First partner Pokémon: Difference between revisions

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{{split|"Kanto first partner Pokémon", "Johto first partner Pokémon", "Hoenn first partner Pokémon", "Sinnoh first partner Pokémon", and so on}}
{{split|"Kanto first partner Pokémon", "Johto first partner Pokémon", "Hoenn first partner Pokémon", "Sinnoh first partner Pokémon", and so on}}
[[File:GOTCHA first partner Pokémon.png|thumb|400px|The player's first partner Pokémon from [[Generation]]s {{Gen|I}} through {{Gen|VII}} in [[GOTCHA!]]]]
[[File:Pokémon Day 2022 Kanto Artwork.png|thumb|300px|{{ga|Red}} picking his first partner Pokémon]]
A '''first partner Pokémon''', also referred to informally as a '''starter Pokémon''', is the first {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that a {{pkmn|Trainer}} owns at the start of their [[Pokémon journey]]. This primarily refers to {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, or {{type|Water}} Pokémon given to players by a [[Pokémon Professor]] or other mentor at the beginning of the [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]], as well as {{p|Pikachu}} or {{p|Eevee}} in {{LGPE}}, but can otherwise be any Pokémon outside of this context.
A '''first partner Pokémon''', also referred to informally as a '''starter Pokémon''', is the first {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that a {{pkmn|Trainer}} owns at the start of their [[Pokémon journey]]. This primarily refers to {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, or {{type|Water}} Pokémon given to players by a [[Pokémon Professor]] or other mentor at the beginning of the [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]], as well as {{p|Pikachu}} or {{p|Eevee}} in {{LGPE}}, but can otherwise be any Pokémon outside of this context.


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==Terminology==
==Terminology==
[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|250px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|300px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
{{main|Terminology of first partner Pokémon}}
{{main|Terminology of first partner Pokémon}}
Historically, these Pokémon have been referred to as "'''starter Pokémon'''", sometimes shortened as "'''starters'''".


The earliest known official use of "'''starter Pokémon'''" was on the page 5 of ''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' #6 (January 1999). The first use in the anime was in the ''[[S07|Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' episode ''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]''. The first use in the [[core series]] games was in {{game4|BWB2W2}}, where one of the questions from the [[Passerby Analytics HQ]] is: ''"What's your '''starter Pokémon'''?"''
===First partner Pokémon===
Since [[Generation VI]], "first partner Pokémon" is the main term officially used to refer to these Pokémon in the [[Pokémon games]], {{pkmn|anime|TV series}}, {{Trading Card Game}}, and other media. It is sometimes shortened to simply "first partner".


From [[Generation VI]] onward, they are usually known as "'''first partner Pokémon'''", sometimes shortened as "'''first partners'''". This term is used in the core series games, {{spin-off games}} such as {{g|Masters EX}} and {{g|GO}}, as well as on [[Pokémon.com]] and the [https://pokemonstore.com Pokémon Store].
Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as first partner Pokémon, such as {{p|Poipole}} in its {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun}} [[Pokédex entry]], as well as various Pokémon in {{g|Masters EX}}.


Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as '''first partner Pokémon'''. According to its [[Pokédex]] entry in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun]], {{p|Poipole}} is chosen as a first partner in its world. In {{g|Masters EX}}, {{mas|Alder}}'s {{p|Volcarona}} and {{mas|Anabel}}'s {{p|Snorlax}} are said to be their first partner Pokémon.
Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at [[Nintendo of America]], has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube] — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."</ref>


Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at [[Nintendo of America]], has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to the implication that "starter Pokémon" implies that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube] — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."</ref>
===Starter Pokémon===
Historically, these Pokémon have been referred to as "starter Pokémon", sometimes shortened as "starters", though these terms were rarely used in the {{pkmn|games}}, and used occasionally during the second through fourth series of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.


In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese does not have a single term that is consistently used to refer to first partner Pokémon. The most common Japanese term is 「パートナー」 (''partner''), but occasionally 相棒 (''partner'') may also be used. These terms, as well as just ポケモン (''Pokémon''), are usually paired with 最初の (''first'') or 初めての (''first''), but other terms such as 最初に選んだ (''that was chosen first'') or はじめに選んだ (''that was chosen first'') are also used. Among Japanese fans, 御三家 (''the big three'') is commonly used to refer to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.
Starting in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', the term "starter Pokémon" fell out of use entirely in the TV series. At a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', [[Tom Wayland]], stated that "starter Pokémon" is "an unofficial term now".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuH-5Fv87g&t=1608s PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices]: Wayland: "''Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now.''"<br>Audience: "''I think it's always been an unofficial term.''"<br>Wayland: "''Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't.''"</ref>
 
In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at [[The Pokémon Company International]],<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-hammes-1a1aa087/ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn]</ref> stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon" with specific formatting restrictions.<ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103070703904018433 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''P.S. We can call them starter on social now''"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103262076707979265 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!''"</ref>
 
===Japanese terminology===
In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese does not have a particular term that is consistently used to refer to first partner Pokémon. The most common Japanese term is 「パートナー」 (''partner''), but occasionally 相棒 (''partner'') may also be used. These terms, as well as just ポケモン (''Pokémon''), are usually paired with 最初の (''first'') or 初めての (''first''), but other terms such as 最初に選んだ (''that was chosen first'') or はじめに選んだ (''that was chosen first'') are also used. Among Japanese fans, 御三家 (''the big three'') is commonly used to refer to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.


==Grass, Fire, and Water trios==
==Grass, Fire, and Water trios==
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The 27 Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type first partner Pokémon are listed below. In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, and {{p|Oshawott}} return as first partners that can be chosen by the player shortly after they first land in [[Hisui]].
The 27 Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type first partner Pokémon are listed below. In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, and {{p|Oshawott}} return as first partners that can be chosen by the player shortly after they first land in [[Hisui]].


<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Kanto color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kanto first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kanto first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0007|Squirtle|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0007|Squirtle|Water}}
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}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->


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<div style="font-weight: bold;">Johto first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Johto first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0158|Totodile|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0158|Totodile|Water}}
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}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->


<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Hoenn color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Hoenn color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Hoenn first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Hoenn first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0258|Mudkip|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0258|Mudkip|Water}}
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Sinnoh color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Sinnoh color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Sinnoh first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Sinnoh first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0393|Piplup|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0393|Piplup|Water}}
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Unova color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Unova color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Unova first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Unova first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0501|Oshawott|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0501|Oshawott|Water}}
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}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->


<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Kalos color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Kalos color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kalos first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kalos first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0656|Froakie|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0656|Froakie|Water}}
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">Alola first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Alola first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0728|Popplio|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0728|Popplio|Water}}
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Galar color light}};"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Galar color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Galar first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Galar first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0816|Sobble|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0816|Sobble|Water}}
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<div style="font-weight: bold;">Paldea first partner Pokémon</div>
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Paldea first partner Pokémon</div>
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<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
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{{PokeSum|0912|Quaxly|Water}}
{{PokeSum|0912|Quaxly|Water}}
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Interestingly, the Kalos first partners also have a more broadly defined triangle in the secondary types of their final evolutions. They all still deal 2× damage offensively , and most still receive ½× damage defensively; but while Dark does not "resist" Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it takes no damage.
The Kalos first partners also have a more broadly defined triangle in the secondary types of their final evolutions. They all still deal 2× damage offensively, and most still receive ½× damage defensively, but while Dark does not technically resist Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it is immune.


==Other first partners==
==Other first partners==
Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.
Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.


For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].
:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''


===Player's first Pokémon===
===Player's first Pokémon===
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These Pokémon are never referred to as first partner Pokémon (or starter Pokémon) in-game; they are typically referred to as {{ga|partner Pokémon}} instead. However, in one instance on the official website for the games, and on the [[Pokémon.com]] page for the games, they are referred to as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps]: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."</ref>
These Pokémon are never referred to as first partner Pokémon (or starter Pokémon) in-game; they are typically referred to as {{ga|partner Pokémon}} instead. However, in one instance on the official website for the games, and on the [[Pokémon.com]] page for the games, they are referred to as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps]: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."</ref>


<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{electric color light}};">
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{electric color light}}|
{{PokeSum|0025|Pikachu|Electric}}
{{PokeSum|0025|Pikachu|Electric}}
</div>
}}


<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{normal color light}};">
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{normal color light}}|
{{PokeSum|0133|Eevee|Normal}}
{{PokeSum|0133|Eevee|Normal}}
</div>
}}


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===Other references===
===Other references===
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{{p|Poipole}}'s [[Pokédex]] entry in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}} refers to it as a popular first partner in its world.  
{{p|Poipole}}'s [[Pokédex]] entry in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}} refers to it as a popular first partner in its world.  


<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->
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<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{dark color light}};">
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{dark color light}}|
{{PokeSum|0052|Meowth|Dark|form=-Alola}}
{{PokeSum|0052|Meowth|Dark|form=-Alola|formname=Alolan}}
</div>
}}


<div class="roundy c" style=" padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{poison color light}};">
{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{poison color light}}|
{{PokeSum|0803|Poipole|Poison}}
{{PokeSum|0803|Poipole|Poison}}
</div>
}}


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==In the games==
==In the games==
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The Pokémon in the regional first partner trios have several common characteristics, both among each other and between generations. The most obvious commonality is their reliable typing. They all have an [[Ability]] that boosts their main type when their [[HP]] becomes low: the Grass types have {{a|Overgrow}}, Fire types have {{a|Blaze}}, and Water types have {{a|Torrent}}. They also all have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female, generally making {{pkmn|breeding}} them slightly inconvenient. When obtained at the start of a game, they are always level 5 and they start out knowing a {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] ({{m|Pound}}, {{m|Scratch}}, or {{m|Tackle}}) and a stat-altering [[status move]] ({{m|Growl}}, {{m|Leer}}, or {{m|Tail Whip}}); since [[Generation VI]] (with the exception of [[Generation VIII]]), they also have an attacking move that matches their main type.
The Pokémon in the regional first partner trios have several common characteristics, both among each other and between generations. The most obvious commonality is their reliable typing. They all have an [[Ability]] that boosts their main type when their [[HP]] becomes low: the Grass types have {{a|Overgrow}}, Fire types have {{a|Blaze}}, and Water types have {{a|Torrent}}. They also all have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female, generally making {{pkmn|breeding}} them slightly inconvenient. When obtained at the start of a game, they are always level 5 and they start out knowing a {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] ({{m|Pound}}, {{m|Scratch}}, or {{m|Tackle}}) and a stat-altering [[status move]] ({{m|Growl}}, {{m|Leer}}, or {{m|Tail Whip}}); since [[Generation VI]] (with the exception of [[Generation VIII]]), they also have an attacking move that matches their main type.


The table below shows the Pokémon that are selectable at the start of each core series game, and which other games they can also be obtained in. A '''<sup>{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''', '''<sup>{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}</sup>''' or '''<sup>{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}</sup>''' above the game's title indicates that only the first partner Pokémon in the trio that corresponds to that type is obtainable in that game. For availability in games outside of the core series, refer to the "Game locations" heading of the Pokémon's respective page for its species.
The table below shows the Pokémon that are selectable at the start of each core series game, and which other games they can also be obtained in. A '''<sup>{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}</sup>''', '''<sup>{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''', or '''<sup>{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}</sup>''' above the game's title indicates that only the first partner Pokémon in the trio that corresponds to that type is obtainable in that game. For availability in games outside of the core series, refer to the "Game locations" heading of the Pokémon's respective page for its species.
{| class="roundy" style="margin: auto; background-color: #{{bulba color}}; border: 3px solid #{{bulba color dark}};"
{| class="roundy" style="margin: auto; background-color: #{{bulba color}}; border: 3px solid #{{bulba color dark}};"
! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Game(s)
! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Game(s)
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! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Also obtainable in
! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Also obtainable in
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev1|RB}}/{{gameabbrev1|JB}}, {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| {{gameabbrev1|RGB}}/{{gameabbrev1|RB}}, {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| {{MSP|0001|Bulbasaur}} {{MSP|0004|Charmander}} {{MSP|0007|Squirtle}}
| {{MSP|0001|Bulbasaur}} {{MSP|0004|Charmander}} {{MSP|0007|Squirtle}}
| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev6|XY}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}'''<sup>{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''' ({{gameabbrev8|IA}})'''<sup>{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}</sup><sup>{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}</sup>''', {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev6|XY}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev7|PE}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}'''<sup>{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''' ({{gameabbrev8|IA}})'''<sup>{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}</sup><sup>{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}</sup>''', {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}
| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}
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==In the anime==
==In the anime==
===Main series===
===Main series===
[[File:Sinnoh first partners anime.png|thumb|300px|The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory]]
[[File:Ash and Kanto first partners.png|thumb|250px|{{Ash}} with his Kanto first partner Pokémon and Pikachu]]
In the [[Pokémon anime|anime]], upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a [[Pokédex]] and pick up a first partner Pokémon from the local [[Pokémon Professor]] or [[Pokémon Center]] free of charge. First partner Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.
In ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a [[Pokédex]] and pick up a first partner Pokémon from the local [[Pokémon Professor]] or [[Pokémon Center]] free of charge. First partner Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.


Like in the games, the specific first partner Pokémon available vary from region to region but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle; Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile; and so on.
Like in the games, the specific first partner Pokémon available vary from region to region but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle; Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile; and so on.
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Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.
Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.


<gallery perrow="6">
<gallery widths="200px" class="center">
File:First partner Pokémon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall depicting the Kanto first partner Pokémon
File:Cerise Kanto first partners.png|The Kanto first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Cerise]]'s laboratory
File:LoT first partners.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their Johto first partner Pokémon
File:Johto first partners anime.png|The Johto first partner Pokémon owned by {{Ash}}
File:Hoenn first partners anime.png|The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by Brock, Ash, and May from left to right
File:Hoenn first partners anime.png|The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by {{an|Brock}}, Ash, and {{an|May}}
File:Sinnoh first partners.png|A postcard from Professor Rowan depicting the Sinnoh first partner Pokémon
File:Sinnoh first partners anime.png|The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory
File:Unova first partners anime.png|The Unova region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
File:Unova first partners anime.png|The Unova region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
File:Kalos first partners anime.png|The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Sycamore]]'s laboratory
File:Kalos first partners anime.png|The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in {{an|Professor Sycamore}}'s laboratory
File:SM016.png|The Alola region first partner Pokémon owned by Ash and Lana
File:SM016.png|The Alola first partner Pokémon, owned by Ash and {{an|Lana}}
File:Galar first partners anime.png|The Galar region first partner Pokémon in the anime
File:Galar first partners anime.png|The Galar region first partner Pokémon
File:Hisuian first partners anime.png|The Hisui region first partner Pokémon in the anime
File:Hisuian first partners anime.png|The Hisui region first partner Pokémon
File:Liko Sprigatito Roy Fuecoco Dot Quaxly.png|The Paldea first partner Pokémon in the anime, owned by [[Dot]], [[Roy]], and [[Liko]] from left to right
File:Paldea first partners anime.png|The Paldea first partner Pokémon, owned by [[Liko]], [[Dot]], and [[Roy]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
In [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], unlike the anime from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of first partner Pokémon. {{an|Professor Oak}} is not shown residing at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|his laboratory]] handing out first partner Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the anime, rather, he travels the [[Kanto]] region conducting research, often accompanied by [[Bill]]. Trainers in The Electric Tale of Pikachu must obtain a license before they can purchase [[Poké Ball]]s or otherwise capture and train Pokémon. {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}} found {{AP|Pikachu|Pikachu (EToP)}} under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what [[Gary Oak]]'s first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a {{p|Venusaur}}.
In [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], unlike the [[Pokémon the Series|TV series]] from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of first partner Pokémon. {{an|Professor Oak}} is not shown residing at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|his laboratory]] handing out first partner Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the TV series, rather, he travels the [[Kanto]] region conducting research, often accompanied by [[Bill]]. Trainers in The Electric Tale of Pikachu must obtain a license before they can purchase [[Poké Ball]]s or otherwise capture and train Pokémon. {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}} found {{AP|Pikachu|Pikachu (EToP)}} under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what [[Gary Oak]]'s first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a {{p|Venusaur}}.


===Pokémon Adventures===
===Pokémon Adventures===
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===In the games===
===In the games===
* In [[Generation II]], it was not legal to have a {{Shiny}} female first partner Pokémon, due to the mechanics of how [[gender]] and Shininess were determined. The lowest Attack {{IV}} a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV that a female Pokémon in their gender group could have was 1.
* In [[Generation II]], it was not possible to have a {{Shiny}} female first partner Pokémon, due to the mechanics of how [[gender]] and Shininess were determined. The lowest Attack {{IV}} a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV that a female Pokémon in their gender group could have was 1.
* [[Kanto]]'s first partner Pokémon are the only partner Pokémon where all of the members appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]]: [[List of Pokémon by Kanto Pokédex number|Kanto]]'s, [[List of Pokémon by Johto Pokédex number|Johto]]'s, and [[List of Pokémon by Kalos Pokédex number|Kalos]]'s.
* [[Kanto]]'s first partner Pokémon are the only partner Pokémon where all of the members appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]]: [[List of Pokémon by Kanto Pokédex number|Kanto]]'s, [[List of Pokémon by Johto Pokédex number|Johto]]'s, and [[List of Pokémon by Kalos Pokédex number|Kalos]]'s.
** The {{p|Charmander}} line also appears alone in the [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number|Galar]] regional Pokédex, while the {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Squirtle}} lines appear in the [[Isle of Armor]] regional Pokédex.
** The {{p|Charmander}} line also appears alone in the [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number|Galar]] regional Pokédex, while the {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Squirtle}} lines appear in the [[Isle of Armor]] regional Pokédex.
* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
* The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Torterra}}'s {{stat|Speed}}, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Primarina}}'s {{stat|Special Attack}}, at 126.
* The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Torterra}}'s {{stat|Speed}}, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Primarina}}'s {{stat|Special Attack}}, at 126.
* Since both first partner Pokémon in [[Pokémon Colosseum]] are always male, this had the outcome of preventing players from obtaining {{p|Eevee}} in [[Generation III]] (by [[trade|trading]] with {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} and [[breeding]]) until the release of {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}.
* The Pikachu featured in Pokémon Yellow & Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are the only first partner Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which they are first partner Pokémon.
* The Pikachu featured in Pokémon Yellow & Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are the only first partner Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which they are first partner Pokémon.
** Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s respective first partners are also the only ones that cannot be traded to other games.
** Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s respective first partners are also the only ones that cannot be traded to other games.
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** Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides {{p|Chespin}} has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
** Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides {{p|Chespin}} has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
** Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type first partner has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts and no fully evolved Fire-type first partner besides {{p|Blaziken}} has a lower one.
** Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type first partner has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts and no fully evolved Fire-type first partner besides {{p|Blaziken}} has a lower one.
* All fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM moves {{m|Surf}}, {{m|Dive}}, and {{m|Waterfall}}.
* As of Generation IX, all fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM move {{m|Surf}}.


===In the anime===
===In the anime===
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* For [[BW003]], [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] is about the first partner Pokémon of Unova. He writes this senryū about them: 「パートナー みず・くさ・ほのお まよっちゃう」 ''"Partner, {{t|Water}}, {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, I can't decide."''
* For [[BW003]], [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] is about the first partner Pokémon of Unova. He writes this senryū about them: 「パートナー みず・くさ・ほのお まよっちゃう」 ''"Partner, {{t|Water}}, {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, I can't decide."''
* Ash has owned all but two of the Grass-type first partner Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}}, {{AP|Snivy}}, and {{AP|Rowlet}}. The Grass-type first partner from Kalos, {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}}, is instead owned by {{an|Clemont}}, and the Grass-type first partner from Galar, {{TP|Goh|Grookey}}, is instead owned by [[Goh]].
* Ash has owned all but two of the Grass-type first partner Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}}, {{AP|Snivy}}, and {{AP|Rowlet}}. The Grass-type first partner from Kalos, {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}}, is instead owned by {{an|Clemont}}, and the Grass-type first partner from Galar, {{TP|Goh|Grookey}}, is instead owned by [[Goh]].
* Each {{type|Water}} first partner Pokémon obtained by a main character was not battled: [[Ash's Squirtle]], {{AP|Oshawott}}, and {{AP|Froakie}} chose to join his team, while Ash fought and won against Misty for his {{AP|Totodile}}. Brock's {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}} chose to join him. May received her {{TP|May|Squirtle}} from [[Professor Oak]], Dawn received her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]], Lana rescued her {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} from Team Skull, and Goh caught his {{TP|Goh|Sobble}} without battling it.
* Each {{type|Water}} first partner Pokémon obtained by a main character was not battled: [[Ash's Squirtle]], {{AP|Oshawott}}, and {{AP|Froakie}} chose to join his team, while Ash fought and won against Misty for his {{AP|Totodile}}. Brock's {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}} chose to join him. May received her {{TP|May|Squirtle}} from [[Professor Oak]], Dawn received her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]], Lana rescued her {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} from Team Skull, and Goh caught his {{TP|Goh|Sobble}} without battling it. In ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]'', [[Dot]]’s {{TP|Dot|Quaxly}} chose to join her team as her [[List of characters' first Pokémon|first Pokémon]], although she is not a main character.
* The Hoenn first partner set is the first set in which all three Pokémon evolve under the care of the main characters who own them.
* The Hoenn first partner set is the first set in which all three Pokémon evolve under the care of the main characters who own them.
* Since ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'', no Grass-type first partner Pokémon owned by a main character has evolved, as Snivy, Chespin, Rowlet, and Grookey all remain in their basic forms.
* {{p|Squirtle}} and {{p|Turtwig}} are both based on turtles and were the first partner Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, {{Gary}} and [[Paul]].
* {{p|Squirtle}} and {{p|Turtwig}} are both based on turtles and were the first partner Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, {{Gary}} and [[Paul]].
* {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}} are both based on birds. They were also both owned by the anime's resident [[Pokémon Coordinator]]s.
* {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}} are both based on birds. They were also both owned by the resident [[Pokémon Coordinator]]s in ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''.
* Both May and Dawn have a second first partner Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These first partner Pokémon are both from two generations prior to their owner's introduction and featured in the anime likely due to the same-generation [[remake]]s.
* Both May and Dawn have a second first partner Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These first partner Pokémon are both from two generations prior to their owner's introduction and featured in ''Pokémon the Series'' likely due to the same-generation [[remake]]s.
* In the ''Diamond and Pearl'' series, there have been two major appearances of each fully evolved first partner introduced in [[Generation IV]]: Ash and Paul's Torterra, Ash and Flint's Infernape, and Barry and [[Kenny's Empoleon]].
* In the ''Diamond and Pearl'' series, there have been two major appearances of each fully evolved first partner introduced in [[Generation IV]]: Ash and Paul's Torterra, Ash and Flint's Infernape, and Barry and [[Kenny's Empoleon]].
* Every Fire-type first partner obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
* Every Fire-type first partner obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
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;''First partner Pokémon''
;''First partner Pokémon''
{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
|zh_yue=搭檔寶可夢 ''{{tt|Daapdong Bóuhómuhng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 ''{{tt|Jeuichō dīk fóbuhn|First partner}}'' ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|zh_yue=搭檔寶可夢 ''{{tt|Daapdong Bóuhómuhng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 ''{{tt|Jeuichō dīk fóbuhn|First partner}}'' {{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
|zh_cmn=搭檔寶可夢 / 搭档宝可梦 ''{{tt|Dādàng Bǎokěmèng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 / 最初的伙伴 ''{{tt|Zuìchū de huǒbàn|First partner}}'' ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|zh_cmn=搭檔寶可夢 / 搭档宝可梦 ''{{tt|Dādàng Bǎokěmèng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 / 最初的伙伴 ''{{tt|Zuìchū de huǒbàn|First partner}}'' {{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
|da=første Pokémon-partner ([[JN001]])<br>første Pokémon-makker ([[JN049]]&ndash;)
|da=første Pokémon-partner ([[JN001]])<br>første Pokémon-makker ([[JN049]]&ndash;)
|fi=Ensikumppani-Pokémon
|fi=Ensikumppani-Pokémon
|fr=Pokémon de départ{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Premier partenaire ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|fr=Pokémon de départ{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Premier Pokémon{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card}}<br>Premier partenaire{{tt|*|HOME}}
|de=Erste Partner-Pokémon
|de=Erstes Partner-Pokémon
|it=Primo compagno d'avventura
|it=Primo compagno d'avventura{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website, HOME}}<br>Pokémon iniziale{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card}}
|es=Pokémon inicial{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Primer compañero ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|es=Pokémon inicial{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Primer compañero{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>첫 파트너 ''{{tt|Cheot|First}} partner'' ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>첫 파트너 ''{{tt|Cheot|First}} partner''{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
}}
}}
</div>
</div>
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|es=Pokémon inicial
|es=Pokémon inicial
|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Beginning''
|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Roemton''
|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
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* [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]]
* [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]]
* [[List of the player's first Pokémon]]
* [[List of the player's first Pokémon]]
* [[List of characters' first Pokémon]]
* [[Game mascot]]
* [[Game mascot]]


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[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:First partner Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:First partner Pokémon|*]]
 
[[Category:First Pokémon]]
[[de:Erste Partner-Pokémon]]
[[de:Erste Partner-Pokémon]]
[[es:Pokémon inicial]]
[[es:Pokémon inicial]]

Latest revision as of 17:05, 23 April 2024

292Shedinja.png The contents of this article have been suggested to be split into "Kanto first partner Pokémon", "Johto first partner Pokémon", "Hoenn first partner Pokémon", "Sinnoh first partner Pokémon", and so on.
Please discuss it on the talk page for this article.
Red picking his first partner Pokémon

A first partner Pokémon, also referred to informally as a starter Pokémon, is the first Pokémon that a Trainer owns at the start of their Pokémon journey. This primarily refers to Grass-, Fire-, or Water-type Pokémon given to players by a Pokémon Professor or other mentor at the beginning of the core series Pokémon games, as well as Pikachu or Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, but can otherwise be any Pokémon outside of this context.

In the games, the player's first partner will be used to battle the first wild Pokémon they encounter. Once another Pokémon is caught, their first partner may be retired, but it is often with this Pokémon that Trainers learn friendship and trust. As such, even advanced Trainers may still use their first partner Pokémon, and they will often be the most powerful Pokémon on their respective teams.

It is said that the first partner Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, accounting for their uniqueness in each game.

In the creative process, first partner Pokémon are the Pokémon from each game that the most work goes into, and usually take significantly more time than other Pokémon in each generation.[1]

Terminology

Promotional image for The Indigo Disk using the term "first partner Pokémon"[2]
Main article: Terminology of first partner Pokémon

First partner Pokémon

Since Generation VI, "first partner Pokémon" is the main term officially used to refer to these Pokémon in the Pokémon games, TV series, TCG, and other media. It is sometimes shortened to simply "first partner".

Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as first partner Pokémon, such as Poipole in its Ultra Sun Pokédex entry, as well as various Pokémon in Pokémon Masters EX.

Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at Nintendo of America, has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.[3]

Starter Pokémon

Historically, these Pokémon have been referred to as "starter Pokémon", sometimes shortened as "starters", though these terms were rarely used in the games, and used occasionally during the second through fourth series of Pokémon the Series.

Starting in Pokémon the Series: XY, the term "starter Pokémon" fell out of use entirely in the TV series. At a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of Pokémon the Series, Tom Wayland, stated that "starter Pokémon" is "an unofficial term now".[4]

In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at The Pokémon Company International,[5] stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon" with specific formatting restrictions.[6][7]

Japanese terminology

In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese does not have a particular term that is consistently used to refer to first partner Pokémon. The most common Japanese term is 「パートナー」 (partner), but occasionally 相棒 (partner) may also be used. These terms, as well as just ポケモン (Pokémon), are usually paired with 最初の (first) or 初めての (first), but other terms such as 最初に選んだ (that was chosen first) or はじめに選んだ (that was chosen first) are also used. Among Japanese fans, 御三家 (the big three) is commonly used to refer to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.

Grass, Fire, and Water trios

Most marketing refers exclusively to the standard trios of Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core series games.

The Grass, Fire, and Water types handily illustrate the type effectiveness mechanics of Pokémon battles: Fire "beats" Grass (a Fire-type move deals double damage when attacking a Grass-type Pokémon, but a Fire-type Pokémon takes half damage from a Grass-type move), Water beats Fire, and Grass beats Water. This "rock, paper, scissors" relationship was illustrated in the instruction booklet of the original games.[8]

The 27 Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type first partner Pokémon are listed below. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott return as first partners that can be chosen by the player shortly after they first land in Hisui.

Kanto first partner Pokémon
Johto first partner Pokémon
Hoenn first partner Pokémon
Sinnoh first partner Pokémon
Unova first partner Pokémon
Kalos first partner Pokémon
Alola first partner Pokémon
Galar first partner Pokémon
Paldea first partner Pokémon

The Kalos first partners also have a more broadly defined triangle in the secondary types of their final evolutions. They all still deal 2× damage offensively, and most still receive ½× damage defensively, but while Dark does not technically resist Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it is immune.

Other first partners

Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.

For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see list of characters' first Pokémon.

Player's first Pokémon

Pikachu and Eevee are given out as first partner Pokémon in Kanto by Professor Oak in some media. Pikachu is the first Pokémon given to the player in Pokémon Yellow, while Blue gets an Eevee. The partner Pikachu and Eevee are the first Pokémon caught by the player in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, respectively, while Oak gives Trace a standard Eevee in Let's Go, Pikachu! and a standard Pikachu in Let's Go, Eevee!

These Pokémon are never referred to as first partner Pokémon (or starter Pokémon) in-game; they are typically referred to as partner Pokémon instead. However, in one instance on the official website for the games, and on the Pokémon.com page for the games, they are referred to as first partner Pokémon.[9][10]

Other references

Alolan Meowth is given out by Nanu as a first partner on Ula'ula Island in Alola. It is implied that kahunas are responsible for giving out first partners on their respective islands, so it is possible the other kahunas give out different Pokémon to the standard Alolan first partner Pokémon given by Hala.

Poipole's Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun refers to it as a popular first partner in its world.

In the games

Core series games

The Sinnoh first partner trio wallpaper in Pokémon HOME

In the core series games, a rival character often picks the Pokémon that is strong against the one the player chose, nominally setting them up for challenging battles going forward.

The Pokémon in the regional first partner trios have several common characteristics, both among each other and between generations. The most obvious commonality is their reliable typing. They all have an Ability that boosts their main type when their HP becomes low: the Grass types have Overgrow, Fire types have Blaze, and Water types have Torrent. They also all have a gender ratio of seven males to one female, generally making breeding them slightly inconvenient. When obtained at the start of a game, they are always level 5 and they start out knowing a Normal-type physical move (Pound, Scratch, or Tackle) and a stat-altering status move (Growl, Leer, or Tail Whip); since Generation VI (with the exception of Generation VIII), they also have an attacking move that matches their main type.

The table below shows the Pokémon that are selectable at the start of each core series game, and which other games they can also be obtained in. A G, F, or W above the game's title indicates that only the first partner Pokémon in the trio that corresponds to that type is obtainable in that game. For availability in games outside of the core series, refer to the "Game locations" heading of the Pokémon's respective page for its species.

Game(s) First partners Also obtainable in
RGB/RB, FRLG Bulbasaur Charmander Squirtle Y, HGSS, XY, USUM, PE, SwShF (IA)GW, BDSP, SV (ID)
Y 0025 All games except BW and B2W2
GSC, HGSS Chikorita Cyndaquil Totodile E, ORAS, SM, BDSP, SV (ID)
RSE, ORAS Treecko Torchic Mudkip HGSS, USUM, SwSh, BDSP, SV (ID)
DPPt, BDSP Turtwig Chimchar Piplup ORAS, USUM, BDSP, LA, SV (ID)
BW, B2W2 Snivy Tepig Oshawott ORAS, SM, SV (ID)
XY Chespin Fennekin Froakie USUM, SV (ID)
SMUSUM Rowlet Litten Popplio SwSh (IA), SV (ID)
P 0025Pikachu-Partner.png None
E 0133Eevee-Partner.png None
SwSh Grookey Scorbunny Sobble SV (ID)
LA Rowlet Cyndaquil Oshawott EF, ORASFW, SM, USUMG, SwSh (IA)G, BDSPF, SV (ID)
SV Sprigatito Fuecoco Quaxly None

Other games

Main article: List of the player's first Pokémon

Other games may use one of the classic first partner Pokémon, with Pikachu being fairly common; but many games give the player other Pokémon as their first Pokémon.

In the anime

Main series

Ash with his Kanto first partner Pokémon and Pikachu

In Pokémon the Series, upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a Pokédex and pick up a first partner Pokémon from the local Pokémon Professor or Pokémon Center free of charge. First partner Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.

Like in the games, the specific first partner Pokémon available vary from region to region but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle; Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile; and so on.

In A Mudkip Mission, it was shown where first partner Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds run by a Pokémon Breeder for first partner Pokémon. The Pokémon League sends these Breeders the Pokémon Eggs for them to hatch at the breeding grounds. The breeders then hatch, care for, and raise the young Pokémon until they are ready to be proper first partner Pokémon for new Trainers. As these young ones are virtually defenseless, the locations of breeding grounds (or even the knowledge of their existence) is a secret unknown to most in the Pokémon world. This is likely to guard against unscrupulous individuals or groups (such as Team Rocket) from poaching the young Pokémon.

However, not all first partner Pokémon are raised at these special breeding grounds, with Professor Birch said to catch and raise his own first partner Pokémon for Trainers.

Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

Rosa and Serperior in the Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

The Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer's extended cut features all three of Unova's first partner Pokémon: Nate is shown with an Emboar, Hugh is seen with a Samurott (having picked the opposing type, like most rivals do in the games), and Rosa uses a Serperior to battle Cheren's Stoutland.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

The Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer also features all three of Hoenn's first partner Pokémon, in all forms including their Mega Evolutions. Brendan is shown to have picked a Treecko, while May has both a Torchic and Mudkip.

In the manga

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, unlike the TV series from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of first partner Pokémon. Professor Oak is not shown residing at his laboratory handing out first partner Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the TV series, rather, he travels the Kanto region conducting research, often accompanied by Bill. Trainers in The Electric Tale of Pikachu must obtain a license before they can purchase Poké Balls or otherwise capture and train Pokémon. Ash found Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what Gary Oak's first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a Venusaur.

Pokémon Adventures

In Pokémon Adventures, the first partner Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. Professor Oak produces three Pokédexes for each region, and gives out the three first partner Pokémon in each region along with the Pokédex to Trainers he thinks are talented. He has colleagues and friends like Professor Birch do this for him in regions in which he isn't present. In the Unova region, two sets of first partner Pokémon are given out to six Trainers, but still with only three Pokédexes. Professor Oak also gave Red's Pikachu as a special first partner to Yellow.

Trivia

  • The only two first partner Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, Bulbasaur and Rowlet, are both Grass-type.
  • Each one of the Alola first partners' final evolutions has an immunity. Decidueye's Ghost type is immune to Normal and Fighting; Incineroar's Dark type is immune to Psychic; and Primarina's Fairy type is immune to Dragon.
    • Coincidentally, this also gives them advantages against Necrozma's Ultra form: Decidueye and Incineroar are super effective against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing, while Primarina is strong against Ultra Necrozma's Dragon typing.
  • As of Generation IX, the only sets of first partners without secondary types in any of their final evolutions are the Johto first partners and the Galar first partners.
    • By contrast, the first partners of Sinnoh (including Hisui), Kalos, Alola, and Paldea all have a secondary type present in their final evolutions.
  • Both Kanto and Hoenn first partners are the only set of first partners capable of Mega Evolution.
    • Additionally, both Kanto and Galar first partners are the only set of first partners capable of Gigantamaxing.
      • This makes the Kanto first partners the only set of first partners that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.

In the games

  • In Generation II, it was not possible to have a Shiny female first partner Pokémon, due to the mechanics of how gender and Shininess were determined. The lowest Attack IV a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV that a female Pokémon in their gender group could have was 1.
  • Kanto's first partner Pokémon are the only partner Pokémon where all of the members appear in more than one regional Pokédex: Kanto's, Johto's, and Kalos's.
  • Fennekin is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
  • The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is Torterra's Speed, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is Primarina's Special Attack, at 126.
  • The Pikachu featured in Pokémon Yellow & Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are the only first partner Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which they are first partner Pokémon.
    • Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s respective first partners are also the only ones that cannot be traded to other games.
  • Charmander is the only Fire-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the Field Egg Group.
  • Oshawott is the only Water-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the Water 1 Egg Group.
  • With the exception of Hisuian Decidueye having a higher base stat total than Hisuian Samurott, no fully evolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon has a higher base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
    • By contrast, with the exception of Blaziken having a lower base stat total than Swampert, no fully evolved Fire-type first partner Pokémon has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
    • Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides Chespin has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
    • Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type first partner has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts and no fully evolved Fire-type first partner besides Blaziken has a lower one.
  • As of Generation IX, all fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM move Surf.

In the anime

  • For DP001, Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia is about the first partner Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this senryū about them: 「シンオウで たびがはじまる ポケモンと」 "In Sinnoh, a journey begins with Pokémon."
  • For BW003, Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster is about the first partner Pokémon of Unova. He writes this senryū about them: 「パートナー みず・くさ・ほのお まよっちゃう」 "Partner, Water, Grass, Fire, I can't decide."
  • Ash has owned all but two of the Grass-type first partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Treecko, Turtwig, Snivy, and Rowlet. The Grass-type first partner from Kalos, Chespin, is instead owned by Clemont, and the Grass-type first partner from Galar, Grookey, is instead owned by Goh.
  • Each Water-type first partner Pokémon obtained by a main character was not battled: Ash's Squirtle, Oshawott, and Froakie chose to join his team, while Ash fought and won against Misty for his Totodile. Brock's Mudkip chose to join him. May received her Squirtle from Professor Oak, Dawn received her Piplup from Professor Rowan, Lana rescued her Popplio from Team Skull, and Goh caught his Sobble without battling it. In Pokémon Horizons: The Series, Dot’s Quaxly chose to join her team as her first Pokémon, although she is not a main character.
  • The Hoenn first partner set is the first set in which all three Pokémon evolve under the care of the main characters who own them.
  • Squirtle and Turtwig are both based on turtles and were the first partner Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, Gary and Paul.
  • Torchic and Piplup are both based on birds. They were also both owned by the resident Pokémon Coordinators in Pokémon the Series.
  • Both May and Dawn have a second first partner Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These first partner Pokémon are both from two generations prior to their owner's introduction and featured in Pokémon the Series likely due to the same-generation remakes.
  • In the Diamond and Pearl series, there have been two major appearances of each fully evolved first partner introduced in Generation IV: Ash and Paul's Torterra, Ash and Flint's Infernape, and Barry and Kenny's Empoleon.
  • Every Fire-type first partner obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
  • Froakie is the only Water-type first partner that has ever evolved under Ash's ownership.
  • The Kanto first partners are the only ones to have all been owned by both Ash and one of his friends at some point in their evolutionary lines: May owns a Venusaur and a Wartortle, while Kiawe owns a Charizard.
  • The Johto first partner set is the only full first partner set that Ash has obtained where none of the members were previously owned by another Trainer or a Pokémon Professor, as all of them were caught in the wild.
    • Conversely, the Kanto first partner set is the only full first partner set that Ash has obtained where every member was owned by a previous Trainer.
  • The Galar first partner set is the only full first partner set from which Ash owns none of its members.

In other languages

First partner Pokémon
Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 搭檔寶可夢 Daapdong Bóuhómuhng *
最初的夥伴 Jeuichō dīk fóbuhn *
Mandarin 搭檔寶可夢 / 搭档宝可梦 Dādàng Bǎokěmèng *
最初的夥伴 / 最初的伙伴 Zuìchū de huǒbàn *
Denmark Flag.png Danish første Pokémon-partner (JN001)
første Pokémon-makker (JN049–)
Finland Flag.png Finnish Ensikumppani-Pokémon
France Flag.png French Pokémon de départ*
Premier Pokémon*
Premier partenaire*
Germany Flag.png German Erstes Partner-Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Primo compagno d'avventura*
Pokémon iniziale*
South Korea Flag.png Korean 파트너 포켓몬 Partner Pokémon *
첫 파트너 Cheot partner*
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon inicial*
Primer compañero*
Starter Pokémon
Language Title
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Startovní Pokémon
Denmark Flag.png Danish Begynder-Pokémon
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Starter Pokémon
Finland Flag.png Finnish Aloitus-Pokémon
France Flag.png French Pokémon de départ
Germany Flag.png German Starter-Pokémon
Hungary Flag.png Hungarian Kezdő Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokémon iniziale
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Førstegangs-Pokémon
Poland Flag.png Polish Pokémon Starter
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Pokémon inicial
Pokémon iniciante (BW116)
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Pokémon inicial
Russia Flag.png Russian Стартовый покемон Startovy Pokémon
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon inicial
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Nybörjar-Pokémon
Thailand Flag.png Thai โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น Pokémon Roemton
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Başlangıç Pokémon'u
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Pokémon khởi đầu
Pokémon khởi hành

See also

References

  1. How Pokemon are born | GamesRadar+, by Michael Grimm, published 20 March 2009
  2. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon.
  3. Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."
  4. PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices: Wayland: "Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now."
    Audience: "I think it's always been an unofficial term."
    Wayland: "Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't."
  5. Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn
  6. Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "P.S. We can call them starter on social now"
  7. Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!"
  8. Pokémon Red Version instruction booklet, pg. 32, archived on Internet Archive
  9. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."
  10. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."