Choose Your Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A: A Guide

At the February 27th, 2025, Pokemon Presents, The Pokemon Company unveiled exciting details about the eagerly awaited *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, including the introduction of the three starter Pokemon. As fans eagerly await the game's release, the choice between these starters is bound to spark lively debates. Let's dive into the options and explore which starter you should pick for your journey in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*.

Totodile

Totodile, a beloved Johto starter, first splashed onto the scene in *Pokemon Gold* and *Silver*. As a Water-type Pokemon, it evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and then into the formidable Feraligatr at level 30. With a base stat total of 314, Totodile boasts the second-highest stats among the *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final form, Feraligatr, shines with a base stat total of 530, including a robust 100 Defense, making it a powerhouse on the battlefield.

Chikorita

Chikorita, another Johto starter, may not receive as much attention as Totodile, but it's a contender not to be overlooked. As a Grass type, it boasts the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. However, its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, with base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, might leave some players wanting more. Still, Chikorita's potential should not be underestimated.

Tepig

Tepig, hailing from the Unova region, debuted in *Pokemon Black and White*. Though it might not grab headlines like Charmander or Torchic, this Fire-type starter holds its own with a base stat total of 308. The true star, however, is its final evolution, Emboar, which not only boasts a base stat total of 528 but also gains the Fighting type, adding versatility to its battle strategy.

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

While it's challenging to determine the best starter without knowing the specific challenges players will face in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, let's focus on the available data to make an informed choice.

The return of Mega Evolutions in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* suggests that new forms for the starters will play a significant role. However, the deciding factor should be the move sets each starter can learn. Chikorita can wield potent moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain, Totodile can unleash devastating attacks such as Hydro Pump and Superpower, and Tepig can harness the power of Flare Blitz and Head Smash. These moves could greatly influence your journey.

Yet, the key differentiator among these starters is Tepig's evolution into Emboar, which gains a dual-typing of Fire and Fighting. This dual-typing provides Emboar with resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark, making it the most versatile of the three options. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, the broader defensive coverage of Emboar is a crucial advantage.

Therefore, based on its versatile typing and strong move set, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*.

*Pokemon Legends: Z-A* is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025, promising an exciting new chapter in the Pokemon saga.