Top 10 Starter Pokémon

Calling a baby penguin to mind, Piplup is an easy choice for any bird lover. Encompassing water and flying abilities, this little blue bird stood out from all the rest upon debuting in “Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.” Piplup is so adorable that it’s actually kind of sad to watch it evolve into a Prinplup. Watching your Pokémon grow up is part of being a trainer, though, and Piplup is one Pokémon sure to make you proud. Just watch out for its steel beak.

Remember when there were only 150 Pokémon? That number has certainly increased since then. Chikorita kicked off a second generation of Pokémon and is our personal favorite starter from the “Gold and Silver” versions. Looking like a pear, you just want to eat Chikorita right up. Is that weird? As it evolves, it takes on the appearance of a little brontosaurus that’s overdosed on tree stars. Able to handle itself in battle and sooth anybody with its regenerative powers, this grass-type Pokémon will make anybody want to go green.

Looking like a newly hatched chick, Torchic is kind of like the fire equivalent of Piplup. Despite its cute as a button exterior, this Pokémon packs a powerful fireball. That won’t stop you from wanting to give it a warm hug, though. Torchic will grow into a full-fledged cock fighter upon evolving into Combusken and become mightier than a Shamo chicken after evolving into Blaziken. Choosing Torchic is guaranteed to blaze your trail to the Pokémon League and give you a craving for red-hot Buffalo wings.

Fennekin is a Firefox and we’re not talking about the web browser. Able to reach temperatures of over 390 degrees Fahrenheit, this tiny Pokémon will set its challengers ablaze and melt your heart in the process. As Fennekin evolves into Braixen, it develops a stronger connection to the mystical. It even starts to carry around a flaming stick with the essence of a wand. With magic that’s hot to the touch, Ninetales and Vulpix ain’t got nothing on this fantastic fox.

A seashell, or “scalchop,” may not seem like a deadly weapon, especially in the hands of a darling sea otter Pokémon. This instrument gives Oshawott an unlikely competitive edge in battle however, acting as his blade and shield. Once Oshawott becomes Dewott, it gets an arsenal upgrade with two scalchops on its thighs. As Samurott, it takes on the appearance of a sea lion equipped with samurai style armor. Throw in some water abilities and you’ve got one formidable Pokémon.

Given the popularity of the “Pokémon” anime, it made sense to develop a game that was closer to Ash Ketchum’s never ending journey. Just like in the series, the player starts off “Pokémon Yellow” with a Pikachu reluctant to stay in its Pokéball. Granted, you don’t actually get to choose your starter Pokémon in this game. There isn’t a fan of this series that wouldn’t want a Pikachu following them around, however. Loyal, lovable, and embodying and unmatched spark, there’s a reason why this electric mouse became Pokémon’s mascot.

Bulbasaur may not be as popular as his water and fire counterparts, but at least he’ll always be number one in the official Pokédex. While not everybody chose Bulbasaur upfront, it was still really hard to deny this delightful seed Pokémon with the appearance of a mini dinosaur. Sporting a powerful plant bulb and vine whips, Bulbasaur can hold its own in Pokémon battle. Even if you’re not a trainer, though, Bulbasaur can also act as an affectionate caretaker.

Aside from being one of the best water-types in any Pokémon game, Mudkip can learn a wide variety of helpful abilities as it evolves into Marshtomp. Able to learn fighting, rock, and psychic movies, Mudkip is a versatile Pokémon capable of taking on almost any enemy. Its only real weakness is grass. As long as you teach it an ice or poison move, though, Mudkip is virtually unstoppable. Additionally possessing an incredibly huggable design, this fishy Pokémon has the whole package.

Turtles may be slow, laidback animals, but Squirtle is one of the liveliest and coolest Pokémon you’ll ever come across. How many other Pokémon can you think of that wear sunglasses? As awesome as Squirtle is, you’ll eagerly await its evolution into a Wartortle and then Blastoise, who brings new meaning to water gun. Packing heavy artillery in its mighty shell, Squirtle’s final form is built like a tank. This Pokémon easily would’ve been our top choice if it weren’t for just one other hot contender…


Before we choose our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Cyndaquil

Treecko

Totodile

Chespin

Tepig

Was there ever any doubt that Charmander would dominate this list? Equipped with a cheerful smile and a flaming tail, this lizard Pokémon is as cute as it is fierce. Let’s face it, though. The real reason we always choose Charmander is so it can evolve into Charmeleon and finally Charizard. Even if you can’t get your Charizard to obey you, who wouldn’t want a giant, flying, fire-breathing dragon in their corner? It doesn’t get any more badass than this fan favorite Pokémon…unless Charizard mega evolves of course.

Do you agree with our list? Which Pokémon did you choose? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.