Best Starter Pokémon To Pick in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The Moment of Choice

Every Pokémon game gives you that one gut-check moment — three Poké Balls on the table, and your brain screaming “Don’t mess this up.”
When I first booted up Pokémon Legends: Z-A, I was sure I’d go with nostalgia and pick Totodile. Then the doubts kicked in: what if Tepig’s Fire typing gives me easier clears? What if Chikorita’s support skills save me later?

So I decided to do something most trainers wouldn’t: I played all three starters through full runs — early routes, gym battles, mid-game grinds, and even into the Mega Evolution zones. What I discovered completely changed how I think about “the best starter.”

Chikorita – The Tactical Healer Nobody Appreciates

Let’s be honest — Chikorita rarely gets the love it deserves. Everyone remembers Totodile’s grin or Tepig’s firepower, but Chikorita? Too calm, too passive, they say.
Here’s the thing: in Z-A, Grass types get serious buffs thanks to new terrain effects and recovery scaling. Early battles against Rock and Ground types? Chikorita owns them.

But the real joy is how this starter rewards smart players. If you’re the type who plans two moves ahead — setting up Reflect, healing with Synthesis, and baiting attacks — you’ll feel like a battlefield tactician.

Still, it’s not perfect. Chikorita’s low offensive output means long fights if you don’t optimize your build. The first major boss nearly timed me out when my Meganium couldn’t finish fast enough. That’s when I realized: this Pokémon is for planners, not button-mashers.

Totodile – The Splash-Then-Smash Underdog

Totodile feels like the perfect balance between aggression and survivability. When I ran with it during my second playthrough, I noticed how consistent its early damage output was.

The first few routes felt smooth — Aqua Jet into Crunch handled most encounters. But where Totodile really shines is mid-game. Once it evolves into Croconaw and then Feraligatr, you get a moveset that covers multiple elements — Ice, Water, Dark — letting you counter half the Pokédex.

Of course, there’s that one electric gym that made me question my life choices. Nothing humbles you faster than watching your overconfident Feraligatr get paralyzed three turns in a row. But here’s the payoff: late game, with proper EV investment and items, Totodile’s line becomes one of the most versatile starters ever — the classic “jack of all trades” that scales beautifully.

If you enjoy offense but want a safety net when things get messy, Totodile’s your guy.

Tepig – The Risk-Reward Bruiser

Tepig gives pure chaos energy — and that’s not an insult. From the moment it learns Flame Charge, this little pig turns into a wrecking ball.
Early game, Fire typing helps you breeze through Bug and Grass zones. Mid-game? Tepig’s evolution line adds Fighting coverage, letting you punch through Steel walls that stop the others cold.

But you pay for that damage with fragility. A few misplays, and you’re toast. Literally. Tepig’s runs are fast, loud, and full of “oh no, I shouldn’t have done that” moments.

If you love high-risk, high-reward gameplay — if you like the rush of finishing a fight with just 3 HP left — Tepig offers that thrill. But it’s not for the cautious trainer.

The Meta Twist – Mega Evolution Synergy

Here’s where Legends: Z-A gets spicy. Once I hit the late-game Kalos zones, I realized Mega Evolutions weren’t just nostalgic — they change how starters perform.
Chikorita’s Mega-compatible evolutions get boosted healing. Totodile’s line gets attack stacking that makes it monstrous. Tepig’s? Let’s just say Mega Emboar might be the most dangerous glass cannon in the series.

And if you’ve already read my breakdown of how Mega Evolutions are shaking up Kalos in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you know this mechanic isn’t just cosmetic — it’s meta-defining.

If you’re planning your starter, you have to think about how your choice interacts with these future evolutions. Mega potential can completely shift who the “best” starter really is.

Playstyle Breakdown: Pick What Fits You

This isn’t just about stats — it’s about how you like to play. Pokémon Legends: Z-A rewards diversity, and every starter shines when played the right way.

Community Picks & Trends

After checking Reddit threads and community polls, the general consensus seems to mirror my findings:

• Totodile is the most popular all-rounder.
• Tepig gets love from hardcore players who enjoy challenge runs.
• Chikorita is the underrated support pick — the “expert’s choice.”

Some competitive trainers are even theory-crafting dual-starter runs thanks to Z-A’s flexible progression. That’s next-level dedication — and I respect it.

Final Verdict: Choose Your Story, Not Just Your Starter

After running all three starters through long campaigns, I can safely say — there’s no absolute “best.”
There’s only the one that fits your personality as a trainer.

• Want calm, strategic control? Pick Chikorita.
• Want dependable strength with flexible coverage? Totodile’s your champion.
• Want fast battles and pure adrenaline? Go Tepig and never look back.

In the end, your starter isn’t just your first Pokémon — it’s your first story. And every great adventure deserves one that feels personal.

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