When I first began my Pokemon journey decades ago, choosing my starter Pokemon felt like the most important decision I’d ever make. That initial choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle shaped my entire adventure. Today, with over 27 starter Pokemon spanning nine generations, the decision has become even more complex. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive Starter Pokemon Tier List – to help you make the most informed choice possible.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll rank every starter Pokemon based on multiple factors: competitive viability, in-game performance, popularity, and overall usefulness. Whether you’re a competitive battler looking for the strongest edge or a casual player wanting the best companion for your journey, this tier list has everything you need.
| Tier | Pokemon | Competitive Rank | Popularity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S+ | Cinderace | Ubers | High | Competitive battling |
| S | Blaziken | UUBL | Very High | Sweeper sets |
| S | Greninja | OU | High | Versatile attacker |
| A+ | Rillaboom | OU | Medium | Grassy Terrain teams |
| A | Primarina | UU | Medium | Special wallbreaker |
| A | Swampert | UU | High | Defensive pivot |
| A | Venusaur | UU | High | Sun teams |
| B+ | Incineroar | RU | Medium | Doubles support |
| B | Skeledirge | Ubers (B-) | Medium | Special tank |
| B | Blastoise | NU | Medium | Shell Smash sweeper |
| B | Decidueye | NU | Medium | Physical wallbreaker |
| C+ | Inteleon | NU | Low | Special revenge killer |
| C | Sceptile | PUBL | Medium | Electric Terrain teams |
| C | Charizard | PU | Very High | Niche special sets |
Before diving into the rankings, let me explain how I’ve structured this comprehensive tier list. Unlike simple popularity polls, my rankings combine multiple crucial factors that actually matter in battle:
I’ve analyzed Smogon tier placements, competitive usage statistics, and tournament results. The higher the competitive tier, the better the ranking. For example, Cinderace’s placement in Ubers (the highest competitive tier) automatically puts it in the S+ tier. According to current Smogon SV Ubers viability rankings, Skeledirge stands as the only starter currently viable in Ubers, ranked at B- tier.
How well does each starter perform in its native game? I’ve considered factors like type advantages against early gyms, movepool availability, and evolution timing. A starter that carries you through the main story scores higher here. Some starters excel in their native regions but struggle competitively, while others shine in competitive formats but might be less optimal for story progression.
Using data from Pokemon tier list voting communities and general fan sentiment, I’ve factored in how beloved each starter is. However, popularity alone won’t save a competitively weak Pokemon from a lower ranking. The community-voted tier lists show interesting trends, with some starters being fan favorites despite competitive limitations.
The best starters can fit into multiple team compositions and fulfill various roles. Pokemon that can run multiple effective sets or provide unique team support score higher in this category. Versatility is key in competitive Pokemon, and starters that can adapt to different team archetypes are significantly more valuable.
Type: Fire/Fighting
Abilities: Blaze, Libero (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: Ubers
Last Updated: November 2024
Cinderace stands alone as the only starter Pokemon to reach Ubers tier, making it objectively the most competitive starter in existence. What makes this soccer-themed Pokemon so devastatingly powerful?
Why Cinderace Dominates:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Cinderace excels throughout Sword and Shield’s main story, with Fire/Fighting typing providing excellent coverage against most gyms. Its evolution at level 16 means you get its powerful form relatively early.
Verdict: If competitive battling is your priority, Cinderace is unquestionably the best starter Pokemon available. Its Ubers placement isn’t just for show – it genuinely breaks the competitive metagame.
Type: Fire/Fighting
Abilities: Blaze, Speed Boost (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: UUBL
Last Updated: October 2024
Blaziken has been a competitive staple since Generation 3, and for good reason. This fighting chicken’s Speed Boost ability makes it one of the most terrifying sweepers in Pokemon history.
Why Blaziken Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Blaziken dominates Generation 3 games with early access to Fire and Fighting moves. Its evolution line is well-timed, and it carries players through the Elite Four with ease.
Verdict: Blaziken’s combination of Speed Boost and offensive power makes it one of the most dangerous starters in competitive play. While it requires some setup, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
Type: Water/Dark
Abilities: Torrent, Protean (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: OU
Last Updated: September 2024
Greninja represents the pinnacle of versatility among starter Pokemon. With Protean changing its type to match every move it uses, this ninja frog can adapt to any situation.
Why Greninja Shines:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Greninja excels in Generation 6 games with Water/Dark typing providing excellent coverage. Its early evolution and access to powerful moves make it a fantastic choice for main story playthroughs.
Verdict: Greninja’s versatility and Speed make it one of the most dangerous starters in competitive play. While it requires careful prediction, its ability to adapt to any situation makes it invaluable.
Type: Grass
Abilities: Overgrow, Grassy Surge (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: OU
Last Updated: August 2024
Rillaboom brings something unique to the table: automatic terrain setup. With Grassy Surge, it immediately creates Grassy Terrain, benefiting both itself and its team.
Why Rillaboom Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Rillaboom performs well in Sword and Shield, with Grass typing providing advantages against early gyms. Its evolution timing is solid, and it remains useful throughout the game.
Verdict: Rillaboom’s ability to control terrain and provide team support makes it an excellent choice for players who value strategy and team synergy.
Type: Water/Fairy
Abilities: Torrent, Liquid Voice (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: UU
Last Updated: July 2024
Primarina stands out as a premier special attacker with unique typing and excellent movepool.
Why Primarina Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Primarina excels in Sun and Moon with Water/Fairy typing providing advantages against many trials. Its special movepool makes it effective throughout the game.
Verdict: Primarina’s unique typing and special attacking prowess make it a solid choice for players who prefer special attackers and defensive utility.
Type: Water/Ground
Abilities: Torrent, Damp (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: UU
Last Updated: June 2024
Swampert has been a fan favorite since Generation 3, known for its incredible bulk and typing.
Why Swampert Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Swampert dominates Generation 3 games with Water/Ground typing providing advantages against most gyms. Its evolution line is well-timed, and it carries players through the Elite Four with ease.
Verdict: Swampert’s incredible typing and bulk make it one of the most reliable starters for both competitive play and in-game progression.
Type: Grass/Poison
Abilities: Overgrow, Chlorophyll (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: UU
Last Updated: May 2024
Venusaur has been a staple since Generation 1, known for its versatility and sun synergy.
Why Venusaur Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Venusaur performs well in Generation 1, with Grass/Poison typing providing advantages against early gyms. Its evolution timing is solid, and it remains useful throughout the game.
Verdict: Venusaur’s versatility and sun synergy make it a solid choice for players who value strategy and team composition.
Type: Fire/Dark
Abilities: Blaze, Intimidate (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: RU
Last Updated: April 2024
Incineroar has found its niche in doubles formats, where its support capabilities shine.
Why Incineroar Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Incineroar performs adequately in Sun and Moon, with Fire/Dark typing providing mixed results against trials. Its evolution timing is decent, but it’s outclassed by other starters in its generation.
Verdict: Incineroar’s doubles utility makes it a good choice for players who enjoy doubles formats, though it’s less impressive in singles play.
Type: Fire/Ghost
Abilities: Blaze, Unaware (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: Ubers (B-)
Last Updated: March 2025
Skeledirge has made waves in the current Generation 9 meta, finding a place in the prestigious Ubers tier.
Why Skeledirge Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Skeledirge performs well in Scarlet and Violet, with Fire/Ghost typing providing advantages against many gyms. Its evolution timing is solid, and it remains useful throughout the game.
Verdict: Skeledirge’s recent rise to Ubers viability makes it an excellent choice for competitive players looking for something unique and powerful.
Type: Water
Abilities: Torrent, Rain Dish (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: NU
Last Updated: February 2024
Blastoise has found new life as a Shell Smash sweeper in lower tiers.
Why Blastoise Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Blastoise performs well in Generation 1, with Water typing providing advantages against early gyms. Its evolution timing is solid, and it remains useful throughout the game.
Verdict: Blastoise’s consistency and versatility make it a viable choice for players who value reliability and utility.
Type: Grass/Ghost
Abilities: Overgrow, Long Reach (Hidden)
Competitive Rank: NU
Last Updated: January 2024
Decidueye brings unique typing and interesting movepool to the table.
Why Decidueye Excels:
Competitive Sets:
In-Game Performance: Decidueye performs adequately in Sun and Moon, with Grass/Ghost typing providing mixed results against trials. Its evolution timing is decent, but it’s outclassed by other starters in its generation.
Verdict: Decidueye’s unique typing and utility make it a viable choice for players who value strategy and team composition.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Venusaur | A | UU | Sun teams, utility |
| Charmander | Charizard | C | PU | Special attacking, Mega evolution |
| Squirtle | Blastoise | B | NU | Shell Smash sweeping, utility |
Analysis: Generation 1 starters are classics for good reason. Venusaur remains competitively relevant with its sun synergy, while Blastoise has found new life as a Shell Smash sweeper. Charizard, despite its popularity, struggles in the current meta but has niche uses with its Mega evolutions.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Meganium | D | PU | Defensive support, status |
| Cyndaquil | Typhlosion | C | RU | Special sweeping, sun teams |
| Totodile | Feraligatr | C | NU | Physical sweeping, setup |
Analysis: Generation 2 starters are generally considered weaker competitively, but each has its niche. Meganium excels as a defensive support Pokemon, Typhlosion can function as a special sweeper, and Feraligatr has potential as a physical setup sweeper.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treecko | Sceptile | C | PUBL | Electric Terrain teams, speed |
| Torchic | Blaziken | S | UUBL | Speed Boost sweeping, wallbreaking |
| Mudkip | Swampert | A | UU | Defensive pivot, typing |
Analysis: Generation 3 features some of the strongest starters ever. Blaziken remains an elite threat with Speed Boost, Swampert is a defensive powerhouse with excellent typing, and Sceptile has found niche uses in Electric Terrain teams.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turtwig | Torterra | D | PU | Physical tank, setup |
| Chimchar | Infernape | B+ | RU | Mixed attacking, speed |
| Piplup | Empoleon | C | RU | Special attacking, utility |
Analysis: Generation 4 starters offer diverse playstyles. Infernape stands out as a fast mixed attacker, Empoleon provides special attacking utility, and Torterra serves as a physical tank with unique typing.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snivy | Serperior | C | RU | Contrary setup, utility |
| Tepig | Emboar | D | NU | Wallbreaking, recoil damage |
| Oshawott | Samurott | C | NU | Mixed attacking, setup |
Analysis: Generation 5 starters are generally underwhelming but have their uses. Serperior can be devastating with Contrary, Emboar hits incredibly hard but suffers from recoil, and Samurott offers mixed attacking capabilities.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Chesnaught | C | RU | Physical tank, utility |
| Fennekin | Delphox | C | NU | Special attacking, utility |
| Froakie | Greninja | S | OU | Versatile attacking, Protean |
Analysis: Generation 6 is highlighted by Greninja, one of the best starters ever. Delphox and Chesnaught are less impressive but offer unique utility and defensive capabilities respectively.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlet | Decidueye | B | NU | Physical wallbreaking, utility |
| Litten | Incineroar | B+ | RU | Doubles support, utility |
| Popplio | Primarina | A | UU | Special wallbreaking, typing |
Analysis: Generation 7 features three solid starters with distinct roles. Primarina excels as a special attacker, Incineroar shines in doubles formats, and Decidueye offers unique utility with its typing.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Rillaboom | A+ | OU | Grassy Terrain teams, priority |
| Scorbunny | Cinderace | S+ | Ubers | Libero attacking, sweeping |
| Sobble | Inteleon | C+ | NU | Special revenge killing, speed |
Analysis: Generation 8 features arguably the strongest starter trio. Cinderace is the only starter in Ubers, Rillaboom controls terrain effectively, and Inteleon provides speed and special attacking capabilities.
| Pokemon | Final Evolution | Tier | Competitive Rank | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sprigatito | Meowscarada | B | UU | Speed, utility, Protean |
| Fuecoco | Skeledirge | B | Ubers (B-) | Special tank, Unaware |
| Quaxly | Quaquaval | C | NU | Setup sweeping, utility |
Analysis: Generation 9 starters bring fresh strategies to the table. Skeledirge has found success in Ubers with its Unaware ability, Meowscarada offers speed and utility, and Quaquaval provides setup sweeping potential.
Based on current competitive tiers, Cinderace (Ubers) is objectively the best starter for competitive battling. Its Libero ability and excellent stats make it a top-tier threat in the highest competitive format.
For in-game progression, consider your specific game’s gym leaders and elite four. Generally, starters with early evolution times and good type coverage against early gyms perform best. Swampert (Generation 3) and Cinderace (Generation 8) are often cited as excellent in-game choices.
Historically, Fire-type starters have tended to be more offensively focused and have found more competitive success. However, this varies by generation, and Water and Grass starters often bring unique utility and typing advantages that Fire types lack.
Competitive tier lists can shift with each new game release, balance patch, or metagame evolution. Major changes typically occur when new generations are released or when significant balance updates are implemented. Popularity-based tier lists may change more frequently based on community trends.
While this tier list provides valuable competitive insights, your personal preference matters too. Choose a starter you enjoy using and fits your playstyle. Competitive viability is important, but enjoying your Pokemon is crucial for long-term engagement.
Several factors contribute to competitive viability: strong abilities (like Libero or Speed Boost), excellent stats, good movepool coverage, useful typing, and synergy with common team strategies. The best starters excel in multiple of these areas.
Mega Evolutions can significantly boost a starter’s viability by providing improved stats, new abilities, or typing changes. Starters like Charizard, Blaziken, Blastoise, and Venusaur gain substantial benefits from their Mega forms.
Popularity-based tier lists reflect community preferences and voting results, while competitive tier lists are based on actual performance in battle, usage statistics, and tournament results. A starter can be popular but competitively weak, or vice versa.
For more Pokemon content, check out our Ultimate Pokemon Tier List for comprehensive competitive rankings, or our Pokemon UNITE Tier List for the latest meta insights in Pokemon’s MOBA format. If you’re looking to optimize your resource management, our Ultimate Rare Candy Tier List will help you make the best investment decisions.
The world of starter Pokemon is rich with diversity and strategic depth. From the classic Kanto trio to the latest Paldean starters, each generation has brought unique options that cater to different playstyles and preferences. While competitive viability is important, remember that the best starter is ultimately the one that brings you the most joy on your Pokemon journey.
As the metagame continues to evolve with new generations, balance updates, and strategic innovations, starter Pokemon rankings will undoubtedly shift. However, the core appeal of these special Pokemon – their role as your first partner and companion – remains constant across all generations.
Whether you’re a competitive battler aiming for the top of the leaderboards or a casual player enjoying the story, there’s a starter Pokemon perfect for your journey. Use this tier list as a guide, but don’t be afraid to follow your heart – after all, the bond between trainer and Pokemon is what makes this franchise truly special.
Remember to bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates as the metagame evolves and new generations of Pokemon are released!
