Best Starter Pokemon Black White: Ranking for Unova Region Trainer

Choosing the best starter Pokémon in games like Pokémon Black & White can be a daunting task, as each starter has unique strengths and weaknesses that can significantly impact your gameplay experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make an informed decision.

Starter Pokémon Overview

In Pokémon Black & White, you have three starter Pokémon to choose from: Tepig, Oshawott, and Snivy. Each of these Pokémon has its own type, evolution chain, and set of stats that make them suitable for different playstyles.

Tepig

Tepig, the Fire-type starter, is often considered one of the strongest choices due to its impressive HP and Attack stats from the very beginning. Here are some key points about Tepig:

High HP and Attack: Tepig's base stats are oriented towards HP and Attack, making it a formidable opponent in early battles. This high HP is particularly useful against the first Gym, which can be challenging regardless of the starter you choose.
Fire/Fighting Type: Tepig's dual Fire/Fighting typing gives it an advantage over several types, including Bug, Grass, Ice, and Steel. This is especially beneficial since some of these types are encountered in early Gym battles.
Movepool: Tepig's movepool includes a variety of Normal, Fire, Rock, and Dark moves, with additional Fighting moves available in its later evolutions. This diversity makes it versatile and capable of handling different situations.
Evolution: Tepig evolves into Pignite at level 17 and then into Emboar at level 36. Emboar retains Tepig's high Attack and HP but also gains a significant boost in Special Attack, making it a powerful special attacker.

Oshawott

Oshawott, the Water-type starter, is known for its well-rounded stats and useful HM moves. Here are some key points about Oshawott:

Well-Rounded Stats: Oshawott has balanced stats, with its Special Attack being the highest. It also has decent HP and Attack, making it a solid choice for new players.
HM Moves: Oshawott can learn all the HM water moves, which are crucial for navigation and utility throughout the game.
Evolution: Oshawott evolves into Dewott at level 17 and then into Samurott at level 36. Samurott becomes a powerful Water-type Pokémon with a strong Special Attack stat.
Type Advantages: As a Water-type, Oshawott has advantages over Fire, Rock, and Ground types, which can be beneficial in certain Gym battles.

Snivy

Snivy, the Grass-type starter, is often considered the weakest of the three due to its limited movepool and type disadvantages. Here are some key points about Snivy:

Limited Movepool: Snivy's movepool is dominated by Grass and Normal-type moves, which can make it less versatile compared to Tepig and Oshawott. It lacks coverage moves, making it less effective in various situations.
Type Disadvantages: Snivy is weak to Fire, Ice, Bug, Poison, and Flying types, which are common types encountered in the game. This makes it challenging to use Snivy effectively in many battles.
Evolution: Snivy evolves into Servine at level 17 and then into Serperior at level 36. While Serperior has good speed and defense, it is generally outclassed by other Grass-type Pokémon in the game.

Gym Battles and Type Advantages

When choosing a starter, it's crucial to consider the types of the first few Gym Leaders you'll face. Here’s a brief overview of how each starter fares against these Gym Leaders:

First Gym: The first Gym Leader in Pokémon Black & White specializes in Normal-type Pokémon. None of the starters have a significant advantage here, but Tepig's high HP can be particularly beneficial.
Type Advantages:
- Tepig: Fire/Fighting type, advantageous over Bug, Grass, Ice, and Steel types.
- Oshawott: Water type, advantageous over Fire, Rock, and Ground types.
- Snivy: Grass type, advantageous over Water, Rock, and Ground types but weak to several common types.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Each starter has its unique strengths and weaknesses, making the choice highly dependent on your playstyle and preferences.

For Beginners: Oshawott is a good choice due to its balanced stats and useful HM moves, making it easier to navigate the game.
For Offense: Tepig is the best choice if you prefer a strong, offensive Pokémon. Its high HP and Attack stats, combined with its Fire/Fighting typing, make it a formidable opponent.
For Speed and Defense: Snivy, despite its limitations, has good speed and defense. However, it is generally recommended for advanced players who can manage its weaknesses effectively.

Ultimately, the best starter is the one that aligns with your strategy and preferences. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon and choose the one that you believe will help you achieve victory in the most enjoyable way possible.