Best Starter Pokemon To Pick In Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Are you interested in discovering the top starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A? As with the previous titles in the series, you are presented with three choices at the onset of the adventure. This choice is crucial, considering that the creature you select will be your primary companion throughout your journey.

What is the top starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig

The three starter Pokemon originate from earlier games: Chikorita and Totodile hail from Generation 2–namely Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Tepig, on the other hand, belongs to Generation 5–notably Pokemon Black and White.

Understandably, the Pokemon you choose at this juncture will likely become one of the most formidable in your team as you advance in the game. Therefore, you should be cautious about the one you select.

Several factors should be evaluated when discussing the finest starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. To begin with, long-time aficionados will recall that Cyndaquil was the prime selection in the earlier games, with Totodile following closely behind and Chikorita trailing significantly in final position.

However, Legends: Z-A features its own campaign progression mechanics and an assorted collection of creatures in Lumiose City. Ultimately, your preferred choice hinges on their type/element and evolution:

• Chikorita
  • Type: Grass
  • Evolution 1: Bayleef at level 16
  • Evolution 2: Meganium at level 32
• Totodile
  • Type: Water
  • Evolution 1: Croconaw at level 18
  • Evolution 2: Feraligatr at level 30
• Tepig
  • Type: Fire
  • Evolution 1: Pignite at level 17
  • Evolution 2: Emboar at level 36

Elemental strengths and weaknesses should also be prioritized:

• Chikorita (Grass) performs exceptionally well against Water, Ground, and Rock. It is mostly ineffective against Fire, Grass, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, and Steel.
• Totodile (Water) excels against Fire, Ground, and Rock. It is generally ineffective versus Water, Grass, and Dragon.
• Tepig (Fire) does quite effectively against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel. It is usually ineffective against Fire, Water, Rock, and Dragon.

Apologies to Chikorita enthusiasts, but Grass-type Pokemon often find themselves at a disadvantage here due to lower damage output against various enemy types. Water and Fire are generally comparable to one another. Just remember that many early-game foes tend to be Normal, Grass, Ground, Flying, and Fighting types, too.

Besides the top starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, there are numerous other creatures that can be part of your team. In fact, you can acquire a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander–the “OG” Pokemon from Generation 1–within just a few hours of commencing the main campaign.

This occurs during Side Mission 22: A Call from Mable. Visit Mable in the Pokemon Research Center to find the three OGs relaxing in her quarters. Then, feel free to select one to become a permanent member of your roster.

Note: The Pokemon you decide on here should complement your primary partner. For example, if you selected Totodile over Tepig, then you may wish to opt for Charmander. Once they evolve into a Charizard, they will become your Fire-based powerhouse.

You will encounter more options as you continue to navigate Lumiose City. Ideally, you’ll want to capture the Alpha variants of Pokemon. These beings are larger and fiercer compared to their standard variants, making them appear more intimidating when you deploy them in battles. Shiny variants are likewise noteworthy as they are notably rarer than the typical spawns. Naturally, there are other early-game creatures that you should capture to enhance your team.

That wraps up our guide on the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Always remember that numerous team members undergo unique transformations that boost their power. You can explore this concept in our Mega Evolutions guide.

You need not tackle the challenges in Lumiose City alone. We have a Pokemon Legends: Z-A guides hub to assist you in climbing from the bottom to the top of the rankings.