Which Kanto Classic Should You Build Your Team Around?
Whether you’re diving into the world of Pokémon for the first time or reliving the magic of your Game Boy days, there’s one question that every trainer eventually faces:
Who’s the best Kanto starter: Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur?
Each one brings a unique blend of charm, strength, and strategy — but if you’re thinking about long-term potential, battle prowess, and which one gives your team the best edge, it’s time to dig deeper.
Let’s break it down and see which of these three iconic Pokémon truly deserves to lead your squad in 2025 and beyond.
🔥 Charmander: The Fire-Type Fan Favorite
Type: Fire → Fire/Flying (Charizard)
Evolution Line: Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
🌟 Strengths:
- High Speed + Special Attack: Charizard is fast, fiery, and hits hard with powerful moves like Flamethrower, Air Slash, and even Solar Beam (with proper setup).
- Versatility: Can learn a wide variety of moves including Dragon Claw, Steel Wing, and Earthquake.
- Mega Evolution & Gigantamax Form: In various games and TCG formats, Charizard gets the royal treatment — often featured with powerful forms and fan-favorite alt arts.
- Popularity & Value: Charizard is arguably the most recognizable and collectible Pokémon. Its cards (especially vintage) fetch top dollar.
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Double weakness to Rock as a Fire/Flying type — a major issue in both competitive battling and certain gym matchups.
- Needs more training early game to survive against Rock and Water types.
🔥 Final Evolution: Charizard
- Offense: ★★★★★
- Defense: ★★☆☆☆
- Popularity: ★★★★★
- Competitive Viability: ★★★★☆
🌊 Squirtle: The Reliable Defender
Type: Water → Water (Blastoise)
Evolution Line: Squirtle → Wartortle → Blastoise
🌟 Strengths:
- High Defense: Blastoise is a tank. It can absorb hits that would knock out other starters and wear down opponents with Water Pulse, Surf, or Ice Beam.
- Consistent Performance: Great against Fire, Rock, and Ground types. Reliable in early-game gyms and late-game battles.
- Mega Evolution: Mega Blastoise becomes a powerhouse with boosted Special Attack and access to devastating moves like Hydro Cannon.
- Support Capabilities: Can learn Rapid Spin and status moves, making it great in doubles or team-based formats.
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Less offensive presence compared to Charizard or Venusaur.
- Vulnerable to Electric and Grass types.
💧 Final Evolution: Blastoise
- Offense: ★★★☆☆
- Defense: ★★★★★
- Popularity: ★★★★☆
- Competitive Viability: ★★★★☆
🌱 Bulbasaur: The Underrated Strategist
Type: Grass/Poison → Grass/Poison (Venusaur)
Evolution Line: Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur
🌟 Strengths:
- Great Early-Game Advantage: Destroys Brock’s Rock types and Misty’s Water types in early-game battles. Easier for new players.
- Status Master: Can learn Sleep Powder, Leech Seed, and Toxic — turning Venusaur into a stalling machine in battle.
- Sustain & Longevity: With Giga Drain and Synthesis, Venusaur can outlast opponents in long battles.
- Mega & Gigantamax Forms: Offers tankiness and unique abilities like Chlorophyll (doubles speed in sun).
⚠️ Weaknesses:
- Double weakness to Flying and Fire moves.
- Slower than the other two starters.
🌿 Final Evolution: Venusaur
- Offense: ★★★★☆
- Defense: ★★★★☆
- Popularity: ★★★☆☆
- Competitive Viability: ★★★★★
🏆 Starter Showdown: Who Wins Head-to-Head?
| Starter | Offense | Defense | Popularity | Type Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charmander | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Weak early, strong late |
| Squirtle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Balanced throughout |
| Bulbasaur | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Strong early game |
⚔️ Team Matchup (1v1 Hypothetical):
- Charizard vs. Blastoise: Blastoise wins (Water beats Fire)
- Blastoise vs. Venusaur: Venusaur wins (Grass beats Water)
- Venusaur vs. Charizard: Charizard wins (Fire/Flying beats Grass)
It’s a full circle of checks and balances — just as Game Freak intended.
✅ Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?
If you’re looking to dominate from start to finish, especially in early gyms and team setup, go with… 🌿 Bulbasaur.
Here’s why:
- Venusaur is the most well-rounded of the three final evolutions.
- It’s the easiest starter to begin your journey with (especially for newer players).
- In competitive formats, Venusaur’s synergy with sunny-day teams and status-inflicting moves makes it a tactical nightmare.
- And in the TCG, Grass types often fly under the radar — but Venusaur cards (especially vintage ones) hold solid value and nostalgic appeal.
That said, if you’re after pure firepower and collector hype, Charmander and the legacy of Charizard are hard to beat. And if you want a reliable wall of defense with great long-term strength, Squirtle’s your shell-shocking buddy.
🧠 Bottom Line
In the end, the best starter Pokémon is the one that fits your playstyle, your passion, and your strategy. Whether you go fiery, aquatic, or leafy green, there’s no wrong answer — but if you want the edge in early battles and strong competitive footing?
Team Bulbasaur might just surprise you.