Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokemon Legends: Z-A?

The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three enticing starter Pokémon. This naturally sparks the age-old question: which starter should you choose?

Totodile

The iconic Johto Water-type starter, Totodile, first appeared in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*. Evolving into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30, Totodile boasts a base stat total of 314, second only among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, is a powerhouse with a remarkable 530 base stat total, including an impressive 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto favorite, Chikorita, debuted alongside Totodile. This Grass-type Pokémon actually holds the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and first seen in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig, the Fire-type starter, might not be as instantly recognizable as some others, but its 308 base stat total is still respectable. Tepig's true strength lies in its final evolution, Emboar, which boasts a 528 base stat total and the added advantage of a Fighting type.

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Which Starter Should You Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Choosing the optimal starter in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is challenging without knowing the specific opponents you'll face. However, we can analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are returning, significantly impacting starter potential. But the most crucial factor is move sets.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize heavy hitters such as Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. All three offer potent moves for a successful playthrough, so we need to look further.

Tepig stands out as the only starter gaining dual-typing (Fire/Fighting) in its final evolution, Emboar. This dual-typing grants Emboar resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—the most resistances among the starters. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this shouldn't be the sole deciding factor.

Therefore, considering the overall strengths and strategic advantages, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.