Choosing the Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red

Choosing your first Pokémon in the world of *Pocket Monsters* is a momentous decision, shaping your entire adventure. Each of the three Kanto starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, impacting your early-game strategy and overall success. This guide analyzes each starter to help you make the best choice for your journey.

Table of Contents

• Squirtle
• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

Squirtle

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This adorable turtle Pokémon boasts a sturdy shell, offering both protection and hydrodynamic advantages for swift swimming. Squirtle’s precise water jets make it a formidable opponent. While a Water type, it's surprisingly adept on land. Its temperament is relatively calm, making it easier to train than Charmander, though slightly more challenging than Bulbasaur.

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Squirtle's high defense and balanced stats make it an excellent choice for beginners. Its effectiveness against Brock (Rock-type) and Misty (Water-type) provides a significant early-game advantage. Its final evolution, Blastoise, is a powerful Water-type with high survivability and access to Surf, crucial for both combat and exploration. Its Torrent ability boosts Water-type moves, while its hidden ability, Rain Dish, heals it during rain.

However, Squirtle’s weaknesses to Grass and Electric types pose challenges against Erika and Lt. Surge. Its attack power is lower than Charmander's, and its speed is somewhat lacking.

Bulbasaur

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Bulbasaur, a Grass/Poison type, is a small, green quadruped with a distinctive bulb on its back. This bulb stores energy, allowing Bulbasaur to survive for days without food. Sunlight fuels its growth, signaling its evolution to Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy to support on two legs.

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Bulbasaur's balanced stats offer versatility. Its type advantage makes it effective against Brock and Misty. Leech Seed, which inflicts damage over time, and Vine Whip, a powerful physical attack, are key assets. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight.

Despite its strengths, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying types, making it weak against Charmander and others. Its lower speed can be a disadvantage, and its attacks might not be as powerful as those of later evolutions of other starters.

Charmander

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Charmander, a Fire-type lizard Pokémon, has a flame on its tail that reflects its emotional and physical state. The flame's extinction signifies its demise. Even rain can't extinguish a healthy Charmander's flame.

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Charmander's high Attack and Speed, coupled with its effective Fire-type moves, make it a popular choice. Its evolution into Charizard grants access to powerful moves and Mega Evolution. However, its early-game struggles against Brock (Rock) and Misty (Water) are significant hurdles.

Its low defense makes it fragile, but its eventual power makes it a rewarding choice for those willing to overcome early challenges.

Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

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The optimal choice depends on your play style. Bulbasaur offers an easier start, Charmander presents a greater challenge, and Squirtle provides balance. We recommend Bulbasaur for a smoother progression, as its Grass typing effectively counters the first two Gym Leaders. Its solid defense and stamina make it suitable for beginners. Ultimately, each starter offers unique advantages that can influence your battle strategies throughout the game. Your choice forms the foundation of your *Pocket Monsters* adventure.