Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduces a new region and several brand-new Pokémon to catch, though players' journeys won't begin until after they've chosen their first of such monsters. As usual, there is a Fire-type, a Grass-type, and a Water-type Pokémon to choose from as a starter, with each gaining additional types as they evolve. This presents strategies and tactics necessary to take advantage of each Pocket Monster's strengths and avoid their weaknesses.

Scarlet and Violet makes choosing a starter even harder, with there being a different challenge level depending on the Pokémon with which players begin. From type effectiveness to their stats and final forms, each of these starters brings something enticing to the table. Here's what Pokémon trainers should know before they choose their first friend in the sprawling Paldea region.

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Sprigatito's Speed Doesn't Compensate for Its Shortcomings

Sprigatito smiling in front of a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet shot.

Sprigatito might be the cutest of the Paldea region starter Pokémon, but that doesn't come without problems. The grassy kitty cat has the lowest HP of the three starters, and it's weak against Bug, Flying, Fire, Poison, and Ice-type attacks. Considering that these are all quite prevalent in the early sections of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Sprigatito might not make for the best starter. However, it does have one key advantage over the other two options.

Sprigatito has an incredible speed stat, with its blistering nature being beyond that of even Quaxly. It also gains a few more strengths when it finally evolves into Meowscarada, becoming part Dark-type and being useful against Psychic Pokémon. Additionally, its Flower Trick attack always scores a critical hit, making it a fairly strategic choice for battles. Still, the other two Paldea starters are ultimately better choices for the majority of the game's three paths, meaning that Sprigatito should be saved for a trading option down the road.

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Fuecoco Is Perfect for Tackling the Main Story

Fuecoco smiling in Pokémon Scarlet Violet.

Fuecoco is a Fire-type crocodile Pokémon, with its goofy design making it easily endearing. Of course, it takes more than cuteness to make it in battle, which is why it's a good thing that Fuecoco has so many advantages. For one, the first several Gym leaders use Grass and Bug-type Pokémon, making them easy to defeat with Fuecoco's Fire-type attacks. Even beyond these initial challenges, however, Fuecoco's evolutionary line is incredibly worthwhile.

The creature's final form of Skeledirge has a unique Fire/Ghost-type. This makes it invulnerable against Normal and Fighting-type attacks, as well as giving it advantages against powerful Psychic-type Pokémon. In general, this makes Fuecoco perhaps the best starter to choose when simply focusing on completing the main story path.

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Quaxly Has the Best Overall Stats of All the Starters

A still of Quaxly from its first introduction

Quaxly doesn't have the same early type advantages as Fuecoco, with its Water-type status making it particularly vulnerable against the early Grass-types. Even with this weakness, however, it becomes quite useful later in the game. In every category but one, its stats outrank the other two starter Pokémon. This makes it a well-rounded middle ground for speed, strength, and stamina.

Likewise, Quaxly's evolutionary line is perfect to take on Klawf, the first of the Titan Pokémon encountered in the game. Its Water-typing also allows it to soak through the Fire-types used by Mela, the leader of Team Star's Fire Crew. For this reason, the Pokémon is a good option for completing multiple paths of the game. Its final form is Quaquaval, which has a unique combination of Water and Fighting-typing. This gives it more advantages but also leaves it more vulnerable to Flying, Fighting, and Psychic-type opponents.