As always, there are three to choose from: Sprigatito – the grass-type, Fuecoco - the fire-type and, finally, Quaxly – the water-type, with each having a second and third evolution.
This page helps you choose the best Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starter for you, and to help you decide further, their evolutions.
On this page:
Good luck with whichever starter Pokémon you choose!
The games’ open world nature may, however, effect your choice since you’re able to tackle the Gyms in any order. This means you may no longer feel inclined to pick the starter which will make the first set of Gyms easier and focus instead on building a team which supplements your chosen Pokémon’s weaknesses.
Even though choosing a starter Pokémon is rather subjective, there are a number of facts to consider.
Firstly, Fuecoco is perfect for the two Gyms cloest to the starting point. These are Bug and Grass-type Gyms, so, as a Fire-type Pokémon, Fuecoco will blast through them.
Fuecoco’s third evolution - Skeledirge - is a Fire and Ghost-type Pokémon, which means it can easily take the Ghost and Psychic Gyms as well. Skeledirge also has a high HP and Special Attack Stat, but a low Speed Stat. Though it does have the Unaware Ability, which will ignore any Stat changes inflicted upon it.
Meanwhile, Quaxly has an advantage over the Team Star Fire Crew - another activity you may find yourself facing in the early game. Quaquaval - it’s third evolution - is a Water and Fighting-type Pokémon. This is an interesting type combination and one which gives Quaquaval an advantage over the Normal-type Gym.
Quaquaval also has the highest Attack Stat out of all the starter Pokémon’s final evolutions. This stat can grow even higher thanks to the ability Moxie, which will increase this Pokémon’s Attack Stat whenever an opponent faints.
Finally, Sprigatito is great choice for the end-game challenges such as the Elite Four. It can still pack a punch during the early game, especially when you face the Water-type Gym, but you will need to build your team around.
Meowscarada, it’s final evolution, is a Grass and Dark-type Pokémon, which makes it a good contender in Psychic and Ghost-type Gyms. It also has a high Attack Stat and the highest Speed Stat out of all the starter Pokémon, but suffers from a low HP Stat. Meowscarada does have the Protean ability, which changes its type to match its previously used attack.
It’s important to note that Nemona, your rival in the Victory Road storyline, will always pick the starter Pokémon which is weak to your chosen creature. So, in this regard, you will always have an advantage over her.
Remember - while there are advantages and disadvantages for each starter Pokémon, it’s ultimately your decision, so, if there’s one you truely love, pick it!
Our Pokémon Scarlet and Violet walkthrough can take you through the entire game - including The First Day of School, Victory Road, Starfall Street, Path of Legends and when you’re ready, The Way Home and the final boss.
Elsewhere, we can help with the Normal Gym test Secret Item menu, version differences, the best Scarlet and Violet starter, EXP farming, shiny Pokémon and learning how to fly, swim, climb and dash.
When it comes to individual Pokémon, we can help with Gimmighoul, Ditto, Bellibolt, Pawmot, Scovillain, Frigibax, Sinistea, Brambleghast, Annihilape, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce, Lycanrock forms, Armarouge and Ceruledge.
Of course, other factors - such as their types, stats and movesets - are arguably more useful to know, but we won’t deny the way they look is also very important.
Here are the final evolutions for each starter Pokémon:
Mewoscarada (Grass / Dark type):
Quaquaval (Water / Fighting type):
Skeledirge (Fire / Ghost type):
