Upon starting a new game, you'll be prompted to choose your gender (Boy or Girl) and name your character. This choice is purely cosmetic and does not affect gameplay or available Pokémon. You'll also be asked to name your rival, Barry. After these initial choices, you'll soon meet Professor Rowan and be presented with your first Pokémon. This is one of the most crucial decisions in the game!
You can choose from three starter Pokémon:
- Turtwig (Grass Type): A sturdy Pokémon that evolves into Grotle and then Torterra (Grass/Ground). Torterra has high Attack and Defense, making it a good physical attacker.
- Chimchar (Fire Type): A speedy and offensive Pokémon that evolves into Monferno (Fire/Fighting) and then Infernape (Fire/Fighting). Infernape boasts high Attack and Special Attack, making it a versatile mixed attacker.
- Piplup (Water Type): A special attacker that evolves into Prinplup and then Empoleon (Water/Steel). Empoleon has excellent Special Attack and Special Defense, with a unique typing that offers many resistances.
Consider your preferred playstyle and the types you generally enjoy using. Each starter is viable and can lead you to victory, so choose the one that appeals to you most!