Pokemon fans are continuing a timeless debate about which generation of the monster-battling RPG had the best set of starters. With nine mainline pairs of games released and numerous spin-offs featuring their own starter Pokemon, fans have a variety of opinions to discuss.
The initial generation of Pokemon games debuted in Japan in 1996, eventually making its way to the West about 30 months later. The Kanto starters - Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle - remain popular but are not universally considered the top trio.
Recent analysis of a Reddit thread revealed that fans overwhelmingly prefer the starters from Pokemon Gen 3: Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip, as they were chosen as the best or tied for the best 82 times. In comparison, the Gen 1 starters received 61 mentions, while Gen 4 got 59, showcasing a clear preference.
Most Beloved Starter Generations Based on Fan Feedback
- Gen 3 - Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip
- Gen 1 - Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle
- Gen 4 - Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup
- Gen 7 - Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio
- Gen 2 - Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile
- Gen 9 - Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly
- Gen 6 - Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie
- Gen 5 - Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott
- Gen 8 - Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble
On the flip side, Gen 8 is often criticized, receiving more negative feedback than praise. Moreover, Gen 5 also faced unflattering comments, though some appreciation was given to the Hisuian variant of Samurott in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Generations 2 and 7 also saw commendable support, yet still, they lag in popularity when compared to the earlier generations.
