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

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 make the best choice 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 (second highest among the starters), Totodile's final evolution, Feraligatr, shines with an impressive 530 base stat total, including a remarkable 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto starter alongside Totodile, Chikorita might be slightly less popular, but don't underestimate its power. This Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters, with a total of 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have lower base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, Chikorita's initial strength is undeniable.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and debuting in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig is a Fire-type starter. While perhaps not as instantly recognizable as Charmander or Torchic, Tepig's base stat total of 308 is still respectable. However, its true strength lies in its final evolution, Emboar, which packs a punch with a 528 base stat total and the added benefit of a Fighting type.

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

Choosing the "best" starter without knowing the specific challenges in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is tricky, but let's analyze the available information. Mega Evolutions are returning, significantly impacting the starters' potential, but let's focus on move sets for now. Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize devastating moves like Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. Each starter has the potential to dominate, so we need to look further.

Tepig’s final evolution, Emboar, is the only starter to gain a dual typing, giving it 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 crucial factor to consider.

Therefore, based on the available information, Tepig emerges as the most strategically advantageous starter choice in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

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