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No matter how much the Pokemon series advances, we all remember our first experience with it and the starter Pokémon we chose first. For many of us, that was one of the Kanto starters. Good news—these starters are now available in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
However, unless you find someone to trade with, you’ll only be able to get one of the Kanto starters. If you’re unsure about which to pick, here’s all the information you need.
How to Get the Kanto Starters
After defeating Lida during the eighth main mission, you’ll receive a call from Mable offering a new side quest called “A Call from Mable.” Head to the Pokémon Research Lab at the south end of Lumiose City and go up to the director’s office.
There, you’ll find Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle waiting for you. This side quest is straightforward: pick one.
Note: Currently, the only way to get the Kanto starters in the game is through trading. This could change with future DLC, and we’ll update this information if that happens.
Which Kanto Starter Should You Choose?
Choosing a starter Pokémon is always tough. Ultimately, go with the one you like best, as all three are great additions to your team. You may be trying to balance your team based on your initial starter or considering Mega Evolutions, so here’s some extra info about each.
Charmander
Charmander is a strong option since it has two Mega Evolutions, Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y, each with different dual types. It’s a popular Fire-type Pokémon because of nostalgia and because it’s a powerful team member.
You can buy Charizardite Y or X from Quasartico Inc. on Autumnal Avenue in Lumiose City’s northwest section, for 240 Mega Shards each. Since you can access these Mega Stones after completing the tenth main mission, “The Secrets of Mega Evolution,” Charmander becomes a top choice early on.
Squirtle
Squirtle is a solid Water-type option with only one Mega Evolution, Mega Blastoise. Like Charmander, its Mega Stone—Blaistosite—can be purchased from Quasartico Inc. for 240 Mega Shards after the tenth main mission.
Bulbasaur
Bulbasaur is also a good addition and offers a strong Grass-type Pokémon. The downside is that you can’t Mega Evolve Bulbasaur as quickly as the others since its Mega Stone, Venusaurite, is earned only after completing main mission 29, “A Rogue Mega Venusaur,” where you defeat a rogue Mega Venusaur and receive the Mega Stone as a reward.
While Bulbasaur takes longer to reach Mega Evolution, it remains a powerful team member, especially once evolved into Venusaur.
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