Pokemon Starter Tier List Ranking Based On In-Game Performance
Choosing a starter Pokémon is a pivotal moment in any Pokémon journey. These initial companions not only shape your early gameplay experience but also significantly influence your team composition and overall success. With numerous generations of Pokémon games, each introducing a new trio of starters, it's natural to wonder which ones truly shine in terms of in-game performance. This tier list evaluates Pokémon starters based on their strengths, weaknesses, movepools, and overall utility within their respective games.
S-Tier: The Elite Choices
S-Tier starters represent the crème de la crème, the Pokémon that consistently outperform their peers due to their exceptional stats, versatile movepools, and favorable type matchups. These starters often possess the tools to sweep through entire teams and provide a significant advantage throughout the game.
Greninja (Froakie Line)
Greninja, the final evolution of Froakie, stands as a testament to the power of speed and adaptability. Its signature ability, Protean, changes its type to match the move it's using, granting it STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) on every attack and making it incredibly unpredictable in battle. Greninja's blistering speed allows it to outpace most opponents, and its diverse movepool, including powerful Water, Dark, and Ice-type moves, ensures it can handle a wide range of threats. In-game, Greninja excels at taking down Gym Leaders and Elite Four members alike. The Protean ability is a game-changer, providing unmatched flexibility and offensive presence. Greninja's movepool is also exceptionally diverse, encompassing Water, Dark, Ice, and even some coverage moves like U-Turn. This allows Greninja to adapt to various situations and exploit opponent weaknesses effectively. Its high Special Attack stat further amplifies its offensive prowess, making it a formidable force in battle. The combination of speed, power, and versatility makes Greninja a top-tier choice for any trainer seeking dominance in the Kalos region and beyond. Greninja's impact on the competitive scene is also a testament to its in-game potential, solidifying its status as an S-Tier starter. From its design to its battle capabilities, Greninja represents a pinnacle of starter Pokémon design and execution.
Swampert (Mudkip Line)
Swampert, the evolved form of Mudkip, earns its place in the S-Tier due to its unique Water/Ground typing, which grants it immunity to Electric-type attacks and resistance to common threats. Its high Attack and Special Attack stats, combined with a sturdy physical bulk, make it a formidable opponent in both offense and defense. Swampert's access to powerful STAB moves like Earthquake and Hydro Pump allows it to dish out significant damage, and its ability to learn Ice Beam provides excellent coverage against Grass-types, its only weakness. Throughout the Hoenn region, Swampert's typing and movepool make it an invaluable asset against numerous Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. Its Ground-type moves are particularly effective against the Electric-type Gym Leader Wattson and the Rock-type Gym Leader Roxanne. Swampert's ability to withstand Electric-type attacks, which are a common threat in many Pokémon games, is a significant advantage. Its dual typing also provides resistance to other common types, making it a resilient and reliable team member. Swampert's movepool is well-rounded, allowing it to adapt to various battle situations. It can learn powerful physical moves like Earthquake and Waterfall, as well as special moves like Hydro Pump and Ice Beam. This versatility makes Swampert a valuable asset in any team composition. In addition to its offensive capabilities, Swampert also possesses solid defensive stats, allowing it to withstand attacks and remain in battle longer. This durability, combined with its powerful offensive moves, makes Swampert a dominant force in the Hoenn region and beyond.
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
A-Tier starters are highly competent Pokémon that excel in many areas but may have a few minor drawbacks that prevent them from reaching S-Tier status. They are reliable choices that can carry teams through challenging battles.
Infernape (Chimchar Line)
Infernape, the final evolution of Chimchar, shines as a Fire/Fighting-type with exceptional Speed and Attack stats. This potent combination makes Infernape a formidable offensive powerhouse capable of delivering swift and decisive blows. Access to powerful moves like Flare Blitz and Close Combat, both STAB moves, allows Infernape to deal substantial damage to a wide range of opponents. Its diverse movepool also includes coverage moves like Thunder Punch and Earthquake, further enhancing its versatility. In the Sinnoh region, Infernape's typing and movepool are particularly advantageous against several Gym Leaders, including the Ice-type Gym Leader Candice and the Steel-type Gym Leader Byron. Infernape's blazing speed allows it to outpace many opponents, giving it the crucial opportunity to strike first and often secure a knockout. Its dual typing, while powerful, does leave it vulnerable to common types like Water and Flying, but its offensive prowess often compensates for these weaknesses. Infernape's fiery personality and dynamic movepool make it a fan favorite and a top-tier choice for trainers seeking a fast and powerful attacker. The combination of Fire and Fighting typing provides excellent offensive coverage, allowing Infernape to hit a wide range of Pokémon for super-effective damage. Its high Attack and Special Attack stats further amplify its offensive capabilities, making it a devastating force on the battlefield. Infernape's ability to learn a variety of moves, including Thunder Punch and Earthquake, provides it with answers to common threats and enhances its overall versatility. Its energetic and aggressive style of play makes it a thrilling Pokémon to use in battle.
Blaziken (Torchic Line)
Blaziken, the evolved form of Torchic, shares Infernape's Fire/Fighting typing and a similar offensive prowess. However, Blaziken distinguishes itself with its signature ability, Speed Boost, which increases its Speed stat at the end of each turn. This ability transforms Blaziken into an increasingly formidable threat as battles progress, allowing it to outspeed and overwhelm opponents. Like Infernape, Blaziken boasts a powerful movepool that includes STAB moves like Blaze Kick and High Jump Kick, as well as coverage options like Earthquake and Stone Edge. In the Hoenn region, Blaziken's Fire typing is particularly useful against the Grass-type Gym Leader Roxanne and the Ice-type Elite Four member Glacia. The Speed Boost ability is what truly sets Blaziken apart, turning it into a late-game sweeper capable of dismantling entire teams. As its Speed stat increases, Blaziken becomes increasingly difficult to outspeed, allowing it to unleash a barrage of powerful attacks before the opponent can react. Its Fire and Fighting typing provide excellent offensive coverage, and its movepool is well-suited to taking advantage of this coverage. Blaziken's aggressive style of play and its ability to snowball into a dominant force make it a thrilling Pokémon to use in battle. Its popularity in both in-game and competitive circles is a testament to its effectiveness and its captivating design. Blaziken's fiery spirit and its ability to become an unstoppable force make it a worthy addition to any team.
Feraligatr (Totodile Line)
Feraligatr, the final form of Totodile, is a Water-type powerhouse known for its strong physical Attack and impressive bulk. Unlike the speedier Greninja, Feraligatr excels at dishing out powerful physical blows and withstanding attacks. Its access to moves like Waterfall, Crunch, and Ice Fang provides excellent coverage against a variety of threats. Feraligatr's Sheer Force ability, which boosts the power of moves with secondary effects, further amplifies its offensive capabilities. In the Johto region, Feraligatr's Water typing is invaluable against the Fire-type Gym Leader Blaine and the Ground-type Gym Leader Giovanni. Feraligatr's physical strength and its ability to take a hit make it a reliable and consistent performer throughout the game. Its movepool is well-rounded, allowing it to adapt to different battle situations and exploit opponent weaknesses. Feraligatr's powerful Water-type attacks, combined with its coverage moves, ensure that it can deal significant damage to a wide range of opponents. Its imposing presence and its ability to withstand attacks make it a formidable opponent in any battle. Feraligatr's consistent performance and its reliable nature make it a popular choice for trainers seeking a sturdy and powerful Water-type Pokémon.
B-Tier: Solid Performers
B-Tier starters are capable Pokémon that can perform well in the right circumstances. They may have some weaknesses or limitations that prevent them from reaching the higher tiers, but they are still viable choices for completing the game.
Venusaur (Bulbasaur Line)
Venusaur, the final evolution of Bulbasaur, is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon known for its balanced stats and its ability to inflict status conditions. Its access to moves like Razor Leaf, Sludge Bomb, and Sleep Powder gives it a versatile movepool that can disrupt opponents and deal significant damage. Venusaur's Chlorophyll ability, which doubles its Speed in sunlight, can make it a formidable threat in sun-based teams. In the Kanto region, Venusaur's Grass typing is particularly useful against the Water-type Gym Leader Misty and the Rock-type Gym Leader Brock. However, its dual typing also leaves it vulnerable to common types like Fire and Flying. Venusaur's balanced stats and its ability to inflict status conditions make it a reliable performer throughout the game. Its movepool is well-rounded, allowing it to adapt to different battle situations and support its teammates. Venusaur's Grass and Poison typing provide a unique combination of offensive and defensive capabilities, but its weaknesses to common types can be a challenge to overcome. Despite these weaknesses, Venusaur remains a popular choice for trainers seeking a versatile and reliable Grass-type Pokémon.
Charizard (Charmander Line)
Charizard, the evolved form of Charmander, is a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon renowned for its high Special Attack and its iconic design. Its access to powerful moves like Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Air Slash allows it to deal significant damage to opponents. Charizard's Mega Evolutions, which further enhance its stats and abilities, make it an even more formidable threat. However, its weakness to Rock-type attacks and its reliance on special moves can be limiting factors. In the Kanto region, Charizard's Fire typing is particularly useful against the Grass-type Gym Leader Erika and the Ice-type Elite Four member Lorelei. Charizard's popularity stems from its powerful offensive capabilities and its iconic status as a starter Pokémon. Its Mega Evolutions provide it with a significant boost in power, but its weaknesses to common types can still be a challenge. Charizard's movepool is primarily focused on special attacks, which can limit its versatility in some situations. Despite these limitations, Charizard remains a fan favorite and a powerful choice for trainers seeking a strong Fire-type Pokémon.
Torterra (Turtwig Line)
Torterra, the final evolution of Turtwig, is a Grass/Ground-type Pokémon known for its high Attack and Defense stats. Its access to moves like Earthquake, Wood Hammer, and Stone Edge allows it to deal significant damage to opponents. Torterra's sturdy physical bulk makes it a reliable tank capable of withstanding attacks. However, its quadruple weakness to Ice-type attacks is a significant drawback. In the Sinnoh region, Torterra's Grass and Ground typing are useful against the Water-type Gym Leader Crasher Wake and the Electric-type Gym Leader Volkner. Torterra's physical strength and its ability to take a hit make it a valuable asset in battle. Its movepool is well-suited for dealing physical damage, but its quadruple weakness to Ice-type attacks is a major vulnerability. Torterra's unique typing provides it with a niche in certain matchups, but its weaknesses can be difficult to overcome. Despite these weaknesses, Torterra remains a solid choice for trainers seeking a sturdy and powerful Grass-type Pokémon.
C-Tier: Niche Picks
C-Tier starters are Pokémon that have specific strengths but also significant weaknesses that limit their overall effectiveness. They may require more strategic team building and careful planning to utilize successfully.
Meganium (Chikorita Line)
Meganium, the final evolution of Chikorita, is a Grass-type Pokémon known for its supportive capabilities. Its access to moves like Reflect, Light Screen, and Aromatherapy makes it a valuable asset for team support. However, its low offensive stats and its vulnerability to common types like Fire and Flying limit its overall effectiveness in battle. In the Johto region, Meganium's Grass typing is useful against the Water-type Gym Leader Jasmine. Meganium's supportive movepool makes it a unique choice among starter Pokémon. Its low offensive stats and its weaknesses to common types, however, can make it difficult to use in many situations. Meganium's supportive capabilities can be valuable in certain team compositions, but it requires careful planning and strategic use to be effective. Despite its limitations, Meganium remains a popular choice for trainers who value team support and defensive strategies.
Emboar (Tepig Line)
Emboar, the final evolution of Tepig, is a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon known for its high Attack stat. Its access to moves like Flare Blitz and Hammer Arm allows it to deal significant damage to opponents. However, its low Speed and its vulnerability to common types like Water and Ground limit its overall effectiveness in battle. Emboar shares a typing with Infernape and Blaziken but lacks the speed or unique abilities that make those Pokémon stand out. In the Unova region, Emboar's Fire typing is useful against the Grass-type Gym Leader Cilan, Chili, and Cress. Emboar's high Attack stat makes it a powerful offensive threat, but its low Speed and its weaknesses to common types can be significant drawbacks. Emboar's movepool is well-suited for dealing physical damage, but its lack of speed can make it difficult to utilize its full potential. Despite these limitations, Emboar remains a viable choice for trainers seeking a powerful Fire-type Pokémon.
Conclusion
The choice of a starter Pokémon is a personal one, and each Pokémon has its strengths and weaknesses. However, based on in-game performance, some starters clearly outperform others. The S-Tier starters, Greninja and Swampert, stand out for their exceptional stats, versatile movepools, and favorable type matchups. A-Tier starters like Infernape, Blaziken, and Feraligatr are also excellent choices that can carry teams through challenging battles. B-Tier starters like Venusaur, Charizard, and Torterra are capable Pokémon that can perform well in the right circumstances, while C-Tier starters like Meganium and Emboar require more strategic team building and careful planning to utilize successfully. Ultimately, the best starter Pokémon is the one that best fits your playstyle and team composition. No matter which starter you choose, the journey through the Pokémon world is sure to be a memorable one.
This tier list is based on general in-game performance and may vary depending on individual playstyles and specific game challenges. Consider your own preferences and team needs when choosing a starter Pokémon.
