Starter Pokémon are the Pokémon characters that are offered to a player at the beginning of a video game. They are sometimes referred to as starters or first partner Pokémon.
With the exception of Pokémon Yellow and Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee players are given a choice of three starter Pokémon. The player chooses either a grass type, fire type or water type Pokémon from the generation relevant to the game. Their rival will then choose one of the other two.
Grass, fire and water types form a triangle of weakness. Grass is weak to fire, fire is weak to water and water is weak to grass.
In Pokémon Yellow and Let’s Go Pikachu the player is given Pikachu as their starter Pokémon, while in Let’s Go Eevee the player partners with Eevee.
Generation I – Kanto Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Red, Blue and Green
Pokémon Red and Green were released in Japan in 1996 as Pocket Monsters: Red and Pocket Monsters: Green, later the same year, Pocket Monsters: Green was released. The games were released internationally in 1998 and 1999 as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue for the Nintendo Game Boy. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game.
In Pokémon Red and Blue the player meets Professor Oak while wandering around Pallet Town. The Professor takes the player to his laboratory and introduces his grandson who will be the player’s rival in the game. The player is invited to choose their starter Pokémon from Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle. Professor Oak’s grandson will then choose the Pokémon that is stronger than yours.
Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow was released in Japan in 1998 and internationally in 1999 and 2000 for the Nintendo Game Boy.
The game play is almost the same as in Pokémon Red and Blue except that there is no choice of starter Pokémon. Professor Oak gives the player a wild Pikachu as their starter, while the rival is given Eevee.
Generation II – Johto Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokémon Gold and Silver were released in Japan in 1999 and internationally in 2000 and 2001 for the Game Boy Color. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game.
In Pokémon Gold and Silver the player meets Professor Elm who offers a choice of starter Pokémon from Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile.
Pokémon Crystal
Pokémon Crystal was released internationally in 2001 and is an enhanced version of Pokémon Gold and Silver released for the Game Boy Color.
Like Gold and Silver, players are offered a choice of Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile.
Generation III – Hoenn Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were released internationally in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance. Like the 1999 versions, the two games only differ in the Pokémon that can be found within the game.
The player takes the part of a child who has moved to the town Littleroot. The player chooses either Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip as a starter Pokémon to defend resident Professor Birch. Afterwards, the chosen Pokémon becomes the player’s partner Pokémon.
Pokémon Emerald
Pokémon Emerald were released internationally in 2005 as an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. The game was released for the Game Boy Advance.
The story echoes that of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire with the player choosing from Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip as a starter Pokémon.
Generation III – Kanto Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
FireRed and LeafGreen are 2004 remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue released 1999. They were played on the Game Boy Advance. Like the 1999 versions, the two games only differ in the Pokémon that can be found within the game.
The story is exactly the same as the original but towards the end of the game the player is able to visit the Sevii Islands. Like the original games the starter Pokémon are Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle.
Generation IV – Sinnoh Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released internationally in 2007 for the Nintendo DS. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game.
The player takes the part of a young novice trainer who, with their friend finds a briefcase left by the side of a lake. When they are attacked by a wild Starly they open the briefcase and choose either Turtwig, Chimchar or Piplup to fend off the attack. After returning the briefcase to Professor Rowan their chosen Pokémon becomes their starter Pokémon.
Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum was released internationally in 2009 for the Nintendo DS and is an enhanced remake of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
The story is virtually the same as that of Diamond and Pearl with the player choosing either Turtwig, Chimchar or Piplup as their starter Pokémon.
Generation IV – Johto Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in Japan in 2009 and internationally in 2010 and 2001 for the Nintendo DS. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game.
The games are updated remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver. Like the original games, the player meets Professor Elm who offers a choice of starter Pokémon from Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile.
f
Generation V – Unova Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White were released in Japan in 2010 and internationally in 2011 for the Nintendo DS. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game.
The game follows a young trainer on their journey through the Unova region. At the beginning of the story Professor Juniper offers the player a choice of Snivy, Tepig or Oshawott as their starter Pokémon.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released in 2012 for the Nintendo DS as sequels to Pokémon Black and White. Both games have Pokémon that are exclusive to that game and include new locations not available in the original games.
The starter Pokémon are the same as in Pokémon Black and White with the player choosing from Snivy, Tepig or Oshawott.
Generation VI – Kalos Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon X and Pokémon Y
Pokémon X and Y were released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS. The two games differ only in the Pokémon encountered on the player’s journey through the Kalos Region.
Like previous games the story follows a young trainer. After meeting Professor Sycamore the player chooses their starter Pokémon from Chespin, Fennekin or Froakie.
Hoenn Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of the 2003 games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. They were released internationally in 2014 for the Nintendo 3DS. Like the original versions, the two games only differ in the Pokémon that can be found within the game. The remakes incorporate moves and features of the modern game.
The game story is the same as the original with the player choosing either Treecko, Torchic or Mudkip as their starter Pokémon.
Generation VII – Alola Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Sun and Moon
Pokémon Sun and Moon were released Worldwide in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS. The games feature the Alola Region which is based on Hawaii.
The story follows a young trainer who has moved to the Alola Region from the Kanto Region. After meeting Professor Kukui, the player chooses either Rowlet, Litten or Popplio as their starter Pokémon.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released Worldwide in 2017 for the Nintendo 3DS. The games are enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon which were released the previous year and feature new locations and buildings.
Like Sun and Moon, the story follows a young trainer in their journey through the Alola Region. The starter Pokémon are also the same – Rowlett, Litten or Popplio as their starter Pokémon.
Generation VII – Kanto Region Starter Pokémon
Let’s Go Pikachu, Let’s Go Eevee
Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are 2018 remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow released internationally in 1999 and 2000. Both games were released for the Nintendo Switch.
The story is very similar to the original game except that in Let’s Go Pikachu the starter Pokémon is Pikachu while in Let’s Go Eevee the player receives Eevee. Each game also has game-exclusive Pokémon.
Generation VIII – Galar Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield were released in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch and are the first to feature the Galar Region which is based on the United Kingdom. Each game features game-exclusive Pokémon.
The story sees the player and their friend Hop travel through the Galar Region in a bid to defeat the reigning Pokémon Champion, Leon. Before leaving on their journey, Leon offers the player a choice of starter Pokémon from Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.
Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion
The first downloadable expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield was released in the Summer of 2020 and featured the Isle of Armor which is based on the Isle of Man. The new region is an add-on for the main Sword and Shield game and as such does not involve the selection of Starter Pokémon.
The second downloadable expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield was released in the Autumn of 2020 and features an ice covered location known as the Crown Tundra which is based on Scotland. Like the first expansion this is an add-on to the main game and does not require starter Pokémon.
Generation VIII – Sinnoh / Hisui Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released in 2021 for the Nintendo Switch. The games are remakes of the 2007 games Diamond and Pearl. Both games have Pokémon unique to that game.
The story is the same as the original with the player choosing either Turtwig, Chimchar or Piplup as their starter Pokémon.
Pokémon Legends Arceus
Pokémon Legends Arceus released in January 2022 on the Nintendo Switch.
The story takes place in Hisui which is the ancient name for the Sinnoh region. Pokémon Legends Arceus breaks from the standard format by offering Pokémon from different generations as Starter Pokémon. In the game the player chooses either Rowlet, Cyndaquil or Oshawott as their Starter Pokémon.
Generation IX – Paldea Region Starter Pokémon
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released in November 2022 for the Nintendo Switch and are the first to feature the Paldea Region which is based on Spain. Each game features game-exclusive Pokémon.
The story sees the player join the Naranja Academy (Scarlet) or the Uva Academy (Violet. They are then tasked with completing a Treasure Hunt. The three starter Pokémon for the game are Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly.
