshine and unique creatures. Professor Kukui, a very energetic and friendly professor, gives new trainers their first partners here. This region felt very different from the others, too.

Rowlet

Rowlet is a Grass and Flying-type owl Pokémon, known for its quiet nature and its ability to fly silently. It's quite a charming little bird. It evolves into Dartrix and then Decidueye, a unique Grass and Ghost-type. Decidueye is known for its precise arrow-like attacks, which are quite special, you know.

Litten

Litten is a Fire-type fire cat Pokémon, known for its cool demeanor and its ability to spit fireballs. It's a bit aloof but very powerful. It evolves into Torracat and then Incineroar, a strong Fire and Dark-type. Incineroar is a popular choice for its powerful physical attacks and its wrestling moves, actually.

Popplio

Popplio is a Water-type sea lion Pokémon, known for its playful nature and its ability to create water balloons. It's a very cheerful performer. It evolves into Brionne and then Primarina, a beautiful Water and Fairy-type. Primarina is a strong special attacker, and its singing moves are quite lovely, too.

Generation VIII: Galar – The Wild Area Awaits

The Galar region, from Pokémon Sword and Shield, is a vast land with wide-open areas and a focus on Dynamaxing. Professor Magnolia, a very wise and respected researcher, offers the first partners here. This generation brought a lot of new ways to play, and the Wild Area was a big part of that, you know.

Grookey

Grookey is a Grass-type chimp Pokémon, known for its love of rhythm and its stick, which it uses to drum. It's a very energetic and happy creature. It evolves into Thwackey and then Rillaboom, a powerful Grass-type. Rillaboom is known for its drumming and strong physical attacks, so it's a good choice for those who like to

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