Which Starter Should You Pick in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starter should I pick this fall? It’s a question that plagues players every generation and is one that people discussed online prior to the November 18, 2022 release date of Generation IX. Here is a guide to the pros and cons of each starter. Of course, you can also go with your gut and choose one that appeals to you the most.

Before you pick your starter in Scarlet/Violet, you get the chance to walk around with them a little. There is also an animation where they all run around and show off their personalities. After that, you get to choose. Now, even with their demonstration, some people might still struggle with picking a starter. But never fear. These are the reasons why you should or shouldn’t choose a particular starter:

Sprigatito

Sprigatito is very cute. Its final evolution Meowscarada has the most subdued design of the three. It kind of looks like a superhero. The entire line is widely appealing and marketable for the masses. However, Meowscarada is a Grass/Dark type. That means a whopping seven elemental weaknesses. To add insult to injury, Meowscarada takes quadruple damage from Bug type moves. While it does have an incredibly high Speed stat, its Defense and Special Defense stats are frankly abysmal. With its high Attack stat, Meowscarada can hit hard and fast, but can’t take much punishment. If you want to go for the more meta option, Meowscarada is not it.

Fuecoco

The lights are on but no one is home. Some people may really enjoy that kind of vibe. Crocalor kind of looks awkward, and Skeledirge looks pretty cool if you’re into the Digimon-aesthetic. In contrast to Meowscarada, Skeledirge is resistant against seven different types, and is immune to two. Its Fire/Ghost typing makes it a fairly strong meta pick. Skeledirge also boasts high Special Attack and Defense, which makes it a mighty glacier type. If you are the type to prioritize strength in your Pokemon rather than aesthetics, then Skeledirge might be the best option.

Quaxly

Quaxly and Quaxwell both look kind of like they’re the annoying nerd in class. But after graduation, you see them at the high school reunion and they’ve become an exotic dancer. Quaquaval is visually loud and relentlessly flamboyant. It just wants to have a good time. There is no in between – you either love it, or you hate it. Like Skeledirge, its Water/Fighting type has it resistant against seven different types. It has no immunities though. But that’s okay, because it’s here to have fun.

Keep in Mind:

For reference, after you start your journey for real, there is a practical smorgasbord of Pokemon for you to catch. Even if you didn’t choose Quaxley, for example, you can stock up on Water types with Buizel or Psyduck. You can get Bounsweet or Hoppip for a Grass type, as well as Fletchling or Growlithe for Fire. In Red and Blue, players who chose Charmander would have a hard time in the first two gyms (Rock and Water). In Pokemon Scarlet/Violet, there is no need to worry about locking yourself into a more difficult path because of your starter choice.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available worldwide for the Nintendo Switch.