The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, during the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three hotly anticipated starter Pokémon. This inevitably sparks the age-old question: which starter should you choose?
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Totodile
This iconic Johto starter, first seen in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*, is a Water-type Pokémon. Evolving into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30, Totodile boasts a base stat total of 314, second only to Chikorita among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, reigns supreme with a remarkable 530 base stat total, including an impressive 100 Defense.
Chikorita
Another Johto native, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile but perhaps hasn't garnered the same level of popularity. However, this Grass-type Pokémon shines with the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have lower base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, Chikorita's initial advantage is notable.
Tepig
Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig first appeared in *Pokémon Black and White*. Though less celebrated than some Fire-type starters, Tepig's 308 base stat total is respectable. The real allure lies in its final evolution, Emboar, which boasts a 528 base stat total and gains the Fighting type, adding significant strategic depth.
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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Choosing the optimal starter without knowing *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*'s opponent roster is challenging. However, let's analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are returning, influencing starter choices, but move sets are crucial. 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. Each offers strong potential.
Tepig stands out as the only starter whose final evolution, Emboar, gains dual typing, providing a significant advantage. Emboar's resistance to Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark types surpasses the other starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.
Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.
