Choosing your starter is your first big decision. Here's a breakdown!

THE THREE STARTERS
You choose from the classic Kanto trio:
- Bulbasaur (Grass/Poison)
- Charmander (Fire)
- Squirtle (Water)

BULBASAUR — THE BALANCED CHOICE
Evolves: Bulbasaur > Ivysaur (Lv 16) > Venusaur (Lv 32)
Type: Grass/Poison
Strengths:
- Strong against the first two gyms (Water, Rock)
- Dual typing gives more resistances
- Good Sp.Attack and bulk
- Learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Sludge Bomb
Weaknesses:
- Weak to Fire, Ice, Psychic, Flying
- Slower than the other starters
Best for: Players who want an easier early game

CHARMANDER — THE FAN FAVORITE
Evolves: Charmander > Charmeleon (Lv 16) > Charizard (Lv 36)
Type: Fire > Fire/Flying (as Charizard)
Strengths:
- Charizard is one of the most iconic Pokemon
- High Sp.Attack and Speed
- Great movepool: Flamethrower, Dragon Pulse, Air Slash
- Flying type adds versatility
Weaknesses:
- Struggles against early gyms (Rock, Water)
- 4x weakness to Rock moves (as Charizard)
- Needs more grinding early on
Best for: Players who want a challenge and love Charizard

SQUIRTLE — THE RELIABLE CHOICE
Evolves: Squirtle > Wartortle (Lv 16) > Blastoise (Lv 36)
Type: Water
Strengths:
- Water is one of the best types in the game
- Good bulk (Defense and Sp.Defense)
- Learns Surf, Ice Beam, and other great moves
- Only one weakness (Grass, Electric)
- Strong against many gym types
Weaknesses:
- Not as flashy as Charizard
- Average Speed
Best for: Players who want reliability and fewer weaknesses

VERDICT
All three are viable! Pick the one you like most. You'll catch hundreds more Pokemon soon, so your starter becomes one of many team members.

Remember: you can't change your starter later, but you CAN catch the other two starters' evolution lines in the wild!