Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red: A Guide

Selecting your initial fighter in the Pocket Monsters universe is a pivotal decision that not only kicks off your adventure but also strategically influences your entire gameplay experience. The three starting Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed each boast unique attributes and advantages. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the characteristics of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander, helping you decide which one will set you up for success from the very start.

Table of Contents

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

Squirtle

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Squirtle, a Water-type Pokémon, resembles a small turtle with a sturdy shell that serves multiple purposes. Beyond offering protection and a place for rest, the shell's unique shape and grooves enhance its hydrodynamics, enabling Squirtle to swim at remarkable speeds. Additionally, it can project water jets with precision from its mouth, showcasing its versatility both in and out of water.

Known for its relatively calm demeanor, Squirtle can be challenging to train compared to Bulbasaur but easier than Charmander. It's an ideal choice for beginners due to its high defense and balanced stats, providing a significant advantage early in the game against Rock and Water-type trainers like Brock and Misty. Squirtle evolves into Blastoise, which boasts powerful Water attacks, high survivability, and the ability to use Surf, enhancing both combat and exploration.

Squirtle's Torrent ability amplifies its Water moves, and its hidden ability, Rain Dish, restores health during rain. However, it struggles against Grass and Electric types, particularly in battles against Erika and Lt. Surge. Its attacks are less potent than Charmander's, and its speed could be improved.

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Bulbasaur

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Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison-type Pokémon, is a small, green creature with a distinctive bulb on its back that stores energy. This bulb allows Bulbasaur to survive without food for days during dry spells, growing by absorbing sunlight. When the bulb's weight becomes too much, it signals an imminent evolution into Ivysaur.

Bulbasaur is a solid choice for newcomers, offering balanced stats and versatility. Its dual types give it an edge against the initial Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty. The ability Leech Seed inflicts Damage over Time, while Vine Whip uses its vines as limbs for combat and manipulation. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed under sunlight, providing crucial advantages.

However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Pokémon like Charmander. It's not the fastest, which can hinder its ability to attack first in battles. In the game's later stages, its vulnerabilities become more pronounced, and its attacks may not match the power of others like Charizard or Blastoise.

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Charmander

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Charmander, a Fire-type lizard Pokémon, has a tail flame that reflects its health and emotions. A bright flame indicates strength, while a dim one signals exhaustion. It's believed that if the flame extinguishes, Charmander's life ends, though a healthy one can keep its flame burning even in rain.

Despite its popularity, Charmander can be challenging early on. It boasts high Attack and Speed, with effective Fire moves against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. Eventually, it evolves into Charizard, gaining access to powerful moves and the potential for Mega Evolution.

However, Charmander faces difficulties with the first gyms; Brock's Rock-type Pokémon resist Fire attacks, and Misty's Water-types can easily defeat it. Its relatively low defense makes it vulnerable in early battles. Despite these initial hurdles, Charmander becomes a formidable ally later in the game, rewarding those willing to tackle the early challenges.

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

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Each starter Pokémon offers distinct advantages and challenges, and the best choice hinges on your preferred play style. For an easy start, Bulbasaur is recommended; for those who relish a challenge, Charmander is a thrilling option; and for balance and versatility, Squirtle stands out.

We believe Bulbasaur is the optimal choice for a smooth progression. Its Grass type excels against the first two gyms, providing a strong foundation from the outset. With solid Defense and Stamina, Bulbasaur is less likely to falter in battles, making it suitable even for beginners. It proves its value early and remains a reliable companion throughout the game.

Your chosen companion will shape your playstyle and approach to battles. Consider not only the early game challenges but also your strategy for the later stages. Your choice will lay the groundwork for your adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.