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-type): A classic Johto starter, Totodile evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr. Boasting a base stat total of 314 (second highest among the starters), its final evolution, Feraligatr, achieves an impressive 530, including a noteworthy 100 Defense.

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

• Tepig (Fire-type): Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig evolves into Emboar, a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon. While its base stat total of 308 is respectable, Emboar's 528 base stat total and dual typing are key advantages.

The Decision:

Selecting the optimal starter hinges on several factors. While the opponents in Pokémon Legends: Z-A remain unknown, we can analyze the starters' potential based on available information. The return of Mega Evolutions will undoubtedly impact the meta, but move sets play a crucial role.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. Each offers significant offensive potential.

However, Tepig's evolution, Emboar, stands out due to its dual typing. Emboar's resistance to six types (Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark) provides a significant defensive advantage compared to the other starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

Conclusion:

Considering the overall strengths and weaknesses, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Emboar's dual typing and impressive stat total offer a compelling combination of offensive and defensive capabilities.

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