Picking a starter is the first step to a trainer's journey in the Pokémon series. The choice is usually split between three options, including a Grass-type, Fire-type, and Water-type. Every one of the 8 Pokémon regions has different starter species, and in their basic, pre-evolve states most of these starters are pretty cute. While selecting a starter based entirely on aesthetic might lead to type struggles in battle later down the road, picking a companion a trainer finds personally appealing can make the journey through the Pokémon region more fun.
Currently, there are 25 different starter Pokémon, including the electric mouse Pikachu. Some starters have a special place in the hearts of fans for their long-time contribution to the Pokémon series, which can be seen with Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle. Others, like the Galarian starters, have only been with the series a short time, and are still building their reputation with fans. Despite this, recent regions like Galar and Alola have boasted some particularly cute starters to pair up with compared to past generations.
Pokémon design choices have changed dramatically based on a number of factors over the 25 years the Pokémon series has been taking fans on exciting journeys. Starter designs are often inspired by real-world locations and creatures, which are used to help create each Pokémon region. This helps the starters blend in with the settings. Because of these design tactics, the Pokémon games have produced some adorable starters, like Litten the Fire-type cat from Alola, and Oshawott the tiny, Water-type otter Pokémon from Unova. However, other starter designs have been less successful.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Tepig
Tepig is a Fire-starter Pokémon from the Unova region from Pokémon Black and White. The small pig Pokémon is the arguably the least likable of all Fire-type starters, and is one of the most frustrating additions to the starter list. Tepig eventually evolves into Emboar, the Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon. For a starter, Tepig's design is forgettable and easy to ignore, especially when there are other cute starter options for the Unova region.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Chimchar
The Sinnoh region had a rough time with starters. Chimchar is the Fire-type starter for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. The small monkey doesn't capture the adorable charm of other ape-like Pokémon. With giant ears, long arms, and a front lip/snout that covers its expressions, Chimchar is more creepy than cute. Its final evolution isn't any better. Infernape is yet another Fire/Fighting-type final starter evolution, and its uninteresting design gets lost among other monkey-inspired Pokémon like Primeape, Simisear, Simisage, and Simipour.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Totodile
Totodile is the Water-type starter of the Johto region in Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal. Inspired by crocodiles, Totodile may not be the cutest starter, but in this case, it's okay not to be adorable. Totodile is intimidating. With a mouthful of sharp teeth and spines down its back, even its basic form looks tough. This starter is great for those who want a fearsome companion instead of a fluffy one.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Treecko
Treecko is the Grass-type starter of the Hoenn region in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. The small gecko-inspired companion is much like Totodile, in that it trades a cute appearance for a more elegant air. Treecko's final evolution is the majestic Sceptile, a towering, bobble covered beast who is almost like a dinosaur in its design.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Turtwig
Turtwig is the Grass-type starter for the Sinnoh region in Pokémon Black and White. Looking like a Bulbasaur knock-off, this tiny turtle seems to lack any kind of originality. From its four-legged posture to the sprout on its head, it could easily be swapped with Kanto's starter and nothing would be lost. Despite this, Turtwig's design is fairly cute, with big eyes and a sharp, turtle beak giving it an endearing expression.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Popplio
Popplio is the Water-type starter for the Alola region in Pokémon Sun and Moon. This tiny seal is pretty cute. With a circus act of spinning a ball of water on its nose, Popplio is a great choice for those who love Water-types with unique appearances. However, some fans of the Pokémon series might find it annoying, and only pick it for its elegant final evolution, Primarina.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Snivy
Snivy is the Grass-type starter for the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White. Snivy is an elegant Pokémon. Even in its basic form, it is made up of smooth lines and elegant points. For fans of powerful Pokémon like Milotic, Snivy could be the perfect fit, as its final evolution is the powerful serpent Pokémon Serperior. Despite this, Snivy is not particularly cute.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Chespin
Chespin is the Grass-type starter for the Kalos region in Pokémon X and Y. Potentially based on a hedgehog, Chespin is pretty cute. It has small, black eyes and a little triangle nose. In the anime for X and Y, Chespin is known to get up to mischief in order to pilfer snacks. Sadly, Chespin's cute appearance vanishes when it evolves into Chesnaught, who is unfortunately ugly.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Grookey
Grookey is the Grass-type starter for the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Of all the monkey-inspired Pokémon, Grookey is probably one of the cutest. With an orange muzzle and little brown ears, the tiny monkey is an adorable companion. Grookey's final evolution is Rillaboom, the drum-slamming ape. Those who pick Grookey will have a chance to see Rillaboom rock a full drum set when it Gigantamaxes.
Pokémon Starters Ranked By Cuteness: Cyndaquil
Reappearing soon as a starter in Legends: Arceus, Cyndaquil is the Fire-starter for the Johto region in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. The best part about Cyndaquil is its head shape. It has a ridiculously long nose and eyes that are always closed, making it look like it's always smiling. When battling or upset, it can spout flame from its back. Cyndaquil eventually sheds its cute appearance to become the powerful Fire-type Pokémon Typhlosion.
