GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.
Are you curious about the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A? As with the past games in the series, you’re given three options to choose from at the beginning of the campaign. This decision is pivotal, given that the creature that you pick becomes your main partner throughout your journey.
What is the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig
The three starter Pokemon are actually from previous releases: Chikorita and Totodile are from Gen 2–i.e. Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. Tepig, meanwhile, is from Gen 5–i.e. Pokemon Black and White.
Naturally, the Pokemon you pick at this stage will end up becoming one of the strongest in your squad as you progress through the game. As such, you need to be mindful of the one that you select.
Chikorita vs. Totodile vs. Tepig
There are a few factors to consider when talking about the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Firstly, long-time fans would remember how Cyndaquil was the ideal choice in the older games, with Totodile coming in second and Chikorita falling far behind in last place.
Granted, Legends: Z-A has its own campaign progression system and a different assortment of creatures in Lumiose City. In the end, it boils down to your ideal pick depending 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
Grass vs. Water vs. Fire
Elemental strengths and weaknesses should also be given importance:
- Chikorita (Grass) does extremely well against Water, Ground, and Rock. It’s mostly ineffective against Fire, Grass, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, and Steel.
- Totodile (Water) does extremely well against Fire, Ground, and Rock. It’s mostly ineffective against Water, Grass, and Dragon.
- Tepig (Fire) does extremely well against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel. It’s mostly ineffective against Fire, Water, Rock, and Dragon.
Grass-type Pokemon still draw the short end of the stick here due to weaker output against multiple enemy types. Water and Fire are mostly on par with each other. Just note that several early-game opponents that you face tend to be Normal, Grass, Ground, Flying, and Fighting types, too.
Are there starter Pokemon from past generations?
Aside from the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A, there are many other creatures that can join your squad. In fact, you can get a Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander–the “OG” Pokemon from Gen 1–just a few hours after starting the campaign proper.
This takes place during Side Mission 22: A Call from Mable. Visit Mable in the Pokemon Research Center to see the three OGs lounging around in her room. Then, go ahead and choose one to become a permanent addition to your team.
Note: The Pokemon that you choose here should complement your main partner. For instance, if you picked Totodile instead of Tepig, then you might want to get Charmander. Once they evolve into a Charizard, they’ll become your Fire-based heavy-hitter.
About the Author
