The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three hotly anticipated starter Pokémon. Choosing your first partner is always a tough decision, so let's break down the options to help you decide: Which starter should you choose in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?
All Starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Totodile
A fan-favorite from the Johto region, Totodile (debuting in Pokémon Gold and Silver) is a Water-type Pokémon. It evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30. Boasting a base stat total of 314, Totodile has the second-highest base stats among the starters, while its final evolution, Feraligatr, boasts an impressive 530, including a noteworthy 100 Defense.
Chikorita
Another Johto native, Chikorita, might be slightly overshadowed by its counterparts, but this Grass-type Pokémon packs a punch. With a base stat total of 318, Chikorita boasts the highest base stats of the three starters. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals (405 and 525 respectively), Chikorita’s early advantage is significant.
Tepig
Hailing from the Unova region (Pokémon Black and White), Tepig is a Fire-type starter that often gets overlooked. Despite a respectable base stat total of 308, Tepig's true strength lies in its final evolution, Emboar. Emboar boasts a base stat total of 528 and gains the Fighting type, adding significant versatility.
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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Predicting the optimal starter without knowing *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*'s opponents is challenging. However, we can analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are returning, influencing the final forms, but move sets are crucial. Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All offer potent offensive options.
The deciding factor? Tepig's Emboar is the only starter to gain dual-typing, offering a significant advantage. Emboar's resistance to six types (Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark) surpasses the other starters' defensive capabilities. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, type coverage is a key consideration.
Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.
