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

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

Totodile

This iconic Johto starter, debuting in *Pokémon Gold* and *Silver*, is a Water-type. 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 an impressive 530 base stat total, including a noteworthy 100 Defense.

Chikorita

Another Johto starter alongside Totodile, Chikorita often gets overshadowed. However, this Grass-type Pokémon boasts the highest base stat total among the *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* starters, with a commanding 318. While its evolutions, Bayleef and Meganium, have slightly lower base stat totals of 405 and 525 respectively, Chikorita's initial advantage is undeniable.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region and first seen in *Pokémon Black and White*, Tepig, a Fire-type starter, might not have the same recognition as Charmander or Torchic. Nevertheless, its base stat total of 308 is respectable. Tepig's true strength lies in its final evolution, Emboar, possessing a formidable 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. However, focusing on available information provides a clearer path. Mega Evolutions are confirmed to return, significantly impacting starter potential. Move sets also play a crucial role. Chikorita learns powerful moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain; Totodile gains access to heavy hitters such as Hydro Pump and Superpower; and Tepig can utilize Flare Blitz and Head Smash. Each boasts devastating moves capable of dominating the game.

The deciding factor? Tepig is the only starter to gain dual-typing through its final evolution, Emboar, offering resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark—more than any other starter. While Feraligatr has fewer weaknesses, this dual-typing advantage for Tepig is a compelling reason to choose it.

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

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