First gen pokemon starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, hold a special place in the hearts of Pokémon fans worldwide. These iconic creatures have shaped the franchise’s identity and continue to inspire generations of players.
From their humble beginnings as Kanto starters to their enduring popularity in competitive battling and cultural references, these Pokémon have left an undeniable mark on the gaming landscape. Dive into the world of first gen pokemon starters and discover their captivating evolution paths, competitive viability, and enduring legacy.
First Generation Pokémon Starters
The first generation of Pokémon introduced three iconic starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. These Pokémon have distinct characteristics, abilities, and signature moves that have made them fan favorites for decades.
Bulbasaur, the Grass-type starter, is known for its defensive abilities and signature move Vine Whip. Charmander, the Fire-type starter, excels in offensive power with its Ember attack. Squirtle, the Water-type starter, is a well-rounded Pokémon with a versatile movepool including Water Gun.
Base Stats Comparison
| Stat | Bulbasaur | Charmander | Squirtle |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 45 | 39 | 44 |
| Attack | 49 | 52 | 48 |
| Defense | 49 | 43 | 65 |
| Special Attack | 65 | 60 | 50 |
| Special Defense | 65 | 50 | 64 |
| Speed | 45 | 65 | 43 |
Evolution Paths and Final Forms
The first-generation Pokémon starters each have two evolution stages, leading to their final forms: Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise.
Venusaur, the Grass/Poison-type final evolution of Bulbasaur, gains access to powerful Grass-type moves like Solar Beam and Sludge Bomb. Charizard, the Fire/Flying-type final evolution of Charmander, becomes a fearsome offensive threat with its Fire Blast and Dragon Claw attacks. Blastoise, the Water-type final evolution of Squirtle, is a defensive powerhouse with moves like Hydro Pump and Earthquake.
Evolution Chain Infographic
Popularity and Cultural Impact
The first-generation Pokémon starters have remained immensely popular among fans since their debut. Their distinct designs, personalities, and memorable roles in the Pokémon anime and video games have made them iconic symbols of the franchise.
Merchandise featuring the starters, such as plush toys, figurines, and trading cards, has been widely available for decades. Fan art and cosplay depicting the starters are also common in the Pokémon community.
- Notable Appearances in Pokémon Anime:
- Ash’s Pikachu vs. Gary’s Squirtle in the first episode of the anime
- Misty’s Starmie vs. Brock’s Onix in the episode “Showdown in Pewter City”
- Jessie and James’s Meowth vs. Team Rocket’s Charmander in the episode “Pokémon Emergency”
- Notable Appearances in Pokémon Movies:
- Mewtwo Strikes Back: The Evolution of Mewtwo (1998)
- Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One (1999)
- Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
- Notable Appearances in Pokémon Video Games:
- Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow (1996)
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004)
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
Competitive Viability
The first-generation Pokémon starters have varying degrees of competitive viability in different formats of Pokémon battling.
Singles
Venusaur is a solid choice with its Grass/Poison typing and access to powerful moves like Sludge Bomb and Earthquake. Charizard is a formidable offensive threat with its Fire/Flying typing and moves like Fire Blast and Air Slash. Blastoise is a reliable defensive Pokémon with its Water typing and moves like Hydro Pump and Scald.
Doubles, First gen pokemon starters
Venusaur and Charizard can be effective in Doubles with their strong offensive capabilities and access to moves like Protect and Follow Me. Blastoise’s defensive abilities and moves like Wide Guard and Protect make it a valuable support Pokémon.
VGC
Venusaur and Charizard are rarely used in VGC due to their vulnerability to common strategies and Pokémon. Blastoise, however, can be a niche pick with its strong defensive capabilities and access to moves like Muddy Water and Protect.
Legacy and Influence
The first-generation Pokémon starters have had a profound influence on the Pokémon franchise and subsequent generations of Pokémon games.
Their designs and concepts have inspired numerous future starter Pokémon, such as Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip in the third generation. Their popularity and iconic status have also made them the subject of numerous references and homages in the Pokémon universe.
Illustrated Timeline of Starter Pokémon Design Evolution
Essential Questionnaire: First Gen Pokemon Starters
Which first gen pokemon starter is the most popular?
Charizard is consistently ranked as the most popular first gen pokemon starter, followed by Blastoise and Venusaur.
What are the final forms of the first gen pokemon starters?
Bulbasaur evolves into Venusaur, Charmander evolves into Charizard, and Squirtle evolves into Blastoise.
Are first gen pokemon starters viable in competitive battling?
Yes, first gen pokemon starters can be viable in competitive battling, particularly in lower tiers and specific formats.