The Pokémon Company unveiled exciting details about their upcoming title, *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*, at the February 27th, 2025 Pokémon Presents, including the three hotly anticipated starter Pokémon. Choosing your first partner is always a tough decision, so let's break down which starter might give you the edge in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

Recommended Videos: All Starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Totodile

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

Chikorita

Another Johto favorite, Chikorita, debuted alongside Totodile but often gets overshadowed. However, this Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals (405 and 525 respectively), Chikorita's initial advantage is noteworthy.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and featured in Pokémon Black and White, Tepig is a Fire-type starter. While not as immediately recognizable as some other Fire-type starters, Tepig’s base stat total of 308 is still competitive. The real standout is its final evolution, Emboar, which boasts a 528 base stat total and gains the Fighting type, adding strategic depth.

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

Choosing the "best" starter without knowing the specific challenges in *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* is tricky. However, we can analyze the available information to make an informed decision. Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return, impacting starter potential. But let's focus on move sets.

Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile can utilize devastating moves such as Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig gains access to Flare Blitz and Head Smash. Each offers potent options for a successful playthrough.

The deciding factor? Tepig's Emboar evolution gains dual-typing, providing a significant advantage. Emboar's resistance to Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark types makes it the most resilient starter option. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, the added type coverage of Emboar provides greater strategic flexibility.

Therefore, Tepig emerges as the recommended starter for *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*.

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