Best Starter Pokemon in Legends: Z-A Revealed

During the February 27th, 2025, Pokémon Presents event, The Pokémon Company unveiled details about its upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, including the three starter Pokémon players can choose from. Naturally, this decision is bound to spark discussion among fans. So, which starter should you pick in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?

All Starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Totodile

One of the classic Johto starters, Totodile first appeared in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*. As a Water-type, it evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and further into Feraligatr at level 30. With a base stat total of 314, Totodile ranks as the second-strongest starter in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, boasts an impressive total of 530, featuring a solid 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Also hailing from the Johto region, Chikorita made its debut alongside Totodile but often gets overlooked. Despite that, this Grass-type has a base stat total of 318, making it the highest among the available starters. While its evolutions—Bayleef and Meganium—aren’t quite as strong with totals of 405 and 525 respectively, they still offer a balanced progression path.

Tepig

Representing the Unova region, Tepig debuted in *Pokémon Black and White*. Though it may not get the same attention as Charmander or Torchic, this Fire-type brings a respectable base stat total of 308. More importantly, its final evolution, Emboar, reaches a total of 528 and gains the Fighting type, offering unique strategic advantages.

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

Without knowing the exact challenges players will face in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, it’s tough to determine which starter has the most potential. That said, we’re going to dive into what each one offers based on current data.

Mega Evolutions are returning in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, and it's likely your starter will receive new forms, adding another layer of depth. However, one of the most important factors when choosing is move sets. Chikorita can learn powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize high-impact attacks such as Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to devastating moves like Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three offer strong in-game options, so we need to dig deeper to make a recommendation.

What really tips the scales in favor of one starter is typing. Tepig is the only one that becomes a dual-type by its final evolution. Emboar gains the Fire/Fighting combination, giving it resistances to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—the most out of all the starter choices. While Feraligatr does have fewer weaknesses, that alone shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

So, if you're trying to decide which starter to pick in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, Tepig—and ultimately Emboar—offers the most flexibility and long-term benefits.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on Nintendo Switch in late 2025.