Which Kanto Starter Is The Best? A Deep Dive Into Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle
Ah, the Kanto region. For many of us, it's where our Pokémon journey truly began. The choice that set the stage for countless battles, friendships, and arguably, our entire understanding of the Pokémon universe: which starter to pick? Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle? It’s a question that has sparked debates for decades, and while there’s no single “correct” answer, a detailed look at each of these iconic Kanto starters can help you understand why one might be “best” for you, or even for a particular playthrough.
Bulbasaur: The All-Around Ace
Let's start with Bulbasaur, the Grass/Poison-type Seed Pokémon. Often overlooked by those seeking raw power or elemental flair, Bulbasaur is, for many, the undisputed champion of the early Kanto game. Why? Its typing is simply phenomenal in the first few gyms.
Early Game Dominance
- Brock's Gym (Pewter City): This Rock-type Gym Leader is a complete pushover for Bulbasaur. Its Vine Whip attack, learned early on, deals super-effective damage, making this first gym a breeze.
- Misty's Gym (Cerulean City): While Misty's Water-types are usually a threat, Bulbasaur's Grass typing makes it a strong counter. It can resist their Water-type attacks and dish out super-effective Grass-type damage.
- Lt. Surge's Gym (Vermilion City): This is where Bulbasaur starts to show its limitations as an Electric-type gym, but its Poison typing can still be useful against certain Pokémon, and its overall stats are decent enough to compensate.
Mid-to-Late Game Viability
As the game progresses, Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur and then the magnificent Venusaur. Venusaur gains access to a wider array of Grass-type moves, and its secondary Poison typing can be useful for status effects like poison. While it might not be the fastest or strongest offensively, its bulk and resistances make it a reliable presence on any team. Its ability, Overgrow, boosts Grass-type attacks when its HP is low, providing a powerful comeback mechanic.
The Verdict on Bulbasaur:
If you value a smooth and relatively stress-free early game, and a Pokémon that can consistently contribute without needing constant babysitting, Bulbasaur is an excellent choice. It lays a strong foundation for your adventure.
Charmander: The Fiery Fighter
Charmander, the Fire-type Lizard Pokémon, is undeniably the most popular among many fans. Its sleek design and the allure of powerful Fire-type attacks are a huge draw. However, its early game is notoriously challenging.
The Rocky Road of the Early Game
- Brock's Gym (Pewter City): Charmander's Fire-type attacks are completely ineffective against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon. This means you'll need to rely on very weak basic attacks or find alternative Pokémon to defeat him.
- Misty's Gym (Cerulean City): Misty's Water Pokémon also present a significant challenge for Charmander, as Fire is weak against Water.
The Payoff: Charizard's Power
The struggle is real, but the reward for persevering with Charmander is immense. Upon evolving into Charmeleon and then the iconic Charizard, you gain a Fire/Flying-type powerhouse. Charizard boasts impressive Speed and Special Attack stats, making it a devastating offensive threat.
Charizard's Special Attack stat, combined with its access to powerful Fire-type moves like Flamethrower, can obliterate many opponents. Its Flying typing also grants it an immunity to Ground-type attacks, which is a valuable defensive asset.
Mid-to-Late Game Strengths
Charizard excels against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel-type Pokémon. Its movepool expands to include moves like Fly, which offers utility both in and out of battle. While its weaknesses to Rock and Water are significant, with careful strategic play and a well-rounded team, Charizard can carry you through many challenging battles.
The Verdict on Charmander:
Charmander is for the risk-taker, the player who enjoys a challenge and relishes the satisfaction of overcoming early-game hurdles for a truly powerful late-game Pokémon. If you can strategize around its early weaknesses, Charizard is a force to be reckoned with.
Squirtle: The Balanced Defender
Squirtle, the Water-type Tiny Turtle Pokémon, offers a more balanced approach. It’s not as immediately dominant as Bulbasaur in the first two gyms, nor as challenging to start as Charmander. Squirtle and its evolutions provide a solid all-around choice.
Navigating the First Few Gyms
- Brock's Gym (Pewter City): Squirtle’s Water-type attacks are not very effective against Brock's Rock Pokémon. You'll need to rely on basic attacks or catch another Pokémon early on.
- Misty's Gym (Cerulean City): This is where Squirtle shines. Its Water typing is super-effective against Misty's Water-type Pokémon, making this gym relatively easy to conquer.
- Lt. Surge's Gym (Vermilion City): While Squirtle's Water typing offers no advantage against Electric-types, its decent defensive stats can help it withstand some of the incoming attacks.
The Evolution into Blastoise
Squirtle evolves into Wartortle and then the formidable Blastoise. Blastoise is a Water-type Pokémon with excellent defensive stats and a respectable Special Attack. Its ability, Torrent, boosts Water-type moves when its HP is low, similar to Overgrow for Venusaur.
Mid-to-Late Game Versatility
Blastoise is a reliable all-rounder. Its Water typing is effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock Pokémon. It learns a variety of Water-type moves, including the powerful Hydro Pump. Furthermore, Blastoise can learn a variety of Ice-type moves via TMs, which are incredibly useful against Dragon and Grass-type Pokémon that might otherwise be problematic.
Blastoise's balanced stats mean it can take hits and dish them out, making it a valuable pivot Pokémon that can switch in to absorb damage and retaliate.
The Verdict on Squirtle:
Squirtle is the steady and dependable choice. It provides a good balance of offensive and defensive capabilities, making it a solid contributor throughout the entire game without the extreme early-game struggles of Charmander or the immediate dominance of Bulbasaur. It's a safe and effective pick.
So, Which Kanto Starter Is The Best?
The "best" Kanto starter ultimately depends on your playstyle and what you value most in a Pokémon companion.
- For a smooth early game and consistent reliability: Bulbasaur.
- For a challenging start with a powerful late-game payoff: Charmander.
- For a balanced and versatile teammate throughout the journey: Squirtle.
Each starter has its own unique journey and rewards. No matter who you choose, the adventure in the Kanto region with your chosen partner is an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the starter choice affect the early game in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow?
Your starter Pokémon significantly impacts the early game. Bulbasaur makes the first two gyms (Brock and Misty) very easy due to its Grass typing. Charmander struggles immensely against Brock and Misty, requiring careful strategy or catching other Pokémon. Squirtle is neutral against Brock but excels against Misty.
Why is Charmander often considered difficult to start with?
Charmander is a Fire-type Pokémon. In the original Kanto games, the first two Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty, specialize in Rock and Water-type Pokémon, respectively. Charmander's Fire-type attacks are not very effective against these types, making those early battles incredibly challenging without alternative Pokémon or strategic use of basic attacks.
Why is Bulbasaur considered the easiest starter for a first-time player?
Bulbasaur's Grass/Poison typing gives it a significant advantage in the early game. Its Grass-type moves are super-effective against the Rock-type Pokémon of Pewter City's Gym Leader, Brock, and also effective against the Water-type Pokémon of Cerulean City's Gym Leader, Misty. This allows new players to overcome early challenges with relative ease.
How does Squirtle compare to the other Kanto starters in terms of balance?
Squirtle offers a good balance. While it struggles against Brock, it fares well against Misty and provides a solid, dependable presence throughout the game. Its evolution, Blastoise, has good defensive stats and can learn a variety of useful moves, making it a versatile team member without the extreme highs and lows of Charmander or the immediate dominance of Bulbasaur.
