Choosing your first Pokémon in the world of *Pocket Monsters* is a pivotal moment. It's not just the start of your adventure; it's a strategic decision shaping your entire gameplay experience. Each of the three Kanto starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide analyzes each starter to help you choose the best Pokémon for a successful journey.
Table of Contents
Squirtle
Image: ensigame.com
Image: alphacoders.com
This aquatic turtle Pokémon boasts a sturdy shell, offering protection and enhancing its hydrodynamic capabilities for impressive swimming speed. Squirtle's precise water jets add offensive power. While a Water-type, it's surprisingly adept on land. Its temperament is relatively calm, making it easier to train than Charmander, though slightly more challenging than Bulbasaur.
Squirtle's high defense and balanced stats make it an excellent choice for beginners. Its effectiveness against Brock (Rock-type) and Misty (Water-type) provides a strong early-game advantage. Its final evolution, Blastoise, is a powerful Water-type with high survivability and access to Surf, beneficial for both battles and exploration. Its Torrent ability boosts Water-type moves, while its hidden ability, Rain Dish, heals it during rain.
However, Squirtle's weaknesses are notable. Grass and Electric-type Pokémon, like those used by Erika and Lt. Surge, pose significant threats. Its attack power is lower than Charmander's, and its speed is relatively slow.
Bulbasaur
Image: ensigame.com
Image: pinterest.com
This Grass/Poison-type Pokémon features a bulb on its back, storing energy for survival during dry periods. This bulb grows with sunlight, signaling its evolution to Ivysaur. Bulbasaur offers balanced stats, making it versatile throughout the early game. Its type combination effectively counters the first few Gym Leaders.
Bulbasaur's Leech Seed inflicts damage over time (DoT), and its Vine Whip attack utilizes strong vines for both combat and traversal. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight.
Despite its advantages, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying-type attacks, making it weak against Pokémon like Charmander. Its slower speed can be a disadvantage, and its attack power might not be as high as other evolved Pokémon later in the game.
Charmander
Image: ensigame.com
Image: alphacoders.com
This Fire-type lizard Pokémon's tail flame reflects its health and emotions. Charmander's high Attack and Speed stats, coupled with effective Fire-type moves against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types, make it a popular choice. Its evolution into Charizard unlocks powerful moves and Mega Evolution potential.
However, Charmander struggles early on against Brock (Rock-type) and Misty (Water-type). Its low Defense makes it vulnerable to attacks. Despite these early challenges, Charmander's power becomes evident later in the game, evolving into one of the strongest Pokémon.
Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?
Image: ensigame.com
The optimal choice depends on your play style. Bulbasaur offers an easier start, Charmander presents a greater challenge, and Squirtle provides balance. We recommend Bulbasaur for a smoother progression, effectively handling the first two Gyms due to its type advantage. Its solid Defense and Stamina make it suitable for beginners. Ultimately, each starter offers unique advantages that influence your battle strategy and overall gameplay experience. Consider your preferred playstyle and long-term strategy when making your selection. Regardless of your choice, your decision will lay the foundation for your Pocket Monsters adventure.
