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

Choosing Your Starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pokémon Company unveiled details about its upcoming title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the exciting starter Pokémon choices. This guide analyzes each starter to help you make the optimal decision.

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Totodile

The Water-type Totodile, a Johto classic from Pokémon Gold and Silver, evolves into Croconaw (level 18) and Feraligatr (level 30). Boasting a base stat total of 314 (second highest among the starters), Feraligatr's impressive 530 total, including 100 Defense, makes it a formidable contender.

Chikorita

Another Johto favorite, Chikorita, possesses the highest base stat total (318) among the Pokémon Legends: Z-A starters. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have lower stat totals (405 and 525 respectively), its strong starting stats are noteworthy.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region (Pokémon Black and White), the Fire-type Tepig, while less celebrated than some other Fire starters, offers a respectable 308 base stat total. Its final evolution, Emboar, is the real highlight, gaining a Fighting type and a substantial 528 base stat total.

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Making the Right Choice

Deciding the best starter without knowing Pokémon Legends: Z-A's opponents is challenging. However, focusing on available information, we can make an informed decision.

Mega Evolutions return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, significantly impacting starter potential. However, move sets are crucial. Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile utilizes Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig boasts Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All offer strong potential.

The deciding factor? Tepig's Emboar evolution is the only starter to gain dual-typing (Fire/Fighting), providing 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, type coverage is a key consideration.

Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

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