Every main series Pokemon game gives you a choice between three starters — Grass, Fire, and Water. Your starter becomes the emotional core of the playthrough, but some are objectively stronger than others. Here are the top 10 starters ever.
The Top 10 Starters
- Greninja (Gen 6 Water) — Protean / Battle Bond ability, 122 Speed.
- Blaziken (Gen 3 Fire) — Speed Boost, banned from Ubers.
- Cinderace (Gen 8 Fire) — Libero ability, signature Pyro Ball.
- Meganium... kidding. Rillaboom (Gen 8 Grass) — Grassy Surge + Grassy Glide priority.
- Charizard (Gen 1 Fire) — Mega X and Mega Y both top-tier.
- Swampert (Gen 3 Water) — Mega form with Swift Swim dominates rain.
- Infernape (Gen 4 Fire) — Fast mixed attacker with strong coverage.
- Venusaur (Gen 1 Grass) — Mega Venusaur is the best special wall in the game.
- Decidueye (Gen 7 Grass) — Ghost/Grass with priority Spirit Shackle.
- Primarina (Gen 7 Water) — Water/Fairy with Liquid Voice.
Generational Trends
Fire starters have historically been the "most popular" choice, but Water starters have the highest competitive viability. Grass starters have improved dramatically since Gen 6 — Rillaboom and Decidueye are now top tier thanks to new mechanics like terrain.
Which Should You Pick?
For competitive play: Greninja, Blaziken, or Cinderace. For story mode: any Fire starter (easy run). For a challenge: any Grass starter (harder early-game matchups). In Pokeworld, all starters are available — start with the one you\'ll enjoy most.