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, sparking endless debate among fans. 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 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, is even more impressive, with a base stat total of 530, including a remarkable 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto starter, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile, though perhaps it doesn't receive the same level of fanfare. Underrated, this Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total of all the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters, with a respectable 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and introduced in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig is a Fire-type starter. While not as widely celebrated as Charmander or Torchic, Tepig's base stat total of 308 is still noteworthy. The real highlight is Tepig's final evolution, Emboar, possessing a powerful base stat total of 528 and gaining the Fighting type.

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

Choosing the "best" starter is difficult without knowing the specific challenges players will encounter in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. However, we can analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are returning in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, and the starters will undoubtedly receive new forms, but their move sets are key factors to consider.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize devastating moves such as Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig has access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three possess movesets capable of dominating a playthrough, so we need to look at other factors to break the tie.

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. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter choice in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

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