Which Starter should you choose in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you are given a choice between three new Paldea starters at the beginning of the game. But which one should you pick: Sprigatito, Quaxly, or Fuecoco? Here's everything you need to know about them to help you make the important decision.

Should I choose Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

At the beginning of Scarlet and Violet, Director Clavell will give you the option to pick your Paldea Starter. After taking a brief walk with the new adorable Pokémon, you will be faced with the tough decision of choosing between Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Below is a breakdown of everything you should consider before picking your Paldean partner Pokémon.

Should I choose Sprigatito in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Related: Best Nature for Sprigatito, Floragato, and Meowscarada in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Sprigatito is a Grass-type Pokémon with a high Speed and Attack stat, while also having the lowest HP out of the new Starters. Right out the gate, Sprigatito has a major disadvantage in the early game, as the first round of Gyms, Team Star, and Titan Pokémon favor Fuecoco and Quaxly instead. Although Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is an open-world game, it doesn't actually have level scaling. Because of this, Sprigatito isn't very effective regarding boss fights that are available in the first quarter of the three-story campaigns. However, the Grass Cat Pokémon has a major advantage over the first Stony Cliff Titan, the lowest-level boss in the Path of Legends campaign. Overall, Sprigatito is only super effective against Cascarrafa Gym and Montenevera Gym.

Should I choose Fuecoco in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Related: Best Nature for Fuecoco, Crocalor, and Skeledirge in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Fuecoco is Paldea's Fire-type Starter and has a high Sp. Atk and HP stats. Compared to the other Starters, Fuecoco has a massive advantage at the beginning of the game as it is super effective against the Bug-type Gym in Cortondo City and the Grass-type Gym in Artazon City. Because both of these Gyms are low-level and located at the start of the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet map, Fuecoco is the perfect choice for new players or those who want to get a leg up at the start of their journey. Fuecoco also has the most overall effectiveness in the story campaigns due to the Fire Croc being strong against the Lurking Steel Titan and the Ice-type Gym in the Glaseado Mountains as well. One downside to Fuecoco is that it has the lowest Speed stat out of the Gen 9 Starter group.

Should I choose Quaxly in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Related: Best Nature for Quaxly, Quaxwell, and Quaquaval in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Quaxly is a Water-type Pokémon with the highest Attack stat out of the Gen 9 Starters. Compared to Fuecoco and Sprigatio, its overall stats are more balanced, as it also has decent HP, Sp. Atk, and Speed. If you are looking for a solid all-rounder Starter that is strong in all areas, Quaxly is the perfect choice to bring along on your journey across Paldea. The downside to the Duckling Pokémon is that it has the least amount of effectiveness across the three story campaigns. Quaxly is super effective against Team Star leader Mela and the Quaking Earth Titan in the Asado Desert.

Which Scarlet and Violet Starter you choose comes down to personal choice, as there are several factors to consider. Whether it's their final evolution design, stats, or overall effectiveness in the story, there are many perfectly valid reasons to pick one Starter over the other. On paper, however, Fuecoco has the most Type advantages out of the Gen 9 Starters and is also very powerful in the early game. Of course, you can also catch plenty of new Paldea Pokémon, as well as the Terastal Battle mechanic, which can make up for any team weaknesses.

For more information on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, check out How to start playing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet early here on Pro Game Guides.