Which Starter Is Best in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen?

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are finally on Switch, bringing a taste of the series’ retro roots to a modern platform for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. Millions of fans and newcomers are downloading the game to start a brand new adventure in the Kanto region. They’ll all be faced with the same timelessly perplexing choice: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle—but ultimately the best pick is the one you like best; the point of playing is to have fun, not to spreadsheet decade-old Game Boy Advance games.

Bulbasaur is a poison/grass type that’s tough to take down. It evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and Venusaur at level 32, reaching its final form four levels earlier than the other starters. That early power helps against Brock and Misty, and Ivysaur/Venusaur trade speed and raw attack for high HP and a suite of status and draining moves.

Sleep Powder combined with Leech Seed and Solar Beam, plus options like Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb, make it excellent for methodical battles.

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