Each new generation of the beloved *Pokémon* series introduces fans to a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, consisting of a Grass type, a Fire type, and a Water type. With nine generations now under its belt, the franchise boasts an impressive lineup of 27 starter lines. Let's dive into the history and details of these iconic partner Pokémon across the generations.

Jump To:

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

Note: Final evolutions marked with an asterisk (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I Starter Pokémon

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

Generation II Starter Pokémon

The second generation's starters, Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, debuted in the Johto region with Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They returned in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver and have been available in later generations through various methods, such as the QR Scanner in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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

Generation III Starter Pokémon

Generation III introduced Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip in the Hoenn region through Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These starters made a comeback in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and have been obtainable in other mainline releases and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

The Sinnoh region's starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, were introduced in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. They returned in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. While these three are native to Sinnoh, they are not starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which revisits an ancient version of the region known as Hisui. However, they can be caught in Legends: Arceus and other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

The Unova region's starters, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, debuted in Pokémon Black and White and their sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these starters can be caught 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

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

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

The Alola region's starters, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, were introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon and returned in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. They have been available in subsequent DLC for mainline games. Rowlet also serves as a starter option in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

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

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Generation VIII brought a fresh approach with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield introduced Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as the Galar region's starters, which can also 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 reintroduces Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as starters. Evolution levels vary slightly from past titles, and each final evolution features a unique Hisuian form. You can also catch the Sinnoh starters from Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

The Paldea region's starters, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, were introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Sprigatito is a sassy Grass type, Fuecoco is an adorable Fire croc, and Quaxly is a stylish Water type. While trading is necessary to obtain all three native starters, you can catch every past starter Pokémon in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.

As the Pokémon franchise approaches the end of its ninth generation, anticipation builds for future releases, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

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