
The Pokémon franchise, with over nine mainline generations and numerous spin-offs, has introduced more than 30 starter Pokémon that players can choose to begin their adventure. This has sparked one of the most enduring debates in the Pokémon community: which generation has the best starter trio?
The Origins: Generation 1 Starters
The journey began with Pokémon’s first generation, released in Japan in 1996 and later worldwide. The original starters — Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle — have remained some of the most beloved Pokémon ever. While they’re often a fan favorite and frequently mentioned in discussions, they surprisingly don’t hold the top spot among many fans today.
Reddit Reveals Generation 3 as the Fan Favorite
A recent Reddit thread with over 400 comments showed that Generation 3’s starters — Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip — are overwhelmingly favored by fans. At the time of writing, this trio was selected as the best or tied for the best 82 times, outpacing Generation 1’s 61 votes and Generation 4’s 59.
Why Generation 3? Fans appreciate the combination of raw power and versatility. Blaziken may have a divisive design, but its strength is undeniable. Sceptile offers impressive versatility, and Swampert’s unique Water/Ground typing grants it outstanding defensive capabilities, making the trio a powerhouse in battle.
The Rest of the Generations Ranked by Fans
Here’s how fans ranked the starter Pokémon trios based on their preferences:
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Gen 3: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
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Gen 1: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
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Gen 4: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
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Gen 7: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio
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Gen 2: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
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Gen 9: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly
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Gen 6: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
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Gen 5: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
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Gen 8: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble
Why the Debate Continues
Every generation brings unique designs and battle strategies, making the starter debate a lively topic among fans. Whether you prefer nostalgia, competitive viability, or just the cutest designs, there’s a starter trio that resonates with every player.
While Generation 3 starters currently hold the fan-favorite title, the discussion over the best Pokémon starter generation continues to unite and divide fans alike. Whatever your choice, the starter Pokémon you pick is the first step on your epic journey through the Pokémon world.