Choosing the Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red

Choosing your first Pokémon in the world of Pocket Monsters is more than just the beginning of an adventure; it's a strategic decision impacting your entire journey. Each of the three Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. This guide will analyze each, helping you select the best companion for a successful start.

Table of Contents

• Squirtle
• Bulbasaur
• Charmander
• Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

Squirtle

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This turtle-like Pokémon boasts a sturdy shell, offering both protection and hydrodynamic advantages for swift swimming. Its precise water jets make it a formidable opponent. While a Water-type, Squirtle is surprisingly adept on land. Its temperament is relatively calm, making it easier to train than Charmander, but slightly more challenging than Bulbasaur.

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Squirtle's high defense and balanced stats make it an excellent choice for beginners. It excels against early Gym Leaders like Brock and Misty. Its final evolution, Blastoise, is a powerful Water-type with high survivability and access to Surf, beneficial for both battles and exploration. Its Torrent ability boosts Water moves, while its hidden ability, Rain Dish, passively heals it in rain.

However, Squirtle's weaknesses to Grass and Electric types can pose challenges against Erika and Lt. Surge. Its attack power is lower than Charmander's, and its speed is somewhat lacking.

Bulbasaur

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Bulbasaur, a Grass/Poison type, is a small, green quadruped with a unique bulb on its back. This bulb stores energy, allowing survival for days without food. Sunlight fuels its growth, signaling its evolution to Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy.

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Bulbasaur's balanced stats make it versatile. Its type combination is effective against early Gym Leaders. Leech Seed, inflicting damage over time, is a valuable asset. Vine Whip, utilizing strong vines, is useful for both combat and traversal. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunshine.

Despite its advantages, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Pokémon like Charmander. Its lower speed can be a disadvantage, and its attacks may not be as powerful as others later in the game.

Charmander

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Charmander, a Fire-type lizard Pokémon, has a flame on its tail reflecting its health and emotions. The flame's extinction signifies death. A healthy Charmander's flame persists even in rain.

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Charmander's high Attack and Speed, coupled with effective Fire moves against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types, make it a popular choice. Its evolution into Charizard grants access to powerful moves and Mega Evolution. However, its low defense and struggles against Brock and Misty's Pokémon make for a challenging early game.

Despite initial difficulties, Charmander becomes incredibly powerful later. A dedicated trainer will be rewarded with one of the strongest Pokémon in the game.

Choosing Your First Pokémon: Who to Take on Your Journey?

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Each starter offers unique advantages, shaping your playstyle. Bulbasaur provides an easier start, Charmander a greater challenge, and Squirtle a balanced approach. We recommend Bulbasaur for a smoother progression, effectively handling the first two Gyms. Its balanced stats and resilience make it ideal for beginners, remaining useful throughout the game.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferred playstyle and long-term strategy. Consider the early game challenges and your approach to later battles. Whichever you choose, your decision will lay the foundation for your unforgettable Pocket Monsters adventure.