View source for Starter Pokémon

{{move|first partner Pokémon}}
{{split|List of initial Pokémon}}
[[File:25th Anniversary key art.png|thumb|250px|Artwork for the [[Pokémon 25th Anniversary]] featuring the player's starter Pokémon from [[Generation]]s {{Gen|I}} through {{Gen|VIII}} (except {{p|Eevee}})]]
A '''first partner 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), more commonly known as a '''starter Pokémon''', is the first {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that a [[Pokémon Trainer]] obtains at the start of their [[Pokémon journey]], most commonly {{pkmn2|gift}}ed to them by a [[Pokémon Professor]]. This Pokémon will be used to battle the first [[wild Pokémon]] that a Trainer encounters.

Once another Pokémon is {{pkmn2|caught}}, the starter Pokémon may be retired (though this rarely occurs), 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 [[Party|teams]].

In the [[core series]] games, it is said that the starter Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, giving the {{player}} a reason why the Pokémon not chosen can't be found in the wild in most of these games.

==In the core series==
In the core series {{pkmn|games}} (except in {{game|Yellow}} and {{LGPE}}), 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, which may either have a type advantage or disadvantage over the player's, depending on the game.

===[[Kanto]]===
In {{game|Red and Green|s|Pokémon Red, Green}}, {{jap|Pokémon Blue Version|Blue}}, {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|FireRed, and LeafGreen}}, [[Professor Oak]] will bring {{pkmn|Trainer}}s to his [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|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}}"
|-
! colspan=2 style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0001|Bulbasaur|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
! colspan=2 style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" | {{ArtP|0004|Charmander|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}
! colspan=2 style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0007|Squirtle|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
| colspan=2 style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
| colspan=2 style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0002|Ivysaur}}
| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0005|Charmeleon}}
| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0008|Wartortle}}
| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
| colspan=2 style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
| colspan=2 style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0003|Venusaur}}
| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0006|Charizard}}
| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0009|Blastoise}}
| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
| style="background:#{{flying color}}" | {{tcolor|Flying|FFF}}
| colspan=2 style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| rowspan=3 | {{ArtP|0003|Venusaur|form=-Mega}}
| rowspan=3 | <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0006|Charizard|form=-Mega X}}
| <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}|Charizard X}}
| rowspan=3 | {{ArtP|0009|Blastoise|form=-Mega}}
| rowspan=3 | <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0006|Charizard|form=-Mega Y}}
| <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}|Charizard Y}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0003|Venusaur|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0006|Charizard|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}|Charizard}}
| {{ArtP|0009|Blastoise|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{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 {{i|Poké Ball}} on Oak's desk for the rest of the game.

In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, the choice of starter Pokémon also determines which of the [[Legendary beasts]] will roam the Kanto region after defeating [[Team Rocket]] in the [[Sevii Islands]]—if the player chooses Bulbasaur, {{p|Entei}} will appear, {{p|Suicune}} will appear to those who chose Charmander, and {{p|Raikou}} will appear to those that went with Squirtle.

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 their side.

[[Professor Sycamore]] will let the player choose one of these three Pokémon after meeting him in person and beating his team of Kanto starter Pokémon in {{pkmn|battle}}. After making their choice, Professor Sycamore will give the player a [[Mega Stone]] corresponding to the chosen starter's final evolution; [[Venusaurite]] for {{p|Bulbasaur}}, [[Charizardite X]]{{sup/6|X}}/[[Charizardite Y]]{{sup/6|Y}} for {{p|Charmander}}, and [[Blastoisinite]] for {{p|Squirtle}}. The middle stages of the starter Pokémon can be found in the [[Friend Safari]].

In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the Kanto starter Pokémon can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Melemele Island]].

In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the player receives a Charmander as a gift from [[Leon]] in [[Postwick]] after surpassing him as [[Champion]], which will be capable of [[Gigantamax]]ing when fully evolved.

In [[The Isle of Armor]], {{gal|Honey}} will let the player choose either Bulbasaur or Squirtle after completing the Master Dojo's first trial. Once fully evolved, these Pokémon will be capable of Gigantamaxing. Honey will keep the Pokémon not chosen by the player, and use it on her team.

In [[The Crown Tundra]], Ivysaur, Charmeleon, and Wartortle can be found in Dynamax Adventures.

In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the Kanto starter Pokémon can be caught in the [[Grand Underground]] after obtaining the [[National Pokédex]].

In {{game|Yellow}}, due to being based on the {{pkmn|anime}}, Oak instead gives out:

{| 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}}" | {{ArtP|025|Pikachu|form=_Y|size=100px}}<br>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Red's Pikachu (game)|Pikachu}}
|-
| style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
|}

In {{LGPE}}, players will start with {{p|Pikachu}} or {{p|Eevee}}, depending on which version of the game they are playing. These Pikachu and Eevee are considered special, separate [[List of Pokémon with form differences|forms]] commonly referred to by the game as {{ga|Partner Pokémon}}.

Professor Oak has a third unrevealed starter Pokémon as well. According to Professor Oak and Trace's dialogue at the start of the games, Professor Oak used to have two options of starter Pokémon available which he planned to offer to the player and Trace. However, the player caught the wild {{p|Pikachu}}{{sup/7|P}} or {{p|Eevee}}{{sup/7|E}} and this Pokémon was stored in a Poké Ball in the laboratory with the other two starters.

Some time after the player and the rival choose Pikachu and Eevee as their starter Pokémon, the third Poké Ball mysteriously disappears from Professor Oak's table, similarly to the third starter Pokémon in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.

{| 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}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0025|Pikachu|form=-Starter|size=100px}}<br><small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Partner Pokémon (game)|Partner}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Pikachu|{{kanto color dark}}}}{{sup/7|P}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0133|Eevee|form=-Starter|size=100px}}<br><small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Partner Pokémon (game)|Partner}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Eevee|{{kanto color dark}}}}{{sup/7|E}}
|-
| style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
| style="background:#{{normal color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
|}

===[[Johto]]===
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}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0152|Chikorita|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Chikorita|{{johto color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0155|Cyndaquil|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{johto color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0158|Totodile|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Totodile|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0153|Bayleef}}
| {{pcolor|Bayleef|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0156|Quilava}}
| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0159|Croconaw}}
| {{pcolor|Croconaw|{{johto color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0154|Meganium}}
| {{pcolor|Meganium|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0157|Typhlosion}}
| {{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{johto color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0160|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]], they 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).

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

In {{game|Emerald}}, after the player has caught all Pokémon in the {{gdis|List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number|III|Hoenn Pokédex}} with the exception of {{p|Jirachi}} and {{p|Deoxys}}, [[Professor Birch]] will offer one of these Pokémon as a reward.

In {{g|Colosseum}}, the middle stages of the Johto starter Pokémon are caught as [[Shadow Pokémon]] from a Mystery Troop member. Only one is available for the player to obtain during the main game, while the other two are only available during the post-game. The color of the outfit for the corresponding Mystery Troop member is the same as the [[type]] for the Johto starter Pokémon they have.

In {{Pokémon XD}}, after the player has cleared the entirety of [[Mt. Battle]] without touching a [[PC]] or retiring, [[Battlus]] will offer one of these Pokémon as a reward. The player can obtain all three Pokémon with consecutive challenges.

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 starter Pokémon.

In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Johto starter Pokémon can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Melemele Island]].

In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the Johto starter Pokémon can be caught in the [[Grand Underground]] after obtaining the [[National Pokédex]].

===[[Hoenn]]===
In {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s|Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire}}, {{v2|Emerald}}, {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|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:

{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{hoenn color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0252|Treecko|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Treecko|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0255|Torchic|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Torchic|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0258|Mudkip|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Mudkip|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0253|Grovyle}}
| {{pcolor|Grovyle|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0256|Combusken}}
| {{pcolor|Combusken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0259|Marshtomp}}
| {{pcolor|Marshtomp|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|- style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0254|Sceptile}}
| {{pcolor|Sceptile|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0257|Blaziken}}
| {{pcolor|Blaziken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0260|Swampert}}
| {{pcolor|Swampert|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
|- style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0254|Sceptile|form=-Mega}}
| <small>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Sceptile|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0257|Blaziken|form=-Mega}}
| <small>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Blaziken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0260|Swampert|form=-Mega}}
| <small>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Swampert|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
{{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 their starter Pokémon, which is always the one with the type advantage. What happens to the starter not selected is unknown. By the end of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, 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 they can leave {{ho|Victory Road}} and staying there to have [[rematch]]es with the player later. In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Brendan or May's role as an [[Non-player character|NPC]] is slightly expanded, acting as a post-credits battle in which they gain access to [[Mega Evolution]] for their starter Pokémon.

In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, [[Steven Stone]] offers one of these Pokémon to the player after they have defeated {{ga|Red}}.

In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the middle stages of the Hoenn starter Pokémon can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Akala Island]].

In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, both the middle and final stages can be caught in [[Dynamax Adventures]] in the [[Crown Tundra]].

In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the Hoenn starter Pokémon can be caught in the [[Grand Underground]] after obtaining the [[National Pokédex]].

===[[Sinnoh]]===
In {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} and {{game|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|s}}, when two {{p|Starly}} attack the player and rival at [[Lake Verity]], to which they travel upon hearing reports of a {{Shiny|red}} {{p|Gyarados}}, they will choose one of the following from [[Professor Rowan]]'s briefcase, which he left at the lake:

{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{sinnoh color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0387|Turtwig|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Turtwig|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0390|Chimchar|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Chimchar|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0393|Piplup|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Piplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0388|Grotle}}
| {{pcolor|Grotle|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0391|Monferno}}
| {{pcolor|Monferno|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0394|Prinplup}}
| {{pcolor|Prinplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0389|Torterra}}
| {{pcolor|Torterra|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0392|Infernape}}
| {{pcolor|Infernape|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0395|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. Rowan originally had four Sinnoh starter Pokémon, as evidenced by the opposite-gender NPC (Lucas or Dawn) having their starter prior to the player and Barry choosing from the remaining trio of starters.

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.

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 starter Pokémon.

In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the middle stages of the Sinnoh starter Pokémon can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Ula'ula Island]].

In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the Sinnoh starter Pokémon are not only offered at the beginning of the game, but can also be caught in the [[Grand Underground]] after obtaining the [[National Pokédex]].

In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the Sinnoh starter Pokémon and, more rarely, their middle stages, can be caught in certain locations, while the final stages spawn as [[alpha Pokémon]].

===[[Unova]]===
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 them, containing the following three Pokémon:

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{Unova color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0495|Snivy|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0498|Tepig|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0501|Oshawott|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{Unova color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0496|Servine}}
| {{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0499|Pignite}}
| {{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0502|Dewott}}
| {{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{Unova color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0497|Serperior}}
| {{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0500|Emboar}}
| {{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0503|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}}.

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.

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 starter Pokémon.

In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Unova starters Pokémon's final forms can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Poni Island]].

===[[Kalos]]===
In {{g|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}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0650|Chespin|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Chespin|{{kalos color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0653|Fennekin|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Fennekin|{{kalos color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0656|Froakie|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Froakie|{{kalos color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0651|Quilladin}}
| {{pcolor|Quilladin|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0654|Braixen}}
| {{pcolor|Braixen|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0657|Frogadier}}
| {{pcolor|Frogadier|{{kalos color dark}}}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0652|Chesnaught}}
| {{pcolor|Chesnaught|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0655|Delphox}}
| {{pcolor|Delphox|{{kalos color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0658|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. Serena/Calem will have one of the [[Eeveelution]]s on their team depending on the player's choice. They will have {{p|Jolteon}} if the player chooses Chespin, {{p|Flareon}} for Fennekin, and {{p|Vaporeon}} for Froakie. 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 {{pkmn2|Roaming|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. The middle stages of the starter Pokémon can be found in the [[Friend Safari]].

In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the Kalos starters Pokémon's final forms can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}} on [[Poni Island]].

===[[Alola]]===
In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the player receives their starter Pokémon in [[Iki Town]] from [[Hala]] and [[Professor Kukui]]. In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the player receives one from the Professor on {{rt|1|Alola}}. The player's friend [[Hau]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice. Teacher Emily in the Trainer's School will use the starter that has a type advantage over 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}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0722|Rowlet|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Rowlet|{{alola color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0725|Litten|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Litten|{{alola color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0728|Popplio|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Popplio|{{alola color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0723|Dartrix}}
| {{pcolor|Dartrix|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0726|Torracat}}
| {{pcolor|Torracat|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0729|Brionne}}
| {{pcolor|Brionne|{{alola color dark}}}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0724|Decidueye}}
| {{pcolor|Decidueye|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0727|Incineroar}}
| {{pcolor|Incineroar|{{alola color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0730|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}}
|}

During the player's first battle against [[Ilima]], his {{p|Smeargle}} will know a basic [[move]] with a type advantage against their starter Pokémon; {{m|Ember}}, {{m|Water Gun}}, or {{m|Leafage}}. During the player's Champion{{sup/7|SM}} and Title Defense battles, Professor Kukui will use the final evolution of the starter Pokémon with the type advantage to the player's choice. [[Gladion]]'s {{p|Silvally}} will also be holding the [[memory]] of the type the player's starter is weak to. Hau's {{p|Eevee}} will evolve into the [[Eeveelution]] whose type has the advantage to the player's choice. Gladion, in his {{DL|Pokémon League (Alola)/Title Defense}} battle in {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, will have a fully evolved Kanto starter Pokémon whose type is the same as the player's starter.

In [[The Isle of Armor]], once the player has found 100 of the Hiker's {{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Diglett}}, he will give the player the starter Pokémon that is the same type as the player's starter. This Pokémon has its {{Hidden Ability}}.

===[[Galar]]===
In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the player and [[Hop]] receive their starter Pokémon in [[Postwick]] from [[Leon]], the {{pkmn|Champion}} of Galar.

{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{galar color dark}}; font-size:85%; border: 5px solid #{{galar color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{galar color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0810|Grookey|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Grookey|{{galar color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{galar color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0813|Scorbunny|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Scorbunny|{{galar color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{galar color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0816|Sobble|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Sobble|{{galar color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{galar color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0811|Thwackey}}
| {{pcolor|Thwackey|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0814|Raboot}}
| {{pcolor|Raboot|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0817|Drizzile}}
| {{pcolor|Drizzile|{{galar color dark}}}}
|- style="background:#{{galar color light}}"
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{galar color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0812|Rillaboom}}
| {{pcolor|Rillaboom|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0815|Cinderace}}
| {{pcolor|Cinderace|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0818|Inteleon}}
| {{pcolor|Inteleon|{{galar color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{galar color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0812|Rillaboom|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Rillaboom|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0815|Cinderace|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Cinderace|{{galar color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0818|Inteleon|form=-Gigantamax}}
| <small>{{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Gigantamax}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Inteleon|{{galar 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}}
|}

The player's friend [[Hop]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice. Leon takes the remaining Pokémon into his care, eventually using its final form in the Championship Match against the player.

In the [[Isle of Armor]], the player has the option of giving their fully-evolved starter Pokémon {{DL|Master Dojo|Max Soup}}, giving them the {{DL|Gigantamax|Gigantamax Factor}} and allowing them to enter their Gigantamax form in battle. Hop will use his starter Pokémon's Gigantamax form in the [[Galarian Star Tournament]].

===[[Hisui]]===
In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, which takes place in [[Hisui]], the land the [[Sinnoh]] region was once known as, the player is given a starter Pokémon from three different regions by [[Professor Laventon]], being either {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, or {{p|Oshawott}}. These are also the first starter Pokémon whose final evolutions have [[regional form]]s.
{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{legends arceus color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{legends arceus color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{legends arceus color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0722|Rowlet|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Rowlet|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{legends arceus color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0155|Cyndaquil|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}<br>
! style="width:80px; background:#{{legends arceus color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0501|Oshawott|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{legends arceus color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0723|Dartrix}}
| {{pcolor|Dartrix|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0156|Quilava}}
| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0502|Dewott}}
| {{pcolor|Dewott|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{legends arceus color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0724|Decidueye|form=-Hisui}}
| <small>{{color2|{{legends arceus color dark}}|Regional form#Hisui|Hisuian}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Decidueye|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0157|Typhlosion|form=-Hisui}}
| <small>{{color2|{{legends arceus color dark}}|Regional form#Hisui|Hisuian}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0503|Samurott|form=-Hisui}}
| <small>{{color2|{{legends arceus color dark}}|Regional form#Hisui|Hisuian}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Samurott|{{legends arceus color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{Grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{Dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
|}

After completing the main story, Professor Laventon gives the player the two starter Pokémon they did not pick, and all three stages of the starter Pokémon can be caught in [[Space-time distortion]]s. Starting in [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus#Version history|the Daybreak update]], {{ga|Rei}}/{{ga|Akari}} will begin using the Sinnoh starter Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's starter Pokémon. Additionally, all three Sinnoh starter Pokémon (along with their evolutionary relatives) can be found in the wild as rare spawns in certain areas.

===[[Paldea]]===
In {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, the player receives their starter Pokémon in [[Cabo Poco]] from [[Clavell]], the director of [[Naranja Academy|Naranja]]{{sup/9|S}}/[[Uva Academy]]{{sup/9|V}}. [[Nemona]], a {{pkmn|Champion}}-ranked Trainer, chooses the starter weak to the player's choice to raise for herself. Clavell uses the starter Pokémon with the type advantage to the player's choice.

{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{paldea color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{paldea color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{paldea color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0906|Sprigatito|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Sprigatito|{{paldea color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{paldea color light}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0909|Fuecoco|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Fuecoco|{{paldea color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{paldea color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{ArtP|0912|Quaxly|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Quaxly|{{paldea color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{paldea color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0907|Floragato}}
| {{pcolor|Floragato|{{paldea color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0910|Crocalor}}
| {{pcolor|Crocalor|{{paldea color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0913|Quaxwell}}
| {{pcolor|Quaxwell|{{paldea color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable2|Grass}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{paldea color light}}"
| {{ArtP|0908|Meowscarada}}
| {{pcolor|Meowscarada|{{paldea color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0911|Skeledirge}}
| {{pcolor|Skeledirge|{{paldea color dark}}}}
| {{ArtP|0914|Quaquaval}}
| {{pcolor|Quaquaval|{{paldea color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Dark}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Ghost}}
{{typetable|Water}}
| style="background:#{{fighting color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
|}

===Other notable in-game starter Pokémon===
* 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 [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|the lab]], {{p|Jolteon}} if the player wins against the rival at both the lab and {{rt|22|Kanto}}, and {{p|Flareon}} if the player wins against the rival at the lab, and loses or skips the other battle.
* [[Wally]], with the help of the player and [[Norman|their father]], catches a {{p|Ralts}}. In the original {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}, it evolves into {{p|Gardevoir}}, but in their [[remakes]], {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, it evolves into a {{p|Gallade}} capable of [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolving]].
* The player character not chosen in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, {{ga|Ethan}} or {{ga|Lyra}}, will have a {{p|Marill}}.
* In {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}}, the [[Pokédex]] identifies the [[Ultra Beast]] {{p|Poipole}} as a common choice for a starter Pokémon in [[Ultra Megalopolis]].
* [[Hop]] has a {{p|Wooloo}} that he has owned since before the start of {{g|Sword and Shield}}, and uses it in his first battle against the player. Over the course of the story, it evolves into {{p|Dubwool}}.
* [[Bede]]'s starter Pokémon, as revealed in conversations in ''[[The Isle of Armor]]'', is his {{p|Hatterene}}, which he received as a {{p|Hatenna}} when he met Chairman [[Rose]].
* [[Marnie]]'s starter Pokémon is her {{p|Morpeko}}, which she received as a {{pkmn2|gift}} when she was five years old from her brother, [[Piers]].

===Base stat comparison===
{{Quartetstats|kanto|0001|Bulbasaur|grass|45|49|49|65|65|45|0004|Charmander|fire|39|52|43|60|50|65|0007|Squirtle|water|44|48|65|50|64|43|025|Pikachu|electric|35|55|40|50|50|90}}

{{duostats|kanto|0025|Pikachu|Electric|form1=-Starter|45|80|50|75|60|120|0133|Eevee|form2=-Starter|Normal|65|75|70|65|85|75}}

{{triostats|johto|0152|Chikorita|grass|45|49|65|49|65|45|0155|Cyndaquil|fire|39|52|43|60|50|65|0158|Totodile|water|50|65|64|44|48|43}}

{{triostats|hoenn|0252|Treecko|grass|40|45|35|65|55|70|0255|Torchic|fire|45|60|40|70|50|45|0258|Mudkip|water|50|70|50|50|50|40}}

{{triostats|sinnoh|0387|Turtwig|grass|55|68|64|45|55|31|0390|Chimchar|fire|44|58|44|58|44|61|0393|Piplup|water|53|51|53|61|56|40}}

{{triostats|unova|0495|Snivy|grass|45|45|55|45|55|63|0498|Tepig|fire|65|63|45|45|45|45|0501|Oshawott|water|55|55|45|63|45|45}}

{{triostats|kalos|0650|Chespin|grass|56|61|65|48|45|38|0653|Fennekin|fire|40|45|40|62|60|60|0656|Froakie|water|41|56|40|62|44|71}}

{{triostats|alola|0722|Rowlet|grass|68|55|55|50|50|42|0725|Litten|fire|45|65|40|60|40|70|0728|Popplio|water|50|54|54|66|56|40}}

{{triostats|galar|0810|Grookey|grass|50|65|50|40|40|65|0813|Scorbunny|fire|50|71|40|40|40|69|0816|Sobble|water|50|40|40|70|40|70}}

{{triostats|legends arceus|0722|Rowlet|grass|68|55|55|50|50|42|0155|Cyndaquil|fire|39|52|43|60|50|65|0501|Oshawott|water|55|55|45|63|45|45}}

{{triostats|paldea|0906|Sprigatito|grass|40|61|54|45|45|65|0909|Fuecoco|fire|67|45|59|63|40|36|0912|Quaxly|water|55|65|45|50|45|50}}

====Base stat comparison when partially evolved====
{{triostats|kanto|0002|Ivysaur|grass|60|62|63|80|80|60|0005|Charmeleon|fire|58|64|58|80|65|80|0008|Wartortle|water|59|63|80|65|80|58}}

{{triostats|johto|0153|Bayleef|grass|60|62|80|63|80|60|0156|Quilava|fire|58|64|58|80|65|80|0159|Croconaw|water|65|80|80|59|63|58}}

{{triostats|hoenn|0253|Grovyle|grass|50|65|45|85|65|95|0256|Combusken|fire|60|85|60|85|60|55|0259|Marshtomp|water|70|85|70|60|70|50}}

{{triostats|sinnoh|0388|Grotle|grass|70|89|85|55|65|36|0391|Monferno|fire|64|78|52|78|52|81|0394|Prinplup|water|64|66|68|81|76|50}}

{{triostats|unova|0496|Servine|grass|60|60|75|60|75|83|0499|Pignite|fire|90|93|55|70|55|55|0502|Dewott|water|75|75|60|83|60|60}}

{{triostats|kalos|0651|Quilladin|grass|61|78|95|56|58|57|0654|Braixen|fire|59|59|58|90|70|73|0657|Frogadier|water|54|63|52|83|56|97}}

{{triostats|alola|0723|Dartrix|grass|78|75|75|70|70|52|0726|Torracat|fire|65|85|50|80|50|90|0729|Brionne|water|60|69|69|91|81|50}}

{{triostats|galar|0811|Thwackey|grass|70|85|70|55|60|80|0814|Raboot|fire|65|86|60|55|60|94|0817|Drizzile|water|65|60|55|95|55|90}}

{{triostats|legends arceus|0723|Dartrix|grass|78|75|75|70|70|52|0156|Quilava|fire|58|64|58|80|65|80|0502|Dewott|water|75|75|60|83|60|60}}

{{triostats|paldea|0907|Floragato|grass|61|80|63|60|63|83|0910|Crocalor|fire|81|55|78|80|58|49|0913|Quaxwell|water|70|85|65|65|60|65}}

====Base stat comparison when fully evolved====
{{fivepokemonstats|kanto|0003|Venusaur|grass|80|82|83|100|100|80|0006|Charizard|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|0009|Blastoise|water|79|83|100|85|105|78|0026|Raichu|electric|60|90|55|90|80|110|0026|Raichu|form5=-Alola|electric|60|85|50|95|85|110}}

{{duostats|kanto|0025|Pikachu|Electric|form1=-Starter|45|80|50|75|60|120|0133|Eevee|form2=-Starter|Normal|65|75|70|65|85|75}}

{{triostats|johto|0154|Meganium|grass|80|82|100|83|100|80|0157|Typhlosion|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|0160|Feraligatr|water|85|105|100|79|83|78}}

{{triostats|hoenn|0254|Sceptile|grass|70|85|65|105|85|120|0257|Blaziken|fire|80|120|70|110|70|80|0260|Swampert|water|100|110|90|85|90|60}}

{{triostats|sinnoh|0389|Torterra|grass|95|109|105|75|85|56|0392|Infernape|fire|76|104|71|104|71|108|0395|Empoleon|water|84|86|88|111|101|60}}

{{triostats|unova|0497|Serperior|grass|75|75|95|75|95|113|0500|Emboar|fire|110|123|65|100|65|65|0503|Samurott|water|95|100|85|108|70|70}}

{{triostats|kalos|0652|Chesnaught|grass|88|107|122|74|75|64|0655|Delphox|fire|75|69|72|114|100|104|0658|Greninja|water|72|95|67|103|71|122}}

{{triostats|alola|0724|Decidueye|grass|78|107|75|100|100|70|0727|Incineroar|fire|95|115|90|80|90|60|0730|Primarina|water|80|74|74|126|116|60}}

{{triostats|galar|0812|Rillaboom|grass|100|125|90|60|70|85|0815|Cinderace|fire|80|116|75|65|75|119|0818|Inteleon|water|70|85|65|125|65|120}}

{{triostats|legends arceus|0724|Decidueye|form1=-Hisui|grass|88|112|80|95|95|60|0157|Typhlosion|form2=-Hisui|fire|73|84|78|119|85|95|0503|Samurott|form3=-Hisui|water|90|108|80|100|65|85}}

{{triostats|paldea|0908|Meowscarada|grass|76|110|70|81|70|123|0911|Skeledirge|fire|104|75|100|110|75|66|0914|Quaquaval|water|85|120|80|85|75|85}}

====Base stat comparison when [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]]====
{{quartetstats|kanto|0003|Venusaur|form1=-Mega|grass|80|100|123|122|120|80|0006|Charizard|form2=-Mega X|fire|78|130|111|130|85|100|0006|Charizard|form3=-Mega Y|fire|78|104|78|159|115|100|0009|Blastoise|form4=-Mega|water|79|103|120|135|115|78}}

{{triostats|hoenn|0254|Sceptile|form1=-Mega|grass|70|110|75|145|85|145|0257|Blaziken|form2=-Mega|fire|80|160|80|130|80|100|0260|Swampert|form3=-Mega|water|100|150|110|95|110|70}}

==In the 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 Colo.png|x100px]]<br>{{pcolor|Espeon|{{colo color dark}}}}♂
! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:197Umbreon Colo.png|x100px]]<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 the 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}}:

{| 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 XD.png|x100px]]<br>{{pcolor|Eevee|{{xd color dark}}}}
|-
| colspan="10" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{xd color light}}"
| {{MSP/XD|134|Vaporeon}}
| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/XD|135|Jolteon}}
| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/XD|136|Flareon}}
| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/XD|196|Espeon}}
| {{pcolor|Espeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/XD|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—[[Water Stone]], [[Thunder Stone|Thunderstone]], [[Fire Stone]], [[Sun Shard]], and [[Moon Shard]]—to allow the Eevee to evolve into any of its [[Eeveelution|evolutions]] that existed in [[Generation III]].

In Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, 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 {{g|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}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0388|Grotle|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Grotle|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0391|Monferno|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Monferno|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | {{ArtP|0394|Prinplup|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Prinplup|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | {{ArtP|0404|Luxio|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Luxio|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0444|Gabite|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Gabite|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0397|Staravia|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Staravia|{{pbr color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Fighting}}
{{typetable|Water}}
{{typetable|Electric}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| style="background:#{{flying color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Flying|FFF}}
|}

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}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0002|Ivysaur|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | {{ArtP|0005|Charmeleon|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | {{ArtP|0008|Wartortle|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Wartortle|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | {{ArtP|0148|Dragonair|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Dragonair|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0111|Rhyhorn|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Rhyhorn|{{pbr color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan=2 | {{ArtP|0018|Pidgeot|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Pidgeot|{{pbr color dark}}}}
|-
| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Water}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
{{typetable|Ground}}
{{typetable|Rock}}
{{typetable|Normal}}
| style="background:#{{flying color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Flying|FFF}}
|-
|}

==In spin-off games==
===[[Pasio]]===
In {{g|Masters EX}}, the player themselves starts with a {{p|Pikachu}}. Upon starting the game, {{mas|Brock}} and {{mas|Misty}} join the player's roster with their sync partners, {{TP|Brock|Onix}} and {{TP|Misty|Starmie}}, to form a team of three.

{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{orange color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{orange color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{orange color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | [[File:Masters025.png|100px]]<br>{{pcolor|Pikachu|{{orange color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{orange color light}}" | [[File:Masters095.png|100px]]<br>{{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Brock's Onix|Onix}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{orange color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:Masters121.png|100px]]<br>{{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Misty's Starmie|Starmie}}
|-
| style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
{{typetable|Rock}}
| style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
|}

===Pokémon GO===
In {{g|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:#{{night color dark}}; text-align:center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{night color}}"
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{night color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{MSP/GO|0001|Bulbasaur|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{night color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{night color light}}" colspan="2" | {{MSP/GO|0004|Charmander|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Charmander|{{night color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{night color light}}" colspan="2" | {{MSP/GO|0007|Squirtle|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{night color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{night color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | {{MSP/GO|0025|Pikachu|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Pikachu|{{night color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
{{typetable2|Electric}}
|- style="background:#{{night color light}}"
| {{MSP/GO|0002|Ivysaur}}
| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0005|Charmeleon}}
| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0008|Wartortle}}
| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0026|Raichu}}
| {{pcolor|Raichu|{{night color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable2|Fire}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
|- style="background:#{{night color light}}"
| {{MSP/GO|0003|Venusaur}}
| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0006|Charizard}}
| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0009|Blastoise}}
| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{night color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Grass}}
{{typetable|Poison}}
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Flying}}
{{typetable2|Water}}
|- style="background:#{{night color light}}"
| rowspan=3 | {{MSP/GO|0003M|Venusaur}}
| rowspan=3 | <small>{{color2|{{night color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Venusaur|{{night color dark}}}}
| {{MSP/GO|0006MX|Charizard}}
| <small>{{color2|{{night color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Charizard|{{night color dark}}|Charizard X}}
| rowspan=3 | {{MSP/GO|0009M|Blastoise}}
| rowspan=3 | <small>{{color2|{{night color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Blastoise|{{night color dark}}}}
|-
{{typetable|Fire}}
{{typetable|Dragon}}
|- style="background:#{{night color light}}"
| {{MSP/GO|0006MY|Charizard}}
| <small>{{color2|{{night color dark}}|Mega Evolution|Mega}}</small><br>{{pcolor|Charizard|{{night color dark}}|Charizard Y}}
|-
| 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}}
|}

====Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
{{main|Player character#Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Player character → Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series}}

====Pokémon Ranger series====
{{main|Partner Pokémon (Ranger)}}

====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:#cdbc6c; text-align:center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #807544"
|-
! colspan="14" align="center" style="width:80px; background:#f9e586; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:PCP133.png|100px]]<br>{{pcolor|Eevee|807544}}
|-
| colspan="14" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
|- style="background:#f9e586"
| [[File:134CFS.png|link=Vaporeon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|807544}}
| [[File:135CFS.png|link=Jolteon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Jolteon|807544}}
| [[File:136CFS.png|link=Flareon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Flareon|807544}}
| [[File:196CFS.png|link=Espeon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Espeon|807544}}
| [[File:197CFS.png|link=Umbreon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Umbreon|807544}}
| [[File:470CFS.png|link=Leafeon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Leafeon|807544}}
| [[File:471CFS.png|link=Leafeon (Pokémon)]]
| {{pcolor|Glaceon|807544}}
|-
| 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}}" | {{ArtP|0495|Snivy|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0496|Servine|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0497|Serperior|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0498|Tepig|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0499|Pignite|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0500|Emboar|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0501|Oshawott|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0502|Dewott|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0503|Samurott|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0531|Audino|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Audino|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0559|Scraggy|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Scraggy|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0572|Minccino|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Minccino|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0587|Emolga|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Emolga|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0590|Foongus|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Foongus|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | {{ArtP|0610|Axew|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Axew|{{Unova color dark}}}}
! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{ArtP|0635|Hydreigon|size=100px}}<br>{{pcolor|Hydreigon|{{Unova color dark}}}}
|-
|}

==In the anime==
===Main series===
[[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 starter Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds run 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 starter Pokémon are raised at these special breeding grounds, with [[Professor Birch]] said to catch and raise his own starter 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.

<gallery perrow=6>
File:Starter Pokemon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall, depicting the Kanto starter Pokémon
File:LoT starters.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their Johto starter Pokémon
File:Hoenn starters anime.png|The Hoenn starter 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:Unova starters anime.png|The Unova region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
File:Kalos starters anime.png|The Kalos region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Sycamore]]'s laboratory
File:SM016.png|The Alola region starter Pokémon owned by Ash and Lana
File:Galar starters anime.png|The Galar region starter Pokémon in the anime
File:Hisuian Starters anime.png|The Hisui region starter Pokémon in the anime
</gallery>

====List of starter Pokémon in the main series====
{{spoilers}}
[[File:Dawn choosing Piplup.png|thumb|220px|Dawn choosing Piplup as her starter]]
* {{Ash}} started with a {{AP|Pikachu}}, which he received from {{an|Professor Oak}}. In ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', he was revealed to be able to [[Gigantamax]] into a Gigantamax Pikachu.
* {{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.
* {{an|Brock}} started with an {{p|Onix}}, which he received from {{ka|Flint|his father}} and for some time stayed with his brother, [[Forrest]], with whom it evolved into a {{TP|Brock|Steelix}}. In ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon]]'', it was revealed to be able [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a Mega Steelix.
* [[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}}. In ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', she formally released it back into the wild.
* [[James]] started with his pet {{p|Growlithe}}, [[Growlie]]; however, he left it at home when he ran away.
* {{Tracey}} started with {{p|Venonat}} (which later evolved into a {{TP|Tracey|Venomoth}}) and {{TP|Tracey|Marill}}. However, it's unknown how he got them, or which one he acquired first.
* {{an|May}} started with a {{p|Torchic}}, which she received from [[Professor Birch]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|May|Blaziken}}.
* [[Max]] intends to begin his journey with the {{p|Ralts}} he met in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]''.
* {{an|Dawn}} started with a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, which she received from [[Professor Rowan]].
* {{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|Serena}} started with a {{p|Fennekin}}, which she received from [[Professor Sycamore]], which has since evolved into {{TP|Serena|Delphox}}.
* {{an|Clemont}} started with {{TP|Clemont|Magnemite}}, {{TP|Clemont|Magneton}}, and {{p|Helioptile}} (the last of which later evolved into a {{TP|Clemont|Heliolisk}}), which were all left at the [[Lumiose Gym]] with [[Clembot]] prior to ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''. However, it's unknown how he got them, or which one he acquired first.
* {{an|Lana}} started with a {{p|Lapras}}, which she uses as her personal [[Poké Ride|Ride Pokémon]].
* {{an|Kiawe}} started with a {{TP|Kiawe|Charizard}}, which he received from [[Kiawe's grandfather|his grandfather]].
* {{an|Lillie}} started with an {{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Vulpix}} that hatched from an {{pkmn|Egg}}. She nicknamed it [[Snowy]].
* {{an|Sophocles}} started with a {{TP|Sophocles|Togedemaru}}.
* {{an|Mallow}} started with a {{p|Bounsweet}}, which she received in the forest behind the [[Pokémon School]] from her [[Mallow's mother|late mother]]. She has since evolved into a {{TP|Mallow|Tsareena}}.
* [[Goh]] initially wanted his starter Pokémon to be a {{p|Mew}} like the one he met when he was six, but he changed his mind after befriending a wild {{p|Scorbunny}} in [[Galar]], choosing it as his partner instead. It has since evolved into a {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}}.
* [[Liko]] started with a {{TP|Liko|Sprigatito}}, receiving it when she enrolled in the [[Indigo Academy]].
* [[Roy]] started with a {{TP|Roy|Fuecoco}}, which he caught after previously befriending it.
* {{Gary}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Oak and who later [[evolution|evolved]] into a {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}.
* {{an|Casey}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}, which she received from [[Professor Elm]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|Casey|Meganium}}.
* [[Sakura]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Sakura|Espeon}}.
* {{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}}.
* [[Nicholai]] started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Marshtomp}}.
* {{OBP|Jimmy|AG092}} (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'') started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Blastoise}}.
* [[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}}.
* [[Zoey]] started with a {{TP|Zoey|Glameow}}, which she raised after it was abandoned.
* {{Si|Kenny}} started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Kenny|Empoleon}}.
* {{an|Cynthia}} started with a {{p|Gible}} that she hatched from an Egg as a child, which has since evolved into a {{TP|Cynthia|Garchomp}}.
* {{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}}.
* {{an|Lyra}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}.
* [[Khoury]] started with a {{p|Totodile}}, which later evolved into a {{TP|Khoury|Croconaw}}.
* {{EF|Flint}} started with a {{p|Chimchar}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Flint|Infernape}}.
* [[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|Bianca}} started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Bianca|Emboar}}.
* [[Burgundy]] started with an {{p|Oshawott}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Dewott}}.
* [[Virgil]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Virgil|Umbreon}}.
* [[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.
* [[Mairin]] started with a {{p|Chespin}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore. She nicknamed it [[Chespie]].
* {{an|Tierno}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore and later evolved into {{TP|Tierno|Blastoise}}.
* {{an|Shauna}} started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore, which evolved into {{TP|Shauna|Ivysaur}}.
* {{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}}.
* {{an|Professor Kukui}} started with a {{p|Litten}} that he received from his parents. It has since evolved into an {{TP|Professor Kukui|Incineroar}}.
* {{an|Gladion}} started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Gladion|Umbreon}}.
* [[Chloe]] started with an {{TP|Chloe|Eevee}} that can't evolve, which she caught outside of [[Cerise Laboratory]].
* [[Ann]] started with an Oshawott, receiving it when she enrolled in the [[Indigo Academy]].
* [[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]].
* {{OBP|Tommy|AG032}} (''[[AG032|Abandon Ship!]]'') 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|Gilbert|HS14}} (''[[HS14|Journey to the Starting Line!]]'') started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which he received from Professor Oak.
* [[Zander]]'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".
* [[Tyler]] (''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'') started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which he nicknamed "Pippy", who he received from an unknown location in eastern [[Sinnoh]].
* [[Emmy]] (''[[BW027|The Dragon Master's Path!]]'') started with her {{p|Druddigon}}, which she received from her father when she started her journey.
* [[Nanette]] (''[[BW109|New Places...Familiar Faces!]]'') started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which she received from Professor Juniper.

======Caught in the wild instead======
* Ash caught a {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, a {{p|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}}, being ''very'' disobedient to Ash in both forms until [[EP105|an incident]] in the [[Orange Archipelago]], after which he served Ash as he had when he was a Charmander. Bulbasaur was also going to evolve, but decided itself against becoming an {{p|Ivysaur}} in ''[[EP051|Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden]]''.
** In the alternate continuity of ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'', {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} only caught a Charmander, which also went on to evolve.
* Ash also caught 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}}, who has since evolved into a {{AP|Torterra}}. His rival, [[Paul]], owned a Chimchar that was confirmed to be caught in the wild. He 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}}.
* Like in the [[original series]], Ash caught all of [[Unova]]'s starter Pokémon, {{AP|Oshawott}}, {{AP|Tepig}}, and {{AP|Snivy}}. However, this time around, he caught them in reverse of the Pokédex order, and Oshawott was a starter Pokémon that Professor Juniper allowed Ash to have after he ran away to be with him. Of the three, only Tepig has evolved, becoming a {{p|Pignite}}.
* [[Gary Oak]] had an {{p|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 {{p|Froakie}} in [[Kalos]], which used to belong to several other Trainers before being abandoned or abandoning the Trainer. It has since evolved into a {{TP|Ash|Greninja}}.
* {{an|Clemont}} obtained a {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}} in Kalos. It originally belonged to Professor Sycamore as a starting Pokémon for new Trainers.
* {{an|Lana}} is revealed to have caught a {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} in [[Alola]]. Popplio was rescued from being abused by members of [[Team Skull]]. It has since then evolved into {{TP|Lana|Primarina}}.
* While Ash was in Alola, he caught a {{AP|Rowlet}} who was living in a flock of {{p|Pikipek}}, a {{p|Trumbeak}}, and a {{p|Toucannon}}. Ash also encountered a {{p|Litten}} a few times before finally earning its trust and capturing it. Litten has since evolved into an {{AP|Incineroar}}.
* During his second visit to Wyndon, Goh caught a {{TP|Goh|Sobble}}. It has since evolved all the way into {{TP|Goh|Inteleon}}.
* A {{TP|Goh|Grookey}} belonging to [[Team Rocket]] decided to {{pkmn2|Released|release}} itself while in [[Vermilion City]] in order to join Goh.
* Goh caught a {{p|Froakie}} during his fifth visit to [[Kalos]], which later evolved into {{TP|Goh|Frogadier}}.
* {{an|Leon}} started with a Charmander, which evolved into Charizard.

===Alternate movie continuity===
''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'', a movie that started a continutity separate from the main anime series, focused on the developing friendship between {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}} and the {{OBP|Ash's Pikachu|M20|Pikachu}} he received from {{an|Professor Oak}}. In this continuity, Gary also started with a {{TP|Gary|Squirtle}}, while the Oak's Bulbasaur and Charmander were revealed to have been picked by alternate versions of {{OBP|Marina|EP091}} and {{an|Tierno}}, respectively.

In ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', Ash and Pikachu helped [[Risa]] catch a {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Eevee}} that eventually became her starter Pokémon.

===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer===
[[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]]]]
In the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer|Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer]], {{ga|Nate}} is shown to have picked a {{p|Tepig}}, which appears as an {{p|Emboar}} throughout the trailer. Following the game's logic, [[Hugh]] is seen with a {{p|Samurott}}, which has a type advantage over Emboar. In the extended version of the trailer, {{ga|Rosa}} is also seen using {{p|Serperior}} to battle [[Cheren]]'s {{p|Stoutland}}.

===Pokémon Origins===
[[File:Red and Charizard PO.png|thumb|left|250px|{{OBP|Red|Origins}} and {{TP|Red|Charizard}} in [[Pokémon Origins]]]]
In [[Pokémon Origins]], {{OBP|Red|Origins}}'s main Pokémon is his starter, a {{TP|Red|Charmander}} he received from [[Professor Oak]]. It eventually evolves into {{TP|Red|Charizard}} and becomes able to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into Mega Charizard X through a [[Key Stone]] and [[Charizardite X]] Red received as a thank-you gift from [[Mr. Fuji]].

===Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer===
In the [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer]], {{ga|Brendan}} is shown to have picked a {{p|Treecko}}, while {{ga|May}} has both a {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Mudkip}}. All three Pokémon are seen in their middle, final, and [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]] forms.

===Pokémon Generations===
* In ''[[PG01|The Adventure]]'', {{ga|Red}} is shown to have a {{p|Bulbasaur}}.
* In ''[[PG03|The Challenger]]'', {{ga|Blue}} is shown to have a {{p|Blastoise}}.
* In ''[[PG07|The Vision]]'', {{ga|Brendan}} is shown to have a {{p|Sceptile}}.
* In ''[[PG18|The Redemption]]'', {{ga|Calem}} is shown to have a {{p|Chesnaught}} and a {{p|Charizard}}.

===Pokémon: Twilight Wings===
''[[TW03|Buddy]]'' focuses on [[Hop]] and his starter Pokémon, {{p|Wooloo}}, before the events of {{g|Sword and Shield}}.

===POKÉTOON===
In ''[[PT03|Blossom's Dream]]'', {{OBP|Blossom|POKÉTOON}} sought to catch her own starter Pokémon. Eventually, this Pokémon ended up being the {{p|Nidoran♂}} she bonded with through the episode.

==In the manga==
===Be the Best! Pokémon B+W===
[[File:Cheren and Unova starters PBW.png|thumb|200px|The fully evolved Unova starter Pokémon in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W]]
[[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.

===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 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. {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}} found {{AP|Pikachu|Pikachu (EToP)}} under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what [[Gary Oak]]'s first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a {{p|Venusaur}}.

===Pokémon Adventures===
In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the starter Pokémon featured in the games are mostly 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 was 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". He 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". He later evolved into a '''{{p|Blastoise}}'''.
* {{adv|Yellow}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Ratty|Rattata]] that Red taught her to catch, 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". He 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 {{adv|Giovanni}} gave to him as a child. He later stole his "starter Pokémon", a {{TP|Silver|Totodile|Feraligatr}} 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". He 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 [[Nana|Poochyena]], [[Kiki|Skitty]] and [[Rara|Ralts]] that he received from his father, all of them having evolved into {{p|Mightyena}}, {{p|Delcatty}} and {{p|Gardevoir}} respectively. Later, he got his "starter Pokémon" from Professor Birch; a [[Mumu|Mudkip]] which he nicknamed "Mumu". He evolved into a '''{{p|Swampert}}''' from the battles he 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". She has since evolved twice under her Trainer's care into a '''{{p|Blaziken}}'''.
* When {{adv|Emerald}} arrived in the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}}, he had no Pokémon on hand. Then he challenged the {{gdis|Battle Factory|III}} 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 him from the facility and kept him afterward, it is later is revealed that the Sceptile was supposed to be his in the first place, making him his "starter Pokémon". He evolved from his {{p|Grovyle}} stage in the wild, after evolving once in Wally's care. Except for Sceptile, the first Pokémon he captured were {{TP|Emerald|Sudowoodo}} and {{TP|Emerald|Dusclops}}.
* {{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. He 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. She 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, he 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 first Pokémon was a Tepig named [[Gigi]]. She later acquires her "starter Pokémon", a {{adv|Amanda|Servine}}, which later evolved into a '''{{p|Serperior}}'''. This Servine, which White nicknamed "Amanda", was with [[N]] until Gigi decided to leave White to follow N. 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. Except for Gigi and Amanda, her first Pokémon she captured was {{P|Deerling}}.
* {{adv|Blake}}'s first known Pokémon is a '''{{TP|Blake|Dewott}}''', given to him by the [[International Police|International Police Headquarters]] so he would have a partner Pokémon.
* {{adv|Whitley}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Foongy|Foongus]], given to her by [[Team Plasma]]'s [[Anthea and Concordia]], who allowed Whitley to pick the Pokémon she felt closest to. She later received her "starter Pokémon", a '''{{TP|Whitley|Delphox}}''', from {{adv|Trevor}}.
* {{adv|X}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Kanga and Li'l Kanga|Kangaskhan]]. He later got a [[Marisso|Chespin]], nicknamed "Marisso", as his "starter Pokémon" after he accepted him as a member of his team. He 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]], nicknamed "Croaky", as her "starter Pokémon" after she accepted him as a member of her team. He has since become a '''{{p|Greninja}}''' under her care.
* {{adv|Sun}}'s first known Pokémon is an Alolan [[Cent|Meowth]], previously owned by his [[Sun's great-grandfather|great-grandfather]]. He is immediately shown as well with a {{p|Litten}} named {{adv|Dollar}} as his "starter Pokémon" that he got from [[Professor Kukui]]. He has since become an '''{{p|Incineroar}}'''.
* {{adv|Moon}}'s first Pokémon is unknown, as she caught a {{p|Grubbin}}, {{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Grimer}}, and {{p|Mareanie}} around the same time. She is later given a {{p|Rowlet}} as her "starter Pokémon" from Professor Kukui. He has since become a '''{{p|Decidueye}}'''.
* {{Henry}}'s first Pokémon is a {{rf|Galarian}} [[Lancelot|Farfetch'd]]. He is immediately shown as well with a {{p|Grookey}} named [[Twiggy]] as his "starter Pokémon" that he got from [[Professor Magnolia]]. He has since become a '''{{p|Rillaboom}}'''.
* {{Casey}}'s first Pokémon is unknown, as she was shown owning an {{p|Arrokuda}}, {{p|Toxtricity}}, {{p|Falinks}}, Galarian {{p|Stunfisk}}, and {{p|Eiscue}} prior to her introduction. She is immediately shown as well with a {{p|Scorbunny}} as her "starter Pokémon". It has since become a '''{{p|Cinderace}}''' and is named [[Bit]].

===Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys===
In [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], much like {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}, {{GnB|Gold}} is offered the choice of one of the three [[Johto]] starter Pokémon &ndash; {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} or {{p|Totodile}} &ndash; 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.

===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
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.

===Pokémon Zensho===
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.

==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 starter Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
* As of [[Generation IX]], the {{type|Fighting}} and {{type|Dark}} are the only two secondary types which have at least one representative corresponding to each of the main three primary types of starters.

===In the games===
* All starter Pokémon in the [[core series]] besides {{p|Pikachu}} have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female.
** 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 and [[Sinnoh]]'s starter Pokémon are the only starter 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 for the Kanto starters; [[List of Pokémon by Sinnoh Pokédex number|Sinnoh]]'s and [[List of Pokémon by Hisui Pokédex number|Hisui]]'s for the Sinnoh starters.
** 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 one of them knows one {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] (either {{m|Tackle}}, {{m|Scratch}}, or {{m|Pound}}) and a [[stat]]-lowering [[status move]] at this level, except for {{p|Pikachu}}, which has {{m|Thunder Shock}} instead of a Normal-type move. In Generation VI and VII, the starter Pokémon also have an attacking move of their type at level 5.
* All starter Pokémon and their evolved forms have either {{a|Blaze}}, {{a|Torrent}}, and {{a|Overgrow}} as their primary [[Ability]].
* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved starter Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
* The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved starter Pokémon is {{p|Torterra}}'s {{stat|Speed}}, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved starter Pokémon is {{p|Primarina}}'s {{stat|Special Attack}}, at 126.
* Since both starter Pokémon in {{g|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 starter Pikachu featured in {{game|Yellow}}, and the {{ga|Partner Pokémon|partner Pikachu}} and {{ga|Partner Pokémon|partner Eevee}} featured in {{LGPE}}, respectively, are the only starter Pokémon where the species should typically be able to [[evolution|evolve]], but is coded not to evolve in their respective games.
** The partner Pikachu and partner Eevee are also the only starter Pokémon that cannot be [[trade]]d to other games.
* {{p|Charmander}} is the only Fire-type starter 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}}.
* The Kalos starter Pokémon's secondary types in their final forms ({{t|Fighting}}, {{t|Psychic}}, and {{t|Dark}}) almost form another [[Appendix:Fan terminology#Type triangle|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.
** 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.
** Interestingly enough, a similar pattern can be seen with the Hisuian starter Pokémon's secondary types in their final forms, though the main difference is that the {{type|Fire}} starter's secondary typing is {{t|Ghost}} instead of {{t|Psychic}}; while the Ghost type does not deal additional damage to the {{t|Fighting}} type, thus breaking the offensive triangle advantages, it is still immune against its attacks so the defensive advantages are retained here.
** Paldea's fully evolved starter Pokémon follow a similar pattern but with the secondary typings providing advantages and disadvantages in an opposite direction; {{p|Meowscarada}}'s Dark type beats {{p|Skeledirge}}'s Ghost type, Skeledirge's Ghost-type provides no offensive advantage but is immune to {{p|Quaquaval}}'s Fighting-type, and Quaquaval's Fighting-type beats Meowscarada's Dark-type. This pattern contrasts Kalos and Hisui's starter Pokémon whose secondary typings gave them another advantage over the Pokémon whose primary typing they already had an advantage over.
* It is stated in its Pokémon Ultra Sun [[Pokédex]] entry that {{p|Poipole}} is a common starter Pokémon in [[Ultra Megalopolis]].
* With the exception of Hisuian Decidueye having a higher base stat total than Hisuian Samurott, no fully evolved Grass-type starter Pokémon has a higher base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
** Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type starter Pokémon besides {{p|Chespin}} has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
** Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type starter Pokémon has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts, and no fully evolved Fire-type starter Pokémon besides {{p|Blaziken}} has a lower one.
* Each one of the Alola starters Pokémon's 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 {{type|Fairy}}, is immune to {{t|Dragon}}.
** Interestingly, this gives each fully-evolved Alolan starter Pokémon a type advantage against {{p|Necrozma}}'s Ultra form with their secondary typings; Decidueye's Ghost typing and Incineroar's Dark typing have advantages against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing while Primarina's Fairy typing has advantages against Ultra Necrozma's Dragon typing.
* As of [[Generation IX]], the only sets of starter Pokémon without secondary types in any of their final evolutions are the [[Johto]] starters and the [[Galar]] starter Pokémon.
** By contrast, the starter Pokémon of [[Sinnoh]] (including [[Hisui]]), [[Kalos]], [[Alola]], and [[Paldea]] all have a secondary type present in their final evolutions.
* All fully evolved Water-type starter Pokémon can learn the [[HM]] moves {{m|Surf}}, {{m|Dive}}, and {{m|Waterfall}}.
**Additionally, with the exception of {{p|Quaquaval}}, every Water-Type final form that is dual-type is immune to at least one type: {{p|Swampert}}, being part Ground, is immune to Electric; {{p|Empoleon}}, being part Steel, is immune to Poison; {{p|Greninja}} and Hisuian {{p|Samurott}}, both part Dark, are immune to Psychic; {{p|Primarina}}, being part Fairy, is immune to Dragon.
* Both Kanto and [[Hoenn]]’s starter Pokémon are the only set of starters capable of [[Mega Evolution]].
** Additionally, both Kanto and Galar starter Pokémon are the only set of starters capable of [[Gigantamax|Gigantamaxing]].
*** This makes the Kanto starter Pokémon the only set of starters that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.
*The Kalos starter Pokémon are the only set of starters whose [[Hidden Abilities]] are solely composed by [[Abilities]] introduced in the same [[generation]] as their debut.

===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 [[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."''
* Ash has owned all but two of the Grass-type starter Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}}, {{AP|Snivy}}, and {{AP|Rowlet}}. The Grass-type starter from Kalos, {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}}, is instead owned by {{an|Clemont}}, and the Grass-type starter 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}}. 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.
* The Hoenn Starter 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 starter 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 starter 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* Every Fire-type starter obtained by a main character has evolved at least once.
* {{AP|Froakie|Greninja}} is the only Water-type starter that has ever evolved under Ash's ownership.
* The Kanto starters 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 starter set is the only full starter 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 starter set is the only full starter set that Ash has obtained where every member was owned by a previous Trainer (excluding Professors).
* The Galar starter set is the only full starter set during which Ash was a main character in which he owned none of its members.

==In other languages==
{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
|cs=Startovní Pokémon
|da=Begynder-Pokémon
|nl=Starter Pokémon
|fi=Aloitus-Pokémon
|fr=Pokémon de départ
|de=Starter-Pokémon
|hu=Kezdő Pokémon
|it=Pokémon iniziale
|no=Førstegangs-Pokémon
|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon''
|pl=Pokémon Starter
|pt_br=Pokémon inicial<br>Pokémon iniciante ([[BW116]])
|pt_eu=Pokémon inicial
|ru=Стартовый покемон ''Startovy Pokémon''
|es=Pokémon inicial
|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Beginning''
|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
}}
{{-}}
{{Starter Pokémon|Arceus}}

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

[[de:Starter-Pokémon]]
[[es:Pokémon inicial]]
[[fr:Pokémon de départ]]
[[it:Pokémon iniziale]]
[[ja:御三家]]
[[zh:最初的夥伴]]