Choosing your first fighter in the Pocket Monsters universe is not just the start of an adventure, but also a crucial strategic decision that can shape your entire gaming experience. Each of the three starter Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—brings unique qualities and advantages to the table. In this guide, we'll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each starter to help you decide which Pokémon will set you up for the best start in your journey.
Table of Contents
- Squirtle
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?
Squirtle
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Squirtle, resembling a small turtle, boasts a sturdy shell that serves multiple purposes. Not only does it provide protection and a place for rest, but its hydrodynamic shape and grooves enable Squirtle to swim at high speeds. Additionally, it can shoot precise water jets from its mouth. Despite being a Water type, Squirtle is quite adept on land as well.
This Pokémon has a calm nature, though it can be challenging to control at times. It's easier to train than Charmander but more demanding than Bulbasaur. Squirtle is an excellent choice for beginners due to its high defense and well-rounded stats. Early in the game, it offers a significant advantage by easily defeating Brock's Rock-type Pokémon and Misty's Water-type team. Its final evolution, Blastoise, comes with powerful Water attacks, high survivability, and the ability to use Surf, which is beneficial for both combat and navigation.
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Squirtle's Torrent ability boosts its Water moves, and its hidden ability, Rain Dish, restores health during rain. However, it struggles against Grass and Electric types, particularly in battles against Erika and Lt. Surge. Its attacks are less potent compared to Charmander's, and its speed is somewhat lacking.
Bulbasaur
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Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison type, features a green, four-legged body with a distinctive bulb on its back. This bulb stores energy, allowing Bulbasaur to survive for days without food during dry spells. As it absorbs sunlight, the bulb grows, signaling an imminent evolution into Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy for Bulbasaur to stand on two legs.
Bulbasaur is an excellent choice for players embarking on their Pokémon journey. Its balanced stats make it versatile in various scenarios, and its types provide an edge against the first Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty. Its Leech Seed ability inflicts damage over time, while Vine Whip uses its vines to strike opponents or manipulate objects. Bulbasaur's hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight, offering a significant advantage in crucial moments.
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However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it a weak match against Charmander. Its speed can be a disadvantage in battles, and its attacks may not match the power of those from Charizard or Blastoise in the game's later stages.
Charmander
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Charmander, a Fire type lizard Pokémon, has a tail flame that reflects its health and emotions. A healthy Charmander's flame remains lit even in the rain, symbolizing its vitality. This starter is highly popular but presents challenges early in the game. It boasts high Attack and Speed, and its Fire moves are effective against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. Over time, Charmander evolves into the formidable Charizard, gaining access to powerful moves and the ability to Mega Evolve.
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However, Charmander struggles against the first gyms, particularly against Brock's Rock-type Pokémon and Misty's Water-type team. Its relatively low defense makes it vulnerable in early battles. Despite these initial challenges, Charmander becomes a powerful ally in later adventures, rewarding trainers who are ready to overcome early hurdles.
Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?
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Each of the three starter Pokémon offers unique advantages and challenges. Bulbasaur is ideal for an easy start, handling the first two gyms well with its Grass type. Charmander suits players who enjoy challenges, promising great rewards in the later stages. Squirtle offers balance and versatility, making it a solid choice for those who value well-rounded performance.
In our opinion, Bulbasaur stands out as the best option for a smooth progression. It confidently navigates the initial gyms and remains a reliable ally throughout the game, thanks to its solid Defense and Stamina. Each starter shapes your playstyle and battle strategy, so consider your preferences and long-term goals when making your choice. Your decision will lay the foundation for an unforgettable adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.
