The first big decision for many Pokémon fans when loading up a new game is determining which starter Pokémon to choose, and voters at Ranker have picked which they believe are the best of all.
Spanning across the game's generations, these starter Pokémon all have something special to offer, not only in terms of power but in their look and potential for nostalgia as well. Whatever type players favor, picking a starter is an exciting chance to plan for the journey ahead.
Froakie
First introduced in Generation VI, and the only starter of its generation to make Ranker's top 10, Water-type Froakie is a starter Pokémon available to players in Pokémon X and Y, which is set in the Kalos region.
As is the case for its namesake, this frog-like Pokémon can jump astonishingly high, while its quick speed can help give players the edge in allowing them to act first during battles. Additionally, Froakie's evolution line into fan-favorite Greninja offers up a Water/Dark-type with great versatility, also making it one of the best Pokémon fighters in Super Smash Bros.
Treecko
Treecko first debuted as a starter Pokémon in Generation III's Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald titles before also making a later appearance in Gen. VI's remakes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
The Grass-type starter for its game, Treecko eventually learns one of the most powerful Grass moves in Pokémon, Leaf Storm, at level 39. A downside to this pick, though, is that Treecko does have the lowest base Defense statistic of any un-evolved starter, meaning that it's likely to take more damage in comparison to others.
Eevee
Well-loved Eevee with its many evolutions has been a part of Pokémon since Generation I, but only became a starter for players in Generation VII's Let's Go, Eevee!
Though a downside to having Eevee as a Pokémon partner in this game is that it has no interest in evolving, the base stats of Eevee as a starter are higher, and it's able to learn not only exclusive moves but also Secret Techniques like Sky Dash, which lets players fly to places they've visited before.
Torchic
A starter in the Hoenn region of Generation III (and its Generation VI remakes) alongside Treecko and Mudkip, Torchic is a Fire-type bird-themed Pokémon.
Torchic has the benefit of having both high Attack and Special Attack stats, and its evolution into the Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon Combusken gives it a wider range of abilities. However, Hoenn's island setting and an abundance of sea routes may make some battles harder than they need to be for Torchic, given the Fire-type's weakness to Water-type attacks.
Totodile
Generation II's Water-type starter Totodile is available to players in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, as well as in Gen. IV remakes HeartGold and SoulSilver.
Totodile's versatile set of moves cover a range of types, making this starter's utility high as it continues to level up, but in Gen. II games its relatively low amount of actual Water-type attacks can be frustrating in battle, as is its slower speed in comparison to other starters of its generation.
Cyndaquil
Cyndaquil is a Generation II starter that will also take on the role in the highly-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Given what fans know so far about Pokémon Legends: Arceus setting of Hisui, Cyndaquil's Fire-type moves should come in useful against Grass-types in the wilderness. As a starter in previous games, Cyndaquil's final evolution, Typhlosion, had very high base stats in both Special Attack and Speed, making its special moves have even more of an impact.
Mudkip
Water-type Mudkip was introduced to Pokémon in Generation III, and it's the highest-ranking starter of its generation according to Ranker voters.
Mudkip later evolves into Marshtomp and then Swampert, both of whom are Water/Ground-types, which gives this Pokémon a better range of attacks for the Gyms it will face. Also, Swampert not only has a high HP but is also only weak to Grass-type damage, making it a strong opponent in almost all circumstances.
Bulbasaur
In the number 3 spot, Bulbasaur is Generation I's Grass-type starter, and one of few that has a dual type, as a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon.
Bulbasaur is a great starter pick because of its effectiveness in fighting the first two Gym leaders in its game, Brock and Misty, who use Ground- and Water-types respectively, which Bulbasaur is Super Effective against. Even so, Bulbasaur has the lowest base Attack stat of its Gen.'s starters, which can slow things down.
Charmander
Generation I's Fire-type starter, Charmander is a reptilian Pokémon who starts in-game with a high Speed and Special Attack stat.
Its firepower only increases as the Pokémon evolves, leading to fights with huge damage output. The Charmander line also has access to Seismic Toss, a great Attack with 100% accuracy, showcased by Ash's Charizard during one of the best battles in the Pokémon anime.
Squirtle
Taking the top spot for Ranker voters is Generation I's Water-type starter Squirtle, a turtle-themed Pokémon whose shell proves very useful for deflecting damage, as reflected in its Defense stat.
Although all of the Generation I starters are popular, Squirtle's first place speaks to its impact on players, memorable not only for its ability to learn moves like Surf, which help with traveling around in the game, but also its iconic design and playful personality.