First partner Pokémon

Starter Pokémon are the Pokémon with which the player can begin the game. Each one starts out at Level 5 with two basic moves: one attack and one attack to lower the opponent's stats. These moves are generally weak moves. The three starters are almost always of three specific types: Fire, Water, and Grass. The rival picks the starter that has a strength against the player's starter.

Starters, with versions listed:

Kanto

In Pokémon Red and Blue and in Pokémon Green:

• Bulbasaur,
• Charmander, and
• Squirtle.

In Pokémon Yellow:

• Pikachu. The rival starts with an Eevee; it will become a Vaporeon, Jolteon, or Flareon depending on the outcome of battles.

In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen:

• See: The list of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green starters

Johto

In Pokémon Gold and Silver and in Pokémon Crystal:

• Chikorita,
• Cyndaquil, and
• Totodile.

Hoenn

In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and in Pokémon Emerald:

• Treecko,
• Torchic, and
• Mudkip.

Wally starts with Ralts; he seeks Norman's assistance in catching his first Pokémon.

Orre

In Pokémon Colosseum:

• Espeon and Umbreon. These starter Pokémon come as a pair as to represent the Double-Battle system, and are also different in that they are in the player's possession right at start. They are at the levels of 25 and 26, respectively, knowing some TM moves.

In Pokémon XD:

• Eevee. This starter Pokémon is also in the player's possession right at the beginning. It is at level 10, knowing Bite which is otherwise only available through breeding at such a level. The player is offered one of the five evolutionary items at an early point in the game.