All Pokémon Starters by Generation (Gens 1-9)

Each generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starters, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. Over nine generations, this tradition has resulted in a total of 27 unique starter lines. Let's explore all the partner options that have graced the series over the years.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The original trio that kicked off the Pokémon phenomenon includes Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These iconic starters debuted in the US with Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have been reintroduced in remakes such as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They are also available in various other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The second generation brought us Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, the starters for Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Hailing from the Johto region, they've reappeared in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. These starters have been obtainable through various methods in later generations, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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

Generation III Starter Pokémon

Generation III introduced Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip as the starters for Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These Hoenn natives return in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been catchable in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup are the starters of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum from Generation IV. They make a comeback in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Though native to Sinnoh, they aren't starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient version of the region called Hisui. However, you can still catch all three in the first Legends game as well as other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Generation V's starters, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, were introduced in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Although remakes are still a topic of speculation, these Unova starters can be caught in various other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie are the starters for Generation VI's Pokémon X and Y. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form known as Ash-Greninja, introduced through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main titles. The Kalos trio has been available for capture in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio were introduced as the starters for Pokémon Sun and Moon in Generation VII. They returned in the sequels Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been catchable in subsequent DLC for mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Note: Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in every mainline game except Pokémon Legends: Arceus. See Gen VIII starters for Legends: Arceus evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Generation VIII shook up the formula with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the starters for the Galar region, all of which can be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus revisits the ancient Sinnoh region, known as Hisui, and features Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as starters. These starters have unique evolution levels and new regional forms upon their final evolutions. Additionally, you can catch the Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly debuted as the starters in Generation IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a feisty Grass-type cat, Fuecoco is an endearing Fire-type crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water-type duck. While you need to trade to collect all three Paldean starters, you can catch all previous starters in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon series concludes its ninth generation, anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the eagerly awaited Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

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