All Pokemon Starters Tier List for Updated Game Version

Choosing the right starter Pokémon can be a crucial decision in any Pokémon game, as it sets the tone for your entire adventure. Here’s a detailed tier list of all Pokémon starters, updated to reflect their performance in the latest game versions.

S Tier: The Absolute Best

These starters are considered the cream of the crop, offering exceptional performance throughout the game.

Charmander: Despite initial struggles, Charmander's evolution into Charmeleon and eventually Charizard makes it a powerhouse. Charizard's high stats and powerful moveset earn it a top spot.
Turtwig: Turtwig evolves into Grotle and then Torterra, a Grass and Ground type with impressive Attack and Defense stats. Its slow but powerful nature makes it a favorite among players.
Froakie: Froakie's evolution into Frogadier and then Greninja, a fast Water and Dark type, makes it highly versatile and powerful. Greninja's speed and special attack moves are particularly noteworthy.
Cyndaquil: Cyndaquil's evolutions into Quilava and Typhlosion make it a formidable Fire type. Typhlosion's high Attack stat and strong moveset secure its place in the S Tier.

A Tier: Highly Recommended

These starters are excellent choices but may have some minor drawbacks compared to the S Tier.

Bulbasaur: Bulbasaur's evolutions into Ivysaur and Venusaur provide a strong Grass and Poison type with high Special Attack and Special Defense stats. However, it may struggle against certain types.
Squirtle: Squirtle's evolutions into Wartortle and Blastoise offer a robust Water type with high Defense and HP. While it's not as fast as some other starters, its bulk makes it reliable.
Chikorita: Chikorita's evolutions into Bayleef and Meganium provide a solid Grass type, though it may lack the raw power of other S Tier starters. Its bulk and support moves make it a good team player.
Treecko: Treecko's evolutions into Grovyle and Sceptile offer a fast and powerful Grass type. Sceptile's high Attack and Speed stats make it a popular choice, though it may be somewhat fragile.
Snivy: Snivy's evolutions into Servine and Serperior provide a fast and agile Grass type. Serperior's high Speed and Special Defense stats make it a strong contender, though it may lack in raw power.
Chespin: Chespin's evolutions into Quilladin and Chesnaught offer a sturdy Grass type with high Defense and HP. While it may not be the fastest, its bulk and support moves are valuable.
Rowlet: Rowlet's evolutions into Dartrix and Decidueye provide a fast and powerful Grass and Flying type. Decidueye's high Attack and Special Attack stats make it a versatile choice.

B Tier: Mid-Tier Starters

These starters are decent but may have more significant drawbacks or less overall utility compared to the higher tiers.

Torchic: Torchic's evolutions into Combusken and Blaziken offer a fast Fire and Fighting type. While Blaziken is powerful, it may struggle with its low Defense and HP stats.
Piplup: Piplup's evolutions into Prinplup and Empoleon provide a Water and Steel type with high Defense and HP. However, Empoleon's low Speed and Special Attack stats hold it back.
Oshawott: Oshawott's evolutions into Dewott and Samurott offer a Water type with high Attack and Special Attack stats. However, Samurott's low Defense and HP make it somewhat fragile.
Fennekin: Fennekin's evolutions into Braixen and Delphox provide a Fire and Psychic type with high Special Attack stats. However, Delphox's low Defense and HP are notable weaknesses.
Popplio: Popplio's evolutions into Brionne and Primarina offer a Water and Fairy type with high Special Attack and Special Defense stats. However, Primarina's low Defense and HP make it less durable.

C Tier: Less Recommended Starters

These starters have more significant issues that make them less desirable compared to the higher tiers.

Mudkip: Mudkip's evolutions into Marshtomp and Swampert provide a Water and Ground type with high Defense and HP. However, Swampert's low Speed and Special Attack stats make it less versatile.
Panpour: Panpour's evolutions into Simipour offer a Water type with high Attack and Special Attack stats. However, Simipour's low Defense and HP, along with its lack of a second type, make it less appealing.

D Tier: The Least Desirable

This tier includes starters that are generally considered the least effective due to various weaknesses.

Meganium: Despite its bulk, Meganium's low Attack and Special Attack stats, combined with its lack of a second type, make it the least desirable starter. Its performance has been consistently poor in competitive play.

Special Considerations

When choosing a starter, it's also important to consider the game's specific mechanics and the player's playstyle.

Type Advantage: Always consider the types of the first few Gym Leaders and the regional Pokémon to ensure your starter has a type advantage early on.
Evolution Timing: Some starters evolve earlier or later than others, which can impact their usefulness in different parts of the game.
Move Sets: The availability of powerful moves and the starter's ability to learn them can significantly affect its performance.
Team Synergy: Choose a starter that complements your team's overall strategy and type coverage.

By understanding these factors and the tier list above, you can make an informed decision about which starter Pokémon best fits your needs and playstyle.