Starters are among the most recognizable Pokémon in their home regions. They also happen to be some of the strongest, with solid stats all around, appealing designs, and accessible type combinations. In short, they are among the best Pokémon in the franchise, plain and simple.
Still, not all of them are as popular as others, and a few don't even get the respect they deserve. Fans go wild over the likes of Charizard and Sceptile, and it's easy to understand why. However, there are several other equally impressive yet underrated starters that deserve just as much love.
Venusaur
It's a stretch to call any of the Kanto starters "underrated." They are among the most widely recognized Pokémon that even non-fans of the franchise know about and constantly appear in future generations. Still, it's undeniable that Venusaur lacks the same level of acclaim and attention that Blastoise and Charizard get.
That's a shame, because Venusaur is, objectively speaking, the best choice for a Kanto playthrough thanks to its advantageous type combination. Its balanced stats and noteworthy Special Attack and Special Defense also make it a worthy challenger.
Chesnaught
Greninja is the undisputed champion when it comes to Kalos, and it's easy to see why. It's a genuinely good Pokémon that only becomes greater when compared with its two underwhelming siblings. Delphox is, possibly, the worst Fire starter in the franchise. However, Chesnaught isn't completely hopeless.
Like all other starters, Chesnaught has above-average stats, and its focus on Physical Attack and Physical Defense makes its Fighting-type moves all the more dangerous. Chesnaught's Grass/Fighting type combination is appalling, but it can still be a valuable ally for any playthrough team.
Meganium
When ranking the Grass starters' final forms, Meganium would be at the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, it is simply too plain and forgettable to become a Pokémon star. It's also a pure Grass-type, meaning it has nothing to save it from its type's disastrous battling performance.
Meganium is not entirely hopeless, though. It has solid stats that favor both Physical and Special Defense, making it an ideal tank for any team. Meganium received a much-needed boost thanks to its inclusion in the New Pokémon Snap, and this newfound love couldn't come at a better time.
Feraligatr
Feraligatr is another Johto starter who flies under the radar. It lacks any distinctive feature or intriguing type combination that makes it stand out above the rest. As a pure Water-type, it's easy to lose track of Feraligatr, especially among the sea of Pokémon in the franchise.
Still, Feraligatr is a worthy representative of the Water starters. It is the perfect offensive weapon, thanks to its high Physical Attack. Being a pure Water-type means it has only two weaknesses, making things considerably more manageable in the battling department.
Rillaboom
The latest Pokémon generation was somewhat divisive. Many fans despised the lack of risk and variety, considering Sword & Shield a step backward for the franchise. A major complaint was the underwhelming starter Pokémon and how safe and outright boring they looked.
Rillaboom may indeed seem uninspired at first sight, but that doesn't make it a bad Pokémon. Its stats are somewhat unbalanced, favoring Physical Attack and HP at the expense of both Special stats. However, any capable Trainer can make Rillaboom work, taking advantage of its raw power to pull through.
Inteleon
If Rillaboom was somewhat unpopular, then Inteleon was outright despised. Fans disliked how humanoid it looked, as well as its awkward standing pose and unappealing concept, especially compared to its initial stage, Sobble. Poor Inteleon got a ton of unnecessary hate, but time has been kind to it.
Indeed, Inteleon may not have the most pleasant design, but its stats make it a very challenging Pokémon to battle. It has excellent Speed and massive Special Attack, enough to make it one of the strongest Pokémon in Sword & Shield and allowing it to one-hit KO more than one enemy. It does have awful defenses, but there are always ways to make it work.
Emboar
Unova is one of the coolest regions in Pokémon, but it took very long for Pokémon fans to acknowledge it. Nowadays, it finally gets the admiration it deserves, but many elements from the Gen V games still get the short end of the stick. Case in point, the two starters that aren't Serperior.
Emboar gets a lot of hate because it's another Fire/Fighting starter with a somewhat unappealing design. It also has terrible Speed, something that hinders any Pokémon. However, Emboar is an Attack beast, with great Special and excellent Physical. Emboar's awesome HP also makes up for its less than desirable defenses.
Primarina
Decidueye might be Gen VII's favorite starter, but Primarina is the best one for an Alola playthrough. Many fans disliked how feminine it looked and favored the more macho-like Incineroar or the admittedly fascinating archer, Decidueye.
Even so, it's Primarina that remains Alola's best starter. Its type combination of Water and Fairy is ideal for the games' Gym Leaders and Totem Battles. Primarina is also a Special marvel, with both stats being well-above average. Its Speed is severely lacking, but it isn't enough of a nuisance to make Primarina any less extraordinary.
Empoleon
Empoleon is arguably the best Water-type starter Pokémon. However, its reputation isn't the best, especially compared to its Sinnoh siblings. Everyone loves the fiery Infernape, and Torterra gets plenty of acclaim for its inspired type combination. On the contrary, Empoleon receives a ton of hate because of how awkward it looks and its background inspiration.
Not that it matters too much, though. Empoleon's battling prowess speaks for itself. Its stats are decent, although it does excel in the Special department. However, it's Empoleon's type combination that elevates it above all other starters. Thanks to a convenient Water/Steel combo, Empoleon has one immunity and a staggering 10 resistances.
Typhlosion
Fans usually take Johto starters for granted. They aren't particularly extraordinary in any way but are solid starters in the franchise. Still, there's something wrong with not giving Typhlosion the recognition it so obviously deserves.
This Fire-type badger has one of the best and most original designs in the franchise. Typhlosion also has very balanced stats all around, even if it emphasizes Speed and Special Attack. Finally, its pure Fire-type leaves it with only three weaknesses and six resistances. Typhlosion might not be the showiest of Fire starters, but it is a reliable and often impressive Pokémon. Luckily, it is bound to get its dues when the much-anticipated Pokémon Legends: Arceus finally debuts in January 2022.