If you’re diving into the world of Pokémon Ultra Violet, one of the most critical decisions you’ll face is choosing your starter Pokémon. The starter you select will accompany you on your journey, shaping your battles and adventures throughout the game. But fear not, aspiring trainers! In this blog post, we’ll thoroughly analyze each starter Pokémon, their strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities, to help you make an informed choice. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let’s jump into the world of Pokémon Ultra Violet!
Introduction
Before we dive into the specifics of each starter Pokémon, let’s briefly discuss the importance of choosing the right one. Your starter Pokémon will be your companion and ally, supporting you in battles and helping you overcome challenges. Each starter possesses unique qualities that cater to different playstyles, so it’s crucial to consider your preferences and strategies when making your selection.
Overview of Gameplay in Pokémon Ultra Violet
For those new to the game, Pokémon Ultra Violet follows the classic Pokémon formula, where trainers embark on a journey to become Pokémon Masters. You’ll explore various regions, battle trainers, catch Pokémon, and ultimately challenge the Pokémon League. The choices you make, starting with your starter Pokémon, will shape your adventure and determine your success.
Exploring the Starter Pokémon in Ultra Violet
In Pokémon Ultra Violet, you have three starter Pokémon to choose from: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Each possesses unique characteristics, types, and move sets. Let’s take a closer look at each one:
Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur is a Grass/Poison type Pokémon known for its balanced playstyle. It excels against Water and Rock types but can struggle against Fire and Psychic opponents. With its versatile move set, Bulbasaur offers flexibility in battles.
- Pros: Early advantage against the first few gyms in games where Water and Rock types are prominent early on.
- Cons: Slower compared to some other choices and might struggle in late-game battles.
Charmander
Charmander, a Fire type Pokémon, brings the heat to battles with its fiery breath and sharp claws. Its flame-tipped tail flickers with intensity as it unleashes its powerful Ember and Flamethrower attacks. Charmander’s scorching flames make it particularly effective against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel types, scorching through their defenses with ease. However, caution is advised when facing Water, Rock, and Dragon opponents, as they can resist Charmander’s fiery onslaught. With proper training and care, Charmander evolves into the majestic Charizard, a fearsome Fire and Flying type Pokémon that dominates the skies with its blazing wings and devastating Fire Blast attack. Due to its unique combination of power and charm, Charmander is a popular choice among trainers eager to harness the flames of victory in their battles.
- Pros: Rapid evolution to Charizard, which is fast and has a strong movepool. Effective against many types due to its Fire/Flying typing upon full evolution.
- Cons: Early-game challenges, especially in games with Rock or Water type gyms early on.
Squirtle
Squirtle, a Water type Pokémon, offers a defensive playstyle that focuses on endurance and tactical maneuvering. With its sturdy shell and agility in the water, Squirtle excels against Fire, Ground, and Rock types, where its defensive moves can effectively neutralize their attacks. However, trainers should exercise caution when facing Grass and Electric opponents, as their unique abilities and movesets can pose a challenge.
Furthermore, Squirtle’s potential to evolve into the formidable Blastoise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to its journey. As trainers nurture and train Squirtle, they can unlock its full potential and witness its transformation into a powerhouse of strength and resilience. With its reliability and stability in battles, Squirtle remains a popular and trusted choice among trainers seeking a well-rounded and dependable Pokémon companion.
- Pros: Solid defenses and powerful Water-type moves. Blastoise is quite bulky and can learn a variety of moves to handle different foes.
- Cons: Somewhat slower and may not have the sheer offensive power needed for the fastest runs
Pichu
Pichu, the Electric type Pokémon, is beloved for its adorable appearance and playful nature. Though it may not be the strongest contender in battles, its potential shines through its ability to learn powerful Electric moves.
As Pichu grows and evolves into Pikachu, it becomes a force to be reckoned with, captivating trainers with its charming personality and electrifying moves.
- Pros: Evolves into Pikachu then Raichu, both of which are quite speedy.
- Cons: Fragile and requires careful handling, especially at the beginning. Pikachu and Raichu’s effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the game.
Machop
Machop, a Fighting type Pokémon, is known for its impressive physical strength and formidable fighting moves. With its well-developed muscles, Machop excels in battles against Normal, Ice, Rock, Steel, and Dark types, overpowering them with its sheer force.
However, it may face challenges when confronted with Flying, Psychic, and Fairy opponents, requiring strategic maneuvering and careful planning to emerge victorious.
- Pros: Strong physical attacker and can learn a variety of powerful moves.
- Cons: Slower and evolves later which can slow down the early game.
Ralts
Ralts, a Psychic/Fairy type Pokémon, possesses extraordinary psychic abilities that allow it to tap into the emotions of those in its vicinity. With its empathetic nature, Ralts can not only sense the feelings of others but also provide comfort and support. In battle, Ralts exhibits great prowess against Fighting and Poison types, exploiting their weaknesses with its unique combination of psychic and fairy powers. However, caution is advised when facing Ghost and Steel opponents, as Ralts may find itself vulnerable to their formidable defenses and spectral abilities.
- Pros: Evolves into Gardevoir or Gallade, both of which can be quite powerful and versatile.
- Cons: Very weak early on and requires time to evolve and gain a strong moveset.
Gastly
Gastly, a Ghost/Poison type Pokémon, is notorious for its mischievous and playful nature, often causing trouble with its ability to effortlessly pass through walls. This ethereal Pokémon possesses a unique advantage against Psychic and Ghost types, utilizing its spectral powers to outmatch its opponents.
Trapinch
Trapinch is a Ground type Pokémon known for its exceptional digging ability, allowing it to create massive sandstorms that can disorient opponents. Its prowess shines when pitted against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel types, making it a formidable force to reckon with.
However, Trapinch should exercise caution when facing Water and Grass opponents, as their abilities can pose a threat.is a fierce and loyal creature known for its powerful fire-based attacks. Its fiery nature and determination make it a formidable opponent, especially against Grass, Bug, Ice, and Steel types. However, Houndour may face challenges when battling Water, Rock, and Fighting opponents due to their resistance to its fire-based attacks. Despite these struggles, Houndour’s loyalty and tenacity continue to make it a beloved choice among trainers.
Now, let’s talk about Houndour, the Dark/Fire type Pokémon. This fierce and cunning creature is known for its playful yet mischievous nature. With fiery red eyes and a jet-black body, Houndour is a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
- Pros: Evolves into Vibrava and then Flygon, which is quite fast and versatile.
- Cons: Very slow and weak initially, and takes a while to evolve into its more powerful forms.
Spheal
Spheal, the adorable Ice/Water type Pokémon, boasts a plump and round body that allows it to effortlessly glide across icy surfaces. With its icy moves, Spheal emerges as a formidable opponent against Grass, Ground, Flying, and Dragon types. However, caution must be exercised as it is susceptible to the attacks of Fighting, Rock, Electric, and Grass adversaries. Its unique combination of traits and vulnerabilities adds to the excitement and strategy of battling with Spheal.
- Pros: Evolves into Walrein, which is bulky and has a decent movepool.
- Cons: Slow and takes time to reach its full potential.
Larvitar
Larvitar, the Rock/Ground type Pokémon, possesses a rugged and durable body that reflects its tenacity and determination. With its formidable strength, Larvitar is known to excel in battles against Fire, Electric, Poison, Flying, and Bug types, leveraging its innate advantages. However, it may encounter challenges when facing Water, Grass, and Ice opponents due to their unique attributes and defenses. Nonetheless, with strategic planning and skillful execution, Larvitar can overcome these obstacles and emerge victorious.
- Pros: Evolves into Tyranitar, a powerhouse with great stats across the board.
- Cons: Extremely slow growth and only evolves into its final form quite late in the game.
Dratini
Dratini, a Dragon type Pokémon, is known for its immense power and potential to evolve into the mighty Dragonite. With its sleek and serpentine body, Dratini possesses a unique elegance that captivates trainers around the world. It excels in battles against Dragon types, utilizing its innate strength and strategic moves. However, trainers should be aware that Dratini may face vulnerability when confronted by Ice, Fairy, and fellow Dragon opponents due to their specific abilities and resistances.
- Pros: Evolves into Dragonite, a highly versatile and powerful Pokémon.
- Cons: Very slow to level up and evolve, making it less ideal for speedrunning.
For speedrunning, generally, you’d want a Pokémon that can evolve quickly and has a strong, versatile movepool to handle various types of opponents efficiently. Among these options, Charmander might often be the best choice due to its rapid evolution into Charizard and its powerful offensive capabilities. However, Gastly can also be a strong contender if you can manage to evolve it into Gengar, due to Gengar’s high speed and special attack. But in this case it is a terrible idea, becouse in the first part of the game Gastly is too slow and cand deal decent damage to most enemys. Same goes for Dratini, they are just too slow
It’s important to note that the best choice can vary greatly depending on the specific game and its route. Different games have different gym leader and Elite Four typings, and some Pokémon might be better in one game compared to another. Speedrunners often do extensive research and testing to determine the optimal Pokémon for each run.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Starter Pokémon
Now that we’ve thoroughly explored each of the starter Pokémon, let’s delve into some essential factors that can greatly influence your decision. By carefully considering their unique abilities, strengths, weaknesses, and evolutionary paths, you can make an informed choice that aligns perfectly with your preferred playstyle and long-term strategic goals. So, take your time, weigh the options, and embark on your Pokémon journey with confidence and excitement!
The Importance of Type Matchups
In battles, understanding type matchups is crucial for strategic success. Each Pokémon type possesses unique strengths and weaknesses when facing other types. To ensure triumph in your journey, carefully consider the types of Pokémon you are likely to encounter and choose a starter that can effectively counter those types. By selecting a Pokémon with advantageous matchups, you will increase your chances of emerging victorious in challenging battles.
Challenges
Not underestimate the importance of type matchups even in daily challenges like Professor Oak’s! This task requires you to catch all Pokémon as quickly as possible, making it vital to have a team that can effectively counter various types. Choosing your starter Pokémon wisely can make this challenge much more manageable.
Considering there where not many changes in the trainers and spawns, the worst starter is probably Ghastly.
Unique Abilities and Moves
Each starter Pokémon possesses a set of unique abilities and moves that make them distinct from one another. These special attributes not only define their individual strengths and weaknesses but also play a crucial role in shaping their evolution and battle strategies. Whether it’s the fiery power of a Fire-type, the leafy grace of a Grass-type, or the watery prowess of a Water-type, choosing a starter Pokémon is a decision that will have a lasting impact on your journey as a trainer.
Considering Pokémon Stats
Each starter Pokémon has different base stats, which play a crucial role in determining their strengths and weaknesses during battles. By carefully analyzing these stats, you can gain valuable insights into their capabilities and strategically choose the one that aligns with your preferred playstyle. Whether you prioritize speed, attack power, or defensive abilities, understanding the intricate details of their attributes can greatly enhance your overall gameplay experience. So take your time, delve into the stats, and embark on your Pokémon journey equipped with the knowledge to make the best choice for your adventure ahead.
How Gameplay Style Affects the Choice of Starter
Your preferred gameplay style can also influence your choice of starter Pokémon. Do you enjoy aggressive, offensive strategies? Or do you prefer a more defensive approach? Consider how each starter aligns with your desired gameplay style.
Additional Starter Options
While Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are the traditional starter options in Pokémon Ultra Violet, the game also offers alternate starters. These non-traditional starters provide unique advantages and can add variety to your team composition. Consider exploring these options for an unconventional and exciting gameplay experience.
Changing Starters Throughout the Game
One of the great features of Pokémon Ultra Violet is the ability to switch starters throughout your journey. While you initially choose one of the traditional starter Pokémon, you’ll have opportunities to catch and train other Pokémon. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different team compositions and adapt to battle challenges effectively.
Finding Rare and Legendary Pokémon
In your quest to become a Pokémon Master, you’ll encounter rare and legendary Pokémon. These extraordinary creatures possess incredible power and can greatly enhance your team. Explore different regions, complete quests, and unlock these legendary Pokémon to strengthen your lineup.
Using Starter Choice to Advantage in Battles
Your starter choice can greatly impact your early battles. By leveraging the strengths of your chosen starter Pokémon, you can gain an advantage against specific opponents. Strategically planning your battles and utilizing your starter’s moves effectively will set you on the path to victory.
Training and Evolving Your Starter Pokémon for Maximum Effect
To maximize the potential of your starter Pokémon, focus on training and evolving them. Leveling up your starter will unlock new moves and abilities, making them more formidable in battles. With dedication and proper training, your starter Pokémon will grow into a powerful asset.
Conclusion
Choosing your starter Pokémon in Pokémon Ultra Violet is a momentous decision that will shape your journey as a Pokémon Trainer. Consider the strengths, weaknesses, and unique abilities of each starter when making your choice. Whether you embark on your adventure with Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, or venture down the path of non-traditional starters, remember to experiment, adapt, and evolve alongside your Pokémon team. With careful consideration and strategic planning, you’re well on your way to becoming a true Pokémon Master. Good luck on your quest!
