List of characters with first partner Pokémon

Ash with his first Pokémon, Pikachu, and his three Kanto first partner Pokémon

This page details characters who own a first partner Pokémon in different media throughout the franchise.

• For the list of Pokémon that are first available or choosable by the player in various games in the franchise, see List of the player's first Pokémon.
• For a list of the first Pokémon obtained by various characters in different aspects of the franchise, see List of characters' first Pokémon.

In the games

The list does not include characters like rivals whose usage of first partner Pokémon is dependent on the player's choice.

Core series characters

• Misty owns a Blastoise in B2W2 as well as in Stad.
• Lt. Surge owns a Pikachu in RGB and FRLG, as well as in Stad.
• Erika owns a Venusaur in B2W2 as well as in Stad2.
• Sabrina owns a Typhlosion in Stad2.
• Blaine owns a Charizard in B2W2 as well as Stad.
• Agatha owns a Venusaur in Stad.
• Bruno owns a Blastoise in Stad2.
• Lance owns a Charizard in GSC, HGSS, B2W2, and PE (where it is able to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X), as well as in Stad and Stad2. He also owns a Feraligatr in Stad2.
• Blue owns a Charizard in PE, where it is able to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y. In Masters, he owns a Blastoise that is able to Mega Evolve and a Charizard.
• Ethan owns a Cyndaquil in Masters, which evolves into Typhlosion.
• Silver owns a Feraligatr in Masters.
• Falkner owns a Charizard in Stad2.
• Jasmine owns an Empoleon in HGSS. She also owns a Blastoise in Stad2.
• Clair owns a Charizard in HGSS as well as in Stad2.
• Janine owns a Meganium in Stad2.
• Cal owns a Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr in GSC and HGSS.
• Red owns a Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu in GSC, HGSS, B2W2, and SMUSUM (where his three fully evolved Kanto first partner Pokémon are able to Mega Evolve). In PE, he owns a Venusaur and Pikachu. In Stad2, he owns a Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr. In Masters, he owns a Venusaur, Charizard (which is able to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X), and Pikachu (which is able to Gigantamax).
• Kris owns a Totodile in Masters, which evolves into Feraligatr.
• Brendan owns a Treecko in Masters, which evolves into Sceptile. As a Sceptile, it is able to Mega Evolve.
• May owns a Mudkip in Masters, which evolves into Swampert, as well as a Blaziken. Both of them are able to Mega Evolve.
• Wattson owns a Pikachu in E.
• Flannery owns a Blaziken in B2W2.
• Wallace owns a Swampert in B2W2.
• Leaf owns an Eevee and a Venusaur that is able to Mega Evolve in Masters.
• Tucker owns a Charizard and Swampert in E.
• Dawn owns a Turtwig in Masters, which evolves into Torterra.
• Barry owns a Piplup in Masters, which evolves into Empoleon.
• Gardenia owns a Turtwig in DPPt and BDSP, which evolves into a Torterra in Pt, B2W2, and BDSP. She also owns a Venusaur in BDSP.
• Maylene owns an Infernape in B2W2 and BDSP. She also owns a Blaziken and Empoleon in BDSP.
• Crasher Wake owns an Empoleon in B2W2. He also owns a Swampert in BDSP.
• Byron owns an Empoleon in BDSP.
• Candice owns a Venusaur in BDSP.
• Volkner owns a Swampert in BDSP.
• Flint owns an Infernape in DPPt and BDSP, as well as in Masters. He also owns a Blaziken in BDSP.
• Cheryl owns a Venusaur, Meganium, Sceptile, and Torterra in Pt and HGSS.
• Riley owns a Blaziken and Infernape in DP.
• Marley owns a Sceptile in DPPt and HGSS.
• Mira owns an Empoleon in Pt and HGSS.
• Dahlia owns a Blaziken in Pt.
• Darach owns an Empoleon in Pt.
• Lyra owns a Chikorita in Masters, which evolves into Meganium.
• Hilbert owns an Oshawott in Masters, which evolves into Samurott.
• Hilda owns a Tepig in Masters, which evolves into Emboar.
• Chili owns an Emboar in B2W2.
• Cress owns a Samurott in B2W2.
• Cilan owns a Serperior in B2W2.
• Rosa owns a Snivy in Masters, which evolves into Serperior, as well as a Dewott.
• Calem owns a Fennekin and a Shiny Greninja in Masters.
• Serena owns a Fennekin in Masters, which evolves into Delphox, as well as a Greninja.
• Professor Sycamore owns the Kanto first partner Pokémon trio in XY, which evolve into their final forms in the second battle with him. His Bulbasaur also appears in Masters.
• Shauna owns a Chesnaught in Masters.
• Trevor owns a Pikachu in XY.
• Elio owns a Popplio in Masters, which evolves into Primarina.
• Selene owns a Rowlet in Masters, which evolves into Decidueye.
• Hau owns a Pikachu and Eevee in SMUSUM.
• The Masked Royal owns a Incineroar in Masters.
• Mallow owns a Sceptile in MUM.
• Lusamine has a Pikachu and the Alola first partner Pokémon frozen in her room at Aether Paradise in SMUSUM.
• Chase owns a Pikachu in Masters.
• Elaine owns an Eevee in Masters.
• Green owns a Blastoise in PE, where it is able to Mega Evolve.
• Victor owns a Rillaboom in Masters, which is able to Gigantamax.
• Gloria owns a Thwackey, Inteleon, and Cinderace in Masters. Her Cinderace is able to Gigantamax.
• Leon owns a Charizard in SwSh as well as in Masters. It is able to Gigantamax in both games.
• Rei owns a Pikachu in LA. He also owns a Hisuian Decidueye in Masters.
• Akari owns a Pikachu in LA. She also owns a Hisuian Samurott in Masters.
• Zisu owns an Infernape in LA.
• Kofu owns a Feraligatr in SV.
• Tulip owns a Delphox in SV.
• Rika owns a Torterra in SV.
• Geeta owns a Chesnaught in SV.
• Miriam owns a Meganium in SV.
• Crispin owns a Blaziken in SV.
• Amarys owns an Empoleon in SV.
• Lacey owns a Primarina in SV.
• Drayton owns a Sceptile in SV.
• Kieran owns an Incineroar in SV.
• Cyrano owns a Serperior, Emboar, and Samurott in SV.

Spin-off characters

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: More PBR details, add many more characters

• Eagun owns a single Pikachu in Colo and a gains second one in XD.
• Wakin owns a Sceptile, Blaziken, and Swampert in XD.
• Agrev owns a Marshtomp in Colo.
• Gonzap owns a Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise in XD.
• Verde owns a Shadow Bayleef in Colo.
• Rosso owns a Shadow Quilava in Colo.
• Bluno owns a Shadow Croconaw in Colo.
• Dakim owns a Marshtomp in Colo, which evolves into Swampert in the third battle with him.
• Venus owns a Meganium in Colo.
• Nascour owns a Blaziken in Colo.
• Lovrina owns a Meganium in XD.
• Ardos owns a Charizard and Sceptile in XD.
• Terrell owns a Charmeleon, Quilava, Grotle, Monferno, and Prinplup in PBR.
• Dusty owns a Grovyle and Combusken in PBR.
• Joe owns a Pikachu, Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, Torterra, Infernape, and Empoleon in PBR.
• Mysterial owns an Empoleon in PBR. If the player has registered Pokémon from DPtSS on a Custom Pass, he will have a Charizard. If the player has registered Pokémon from PHG on a Custom Pass, he will have a Meganium.
• Scottie or Bettie owns a Torchic in Masters, which is used to battle Ash in the Blazing Battle with Ash event.
• Ash owns a Pikachu in Masters.
• Eve owns an Eevee in Masters.
• Petey owns a Pikachu in Masters.

In animation

Pokémon the Series

There are multiple Trainers in Pokémon the Series that have first partner Pokémon, with many trainers even having more than one first partner Pokémon.

Main characters

Ash with his Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Squirtle

• Ash started with a Pikachu, which he received from Professor Oak. In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, he was revealed to be able to Gigantamax into a Gigantamax Pikachu.
  • Ash caught a Bulbasaur in the Kanto region.
  • Ash caught a Charmander in the Kanto region, after he was released by his previous Trainer, Damian. He has since evolved into a Charizard.
  • Ash caught a Squirtle in the Kanto region.
  • Ash caught a Chikorita in the Johto region, she has since evolved into a Bayleef.
  • Ash caught a Cyndaquil in the Johto region, it has since evolved into a Quilava.
  • Ash caught a Totodile in the Johto region.
  • Ash caught a Treecko in the Hoenn region, it has since evolved into a Sceptile.
  • Ash caught a Turtwig in the Sinnoh region, he has since evolved into a Torterra.
  • Ash caught a Chimchar in the Sinnoh region, after he was released by it's previoues Trainer, Paul. He has since evolved into an Infernape.
  • Ash caught an Oshawott in the Unova region, who was originally a first partner Pokémon that Professor Juniper allowed Ash to keep after he ran away to be with him.
  • Ash caught a Tepig in the Unova region, after he was released by it's previoues Trainer, Shamus. He has since evolved into a Pignite.
  • Ash caught a Snivy in the Unova region.
  • Ash caught a Froakie in the Kalos region, which used to belong to several other Trainers before being abandoned or abandoning the Trainer. It has since evolved into a Greninja.
  • Ash caught a Rowlet in the Alola region.
  • Ash caught a Litten in the Alola region, after encountering it a few times before finally earning its trust. It has since evolved into a an Incineroar.

Brock, Ash, and May with their Mudkip, Treecko, and Torchic, respectively

• May started with a Torchic, which she received from Professor Birch, it has since evolved into a Blaziken.
  • May caught a Bulbasaur midway through her journey in Hoenn. She has since evolved into a Venusaur.
  • May received a Squirtle from Professor Oak when she journeyed to Kanto. It has since evolved into a Wartortle.
  • May hatched an Eevee during her journey in Kanto. It has since evolved into a Glaceon.
• Brock captured a Mudkip, it has since evolved into a Marshtomp.
• Dawn started with a Piplup, which she received from Professor Rowan.
  • Dawn hatched a Cyndaquil during her journey in Sinnoh. It has since evolved into a Quilava.
• Serena started with a Fennekin, which she received from Professor Sycamore, she has since evolved into a Delphox.
  • Serena caught an Eevee during her journey in Kalos. She has since evolved into a Sylveon.
• Clemont obtained a Chespin in Kalos. It originally belonged to Professor Sycamore as a starting Pokémon for new Trainers.
• Lana is revealed to have caught a Popplio in Alola. Popplio was rescued from being abused by members of Team Skull. It has since evolved into a Primarina.
  • Lana caught an Eevee in Alola, which she nicknamed "Sandy".
• Kiawe started with a Charizard, which he received from his grandfather.
• Goh started with a Scorbunny while visiting the Galar region, it has since evolved into a Cinderace. Goh initially wanted his first Pokémon to be a Mew like the one he met when he was six, but he changed his mind after befriending the wild Scorbunny in Galar, choosing it as his first partner instead.
  • Goh caught a Sobble while visiting the Galar region, it has since evolved into a Inteleon.
  • Goh caught a Pikachu while in the Kanto region, she has since evolved into a Raichu.
  • Goh caught a Grookey while in the Kanto region, after it decided to release itself from Team Rocket in order to join Goh.
  • Goh caught a Froakie, While in the Kalos region, it has since evolved into a Frogadier.

Supporting characters

• Gary started with a Squirtle, which he received from Professor Oak, it has since evolved into a Blastoise.
  • Gary had an Eevee at least since Ash was traveling in the Orange Archipelago. It has since evolved into an Umbreon.
• Ritchie is shown with a Pikachu, which he nicknamed "Sparky".
  • Ritchie is also shown with a Charmander, which he nicknamed "Zippo". It has since evolved into a Charmeleon.
• Casey started with a Chikorita, which she received from Professor Elm, it has since evolved into a Meganium.
• Sakura started with an Eevee, it has since evolved into an Espeon.

Vincent, Marina, and Jimmy with their Chikorita, Totodile, and Cyndaquil, respectively

• Jimmy (The Legend of Thunder!) started with a Cyndaquil, which he received from Professor Elm, it has since evolved into a Typhlosion.
• Marina started with a Totodile, which she received from Professor Elm, which she nicknamed "Wani-Wani". It has since evolved into a Feraligatr.
• Vincent started with a Chikorita, which he received from Professor Elm, it has since evolved into a Meganium.
• Harrison started with a Torchic, which he received from Professor Birch, it has since evolved into a Blaziken.
• Nicholai started with a Mudkip, it has since evolved into a Marshtomp.
• Jimmy (Judgment Day!) started with a Squirtle, it has since evolved into a Blastoise.
  • Jimmy also owns a Ivysaur.
  • Jimmy also owns a Charmeleon.
• Paul started with a Turtwig, it has since evolved into a Torterra.
  • Paul caught a Chimchar in Sinnoh, but released him after failure to live up to his expectations. He has since been caught by Ash.

Kenny and Dawn with their Prinplup and Piplup, respectively

• Kenny started with a Piplup, it has since evolved into a Empoleon.
• Barry's first Pokémon is currently unknown, but it was hinted in Stopped in the Name of Love! that his first Pokémon might be his Empoleon, which he received as a Piplup.
• Lyra started with a Chikorita.
• Khoury started with a Totodile, it has since evolved into a Croconaw.
• Flint started with a Chimchar, it has since evolved into an Infernape.
• Volkner started with a Pikachu, he has since evolved into a Raichu.
• Trip started with a Snivy, which he received from Professor Juniper, he has since evolved into a Serperior.
• Bianca started with a Tepig, he has since evolved into a Emboar.
• Burgundy started with an Oshawott, it has since evolved into a Dewott.
• Virgil started with an Eevee, he has since evolved into a Umbreon.
  • Virgil has since caught another Eevee.
• Alain started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Sycamore, it has since evolved into a Charizard who can Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X.
  • Alain is later shown with a Chesnaught.
• Mairin started with a Chespin, which she received from Professor Sycamore, which she nicknamed "Chespie".

Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna with their Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur, respectively

• Tierno started with a Squirtle, which he received from Professor Sycamore he has since evolved into a Blastoise.
• Shauna started with a Bulbasaur, which she received from Professor Sycamore, it has since evolved into a Ivysaur.
• Trevor started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Sycamore, it has since evolved into a Charizard who can Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y.
• Sawyer started with a Treecko, which he received from Professor Birch, it has since evolved into a Sceptile who can Mega Evolve into Mega Sceptile.
• Professor Kukui started with a Litten that he received from his parents. It has since evolved into an Incineroar.
• Gladion started with an Eevee, it has since evolved into an Umbreon.
• Chloe started with an Eevee that can't evolve, which she caught outside of Cerise Laboratory.
• Leon started with a Charmander, it has since evolved into a Charizard.

Characters of the day

• Damian used to own a Charmander, but released him after deeming him too weak. He has since been caught by Ash.
• Tommy (Abandon Ship!) started with a Mudkip, it has since evolved into a Swampert.
• Stephanie (Having a Wailord of a Time) started with a Mudkip, which she received from Nurse Joy at the Slateport City Pokémon Center.
  • Stephanie's father started with a Treecko, which he received at the same time.
• Gilbert (Journey to the Starting Line!) started with a Bulbasaur, which he received from Professor Oak.
• Tyler (The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!) started with a Piplup, which he nicknamed "Pippy", who he received from an unknown location in eastern Sinnoh.
• Shamus used to own a Tepig, but released him after after losing to a Deerling in a battle. He has since been caught by Ash.
  • Shamus later obtained an Emboar.
• Nanette (New Places...Familiar Faces!) started with a Tepig, which she received from Professor Juniper.

I Choose You! continuity

The movie I Choose You! introduced a parallel continuity to the Pokémon the Series story, which also appears in The Power of Us, Secrets of the Jungle, and The Distant Blue Sky.

• Ash started with a Pikachu he received from Professor Oak.
  • Ash caught a Charmander, after he was released by his previous Trainer, Cross. He has since evolved into a Charizard.
• Gary started with a Squirtle, which he received from Professor Oak.
• Marina started with a Bulbasaur, which she received from Professor Oak.
• Tierno started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Oak.
• Verity started with a Piplup.
• Cross is shown with an Incineroar.
  • Cross used to own a Charmander, but released him after deeming him too weak. He has since been caught by Ash.
• Risa caught a wild Eevee as her first Pokémon with the help of Ash and Pikachu.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series

The Paldea first partner Pokémon with Roy, Liko, and Dot in the anime

• Liko started with a Sprigatito, which she received from her homeroom teacher at Indigo Academy. She has since evolved into a Floragato. She is shown to Terastallize into a Grass type.
• Roy started with a Fuecoco, who Roy met after Fuecoco slid from the Brave Olivine and landed on the island's shore where Roy met and befriended him. He is shown to Terastallize into a Fire type.
• Ann started with an Oshawott, which she received from the Indigo Academy. It has since evolved into a Dewott.
• Friede is shown with a Charizard, who can Terastallize into a Dark type.
  • Friede caught a Pikachu in Paldea, which he nicknamed Captain Pikachu.
• Dot started with a Quaxly she had befriended on the Brave Olivine, officially catching him in Levincia. He is shown to Terastallize into a Water type.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

• Nate is shown with an Emboar throughout the trailer, implied to have picked a Tepig from Bianca.
• Hugh is shown with an Samurott throughout the trailer, implied to have picked a Oshawott from Bianca.
• Rosa is shown with a Serperior in the extended version of the trailer.

Pokémon Origins

• Red started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Oak. It has since evolved into a Charizard and is able to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X through a Key Stone and Charizardite X Red received as a thank-you gift from Mr. Fuji.
• Blue started with a Squirtle, which he received from Professor Oak. It has since evolved into a Blastoise.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

Brendan and May and their first partner Pokémon in the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

• Brendan is shown with a Treecko. It later evolved into a Sceptile and Mega Evolves into Mega Sceptile.
• May is shown with both a Torchic and Mudkip. Both later evolved into a Blaziken and a Swampert respectively and Mega Evolve into Mega Blaziken and Mega Swampert.

Pokémon Generations

• In The Adventure, Red is shown to have a Bulbasaur and catch a Pikachu.
• In The Challenger, Blue is shown to have a Blastoise.
• In The Vision, Brendan is shown to have a Sceptile.
• In The Redemption, Calem is shown to have a Chesnaught and a Charizard.

Pokémon Masters Animated Trailer

• Scottie is shown with a Pikachu.
• Rosa is shown with a Snivy.
• Bettie is shown with a Pikachu.
• Barry is shown with a Piplup.
• Flint is shown with an Infernape.
• Brendan is shown with a Treecko.

Pokémon Evolutions

• In "The Champion", Victor is shown to have a Inteleon, Hop has a Cinderace, and Leon has a Charizard.
• In "The Plan", Hilda is shown to have a Tepig.
• In "The Rival", Lucas is shown to have a Infernape, and Barry has a Piplup who later evolved into a Empoleon.
• In "The Wish", May is shown to have a Swampert, which can Mega Evolve into Mega Swampert.
• In "The Discovery", Red is shown to have a Charizard, Blue has a Venusaur, Green has a Blastoise which can Mega Evolve into Mega Blastoise, Elaine has a Pikachu, and Trace has a Jolteon.

Pokémon: Paldean Winds

Aliquis, Hohma, and Ohara with their Meowscarada, Quaxwell, and Fuecoco

• Ohara is shown to have a Fuecoco.
• Aliquis is shown to have a Meowscarada, which evolved from a Sprigatito.
• Hohma is shown to have a Quaxly, which later evolves into a Quaxwell.

In the manga

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.

Main characters

• Red received a Bulbasaur from Professor Oak, which he nicknamed "Saur". He has since evolved into a Venusaur. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, he was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Venusaur.
  • Red caught a Pikachu, which he nicknamed "Pika".
  • Red caught an Eevee who can evolve into a Jolteon, Flareon, and Vaporeon and back into an Eevee at will, which he nicknamed "Vee". He has since permanently evolved into an Espeon after he was healed from the emotional trauma.
• Blue received a Charmander from his grandfather, he has since evolved into a Charizard. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, he was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Charizard Y.
• Green stole a Squirtle from Professor Oak, which she nicknamed "Blasty". He has since evolved into a Blastoise. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, he was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Blastoise.
• Yellow borrowed Reds Pikachu, which was nicknamed "Pika".
  • Yellow received a female Pikachu from Red that he caught for her, which she nicknamed "Chuchu".
• Gold borrowed a Cyndaquil from Professor Elm, and was later allowed to keep him, which he nicknamed "Exbo". He has since evolved into a Typhlosion.
• Silver stole a Totodile from Professor Elm, as well as the first Pokédex of Johto. He has since evolved into a Feraligatr.
• Crystal found a Chikorita who ran away from Professor Elm to go be with her, which she nicknamed "Megaree". He has since evolved into a Meganium.
• Ruby received a Mudkip from Professor Birch, which he nicknamed "Mumu". He has since evolved into a Swampert. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, he was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Swampert.
• Sapphire received a Torchic from her father, which she nicknamed "Chic". She has since evolved into a Blaziken. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, she was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Blaziken.
• Emerald started with a Sceptile. Originally when he arrived in the Battle Frontier, he had no Pokémon on hand. Then he challenged the Battle Factory using only rental Pokémon, nearly at the end of the challenge, he noticed something suspicious about a Sceptile so he decided to steal him from the facility and kept him afterward. It is later revealed that this Sceptile was supposed to be his in the first place. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, he was revealed to be able to Mega Evolve into a Mega Sceptile.
• Diamond received a Turtwig from Platinum because of a misunderstanding, which he nicknamed "Tru". He has since evolved into a Torterra.
• Pearl received a Chimchar from Platinum because of a misunderstanding, which he nicknamed "Chimler". He has since evolved into a Infernape.
• Platinum received a Piplup from Professor Rowan. She has since evolved into a Empoleon.
• Black received a Tepig from Professor Juniper. Initially, he was nicknamed "Tep" as a Tepig, but the nickname was changed to "Nite" when he evolved into Pignite, and changed again into "Bo" when he evolved into an Emboar.
• White started with a Tepig she found in the pouring rain, which she nicknamed "Gigi". Gigi was with White until she decided to leave White to follow N.
  • White later acquires a Servine, which she nicknamed "Amanda". Amanda originally followed N, until he told her to aid White. She has since evolved into a Serperior.
• Blake started with a Dewott, which he received from International Police Headquarters so he would have a partner Pokémon.
• Whitley befriended a Tepig nicknamed "Gigi", who belong to N.
  • Whitley received a Delphox from Trevor, in hopes that she would be able to connect with her.
• X received a Chespin from Professor Sycamore, which he nicknamed "Marisso". He has since evolved into a Chesnaught.
  • X was also given a Charmander from Professor Sycamore, which he nicknamed "Salamè". He has since evolved into a Charizard who can Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X.
• Y caught an Eevee, which she nicknamed "Veevee". She has since evolved into a Sylveon.
  • Y received a Froakie from Trevor, which she nicknamed "Croaky". He has since evolved into a Greninja.
• Sun received a Litten from Professor Kukui, which he nicknamed "Dollar". He has since evolved into an Incineroar.
• Moon received a Rowlet from Professor Kukui. He has since evolved into an Decidueye.
• Henry Sword received a Grookey from Professor Magnolia, which he nicknamed "Twiggy" He has since evolved into a Rillaboom who can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Rillaboom.
• Casey Shield is shown with a Scorbunny, which she nicknamed "Bit". He has since evolved into a Cinderace who can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Cinderace.
• Scarlet is shown with a Pikachu, who can Terastallize into a Flying type.
  • Scarlet is later shown with a Sprigatito.
• Violet received a Fuecoco from Director Clavell after he enrolled in Uva Academy. It has since evolved into a Crocalor.

Supporting characters

• Wally temporarily had a first partner Pokémon who was a Treecko he found in Route 131 after being separated from Professor Birch, who intended to give it to another Trainer. He later evolved into a Grovyle. When he was separated from Wally, it evolved into a Sceptile while in the wild. He was eventually caught by Emerald, the Trainer Professor Birch intended to give him to.

Three sets of Unova's first partner Pokémon, each at a different stage of their evolution line

• Cheren started with a Snivy, which he received from Professor Juniper. He has since evolved into a Servine.
• Bianca started with a Oshawott, which she received from Professor Juniper.
• N befriended a Snivy that he liberated from Cedric Juniper, with the Snivy deciding to go with N. She has since evolved into a Servine. His Servine was with him until he sent her to White's aid.
  • N later befriends another first partner Pokémon, a Tepig whose nickname was "Gigi". Gigi was with White until she decided to leave White to follow N. Before Gigi followed N, she was going to be given out to new Trainers by Professor Cedric Juniper but was liberated by N.
• Cedric Juniper had a Oshawott who was liberated by N, but chose to stay with Cedric. It has since evolved into a Samurott.
• Benga is shown with a Pignite. In a flashback, it was seen as a Tepig.
• Hugh briefly partners up with a Snivy who belonged to a Team Plasma Grunt. It was sent out to battle Hugh on the Plasma Frigate, but it refused to fight and instead sided with him.
• Malva used a Fennekin she found by digging through collected Poké Balls that were taken from Vaniville Town by Team Flare. She has since evolved into a Delphox. Originally she was owned by Professor Sycamore and was given to Trevor in the hopes that X would pick a first partner Pokémon. After Team Flare was defeated, she was separated from Malva and her Poké Ball was found by Clemont, who gave her to Trevor. Trevor eventually gave her to Whitley, who he believed would be able to connect with Delphox.

• Professor Sycamore used a Charmander to battle X’s Chespin. He later gave Charmander to X after the battle.
  • Sycamore still has a Bulbasaur and a Squirtle in his care.
• Moon's older sister is shown with a Piplup.
• Hau is shown with a Pichu, it has since evolved into a Pikachu
  • Hau is later shown with a Popplio, which he received from Professor Kukui. It has since evolved into a Primarina.
• Marvin started with a Sobble, which he nicknamed "Sniffler". It has since evolved into a Inteleon, and when traded to Hop was able to Gigantamax into Gigantamax Inteleon.
• Leon started with a Charmander. It has since evolved into a Charizard who can Gigantamax into Gigantamax Charizard.
• Nemona is shown with a Quaxly.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Red with his first two Pokémon in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

• Red started with a Clefairy. Red was offered a choice of one of the Kanto first partner Pokémon, but he decided to keep a Clefairy that he met on his way to Professor Oak's lab as his first Pokémon instead.
  • Red caught a Pikachu, after he was released by his previous Trainer, Brock.
  • Red is shown to own a Venusaur.
  • After Professor Birch showed Red a Torchic he wanted it to join him, however when their group headed to Hoenn, Torchic was returned to Professor Birch who he eventually gave it to Sapphire later on.
  • Red accidentally owned a Treecko after it was traded by Ruby for his Pikachu when he wasn't around. Treecko was able to get back to Ruby and return Pikachu back to Red, his rightful owner.
• Green started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Oak.
  • Green is shown to own a Blastoise.
  • Green stole a Chikorita that Professor Oak was giving away. It was eventually returned to Professor Oak.
• Brock caught a Pikachu, but later released it after losing to Red and his Clefairy.
• Blue is shown with a Blastoise.
• Yellow is shown with a Pikachu.
• Gold started with a Cyndaquil.
• Silver started with a Totodile.
• Ruby owns a Treecko.
  • Ruby traded his Treecko for Red's Pikachu when he wasn't around. Treecko was able to get back to Ruby and return Pikachu back to Red, his rightful owner.
• Sapphire started with a Torchic, which he received from Professor Birch.
• Blue started with a Charmander.
• Kazuki owns a Chimchar.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Ash and Pikachu in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

• Ash started with a Pikachu.
  • Ash is shown with a Charmander, it has since evolved into a Charizard.
  • Ash is shown with a Bulbasaur.
  • Ash is shown with a Squirtle.
• Gary is shown with a Venusaur.
• Ritchie is shown with a Pikachu, which he nicknamed "Chuchino".
  • Ritchie is also shown with a Charizard, which he nicknamed "Charley".

Pokémon Zensho

• Satoshi started with a Charmander, which he received from Professor Oak, it has since evolved into a Charizard.
  • Satoshi caught a Pikachu, it has since evolved into a Raichu.
• Shigeru started with a Squirtle, which he received from Professor Oak, it has since evolved into a Blastoise.
• Professor Oak kept Bulbasaur after Satoshi and Shigeru got their first partner Pokémon as he would have been too lonely without it. It has since evolved into a Venusaur.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

• Gold started with a Totodile, which he at first borrowed from Professor Elm so that he may run an errand for him, but Elm allowed Gold to keep the Totodile. It has since evolved into a Gold's.
  • Gold caught a Gold's.
  • Gold caught a Gold's, after he was released by it's previoues Trainer, Black for Black failing to defeat Lapras.
• Black started with a Chikorita, after he stole it from Professor Elm's lab. It has since evolved into a Gold's. Black released the Bayleef after it failed to defeat a Lapras. It has since been caught by Gold.
  • Black borrowed Quilava in a tournament.

Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (CoroCoro Comic)

Ruby and Mudkip in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (CoroCoro Comic)

• Ruby started with a Mudkip, after he picked a Pokeball in order to save Professor Birch from a wild Poochyena, with Birch letting Ruby keep the Mudkip as a gift for rescuing him.
• Sapphire started with a Torchic.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (manga)

• Kenta started with a Turtwig, after picking a Poké Ball from Professor Rowan's suitcase in order to defend himself from a flock of Starly.
• Barry started with a Chimchar, after picking a Poké Ball from Professor Rowan's suitcase in order to defend himself from a flock of Starly.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

• Hareta started with a Piplup, after choosing it in order to save Mitsumi from a rampaging Onix, it has since evolved into a Empoleon.
• Mitsumi started with a Chimchar, which she received from Professor Rowan, it has since evolved into a Infernape.
  • Mitsumi caught an Eevee.
• Jun started with a Turtwig, it has since evolved into a Torterra.

Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure

• Jō started with a Totodile, which he received from Professor Elm, it has since evolved into a Feraligatr.
• Tsubaki started with a Chikorita, which he got from Professor Elm's lab, it has since evolved into a Meganium.

Be the Best! Pokémon B+W

The fully evolved Unova first partner Pokémon in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W

• Monta started with a Snivy, it has since evolved into a Serperior
• Cheren started with a Tepig, it has since evolved into a Emboar
• Bianca started with a Oshawott, it has since evolved into a Samurott

Pocket Monsters BW: Meetings with the Legends

• Touya started with a Oshawott, which he received from Professor Juniper, it has since evolved into a Samurott.
• Bianca started with a Tepig, which she received from Professor Juniper, it has since evolved into a Pignite.
• Cheren started with a Snivy, which he received from Professor Juniper, it has since evolved into a Servine.

Pocket Monsters BW

Pocket Monsters BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder

• Shin started with a Tepig, it has since evolved into a Emboar.

Pocket Monsters B2 W2 ~ A New Legend ~

• Arata started with a Oshawott, which he received from Bianca. At first he was having trouble deciding which Pokémon he should choose, only for two Team Plasma grunts to steal all three first partner Pokémon. Luckily Arata managed to swipe one of them when the grunts attacked him. This Pokémon ended up being Oshawott. It has since evolved into a Samurott.

Pokémon Omega Ruby Crimson Passion and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Indigo Wisdom

• Omega started with a Mudkip, it has since evolved into a Swampert,
• Alpha started with aTreecko, it has since evolved into a Sceptile.

Pokémon Horizon

• Mana started with a Rowlet, it has since evolved into a Decidueye.

Trivia

Pokémon the Series

• During his time as a protagonist, 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.
• Every Fire-type first partner Pokémon obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
• 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. Although she is not a main character, Dot’s Quaxly chose to join her team as her first Pokémon.
• 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.
  • Conversely, 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.
• 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.
• As Gary's Eevee was revealed to be under his ownership before his Blastoise, it caused many to hearken back to Pokémon Yellow, where the player starts with Pikachu, like Ash, and the rival starts with Eevee. This was disproven when Gary finally revealed his Blastoise to Ash.
• Squirtle and Turtwig are both based on turtles and were the first partner Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, Gary and Paul.
• Torchic and Piplup are both based on birds. They were also both owned by the resident Pokémon Coordinators in Pokémon the Series.
• Both May and Dawn have a second first partner Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These first partner Pokémon are both from two generations prior to their owner's introduction and featured in Pokémon the Series likely due to the same-generation remakes.
• In Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, 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.
• From Pokémon the Series: Black & White until Pokémon Horizons: The Series, no Grass-type first partner Pokémon owned by a main character has evolved, as Ash's Snivy, Clemont's Chespin, Ash's Rowlet, and Goh's Grookey all remain in their base forms. This pattern was broken when Liko's Sprigatito evolved into a Floragato.
• 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 Galar first partner set is the only full first partner set from which Ash owns none of its members during his time as a protagonist.

Pokémon Adventures

• The first partner Pokémon of each region that are given to characters based on the male protagonists in the games cycle through Grass (Red, Diamond, and X), Fire (Gold, Black, and Sun), and Water (Ruby and Blake). The pattern was broken with Henry, who has a Grass-type first partner Pokémon instead of the expected Water-type first partner Pokémon, however it has continued with Violet, who has a Fire-type first partner Pokémon.
  • This also applies to characters based on the female protagonists in the games, which cycle through Water (Green, Platinum, and Y), Grass (Crystal, White, and Moon), and Fire (Sapphire, Whitley, and Casey). The pattern was broken with Scarlet, who has a Grass-type first partner Pokémon instead of the expected Water-type first partner Pokémon.
• The first partner Pokémon of the characters based on the male protagonists usually have the type advantage over the characters based on the female protagonists, with the only exception of the main characters of the Sword & Shield arc where Casey has the type advantage over Henry.
• Like the Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, Red's Pikachu, Pika, and Yellow's Pikachu, Chuchu, never evolved.
• Emerald and Whitley are the only character to catch a first partner Pokémon that has fully evolved.
  • White and Blake are the only characters to catch their first partner Pokémon in the middle of their evolution line.
• Black is the only main character to change his Pokémon's nickname.
• White and X are the only main character to own two traditional first partner Pokémon.
  • White is the only main character to have own two first partner Pokémon from the same Generation where they debuted from.
• Blake is the only main character to not have fully evolved their first partner Pokémon.
• X is the only main character to own a traditional first partner Pokémon that a different main character already owns.
• Whitley is the only main character to own a first partner Pokémon that is from a different Generation then the one they debuted from.
• In the Black 2 & White 2 arc is the only time that that three sets of first partner of a region are shown together with each of them appearing at a different stage of their evolution line: A Team Plasma Grunt's Snivy, Cheren's Servine, White's Serperior, N's Tepig, Benga's Pignite, Black's Emboar, Bianca's Oshawott, Blake's Dewott, and Cedric Juniper's Samurott.
• The X & Y arc is the first time that none of the main characters that were introduce in that Generation owns all three of the first partner Pokémon. Instead Malva owns the Kalos Fire-type first partner Pokémon.
• Since Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, no Water-type first partner Pokémon is owned by a main character with Popplio, Sobble, and Quaxly instead being owned by Hau, Marvin, and Nemona respectively.

This game character article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.