Pokémon Starters Evolve Over Generations

The Pokémon franchise boasts a rich history of starter Pokémon, with each generation introducing a trio of Grass, Fire, and Water types. This comprehensive guide explores all 27 starter lines across nine generations.

Jump To: Gen 1 | Gen 2 | Gen 3 | Gen 4 | Gen 5 | Gen 6 | Gen 7 | Gen 8 | Gen 9

Note: Final evolutions marked (*) are capable of Mega Evolution in Generations VI and VII.

All Starter Pokémon by Generation

Generation I: Kanto Region Starters

The iconic Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – debuted in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. These fan favorites have reappeared in numerous remakes and subsequent games.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Bulbasaur	Grass/Poison	Ivysaur (Level 16) Venusaur* (Level 32)
Charmander	Fire	Charmeleon (Level 16) Charizard* (Level 36)
Squirtle	Water	Wartortle (Level 16) Blastoise* (Level 36)

Generation II: Johto Region Starters

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile hail from the Johto region, introduced in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. They've also appeared in remakes and later games through various methods.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Chikorita	Grass	Bayleef (Level 16) Meganium (Level 32)
Cyndaquil	Fire	Quilava (Level 14) Typhlosion (Level 36)
Totodile	Water	Croconaw (Level 18) Feraligatr (Level 30)

Note: Cyndaquil's evolution level to Quilava varies; see Gen VIII for Legends: Arceus details.

Generation III: Hoenn Region Starters

Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip represent the Hoenn region in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These starters have made appearances in remakes and other games.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Treecko	Grass	Grovyle (Level 16) Sceptile* (Level 36)
Torchic	Fire	Combusken (Level 16) Blaziken* (Level 36)
Mudkip	Water	Marshtomp (Level 16) Swampert* (Level 36)

Generation IV: Sinnoh Region Starters

Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup debuted in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. While absent as starters in Legends: Arceus, they are available in other games.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Turtwig	Grass	Grotle (Level 18) Torterra (Level 32)
Chimchar	Fire	Monferno (Level 14) Infernape (Level 36)
Piplup	Water	Prinplup (Level 16) Empoleon (Level 36)

Generation V: Unova Region Starters

Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott are the Unova starters from Pokémon Black and White and their sequels. These Pokémon are obtainable in various later titles.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Snivy	Grass	Servine (Level 17) Serperior (Level 36)
Tepig	Fire	Pignite (Level 17) Emboar (Level 36)
Oshawott	Water	Dewott (Level 17) Samurott (Level 36)

Generation VI: Kalos Region Starters

Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, the Kalos starters from Pokémon X and Y, are notable for Greninja's Ash-Greninja form. They're available in various later games.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Chespin	Grass	Quilladin (Level 16) Chesnaught (Level 36)
Fennekin	Fire	Braixen (Level 16) Delphox (Level 36)
Froakie	Water	Frogadier (Level 16) Greninja (Level 36)

Generation VII: Alola Region Starters

Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio debuted in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They've been featured in sequels and later DLC.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Rowlet	Grass/Flying	Dartrix (Level 17) Decidueye (Level 34)
Litten	Fire	Torracat (Level 17) Incineroar (Level 34)
Popplio	Water	Brionne (Level 17) Primarina (Level 34)

Note: Dartrix's evolution level to Decidueye varies; see Gen VIII for Legends: Arceus details.

Generation VIII: Galar Region & Hisui Starters

Generation VIII introduced a unique approach with Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Sword & Shield featured Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, while Legends: Arceus offered past starters with regional variants.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Grookey	Grass	Thwackey (Level 16) Rillaboom (Level 35)
Scorbunny	Fire	Raboot (Level 16) Cinderace (Level 35)
Sobble	Water	Drizzile (Level 17) Inteleon (Level 35)

Legends: Arceus featured Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott with unique Hisuian evolutions.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Rowlet	Grass/Flying	Dartrix (Level 17) Hisuian Decidueye (Level 36)
Cyndaquil	Fire	Quilava (Level 17) Hisuian Typhlosion (Level 36)
Oshawott	Water	Dewott (Level 17) Hisuian Samurott (Level 36)

Generation IX: Paldea Region Starters

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly are the Paldea starters from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Past starters are also available via DLC.

Starter Pokémon	Type	Evolutions
Sprigatito	Grass	Floragato (Level 16) Meowscarada (Level 36)
Fuecoco	Fire	Crocalor (Level 16) Skeledirge (Level 36)
Quaxly	Water	Quaxwell (Level 16) Quaquaval (Level 36)

With the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A in development, the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and its DLC are currently available.