First partner Pokémon: Difference between revisions

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[[File:MainSeriesStarters.png|thumb|250px|Artwork featuring the player's starter Pokémon from [[Generation]]s {{Gen|I}} through {{Gen|IV}}]]
{{split|"Kanto first partner Pokémon", "Johto first partner Pokémon", "Hoenn first partner Pokémon", "Sinnoh first partner Pokémon", and so on}}
[[File:Unova starters anime.png|thumb|250px| [[Generation V]] starter Pokémon, as seen in the anime]]
[[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:Kalos starters XY anime.png|thumb|250px|Anime artwork of the [[Generation VI]] starter 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.
At the beginning of their quest, {{pkmn|Trainer}}s are given a '''starter Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''はじめてのポケモン''' ''Beginning Pokémon'' or '''{{tt|最初|さいしょ}}のポケモン''' ''first Pokémon''; known as '''{{tt|御三家|ごさんけ}}''' ''the big three'' among Japanese fans). This Pokémon will be used to {{pkmn|battle}} the first [[wild Pokémon]] that the Trainer encounters.


Once another Pokémon is {{pkmn2|caught}}, the starter Pokémon 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 starter Pokémon, and they will often be the most powerful Pokémon on their respective teams.
In the games, the player's first partner will be used to battle the first [[wild Pokémon]] they encounter. Once another Pokémon is {{pkmn2|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.


In the [[core series]] games, it is said that the starter Pokémon are extremely rare, giving the player a reason why the Pokémon not chosen can't be found in the wild.
It is said that the first partner Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, accounting for their uniqueness in each game.


==In the games==
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.<ref>[https://www.gamesradar.com/how-pokemon-are-born/ How Pokemon are born | GamesRadar+], by Michael Grimm, published 20 March 2009</ref>
In the core series {{pkmn|games}} ([[Pokémon Yellow Version|with one exception]]), the player can choose a {{t|Fire}}-, {{t|Water}}-, or {{type|Grass}} starter Pokémon at [[level]] 5. At least one of the player's [[rival]]s will also always choose or have a starter Pokémon, typically the one that has a type advantage over the player's.
 
===Starter Pokémon===
====Core series====
=====[[Kanto]]=====
In [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green]], [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]], [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed, and LeafGreen]], [[Professor Oak]] will bring Trainers to his lab to give them one of the following to begin their journey:
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; text-align:center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:001Bulbasaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:004Charmander.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:007Squirtle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|002|Ivysaur}}
| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|005|Charmeleon}}
| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|008|Wartortle}}
| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|003|Venusaur}}
| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|006|Charizard}}
| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|009|Blastoise}}
| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}
 
The player's {{ga|Blue|rival}} will then pick the type-advantageous starter Pokémon, and the remaining Pokémon will sit in its [[Poké Ball]] on Oak's desk for the rest of the game.
 
Professor Oak offers one of this trio of Pokémon to the player in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} after the player has defeated {{ga|Red}}, making reference to the fact that he gives them out as starter Pokémon in Kanto-based games, suggesting the player will be able to make it to [[Viridian City|the next town]] with one of these Pokémon by his or her side.


[[Professor Sycamore]] will let the player choose one of these three Pokémon after meeting him in person and beating his team of Kanto starters in {{pkmn|battle}}. After making their choice, Professor Sycamore will give the player a [[Mega Stone]] corresponding to the chosen starter's final evolution; {{DL|Mega Stone|Venusaurite}} for {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{DL|Mega Stone|Charizardite X}}{{sup/6|X}}/{{DL|Mega Stone|Charizardite Y}}{{sup/6|Y}} for {{p|Charmander}}, and {{DL|Mega Stone|Blastoisinite}} for {{p|Squirtle}}.
==Terminology==
{{main|Terminology of first partner Pokémon}}
Historically, these Pokémon have been referred to as "'''starter Pokémon'''", sometimes shortened as "'''starters'''". The first known official use of this term was in ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' #180. 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'''?"''


In {{game|Yellow}}, due to being based on the {{pkmn|anime}}, Oak instead gives out:
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].
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:025Pikachu.png|96px]]<br>'''{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Red's Pikachu (game)|Pikachu}}'''
|-
| style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
|}


The {{ga|Red's Pikachu|Pikachu}} is the same one that attacked the player when they ventured onto {{rt|1|Kanto}} that Oak caught, which will be the only choice the player gets. During the adventure, the player will be able to get the original three Kanto starter Pokémon through special events not present in the earlier games. The Pikachu received from Oak will also refuse to evolve into {{p|Raichu}} by use of a {{evostone|Thunder Stone}} unless it is traded away to do so.
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.  


=====[[Johto]]=====
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.
In {{game5|Gold|Silver|Crystal|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, [[Professor Elm]] will have an errand for the player to run, and will give them one of the following for protection on this errand, which they will then keep after completion:


{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{johto color}}"
==Grass, Fire, and Water trios==
|-
Most marketing refers exclusively to the standard trios of {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, and {{type|Water}} Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most [[core series]] games.
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:152Chikorita.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chikorita|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:155Cyndaquil.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:158Totodile.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Totodile|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|153|Bayleef}}
| {{pcolor|Bayleef|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|156|Quilava}}
| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|159|Croconaw}}
| {{pcolor|Croconaw|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{MSP|154|Meganium}}
| {{pcolor|Meganium|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|157|Typhlosion}}
| {{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|160|Feraligatr}}
| {{pcolor|Feraligatr|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}


After the player meets with [[Mr. Pokémon]] and receives a [[Pokédex]] from [[Professor Oak]], Professor Elm will call the player to tell them that {{ga|Silver|a thief}} has taken a Pokémon. As the player returns to [[New Bark Town]], he or she will encounter the thief, who will have the stolen Pokémon with the type advantage over the player's own. From this point onward, the thief will be the player's rival, while Professor Elm keeps the Pokémon that was left behind by the thief on his desk for the remainder of the game (in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, the last Pokémon mysteriously disappears at some point).
The Grass, Fire, and Water types handily illustrate the type effectiveness mechanics of [[Pokémon battle]]s: 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 manuals of the original games.


In Generation II, the Pokémon will be holding a {{DL|Berry (Generation II)|Berry}} when received from Elm, though the rival's stolen starter Pokémon will not.
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]].


In {{game|Emerald}}, after the player has caught all Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number (Generation III)|Hoenn Pokédex]] with the exception of {{p|Jirachi}} and {{p|Deoxys}}, [[Professor Birch]] will offer one of these Pokémon as a reward.
<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->


In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the player first enters the [[Hall of Fame]] and meets [[Zinnia]], Professor Birch can be found being chased by a {{p|Shroomish}} on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Johto starters.
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Kanto color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kanto first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0001|Bulbasaur|Grass|Poison}}
{{PokeSum|0004|Charmander|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0007|Squirtle|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Johto starters can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}}.
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Johto color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Johto first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0152|Chikorita|Grass}}
{{PokeSum|0155|Cyndaquil|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0158|Totodile|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


=====[[Hoenn]]=====
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Hoenn color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
In {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, {{v2|Emerald}}, {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after [[Professor Birch]] is rescued from a {{p|Poochyena}}{{sup/3|RS}}{{sup/6|ORAS}} or {{p|Zigzagoon}}{{sup/3|E}}, he allows the player to keep the Pokémon they chose to rescue him with, either:
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Hoenn first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0252|Treecko|Grass}}
{{PokeSum|0255|Torchic|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0258|Mudkip|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{hoenn color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Sinnoh color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
|-
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Sinnoh first partner Pokémon</div>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:252Treecko.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Treecko|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:255Torchic.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Torchic|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
{{PokeSum|0387|Turtwig|Grass}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:258Mudkip.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Mudkip|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''
{{PokeSum|0390|Chimchar|Fire}}
|-
{{PokeSum|0393|Piplup|Water}}
{{typetable2|Grass}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
{{typetable2|Fire}}
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{MSP|253|Grovyle}}
| {{pcolor|Grovyle|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|256|Combusken}}
| {{pcolor|Combusken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|259|Marshtomp}}
| {{pcolor|Marshtomp|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|- style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{MSP|254|Sceptile}}
| {{pcolor|Sceptile|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|257|Blaziken}}
| {{pcolor|Blaziken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|260|Swampert}}
| {{pcolor|Swampert|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{ground color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Ground|FFF}}
|}


The player's neighbor, {{ga|Brendan}} or {{ga|May}}, already has his or her starter Pokémon, which is always the one with the type advantage. What happens to the starter not selected is unknown. By the end of the game, it seems that the player's nominal rival, the son/daughter of Professor Birch, has stopped being a Trainer, and Wally is actually the true rival, facing the player before he or she can leave {{ho|Victory Road}} and staying there to rebattle the player later.
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Unova color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Unova first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0495|Snivy|Grass}}
{{PokeSum|0498|Tepig|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0501|Oshawott|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, [[Steven Stone]] offers one of these Pokémon to the player after he or she has defeated {{ga|Red}}.
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Kalos first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0650|Chespin|Grass}}
{{PokeSum|0653|Fennekin|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0656|Froakie|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


=====[[Sinnoh]]=====
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Alola color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
In {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, when two {{p|Starly}} attack the player and rival at [[Lake Verity]], to which they travel upon hearing reports of a [[Shiny Pokémon|red]] {{p|Gyarados}}, they will choose one of the following from [[Professor Rowan]]'s briefcase, which he left at the lake:
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Alola first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0722|Rowlet|Grass|Flying}}
{{PokeSum|0725|Litten|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0728|Popplio|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{sinnoh color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Galar color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
|-
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Galar first partner Pokémon</div>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:387Turtwig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Turtwig|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:390Chimchar.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chimchar|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
{{PokeSum|0810|Grookey|Grass}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:393Piplup.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Piplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''
{{PokeSum|0813|Scorbunny|Fire}}
|-
{{PokeSum|0816|Sobble|Water}}
{{typetable2|Grass}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
{{typetable2|Fire}}
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|388|Grotle}}
| {{pcolor|Grotle|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|391|Monferno}}
| {{pcolor|Monferno|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|394|Prinplup}}
| {{pcolor|Prinplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{MSP|389|Torterra}}
| {{pcolor|Torterra|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|392|Infernape}}
| {{pcolor|Infernape|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|395|Empoleon}}
| {{pcolor|Empoleon|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Steel|FFF}}
|}


The player's friend and rival {{ga|Barry}} will choose the starter Pokémon that has a type advantage against the player's choice, and the [[non-player character|NPC]] who is the other-gender choice ({{ga|Lucas}}/{{ga|Dawn}}) will have the Pokémon weak to the player's choice, and therefore strong against Barry's. After fighting off the two Starly at the lake and returning the briefcase to Rowan, the professor will allow the player and {{ga|Barry}} to keep the Pokémon they used.
<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px; border: 3px solid #{{Paldea color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}"><!-- trio box OPEN -->
<div style="font-weight: bold;">Paldea first partner Pokémon</div>
<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0906|Sprigatito|Grass}}
{{PokeSum|0909|Fuecoco|Fire}}
{{PokeSum|0912|Quaxly|Water}}
</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
</div><!-- trio box CLOSE -->


In {{game|Platinum}}, the player and the rival are stopped by Professor Rowan just as they are about to run through tall grass to get to Sandgem Town to ask the Professor for Pokémon. After some questions about the player and the rival's love for Pokémon, he decides to entrust them with one starter Pokémon each.
</div><!-- flex CLOSE -->


In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the player enters the [[Hall of Fame]] for the second time, Professor Birch can be found being chased by his wife on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Sinnoh starters.
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 ({{t|Dark}} beats {{t|Psychic}}, Psychic beats {{t|Fighting}}, Fighting beats Dark), and most still receive ½× damage defensively (Psychic resists Fighting and Fighting resists Dark); but while Dark does not "resist" Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it takes no damage.


=====[[Unova]]=====
==Other first partners==
In {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Professor Juniper]] leaves a gift with the player's {{OBP|Mom|Black and White}} in [[Nuvema Town]] to give to him or her, containing the following three Pokémon:
Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{Unova color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:495Snivy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:498Tepig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:501Oshawott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{Unova color light}}"
| {{MSP|496|Servine}}
| {{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|499|Pignite}}
| {{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|502|Dewott}}
| {{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{Unova color light}}"
| {{MSP|497|Serperior}}
| {{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|500|Emboar}}
| {{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|503|Samurott}}
| {{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}


The player's friend [[Cheren]] will choose the Pokémon that is strong against the player's choice, while the player's other friend [[Bianca]] will choose the one weak to the player's choice. The choice of starter Pokémon affects which of the [[Gym Leader]]s of [[Striaton City]] will be battled; players who chose Snivy will face [[Chili]], a {{type|Fire}} specialist, players who chose Tepig will face [[Cress]], a {{type|Water}} specialist, and players who chose Oshawott will face [[Cilan]], a {{type|Grass}} specialist. Also, the choice affects the [[Elemental monkeys|Pokémon]] given to the player in the [[Dreamyard]]. Choosing Snivy gives the player a {{p|Panpour}}, Tepig a {{p|Pansage}}, and Oshawott a {{p|Pansear}}.
===Player's first Pokémon===
{{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|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 {{game|Yellow}}, while {{ga|Blue}} gets an Eevee. The {{pkmn2|partner}} Pikachu and Eevee are the first Pokémon caught by the player in {{LGPE}}, respectively, while Oak gives {{ga|Trace}} a standard Eevee in Let's Go, Pikachu! and a standard Pikachu in Let's Go, Eevee!


In {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}, Bianca takes three starter Pokémon to [[Aspertia City]] on Professor Juniper's behalf and offers one of them to the player. The player's friend, [[Hugh]], will have the Pokémon that is strong against the player's choice, having raised it from an {{pkmn|Egg}}. The player character not chosen will have the starter that is weak to the player's choice, but only seen in its second form.
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>


In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the [[Delta Episode]] is completed, Professor Birch can be found being chased by a {{p|Machoke}} on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Unova starters.
<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->
{{PokeSum|0025|Pikachu|Electric}}
{{PokeSum|0133|Eevee|Normal}}
</div><!-- flex CLOSE -->


In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Unova starters' final forms can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}}.
===Other references===
{{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Meowth}} is given out by [[Nanu]] as a first partner on [[Ula'ula Island]] in [[Alola]]. It is implied that [[Island kahuna|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.


=====[[Kalos]]=====
{{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.  
In [[Pokémon X and Y]], the player, [[Shauna]], and {{ga|Serena}}/{{ga|Calem}} receive their starter Pokémon in [[Aquacorde Town]] from [[Tierno]], who was asked by [[Professor Sycamore]] to deliver them.


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{kalos color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{kalos color}}"
<div style="margin: auto; display: flex; flex-direction: row; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 20px;"><!-- flex OPEN -->
|-
{{PokeSum|0052|Meowth|Dark|form=-Alola}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:650Chespin.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chespin|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''<br>
{{PokeSum|0803|Poipole|Poison}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:653Fennekin.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Fennekin|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''<br>
</div><!-- flex CLOSE -->
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:656Froakie.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Froakie|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
| {{MSP|651|Quilladin}}
| {{pcolor|Quilladin|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|654|Braixen}}
| {{pcolor|Braixen|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|657|Frogadier}}
| {{pcolor|Frogadier|{{kalos color dark}}}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
| {{MSP|652|Chesnaught}}
| {{pcolor|Chesnaught|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|655|Delphox}}
| {{pcolor|Delphox|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|658|Greninja}}
| {{pcolor|Greninja|{{kalos color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Psychic}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
|}


The player's friend [[Shauna]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice, while the player's other friend {{ga|Serena}}/{{ga|Calem}} will choose the one with a type advantage to the player's choice. The choice of starter Pokémon affects which Pokémon Shauna will [[In-game trade|trade]] with the player after the player enters in the [[Hall of Fame]]. Shauna will trade the unevolved form of her starter Pokémon, having received it as an {{pkmn|Egg}}. The choice of starter Pokémon also determines which of the [[Legendary birds]] will [[Roaming Pokémon|roam]] the [[Kalos]] region after defeating the [[Pokémon League]]—if the player chooses Chespin, {{p|Articuno}} will appear, {{p|Zapdos}} will appear to those who chose Fennekin, and {{p|Moltres}} will appear to those that went with Froakie.
==In the games==
===Core series games===
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.


=====[[Alola]]=====
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.
In [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]], the player receives their starter Pokémon in [[Iki Town]] from [[Hala]] and [[Professor Kukui]]. The player's friend [[Hau]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{alola color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{alola color}}"
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 species page.
{| 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}}; padding: 0px 5px;" | First partners
! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Also obtainable in
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev1|RB}}/{{gameabbrev1|JB}}, {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| {{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}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}
| {{MSP|0025|Pikachu}}
| All games except {{gameabbrev5|BW}} and {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
| {{MSP|0152|Chikorita}} {{MSP|0155|Cyndaquil}} {{MSP|0158|Totodile}}
| {{gameabbrev3|E}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev3|RSE}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| {{MSP|0252|Treecko}} {{MSP|0255|Torchic}} {{MSP|0258|Mudkip}}
| {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
| {{MSP|0387|Turtwig}} {{MSP|0390|Chimchar}} {{MSP|0393|Piplup}}
| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev8|LA}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev5|BW}}, {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
| {{MSP|0495|Snivy}} {{MSP|0498|Tepig}} {{MSP|0501|Oshawott}}
| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
| {{MSP|0650|Chespin}} {{MSP|0653|Fennekin}} {{MSP|0656|Froakie}}
| {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
| {{MSP|0722|Rowlet}} {{MSP|0725|Litten}} {{MSP|0728|Popplio}}
| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}}), {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev7|P}}
| [[File:0025Pikachu-Partner.png|48px|link=Partner Pokémon (game)]]
| ''None''
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev7|E}}
| [[File:0133Eevee-Partner.png|48px|link=Partner Pokémon (game)]]
| ''None''
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| {{MSP|0810|Grookey}} {{MSP|0813|Scorbunny}} {{MSP|0816|Sobble}}
| {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev8|LA}}
| {{MSP|0722|Rowlet}} {{MSP|0155|Cyndaquil}} {{MSP|0501|Oshawott}}
| {{gameabbrev3|E}}<sup>'''{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}'''</sup>, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}<sup>'''{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}'''</sup><sup>'''{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}'''</sup>, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}<sup>'''{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}'''</sup>, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}})<sup>'''{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}'''</sup>, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}<sup>'''{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''', {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
| {{gameabbrev9|SV}}
| {{MSP|0906|Sprigatito}} {{MSP|0909|Fuecoco}} {{MSP|0912|Quaxly}}
| ''None''
|-
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:722Rowlet.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Rowlet|{{alola color dark}}}}'''<br>
!
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:725Litten.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Litten|{{alola color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:728Popplio.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Popplio|{{alola color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
| {{MSP|723|Dartrix}}
| {{pcolor|Dartrix|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|726|Torracat}}
| {{pcolor|Torracat|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|729|Brionne}}
| {{pcolor|Brionne|{{alola color dark}}}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
| {{MSP|724|Decidueye}}
| {{pcolor|Decidueye|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|727|Incineroar}}
| {{pcolor|Incineroar|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|730|Primarina}}
| {{pcolor|Primarina|{{alola color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{fairy color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Fairy|FFF}}
|}
|}


====Other in-game starters====
===Other games===
* The rival of {{game|Yellow}}, {{ga|Blue}}, starts with an {{p|Eevee}} originally intended for the player. The Eevee will evolve into a {{p|Vaporeon}} if the player loses against the rival at the lab and either loses or skips the battle on Route 22, {{p|Jolteon}} if the player wins against the rival at both locations, and {{p|Flareon}} if the player wins against the rival once at either location, and loses or skips the other battle.
{{main|List of the player's first Pokémon}}
* [[Wally]], with the help of the player and [[Norman| his or her father]], will catch a {{p|Ralts}}.
Other games may use one of the classic first partner Pokémon, with {{p|Pikachu}} being fairly common; but many games give the player other Pokémon as their first Pokémon.
* The player character not chosen in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, {{ga|Ethan}} or {{ga|Lyra}}, will have a {{p|Marill}}.


====Base stat comparison when fully evolved====
==In the anime==
{{quartetstats|kanto|003|Venusaur|grass|80|82|83|100|100|80|006|Charizard|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|009|Blastoise|water|79|83|100|85|105|78|025|Pikachu|electric|35|55|40|50|50|90}}
===Main series===
 
[[File:Sinnoh first partners anime.png|thumb|300px|The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory]]
{{triostats|johto|154|Meganium|grass|80|82|100|83|100|80|157|Typhlosion|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|160|Feraligatr|water|85|105|100|79|83|78}}
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.
 
{{triostats|hoenn|254|Sceptile|grass|70|85|65|105|85|120|257|Blaziken|fire|80|120|70|110|70|80|260|Swampert|water|100|110|90|85|90|60}}
 
{{triostats|sinnoh|389|Torterra|grass|95|109|105|75|85|56|392|Infernape|fire|76|104|71|104|71|108|395|Empoleon|water|84|86|88|111|101|60}}
 
{{triostats|unova|497|Serperior|grass|75|75|95|75|95|113|500|Emboar|fire|110|123|65|100|65|65|503|Samurott|water|95|100|85|108|70|70}}
 
{{triostats|kalos|652|Chesnaught|grass|88|107|122|74|75|64|655|Delphox|fire|75|69|72|114|100|104|658|Greninja|water|72|95|67|103|71|122}}
 
{{triostats|alola|724|Decidueye|grass|78|107|75|100|100|70|727|Incineroar|fire|95|115|90|80|90|60|730|Primarina|water|80|74|74|126|116|60}}
 
====Base stat comparison when [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]]====
{{quartetstats|kanto|003|Venusaur|form1=-Mega|grass|80|100|123|122|120|80|006|Charizard|form2=-Mega X|fire|78|130|111|130|85|100|006|Charizard|form3=-Mega Y|fire|78|104|78|159|115|100|009|Blastoise|form4=-Mega|water|79|103|120|135|115|78}}
 
{{triostats|hoenn|254|Sceptile|form1=-Mega|grass|70|110|75|145|85|145|257|Blaziken|form2=-Mega|fire|80|160|80|130|80|100|260|Swampert|form3=-Mega|water|100|150|110|95|110|70}}
 
====Side series====
=====[[Orre]]=====
In {{g|Colosseum}}:
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{colo color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{colo color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | [[File:196Espeon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Espeon|{{colo color dark}}}}♂'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:197Umbreon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Umbreon|{{colo color dark}}}}♂'''
|-
| style="background:#{{psychic color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
| style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
|}
 
A first for the Pokémon games, these starter Pokémon come as a pair as to represent the [[Double Battle]] system, and are also different in that they are in the player's possession right at start of play. Umbreon is at level 26, knowing the [[TM]] moves {{m|Taunt}} and {{m|Snatch}}, as well as {{m|Bite}} which is otherwise only available through {{pkmn|breeding}} at such a level. Espeon is at level 25, knowing the TM moves {{m|Return}} (while also starting with maximum [[friendship]]) and {{m|Reflect}}. Both are always male.
 
In [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]:
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{xd color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{xd color}}"
|-
! colspan="10" align="center" style="width:80px; background:#{{xd color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:133Eevee.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Eevee|{{xd color dark}}}}'''
|-
| colspan="10" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{xd color light}}"
| {{MSP|134|Vaporeon}}
| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|135|Jolteon}}
| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|136|Flareon}}
| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|196|Espeon}}
| {{pcolor|Espeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|197|Umbreon}}
| {{pcolor|Umbreon|{{xd color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
{{typetable2|Electric}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Psychic}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
|}
 
This starter Pokémon is in the player's possession right at the beginning of the game. It is at level 10 and knows {{m|Bite}}, which Eevee does not normally know at this level without {{pkmn|breeding}}. At an early point in the game, the player is offered one of five evolutionary items—{{evostone|Water Stone}}, {{evostone|Thunderstone}}, {{evostone|Fire Stone}}, [[Sun and Moon Shards|Moon Shard]], and [[Sun and Moon Shards|Sun Shard]]—to allow the Eevee to evolve into any of its [[Eeveelution|evolutions]] that existed in [[Generation III]].
 
In Pokémon XD, if the player completes the [[Mt. Battle]] challenge and defeats all 100 Trainers without quitting or switching Pokémon, [[Battlus]] will give one of the Johto starter Pokémon as a reward.
 
=====[[Pokétopia]]=====
In [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]], the player's starter Pokémon are determined by the gender specified on their [[Rental Pass]] or [[Custom Pass]]. They are all at level 50.
 
Male players start out with the following Pokémon:
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{pbr color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyleft|5px}}" | [[File:388Grotle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Grotle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:391Monferno.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Monferno|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:394Prinplup.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Prinplup|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:404Luxio.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Luxio|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:444Gabite.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Gabite|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyright|5px}}" | [[File:397Staravia.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Staravia|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
|-
|}
 
Female players start out with the following Pokémon:
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{pbr color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyleft|5px}}" | [[File:002Ivysaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:005Charmeleon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:008Wartortle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Wartortle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:148Dragonair.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dragonair|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:111Rhyhorn.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Rhyhorn|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyright|5px}}" | [[File:018Pidgeot.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pidgeot|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
|-
|}
 
=====[[Pokémon GO]]=====
In Pokémon GO, when the player starts the game {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Squirtle}} will appear nearby. If the player battles and captures one of them, the others will disappear.
 
If the player walks away from them, they will reappear near their new location. If they do this four times, {{p|Pikachu}} will appear in addition to the Kanto starter Pokémon.
 
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; text-align:center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:001Bulbasaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:004Charmander.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:007Squirtle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
 
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:025Pikachu.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pikachu|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
{{typetable2|Electric}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|002|Ivysaur}}
| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|005|Charmeleon}}
| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|008|Wartortle}}
| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|026|Raichu}}
| {{pcolor|Raichu|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{MSP|003|Venusaur}}
| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|006|Charizard}}
| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|009|Blastoise}}
| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}
 
===Starting Pokémon===
While not actually starter Pokémon, these are the first Pokémon available in each of these games.
 
====Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
{{main|Player character#Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Player character → Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series}}
 
====Pokémon Ranger series====
{{main|Partner Pokémon}}
 
====Pokémon Rumble series====
{{main|Player character#Pokémon Rumble series|Player character → Pokémon Rumble series}}
 
====PokéPark series====
{{main|Player character#PokéPark series|Player character → PokéPark series}}
 
====[[Pokémon Conquest]]====
{| align="center" style="background:#{{unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{unova color}}"
|-
! colspan="14" align="center" style="width:80px; background:#{{unova color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:133Eevee.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Eevee|{{unova color dark}}}}'''
|-
| colspan="14" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{unova color light}}"
| {{MSP|134|Vaporeon}}
| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|135|Jolteon}}
| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|136|Flareon}}
| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|196|Espeon}}
| {{pcolor|Espeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|197|Umbreon}}
| {{pcolor|Umbreon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|470|Leafeon}}
| {{pcolor|Leafeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
| {{MSP|471|Glaceon}}
| {{pcolor|Glaceon|{{unova color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
{{typetable2|Electric}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Psychic}}
{{typetable2|Dark}}
{{typetable2|Grass}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{ice color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Ice|FFF}}
|}
 
====[[Pokédex 3D]]====
In [[Pokédex 3D]], all players begin with these Pokémon.
{| align="center" style="background:#{{Unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | [[File:495Snivy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:496Servine.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:497Serperior.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:498Tepig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:499Pignite.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:500Emboar.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:501Oshawott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:502Dewott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | [[File:503Samurott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:531Audino.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Audino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:559Scraggy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Scraggy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:572Minccino.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Minccino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:587Emolga.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emolga|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:590Foongus.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Foongus|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:610Axew.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Axew|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:635Hydreigon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Hydreigon|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
|-
|}


==In the anime==
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.
[[File:Sinnoh Starter Pokémon.png|thumb|350px|The Sinnoh starter Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory]]
Upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a [[Pokédex]] and pick up a starter Pokémon from the local [[Pokémon Professor]] or [[Pokémon Center]] free of charge. Starter Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.


Like in the games, the specific starter 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 ''[[AG025|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.


In ''[[AG025|A Mudkip Mission]]'', it was shown where starter Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds ran by a Pokémon Breeder for starter 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 starter 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. <!--from AG025 as well-->


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 perrow="6">
File:Starter Pokemon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall, depicting the Kanto starter Pokémon
File:First partner Pokémon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall depicting the Kanto first partner Pokémon
File:LoT starters.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their Johto starter Pokémon
File:LoT first partners.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their Johto first partner Pokémon
File:Hoenn starters anime.png|The Hoenn starter Pokémon; owned by Brock, Ash, and May from left to right
File:Hoenn first partners anime.png|The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by Brock, Ash, and May from left to right
File:Sinnoh Starters.png|A postcard from Professor Rowan, depicting the Sinnoh starter Pokémon
File:Sinnoh first partners.png|A postcard from Professor Rowan depicting the Sinnoh first partner Pokémon
File:Unova starters anime.png|The Unova region starter 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 starters anime.png|The Kalos region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Sycamore]]'s laboratory
File:Kalos first partners anime.png|The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Sycamore]]'s laboratory
File:SM016.png|The Alola region first partner Pokémon owned by Ash and Lana
File:Galar first partners anime.png|The Galar region first partner Pokémon in the anime, owned by [[Goh]]
File:Hisuian first partners anime.png|The Hisui region first partner Pokémon in the anime
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
</gallery>
</gallery>


===List of starter Pokémon in the anime===
===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer===
{{spoilers}}
[[File:Rosa Serperior Animated Trailer.png|thumb|250px|Rosa and Serperior in the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer|Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer]]]]
* {{Ash}} started with a {{AP|Pikachu}}, which he received from {{an|Professor Oak}}.
The [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer|Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer]]'s extended cut features all three of [[Unova]]'s first partner Pokémon: {{ga|Nate}} is shown with an {{p|Emboar}}, [[Hugh]] is seen with a {{p|Samurott}} (having picked the opposing type, like most [[rival]]s do in the games), and {{ga|Rosa}} uses a {{p|Serperior}} to battle [[Cheren]]'s {{p|Stoutland}}.
* {{an|Brock}} started with an {{p|Onix}}, which he received from {{ka|Flint|his father}} and who now belongs to his brother, [[Forrest]], with whom it evolved into a {{TP|Brock|Steelix}}.
* {{an|Misty}} started with {{TP|Misty|Goldeen}}, {{TP|Misty|Staryu}}, and {{TP|Misty|Starmie}}; however, it's unknown how she got them or which one she acquired first.
* {{Gary}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Oak and who later [[evolution|evolved]] into a {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}.
* [[James]] started with his pet {{p|Growlithe}}, [[Growlie]]; however, he left it at home when he ran away.
* [[Jessie]] started with an {{p|Ekans}}, which she received for {{wp|chūgen}} (a [[birthday]] present in the dub), and who later evolved into an {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}.
* [[Sakura]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Sakura|Espeon}}.
* {{an|Casey}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}, which she received from [[Professor Elm]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|Casey|Meganium}}.
* [[Zackie]] (''[[EP130|A Bout With Sprout]]'') started with a {{p|Bellsprout}}, which he accidentally caught in [[Violet City]] when trying to catch [[Ash's Pikachu]], which he thought was a [[wild Pokémon]].
* {{Jo|Jimmy}} (''[[The Legend of Thunder!]]'') started with a {{p|Cyndaquil}}, which he received from Professor Elm and who later evolved into a {{TP|Jimmy|Typhlosion}}.
* {{Jo|Marina}} started with a {{p|Totodile}}, which she received from Professor Elm and nicknamed [[Wani-Wani]], and which later evolved into a {{p|Feraligatr}}.
* [[Vincent]] started with a {{p|Chikorita}}, which he received from Professor Elm and who later evolved into a {{TP|Vincent|Meganium}}.
* {{Jo|Harrison}} started with a {{p|Torchic}}, which he received from [[Professor Birch]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|Harrison|Blaziken}}.
* {{an|May}} started with a {{p|Torchic}}, which she received from [[Professor Birch]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|May|Blaziken}}.
* [[Nicholai]] started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Marshtomp}}.
* {{OBP|Tommy|AG032}} started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Swampert}}.
* {{OBP|Stephanie|AG034}} (''[[AG034|Having a Wailord of a Time]]'') started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which she received from Nurse Joy at the [[Slateport City]] [[Pokémon Center]].
** [[Stephanie's father]] started with a {{p|Treecko}}, which he received at the same time.
* {{OBP|Jimmy|AG092}} (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'') started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Blastoise}}.
* [[Xander]]'s (''[[AG142|Caterpie's Big Dilemma]]'') {{p|Caterpie}} was implied to be his starter Pokémon in the episode, as he mentioned that his Caterpie was his first Pokémon, albeit it was "not caught".
* {{OBP|Gilbert|SS014}} (''[[SS014|Journey to the Starting Line!]]'') started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which he received from Professor Oak.
[[File:Dawn choosing Piplup.png|thumb|220px|Dawn choosing Piplup as her starter]]
* {{an|Dawn}} started with a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, which she received from [[Professor Rowan]].
* [[Yuzo]] said that he started his [[Pokémon journey]] with a {{p|Starly}}.
* [[Paul]] started with a {{p|Turtwig}}, which later evolved into {{TP|Paul|Torterra}}.
* {{Si|Kenny}} started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Kenny|Empoleon}}.
* [[Tyler]] (''[[DP080|Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'') started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which he nicknamed "Pippy" who he received from an unknown location in eastern [[Sinnoh]].
* [[Zoey]] started with a {{TP|Zoey|Glameow}}, which she raised after it was abandoned.
* [[Max]] intends to begin his journey with the {{p|Ralts}}, which he met in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]''.
* {{an|Lyra}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}.
* [[Khoury]] started with a {{p|Totodile}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Croconaw}}.
* {{an|Barry}}'s first Pokémon is currently unknown, but it was hinted in ''[[DP122|Stopped in the Name of Love!]]'' that his first Pokémon might be his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}}, which he received as a {{p|Piplup}}.
* [[Volkner]] started with a {{p|Pikachu}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Raichu}}.
* [[Trip]] started with a {{p|Snivy}}, which he received from [[Professor Juniper]], who later evolved into a {{TP|Trip|Serperior}}.
* {{an|Iris}} started with a {{p|Drilbur}}, which she saved from falling off a cliff when she was a little girl, who later evolved into an {{TP|Iris|Excadrill}}.
* {{an|Cilan}} started with a {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}}, which he has had since childhood.
* {{an|Bianca}} started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Bianca|Emboar}}.
* [[Emmy]] started with her {{p|Druddigon}}, which she received from her father when she started her journey.
* [[Virgil]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Virgil|Umbreon}}.
* [[Nanette]] started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which she received from Professor Juniper.
* {{an|Serena}} started with a {{TP|Serena|Fennekin}}, which she received from [[Professor Sycamore]], which has since evolved into {{p|Braixen}}.
* [[Mairin]] started with a {{p|Chespin}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore. She nicknamed it [[Chespie]].
* {{an|Shauna}} started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore, which evolved into {{TP|Shauna|Ivysaur}}.
* {{an|Tierno}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore and later evolved into {{TP|Tierno|Blastoise}}.
* {{an|Trevor}} started with a {{p|Charmander}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore, which evolved into {{TP|Trevor|Charizard}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Charizard}} Y.
* [[Sawyer]] started with a {{p|Treecko}}, which he received from [[Professor Birch]] and later evolved into {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Sceptile}}.
* [[Alain]] started with a {{p|Charmander}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore, and which evolved into {{TP|Alain|Charizard}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Charizard}} X.
* {{an|Lillie}} started with an [[Regional variant|Alolan]] {{p|Vulpix}} that hatched from an {{pkmn|Egg}}. She nicknamed it [[Shiron]].


Several characters have also caught Pokémon in the {{pkmn2|wild}} that are, in the games, only available as starter Pokémon.
===Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer===
* Ash caught a {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, a {{AP|Charmander}}, and a {{AP|Squirtle}} in quick succession in the [[Kanto]] region. Of the three, only Charmander evolved, becoming a {{p|Charmeleon}}, and later a {{AP|Charizard}}, both of which were ''very'' disobedient to Ash until [[EP105|an incident]] in the [[Orange Archipelago]], after which it served Ash as it had when it was a Charmander. Bulbasaur was also going to evolve, but decided itself against becoming an {{p|Ivysaur}} in ''[[EP051|Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden]]''.
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 Evolution]]s. {{ga|Brendan}} is shown to have picked a {{p|Treecko}}, while {{ga|May}} has both a {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Mudkip}}.
* Ash also captured the three [[Johto]] region starter Pokémon, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} and {{AP|Totodile}}, of which Chikorita and Cyndaquil evolved into {{AP|Bayleef}} and {{AP|Quilava}} respectively.
{{-}}
* Ash caught a {{AP|Treecko}} in [[Hoenn]], while Brock captured a {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}}. Treecko evolved twice, becoming {{AP|Sceptile}} before Ash left it at Professor Oak's lab, while Brock's Mudkip evolved into {{TP|Brock|Marshtomp}}. Along with May's {{TP|May|Torchic}}, the traveling trio had the three starter Pokémon of Hoenn.
* {{an|May}} caught a Bulbasaur midway through her journey in Hoenn, and was given a {{TP|May|Squirtle}} by Professor Oak when she journeyed to Kanto. Bulbasaur evolved all the way into {{TP|May|Venusaur}} and Squirtle evolved into {{TP|May|Wartortle}} during May's travels through Johto.
* In [[Sinnoh]], Ash repeated himself by catching {{AP|Turtwig}}, which has since evolved into a {{AP|Torterra}}. His rival, [[Paul]] owned a Chimchar that was confirmed to be caught in the wild. It was released, recaught by Ash, and is now an {{AP|Infernape}}.
* Dawn {{pkmn|Egg|hatched}} a {{p|Cyndaquil}} during her journey in Sinnoh. It later evolved into {{TP|Dawn|Quilava}}.
* Ash reused his pattern from the [[original series]] of catching all starter Pokémon in [[Unova]]: {{AP|Oshawott}}, {{AP|Tepig}} and {{AP|Snivy}}. However this time around he caught them in reverse of the Pokédex order rather than following it as he did in the original series, and Oshawott was in fact a starter Pokémon that Professor Juniper allowed Ash to have after it ran away to be with him. Of the three, only Tepig has evolved, becoming a {{p|Pignite}}.
* Gary Oak had an {{TP|Gary|Eevee}} at least since Ash was traveling in the [[Orange Archipelago]]. As it was revealed to be under his ownership before his Blastoise, it caused many to hearken back to {{game|Yellow}}, where the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}}, like Ash, and the rival starts with Eevee. Either way, it was disproven that this was the case when Gary finally revealed his Blastoise to Ash. His Eevee eventually evolved into {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}.
* Ash caught a {{TP|Ash|Froakie}} in [[Kalos]], which used to belong to several other Trainers before being abandoned or abandoning the Trainer. It has since evolved into a {{p|Greninja}}.
* {{an|Clemont}} caught a {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}} in Kalos.
* {{an|Lana}} is revealed to have caught a {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} in [[Alola]].
* Ash caught a {{AP|Rowlet}} in Alola.


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===In the Be the Best! Pokémon B+W manga===
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
[[File:Cheren and Unova starters PBW.png|thumb|200px|The fully evolved Unova starter Pokémon in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W]]
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}}.
[[Monta]], [[Bianca]], and [[Cheren]] received a {{TP|Monta|Snivy}}, {{TP|Bianca|Oshawott}}, and Tepig respectively as their first Pokémon. They ended up evolving into their final stages later on.
 
===In the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
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 starter Pokémon. {{an|Professor Oak}} is not shown residing at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|his laboratory]] handing out starter 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. {{Ash}} found {{AP|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.
 
===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the starter Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. {{adv|Professor Oak}} produces three Pokédexes for each region, and gives out the three starter 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 starter Pokémon are given out to six Trainers, but still with only three Pokédexes. Professor Oak also gave Red's Pikachu as a special starter to Yellow.
 
Most characters in the manga do not start out with one of the Pokédex-related starter Pokémon. Instead, they usually have a Pokémon they were given by their parents when they were infants that they use as their starter Pokémon. Occasionally, it is not directly stated which Pokémon were their starter Pokémon in the manga, but in profiles of their teams, their starter Pokémon is marked with a star and is among the highest level in the party, even if they acquired more than one Pokémon at first.
 
====List of starter Pokémon in Pokémon Adventures====
* {{adv|Red}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Poli]]wag he had since his childhood, which has evolved into a {{p|Poliwrath}}. His "starter Pokémon" was a [[Saur|Bulbasaur]] given to him by Professor Oak, which he nicknamed "Saur". It became a '''{{p|Venusaur}}''' in his travels.
* {{adv|Blue}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Blue's Scizor|Scyther]], now a {{p|Scizor}}, he took to the training with [[Chuck]]. His "starter Pokémon" was a {{TP|Blue|Charmander}} given to him by his grandfather, which evolved twice into a '''{{p|Charizard}}'''.
* {{adv|Green}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Jiggly]]puff, now a {{p|Wigglytuff}}, she received from the [[Masked Man]]. Her "starter Pokémon" was a [[Blasty|Squirtle]] she stole from Professor Oak, which she nicknamed "Blasty". It later evolved into a '''{{p|Blastoise}}'''.
* {{adv|Yellow}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Ratty|Rattata]] that Red caught for her, which has evolved into a {{p|Raticate}}. Later, she borrowed Red's [[Pika]]chu, and after Red took him back, caught  her "starter Pokémon", a '''[[Chuchu|female Pikachu]]''' for herself which she nicknamed "Chuchu". Like the Pikachu in {{v2|Yellow}}, neither evolved.
* {{adv|Gold}}'s first Pokémon was his [[Aibo|Aipom]], now an {{p|Ambipom}}, that his mother gave him. He borrowed his "starter Pokémon", a [[Exbo|Cyndaquil]], from Professor Elm, and was later allowed to keep the Cyndaquil which he nicknamed "Exbo". It later becomes a '''{{p|Typhlosion}}''' alongside the other two Johto starter Pokémon.
* {{adv|Silver}}'s first Pokémon was the [[Silver's Weavile|Sneasel]], now a {{p|Weavile}}, that Giovanni gave him as a child. He later stole his "starter Pokémon", a {{TP|Silver|Totodile}} from Professor Elm, as well as the first Pokédex of [[Johto]]. His starter Pokémon evolved twice into a '''{{p|Feraligatr}}'''.
* {{adv|Crystal}}'s first Pokémon is officially her {{p|Smoochum}}, although she acquired many wild Pokémon that lived as a family while she was in the wild. [[Megaree|Chikorita]] later ran away from Professor Elm to go with her, and became her "starter Pokémon" nicknamed "Megaree". It became a '''{{p|Meganium}}''' midway into their journey.
[[File:Ruby and his starters.png|thumb|200px|{{adv|Ruby}} and his first Pokémon from the left to the right: [[Rara]], [[Kiki]] and [[Nana]]]]
* {{adv|Ruby}}'s first Pokémon were the [[Rara|Ralts]], [[Kiki|Skitty]] and [[Nana|Poochyena]] that he received from his father, all of them having evolved into {{p|Gardevoir}}, {{p|Delcatty}} and {{p|Mightyena}} respectively. Later, he got his "starter Pokémon" from Professor Birch; a [[Mumu|Mudkip]] which he nicknamed "Mumu". It evolved into a '''{{p|Swampert}}''' from the battles it underwent.
* {{adv|Sapphire}}'s first Pokémon was the [[Rono|Aron]], now an {{p|Aggron}} her father gave her. Later, he gave her her "starter Pokémon", a [[Chic|Torchic]], which she nicknamed "Chic". It has since evolved twice under its Trainer's care into a '''{{p|Blaziken}}'''.
* When {{adv|Emerald}} arrived in the Battle Frontier, he had no Pokémon on hand. Then he challenged the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Factory}} using only [[rental Pokémon]], nearly at the end of the challenge, he noticed something suspicious about a '''{{TP|Emerald|Sceptile}}''' so he decided to steal it from the facility and kept him afterwards, it is later is revealed that the Sceptile was supposed to be his in the first place, making it his "starter Pokémon". It evolved from its {{p|Grovyle}} stage in the wild, after evolving once in Wally's care.
* {{adv|Diamond}}'s first was his {{adv|Lax|Munchlax}}, and later he received his "starter Pokémon", a [[Tru|Turtwig]] from Platinum because of a misunderstanding. It has since evolved to '''{{p|Torterra}}''' alongside the others.
* {{adv|Pearl}}'s first was his [[Chatler|Chatot]], and later he received his "starter Pokémon", a [[Chimler|Chimchar]] from Platinum. The Chimchar has since evolved twice into an '''{{p|Infernape}}'''.
* {{adv|Platinum}}'s first Pokémon was her [[Platinum's Rapidash|Ponyta]], now a Rapidash, and later she received her "starter Pokémon", a [[Platinum's Empoleon|Piplup]] from Professor Rowan. It has since become an '''{{p|Empoleon}}''' under her care.
* {{adv|Black}} started with a [[Brav|Rufflet]] that he captured with the help of a wild [[Musha|Munna]] he had befriended, and later acquired his "starter Pokémon", a [[Bo|Tepig]] from [[Professor Juniper]] which later evolved into an '''{{p|Emboar}}'''. Initially it was nicknamed "Tep", but the nickname was changed to "Nite" and eventually "Bo", making Black the only main character so far to change his Pokémon's nickname.
* {{adv|White}}'s "starter Pokémon" was a {{adv|Amanda|Servine}}, which later evolved into a '''{{p|Serperior}}'''. This Servine, which White nicknamed "Amanda", was with [[N]] until [[Gigi]], the {{p|Tepig}} that White employed, went to his side. It was later revealed that Amanda was a Snivy that was going to be given out to new Trainers by Professor Cedric Juniper, but was liberated by N.
* {{adv|Blake}}'s first known Pokémon is a {{TP|Blake|Dewott}}.
* {{adv|Whitley}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Foongy|Foongus]].
* {{adv|X}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Kanga and Li'l Kanga|Kangaskhan]]. He later got a [[Marisso|Chespin]] as his "starter Pokémon" after he accepted it as a member of his team. It has since become a '''{{p|Chesnaught}}''' under his care.
* {{adv|Y}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Fletchy|Fletchling]]. She later got a [[Croaky|Froakie]] as her "starter Pokémon" after she accepted it as a member of her team. It has since become a '''{{p|Greninja}}''' under her care.
* {{adv|Sun}}'s first known Pokémon is an Alolan {{p|Meowth}}. He is immediately shown as well with a '''{{p|Litten}}''' as his "starter Pokémon".
* {{adv|Moon}}'s first known Pokémon is a {{p|Rotom}}.
 
===In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga===
In [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], much like in the {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} video games on which the manga was based, {{GnB|Gold}} is offered the choice of one of the three [[Johto]] starter Pokémon - {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} or {{p|Totodile}} - to borrow so that he may run an errand for [[Professor Elm]]. Gold chooses Totodile, which Elm allows him to keep after the errand is completed. Also like in the games, {{GnB|Black}}, who is based on {{ga|Silver}}, steals a Chikorita from Elm's lab while Gold is away on his errand.
 
===In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga===
In [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], {{PPM|Professor Oak}} is depicted distributing the choice of one out of three starter Pokémon - {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} or {{p|Squirtle}} - to Pokémon Trainers as they begin their journeys, much like in other media. {{PPM|Green}} chooses {{TP|Green|Charmander}} as his starter Pokémon, and while {{PPM|Red}} was offered the choice as well, he decided to keep a {{TP|Red|Clefairy}} that he met on his way to Professor Oak's lab as his starter instead.


===In the Pokémon Zensho manga===
===Pokémon Adventures===
In [[Pokémon Zensho]], much like in the {{game|Red and Green|s}} games on which the manga was based, [[Professor Oak]] offers {{Zensho|Satoshi}} and {{Zensho|Shigeru}} their choice of one out of three starter Pokémon - {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} or {{p|Squirtle}}. Satoshi chooses Charmander, while Shigeru chooses Squirtle, leaving Bulbasaur with Professor Oak.
In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the first partner Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. {{adv|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 [[Pika|Red's Pikachu]] as a special first partner to {{adv|Yellow}}.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* In interviews with [[Junichi Masuda]] during 2009, he stated that starter 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.
* The only two first partner Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
* Two of the three Unova starter Pokémon, {{p|Snivy}} and {{p|Tepig}}, share the position of the starter Pokémon with the shortest name.
* Each one of the Alola first partners' final evolutions has an immunity. {{p|Decidueye}}, being part Ghost-type, is immune to Normal and Fighting; {{p|Incineroar}}, being part Dark-type, is immune to Psychic; and {{p|Primarina}}, being part Fairy-type, is immune to Dragon.
* The only two Starter Pokémon that are dual-type, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
** Interestingly, this also gives them advantages against {{p|Necrozma}}'s Ultra form: Decidueye's Ghost typing and Incineroar's Dark typing are super effective against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing, while Primarina's Fairy typing 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 [[Gigantamax]]ing.
*** This makes the Kanto first partners the only set of first partners that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.


===In the games===
===In the games===
* All starter Pokémon in the [[core series]] besides Pikachu have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female.
* In [[Generation II]], it was impossible 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.
** Due to this, as well as the way in which gender and Shininess were determined, it was impossible to have a {{Shiny}} female starter Pokémon in [[Generation II]], as the lowest Attack {{IV}} a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV a female Pokémon in that gender group could have was 1.
* [[Kanto]]'s first partner Pokémon are the only stater 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 starter Pokémon from [[Generation I]] are the only ones to appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]]. They appear in [[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.
* In the core series, when a starter Pokémon is first obtained, all are at level 5. Each knows one {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] (either {{m|Tackle}}, {{m|Scratch}} or {{m|Pound}}) and a stat-altering [[status move]] at this level, except for {{p|Pikachu}}, which has {{m|Thunder Shock}} instead of a Normal-type move. This pattern is broken in {{pkmn|X and Y}} when the starter at level 5 have both of these moves and one of their type.
* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
* All Grass-type starter Pokémon have the Ability {{a|Overgrow}}, the Fire-type starters have {{a|Blaze}}, and the Water-type starters have {{a|Torrent}}. Starter Pokémon may have differing Hidden Abilities.
* 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.
* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved starter Pokémon with unique base stat totals.
* 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 in Pokémon Yellow is the only starter Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which it is a starter 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.
* The Johto starter Pokémon are the only set of starter Pokémon that remain the same type in all their evolutionary forms.
** 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.
* {{p|Charmander}} is the only Fire-type starter Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Field}}.
* {{p|Charmander}} is the only Fire-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Field}}.
* {{p|Oshawott}} is the only Water-type starter Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Water 1}}.
* {{p|Oshawott}} is the only Water-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Water 1}}.
* The Kalos starter Pokémon's secondary types in their final forms ({{t|Fighting}}, {{t|Psychic}}, and {{t|Dark}}) almost form another type-advantage triangle (where one type deals 2× damage to and receives ½× damage from another type), only being broken by the Dark type being completely immune to rather than resistant to the Psychic type.
* 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.
** Both the primary and secondary types, however, fit a more generally defined triangle that only requires one type to be offensively and defensively advantaged against another. For example, just as Water has the offensive and defensive advantage against Fire, so does Dark against Psychic.
** 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 {{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.
* All fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM moves {{m|Surf}}, {{m|Dive}}, and {{m|Waterfall}}.


===In the anime===
===In the anime===
* For [[DP001]], [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] is about the starter Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this {{wp|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 [[DP001]], [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] is about the first partner Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this {{wp|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 starter 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 one of the Grass-type starter Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}}, {{AP|Snivy}} and {{AP|Rowlet}}. The Grass-type starter from Generation VI, {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}}, was instead owned by {{an|Clemont}}.
* 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}} starter 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}} after they were unable to determine who caught it in a Lure Ball that fell into thick grass. Brock did not battle {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}} to obtain it. May received her {{TP|May|Squirtle}} from [[Professor Oak]], and Dawn received her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]].
* 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.
* {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Treecko}} are both based on lizards (salamander, gecko). Ash had the final forms of them: {{AP|Charizard}} and {{AP|Sceptile}}. Although real salamanders are amphibians, rather than lizards, Charmander can be based upon the legendary creature known as the {{wp|salamander (legendary creature)|Salamander}}.
* 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.
* {{p|Squirtle}} and {{p|Turtwig}} are both based on turtles and were the starter Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, {{Gary}} and [[Paul]].
* 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|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}} are both based on birds (chicken, penguin). They were also both owned by the anime's resident [[Pokémon Coordinator]]s.
* {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}} are both based on birds (chicken, penguin). They were also both owned by the anime's resident [[Pokémon Coordinator]]s.
* Both May and Dawn have a second starter Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These starter 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 the anime likely due to the same-generation [[remake]]s.
* In the Diamond and Pearl series, there have been two major appearances of each fully evolved starter 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.
* {{AP|Froakie|Greninja}} is the only Water-type starter that has ever evolved under Ash's ownership, although three of his Grass and Fire Starters have each evolved (although Bayleef and Pignite have only evolved once despite being capable of evolving twice).
* Every Fire-type first partner obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
* {{AP|Froakie|Greninja}} 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 {{TP|May|Venusaur}} and a {{TP|May|Wartortle}}, while Kiawe owns a {{TP|Kiawe|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 (excluding Professors).
* The Galar first partner set is the only full first partner set from which Ash owns none of its members.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
<div style="display: inline-block">
;''First partner Pokémon''
{{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_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]])
|da=første Pokémon-partner ([[JN001]])<br>første Pokémon-makker ([[JN049]]&ndash;)
|fr=Pokémon de départ{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Premier partenaire ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|de=Erste Partner-Pokémon
|it=Primo compagno d'avventura
|es=Pokémon inicial{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Primer compañero ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>첫 파트너 ''{{tt|Cheot|First}} partner'' ([[Pokémon HOME|HOME]])
}}
</div>
<div style="display: inline-block">
;''starter Pokémon''
{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
|cs=Startovních Pokémon
|cs=Startovní Pokémon
|da=Begynder-Pokémon
|da=Begynder-Pokémon
|nl=Starter Pokémon
|nl=Starter Pokémon
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|it=Pokémon iniziale
|it=Pokémon iniziale
|no=Førstegangs-Pokémon
|no=Førstegangs-Pokémon
|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon''
|pl=Pokémon Starter
|pt_br=Pokémon inicial<br>Pokémon iniciante ([[BW116]])
|pt_br=Pokémon inicial<br>Pokémon iniciante ([[BW116]])
|pt_eu=Pokémon inicial
|pt_eu=Pokémon inicial
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|es=Pokémon inicial
|es=Pokémon inicial
|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Beginning''
|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
}}
}}
</div>
==See also==
* [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]]
* [[List of the player's first Pokémon]]
* [[Game mascot]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Starter Pokémon|Arceus}}
{{First partner trios|Pokemon}}


[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Starter Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:First partner Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:Anime starter Pokémon|*]]
[[Category:Adventures starter Pokémon|*]]


[[de:Starter-Pokémon]]
[[de:Erste Partner-Pokémon]]
[[es:Pokémon inicial]]
[[fr:Pokémon de départ]]
[[fr:Pokémon de départ]]
[[it:Pokémon iniziale]]
[[it:Pokémon iniziale]]
[[ja:御三家]]
[[ja:御三家]]
[[pl:Startery]]
[[zh:最初的夥伴]]
[[zh:最初拿到的宝可梦]]

Latest revision as of 02:20, 19 March 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.
The player's first partner Pokémon from Generations I through VII in GOTCHA!

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

Main article: Terminology of first partner Pokémon

Historically, these Pokémon have been referred to as "starter Pokémon", sometimes shortened as "starters". The first known official use of this term was in Nintendo Power #180. The first use in the anime was in the Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episode A Six Pack Attack!. The first use in the core series games was in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, where one of the questions from the Passerby Analytics HQ is: "What's your starter Pokémon?"

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 Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon GO, as well as on Pokémon.com and the Pokémon Store.

Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as first partner Pokémon. According to its Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun, Poipole is chosen as a first partner in its world. In Pokémon Masters EX, Alder's Volcarona and Anabel's Snorlax are said to be their first partner Pokémon.

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.

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 manuals of the original games.

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

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 (Dark beats Psychic, Psychic beats Fighting, Fighting beats Dark), and most still receive ½× damage defensively (Psychic resists Fighting and Fighting resists Dark); but while Dark does not "resist" Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it takes no damage.

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.[2][3]

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

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 F, W or G 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 species page.

Game(s) First partners Also obtainable in
RB/Bᴶ, FRLG Bulbasaur Charmander Squirtle Y, HGSS, XY, USUM, SwShF (IA)WG, BDSP, SV (ID)
Y Pikachu 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

The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in Professor Rowan's laboratory

In the 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.

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 anime 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 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 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, being part Ghost-type, is immune to Normal and Fighting; Incineroar, being part Dark-type, is immune to Psychic; and Primarina, being part Fairy-type, is immune to Dragon.
    • Interestingly, this also gives them advantages against Necrozma's Ultra form: Decidueye's Ghost typing and Incineroar's Dark typing are super effective against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing, while Primarina's Fairy typing 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 impossible 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 stater 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.
  • Since both first partner Pokémon in Pokémon Colosseum are always male, this had the outcome of preventing players from obtaining Eevee in Generation III (by trading with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and breeding) until the release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
  • 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.
  • All fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM moves Surf, Dive, and Waterfall.

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.
  • 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.
  • 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 (chicken, penguin). They were also both owned by the anime's resident Pokémon Coordinators.
  • 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 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 (excluding Professors).
  • 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 (HOME)
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 (HOME)
Denmark Flag.png Danish første Pokémon-partner (JN001)
første Pokémon-makker (JN049–)
France Flag.png French Pokémon de départ*
Premier partenaire (HOME)
Germany Flag.png German Erste Partner-Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Primo compagno d'avventura
South Korea Flag.png Korean 파트너 포켓몬 Partner Pokémon *
첫 파트너 Cheot partner (HOME)
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokémon inicial*
Primer compañero (HOME)
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 Beginning
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: 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."
  3. 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."