Each generation of *Pokémon* introduces a new trio of starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. Over the course of nine generations, the franchise has now introduced a total of 27 starter lines. Let's explore each generation's starter Pokémon and their evolutions.

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 phenomenon are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. They debuted in the original US-released titles Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, and have been featured in subsequent remakes such as Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee. These starters are also obtainable in various other mainline games, including Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and Pokémon X and Y.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The Johto region introduced Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile in the Gen II titles Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. These starters returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been accessible in later games through various methods, 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

Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip are the Hoenn region's starters introduced in Gen III's Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. They returned in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been catchable in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

Gen IV's Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum introduced Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup as the starters of the Sinnoh region. These starters returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While not featured as starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which explores the ancient Sinnoh region known as Hisui, all three can be caught in Legends: Arceus and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

The Unova region's starters in Gen V's Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these starters are available in several other mainline titles and DLC. Oshawott is also a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

RELATED: All Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Trade Codes

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The Kalos region's starters in Gen VI's Pokémon X and Y are Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form called Ash-Greninja through the Pokémon Sun and Moon demo, transferable to the main titles upon release. These starters have been catchable in other mainline titles and DLC since.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Alola region's starters in Gen VII's Pokémon Sun and Moon are Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. 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

Gen VIII introduced Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, each with different starters. Sword & Shield brought Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble to the Galar region, while Legends: Arceus revisited past starters with new regional evolutions in the ancient Sinnoh region, Hisui. All three Galar starters are catchable in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus features Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as the starters of Hisui. Their evolution levels differ from those in previous titles, and each receives a new regional form upon final evolution. Additionally, all three Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum can be caught in the game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

The Paldea region's starters in Gen IX's Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Sprigatito is a sassy Grass type, Fuecoco is a heartwarming Fire crocodile, and Quaxly is a stylish Water type. While trading is necessary to obtain all three native starters, all past starters can be caught in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise progresses into its ninth generation, anticipation builds for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A, currently in development.

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