Pokemon Legends: Arceus Starter Guide

The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, during the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three enticing starter Pokémon. Choosing your first partner is always a tough decision, sparking endless debate among trainers. So, which starter should you pick in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?

Totodile

This iconic Johto starter, first seen in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*, is a Water-type Pokémon. Totodile evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and then into Feraligatr at level 30. Boasting a base stat total of 314, Totodile has the second-highest stats among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, reigns supreme with a remarkable 530 base stat total, including an impressive 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto starter, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile, but perhaps doesn't receive the same level of fanfare. However, this Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, Chikorita's initial advantage is noteworthy.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and first appearing in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig is a Fire-type starter. While not as instantly recognizable as Charmander or Torchic, Tepig's 308 base stat total is still respectable. The real allure of Tepig lies in its final evolution, Emboar, which boasts a base stat total of 528 and gains the Fighting type, adding strategic depth.

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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Deciding on the optimal starter without knowing the specific opponents in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is challenging. However, let's analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return, influencing starter choices, 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. These powerful moves make the choice difficult.

Tepig stands out as the only starter to gain dual-typing through its final evolution, Emboar, providing a significant advantage. Emboar's resistance to six types—Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—is the highest among the starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

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.