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, sparking endless debate among trainers. So, which starter Pokémon should you pick in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*?
Totodile
A classic Johto starter, Totodile first splashed onto the scene in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*. This Water-type Pokémon evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and the powerful 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 whopping 530 base stat total, including an impressive 100 Defense.
Chikorita
Another Johto favorite, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile but sometimes gets overshadowed. Don't let that fool you! This Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively.
Tepig
Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig made its debut in *Pokémon Black and White*. While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as some other Fire-type starters, Tepig's 308 base stat total is still quite respectable. The real star, however, is its final evolution, Emboar. Emboar boasts a 528 base stat total 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 tricky. However, let's analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return, significantly impacting starter potential. But the most crucial factor is move sets.
Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain. Totodile can utilize devastating attacks such as Hydro Pump and Superpower. Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three offer potent options for a successful playthrough. To break the tie, we need to consider another key element.
Tepig's final evolution, Emboar, is the only starter to gain dual typing, giving it a significant advantage. Emboar's resistance to six types—Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—is unmatched among the starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, type coverage is a crucial factor.
Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will launch on Nintendo Switch in late 2025.
