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 the three starters for their upcoming title, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, during the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents. This guide analyzes each starter to help you make the optimal choice.

Starter Pokémon Showdown:

Totodile: This classic Johto Water-type starter evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr. Feraligatr boasts impressive stats (530 base stat total, including 100 Defense), making it a powerful contender. Totodile's final evolution has the highest base stat total among the starters.

Chikorita: Another Johto favorite, Chikorita, is a Grass-type with a slightly higher base stat total than Totodile (318). While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have lower stats compared to Feraligatr, Chikorita's access to powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain makes it a strong choice.

Tepig: Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig is a Fire-type starter that evolves into Emboar. Emboar's dual Fire/Fighting typing provides resistance to six types (Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark), offering a significant advantage. While its base stat total (528) is slightly lower than Feraligatr, its type advantage makes it a compelling option.

The Verdict:

While all three starters possess strengths, Tepig emerges as the most strategically advantageous choice. Emboar's dual typing provides superior type coverage and resistances, offering a broader tactical advantage throughout the game. While Feraligatr boasts higher base stats, Emboar's type advantages often outweigh raw power. Chikorita, despite its high initial stats, may struggle against certain opponent types. The potential for Mega Evolutions and diverse move sets further enhances the strategic depth of choosing Tepig.

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