Every generation of *Pokémon* introduces a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, featuring a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations now under its belt, the franchise boasts an impressive collection of 27 starter lines. Let's explore all the partner Pokémon options from each generation.

Jump To:

• Gen 1
• Gen 2
• Gen 3
• Gen 4
• Gen 5
• Gen 6
• Gen 7
• Gen 8
• Gen 9

Note: Final starter evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Gens VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The iconic starters that launched the Pokémon series are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved Pokémon debuted in the original US releases, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have since been reintroduced in remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. They're also obtainable in other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile are the starters from the Gen II games Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, hailing from the Johto region. They've also appeared in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been available in subsequent generations, such as through the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Cyndaquil also serves as a starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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

Generation III Starter Pokémon

The starters for Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These Hoenn natives return in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and can be caught in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

In Gen IV, Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum introduced Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as starters. They return in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Although these Sinnoh starters aren't featured as starters in Legends: Arceus, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, they can still be caught in that game as well as other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott form the starter trio for Gen V's Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While no remakes have been confirmed at the time of writing, these Unova starters can be caught in several other mainline titles and DLC. Notably, Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The starters of Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form called Ash-Greninja in the Pokémon the Series: XY anime, which was accessible through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo and transferable to the main games. The Kalos trio has been available to catch in other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Gen VII titles Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio as starters. These Alola starters returned in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and have been available to catch in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also appears as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Gen VIII marked a departure from the traditional mainline release format with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the Galar starters, all of which can also be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus reintroduces Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters of Hisui, an ancient version of the Sinnoh region. Evolution levels differ slightly from previous titles, and each final evolution gains a new regional form. You can also catch the Sinnoh starters introduced in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly debuted as the starters in Gen IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a cat-like Grass type, Fuecoco is an endearing Fire crocodile, and Quaxly is a poised Water type. While you need to trade to collect all three Paldea starters, you can catch every past starter Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise concludes its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the much-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A in development, fans have much to look forward to.

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