The Best Starter to Choose in Pokemon Legends Z-A

Before they can set out on their Lumiose City adventure, Pokemon Legends: Z-A players will need to choose a starter Pokemon. Much like in previous Pokemon games, there’ll be three options available to them, with Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile doing the honors this time around.

All of the Pokemon Legends: Z-A have strengths and weaknesses, which can make choosing the right one feel like a fairly daunting task at first. However, there’s one that shines a little more brightly than the others, at least when it comes to the early stages of the game.

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

As tends to be the case with most Pokemon games, the starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A are pretty well-balanced. However, that’s not to say that there isn’t a clear winner. Totodile’s Stage 2 evolution, Feraligatr, has the highest base stat total of the three final forms, as well as the lowest level requirement. Totodile evolves into its Stage 2 form at Level 30, which is lower than both Chikorita (Level 32) and Tepig (Level 36). As such, most will likely conclude that Totodile is the best starter Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Of course, there are a few other things to consider.

Why You Should Choose Chikorita as Your Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Chikorita -> Bayleef (level 16) -> Meganium (level 32)

On paper, Chikorita is arguably the worst of the three Pokemon Legends: Z-A starter Pokemon. It has the lowest base stat total, and its hidden ability, Leaf Guard, is only effective while the weather is harsh sunlight. Some may find Mega Meganium a more attractive proposition than Mega Venusaur and Mega Chesnaught, though, and there are no Grass-type Mythical or Legendary Pokemon in the base version of Z-A, so Chikorita can be a good choice for the end-game, if players are looking to put together the strongest possible team.

Why You Should Choose Tepig as Your Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Tepig -> Pignite (level 17) -> Emboar (level 36)

Tepig’s evolution line may not have a lot of nostalgia in its corner, but it is the only one that offers dual typing. Pignite and Emboar are Fire/Fighting-types, which may come in useful for those who like to cram full type coverage into a single team. Of course, this isn’t really an issue once players approach the end-game, as both Meganium (Grass/Fairy) and Feraligatr (Water/Dragon) pick up secondary typings when they’re mega evolved. Players will probably want to pick up Charizard later on as well, which may render Emboar somewhat redundant.

Why You Should Choose Totodile as Your Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Totodile -> Croconaw (level 18) -> Feraligatr (level 30)

As mentioned above, Feraligatr has the highest base stat total of the three starters’ Stage 2 forms and is also available a little earlier due to Croconaw evolving at level 30. Its Sheer Force and Torrent abilities offer some pretty decent damage boosts as well, although the latter only kicks in when Feraligatr’s HP drops below 30%, making it somewhat situational. The only reasons not to choose Totodile are if you plan on picking up Blastoise or Greninja later on, or if you’re not a fan of Mega Feraligatr’s design, which looks like it has a toilet seat behind its head.