Choosing the Best Starter in Pokemon Legends: Z-A

The February 27th, 2025, Pokemon Presents unveiled exciting details about the upcoming title, *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, including the three starters that will be available: Totodile, Chikorita, and Tepig. Each of these starters brings unique strengths and abilities to the table, making the choice a significant one for players. Let's delve into the details of each starter and determine which one might be the best pick for your adventure in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*.

Totodile

One of the three iconic Johto starters, Totodile first appeared in *Pokemon Gold* and *Silver*. As a Water type, it evolves into Croconaw at level 18 and Feraligatr at level 30. Totodile boasts a base stat total of 314, making it the second-best among the *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* starters. Its final evolution, Feraligatr, stands out with a total base stat of 530, including a robust 100 Defense. This evolution can learn powerful moves like Hydro Pump and Superpower, adding significant firepower to your team.

Chikorita

Another beloved Johto starter, Chikorita debuted alongside Totodile. Although it may not receive as much attention as its counterpart, Chikorita holds the highest base stat total among the starters at 318. It evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, with base stat totals of 405 and 525, respectively. Chikorita's potential to learn strong moves like Solar Beam and Giga Drain makes it a formidable choice for players who favor Grass types.

Tepig

Hailing from the Unova region, Tepig was introduced in *Pokemon Black and White*. This Fire type starter may not be as popular as Charmander or Torchic, but it still holds its ground with a base stat total of 308. Tepig's final evolution, Emboar, is particularly noteworthy, boasting a base stat total of 528 and gaining the Fighting type. This dual-typing grants Emboar resistance to six types: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Dark. Moves like Flare Blitz and Head Smash further enhance its battle prowess.

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

Choosing the best starter for *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* can be challenging without knowing the full scope of the game's challenges. However, considering the information available, we can make an informed decision. With Mega Evolutions set to return, the potential for new forms for these starters adds another layer of strategy to consider. Ultimately, the choice will hinge on move sets and type advantages.

While all three starters have access to powerful moves—Chikorita with Solar Beam and Giga Drain, Totodile with Hydro Pump and Superpower, and Tepig with Flare Blitz and Head Smash—the deciding factor lies elsewhere. Tepig's evolution into Emboar introduces a dual-typing, enhancing its versatility. Emboar's resistances to six types provide a strategic advantage, making Tepig the most appealing choice for players looking to navigate *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* effectively.

In conclusion, while all three starters offer unique strengths, Tepig emerges as the top pick for *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* due to its dual-typing and robust resistances, setting the stage for a versatile and powerful gameplay experience.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to release on the Nintendo Switch in late 2025.