Guide to the Best Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

At a Glance: Chikorita vs. Totodile vs. Tepig

Before diving deep, it’s helpful to see how these three Pokémon stack up against each other. Each has a distinct role and growth path, culminating in a powerful final evolution with a unique Mega Evolution form.

In-Depth Analysis of Each Starter

Your choice will likely come down to your preferred playstyle. Do you favor a powerful attacker, a sturdy defender, or a balanced fighter?

Totodile (Water-Type)

Verdict: The best choice for players who want a powerful and straightforward attacker early in the game.

Totodile stands out as arguably the strongest initial pick. It begins with the highest Attack stat of the three starters, allowing you to deal significant damage right from the start. This focus on offense continues as it evolves, culminating in the formidable Feraligatr.

• Evolutions: Evolves into Croconaw at Level 18, and then into Feraligatr at Level 30. Notably, Feraligatr reaches its final form earlier than Meganium (Level 32) and Emboar (Level 36), giving you a powerhouse sooner.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: As a pure Water-type, Totodile is strong against Fire, Ground, and Rock-types. It only has two weaknesses: Grass and Electric. This limited vulnerability makes it a reliable choice for many early-game battles.
• Mega Evolution: Upon Mega Evolving, Mega Feraligatr becomes a Water/Dragon-type. This is a fantastic typing that grants it resistances to Fire, Water, and Steel, and makes it a fearsome offensive threat.
• Early Game Alternatives: If you opt not to pick Totodile, you can find Magikarp and Staryu early on. While Magikarp requires patience to evolve into Gyarados at Level 20, it becomes a very powerful Water/Flying-type. Staryu offers a more immediate alternative, evolving into the versatile Water/Psychic-type Starmie with a Water Stone.

Chikorita (Grass-Type)

Verdict: An excellent choice for players who prefer a defensive, strategic approach to battles.

Often underestimated in its home generation, this Pokémon shines as a defensive tank in Legends: Z-A. It starts with the highest Defense and Special Defense stats of the trio, making it incredibly resilient.

• Evolutions: Evolves into Bayleef at Level 16 and Meganium at Level 32.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: As a Grass-type, Chikorita has an advantage over Water, Ground, and Rock-types. However, it carries five weaknesses (Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug), which can make certain matchups challenging. Its strength lies in outlasting opponents with moves like Leech Seed and Giga Drain, which drain the opponent’s health while healing itself.
• Mega Evolution: Mega Meganium becomes a Grass/Fairy-type. This is a superb defensive combination that adds a valuable immunity to Dragon-type attacks and provides an offensive edge against Fighting, Dragon, and Dark-types.
• Early Game Alternatives: If you want a different Grass-type, Bellsprout and Budew are available. Bellsprout’s line becomes a Grass/Poison-type with strong attack potential, while Budew’s final evolution, Roserade, is a powerful special attacker but requires high friendship and a Shiny Stone to evolve.

Tepig (Fire-Type)

Verdict: A solid, balanced option for players who want a dual-type attacker with high HP.

Tepig offers a great mix of offense and durability. It has the highest starting HP of the three and boasts a balanced stat distribution that makes it a reliable all-around fighter.

• Evolutions: Evolves into Pignite at Level 17 and Emboar at Level 36. Upon evolving into Pignite, it gains the Fighting sub-type, making it a Fire/Fighting dual-type.
• Strengths & Weaknesses: The Fire/Fighting typing gives Emboar an advantage against five types (Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, and Dark). However, it also opens it up to four weaknesses (Water, Ground, Flying, and Psychic). Its high Attack and HP stats allow it to hit hard and take a few hits in return.
• Mega Evolution: Mega Emboar remains a Fire/Fighting-type, gaining a significant boost to its already impressive offensive stats.
• Early Game Alternatives: The standout early-game alternative for a Fire-type is Houndour. This Dark/Fire-type Pokémon is a fantastic attacker that can counter Psychic and Ghost-types. Other options like Fletchling and Litleo are available but come with drawbacks, such as a quadruple weakness to Rock for Fletchling’s final evolution.

Which Starter Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there is no wrong answer, but there is a choice that’s best for you.

• Choose Totodile if you want to overwhelm opponents with raw power and have the strongest Pokémon on your team as early as possible.
• Choose Chikorita if you enjoy a more tactical playstyle, wearing down opponents with a defensive wall that can heal itself.
• Choose Tepig if you want a balanced and hard-hitting attacker that can absorb damage and dish it out in equal measure.

No matter who you pick, remember that you can obtain the other starters after completing the main story. Your first partner is just the beginning of your adventure in Lumiose City.