Which Starter to Choose in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Completing and Solving?

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When choosing a starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, you’ll be selecting from Chikorita, Totodile, and Tepig—combining Pokémon from both Johto and Unova regions. While in past games your starting Pokémon influenced how tough the early game would be, that’s less relevant here because Legends: Z-A doesn’t feature traditional Pokémon gyms. Instead, the focus is on teamwork balance, personal preference, and Mega Evolution.

Ultimately, pick whichever Pokémon you like most, as you can develop a team that compensates for any initial weaknesses. If you want to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each option, here’s a breakdown of all starters:

Chikorita

Chikorita is a popular choice despite having the slowest evolution timeline and the lowest base stats among these starters. As a Grass-type, it offers support and healing moves, which can be very helpful in the game. However, it is weak to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, and Bug attacks.

Evolution line:

Level 16: Bayleef (Grass)
Level 32: Meganium (Grass)

Mega Evolution: Meganium becomes Grass/Fairy.

Totodile

Totodile is considered the best from a strategic point of view. It has the highest base stats, evolves quickly into its final form, and offers a good range of powerful Water-type moves. It has only two weaknesses—Electric and Grass—making it versatile and reliable.

Evolution line:

Level 18: Croconaw (Water)
Level 30: Feraligatr (Water)

Mega Evolution: Feraligatr becomes Water/Dragon.

Tepig

Tepig is a strong attacker but takes the longest to reach its final evolution. It’s a Fire-type, with its evolutions gaining dual types: Fire and Fighting. Tepig is weak to Water, Ground, and Rock initially, and later in evolution, it has additional weaknesses to Flying and Psychic. Its lower speed and longer evolution path make it more challenging but still a powerful choice.

Evolution line:

Level 17: Pignite (Fire/Fighting)
Level 36: Emboar (Fire/Fighting)

Mega Evolution: Emboar remains Fire/Fighting.

Choosing based on personal preference or cuteness is perfectly fine. But from a gameplay strategy, Totodile offers the best stats and fewer weaknesses, making it a solid pick for beginners. Each starter’s strengths and evolutions can be further enhanced through Mega Evolution, adding to the variety of team-building options.