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 their upcoming title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three exciting starter Pokémon. This guide will help you decide which starter best suits your playstyle.

The Contenders:

• Totodile (Water): A classic Johto starter, Totodile evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr. Boasting a base stat total of 314 (second highest among the starters), Feraligatr's final evolution shines with 530 total stats, including an impressive 100 Defense.

• Chikorita (Grass): Another Johto favorite, Chikorita boasts the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower overall stats (405 and 525 respectively).

• Tepig (Fire): Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig evolves into Emboar, a Fire/Fighting type. While its initial base stat total of 308 is lower, Emboar's final evolution boasts 528 base stats and the advantage of dual typing.

The Decision:

While the optimal choice depends on anticipated opponents in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, we'll focus on available information to make a reasoned recommendation. The return of Mega Evolutions will undoubtedly impact the meta, but move sets are a crucial factor.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile gains access to Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig can utilize Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three offer potent offensive options.

The deciding factor? Dual typing. Tepig's final evolution, Emboar, is a Fire/Fighting type, granting resistance to six types (Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark) – the most among the starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, Emboar's broader resistances provide a significant advantage.

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

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is slated for release on Nintendo Switch in late 2025.