Which Starter Should You Pick in Legends Z-A: Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile?

For Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Game Freak chose three starters from older generations: Chikorita and Totodile (Johto) and Tepig (Unova). The big novelty: their final evolutions each get a brand-new Mega Evolution. Here is what sets them apart and our advice depending on how you play.

When you choose

main mission 1

Level

5

Mega Stone

given by A.Z. at mission 10

The other two

Mega Stones at ₽100,000 at Le Joyau de Kalos after the story

Chikorita: the enduring one

• ChikoritaNo. 5Grass

  Grass.

• BayleefGrass

  Evolves at level 16.

• MeganiumGrass

  Evolves at level 32.

• Mega MeganiumGrassFairy

  Mega Meganium: Grass and Fairy.

Chikorita has a reputation as Johto’s “difficult” starter, and that is still a little true at the very beginning: Wild Zone 1 is full of Bug- and Flying-type Pokémon that resist it. But it quickly becomes sturdier, and its Grass- and Fairy-type Mega Evolution changes everything: it gains immunity to Dragon, resistance to Fighting and Dark, and real offensive power. It is the best choice if you like robust Pokémon that can heal and go the distance.

Tepig: the brawler

• TepigNo. 5Fire

  Fire.

• PigniteFireFighting

  Evolves at level 17.

• EmboarFireFighting

  Evolves at level 36.

• Mega EmboarFireFighting

  Mega Emboar: Fire and Fighting.

Tepig is the most comfortable choice for getting started: its Fire-type moves scorch the Bug- and Grass-type Pokémon of the first zones, and several key opponents (Yvonne, Gypso and his Steel-type team, Mega Victreebel, Mega Venusaur) fear Fire. Emboar, a Fire and Fighting type, hits extremely hard up close, and Mega Emboar amplifies that raw power even further. Its weak point: a marked vulnerability to Water, Ground, Psychic and Flying.

Totodile: the all-rounder

• TotodileNo. 5Water

  Water.

• CroconawWater

  Evolves at level 18.

• FeraligatrWater

  Evolves at level 30.

• Mega FeraligatrWaterDragon

  Mega Feraligatr: Water and Dragon.

Totodile is the most balanced of the three. Water resists many types and hits Mega Camerupt, Charizard and Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon super effectively. Feraligatr learns good physical moves very early, and its Water- and Dragon-type Mega Evolution removes its weakness to Grass and Electric: it only fears Dragon and Fairy. A safe and very effective choice all the way to the end.

Our verdict