First partner Pokémon: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:02, 13 September 2024

Red picking his first partner Pokémon

A first partner Pokémon, also referred to informally as a starter Pokémon, is the first Pokémon that a Trainer owns at the start of their Pokémon journey. This primarily refers to Grass-, Fire-, or Water-type Pokémon given to players by a Pokémon Professor or other mentor at the beginning of the core series Pokémon games, as well as Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow and Pikachu or Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. However, the term can sometimes be used to refer to any Pokémon that was the first one owned by a Trainer.

In the games, the player's first partner will be used to battle the first wild Pokémon they encounter. Once another Pokémon is caught, their first partner may be retired, but it is often with this Pokémon that Trainers learn friendship and trust. As such, even advanced Trainers may still use their first partner Pokémon, and they will often be the most powerful Pokémon on their respective teams.

It is said that the first partner Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, accounting for their uniqueness in each game.

In the creative process, first partner Pokémon are the Pokémon from each game that the most work goes into, and usually take significantly more time than other Pokémon in each generation.^[1]

Terminology

Promotional image for The Indigo Disk using the term "first partner Pokémon"^[2]

Main article: Terminology of first partner Pokémon

Since Generation VI, "first partner Pokémon", sometimes shortened to "first partner", has become the primary term used to describe these Pokémon across official media. It is sometimes shortened to simply "first partner". Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as first partner Pokémon, such as Poipole in Pokémon Ultra Sun and various Pokémon in Pokémon Masters EX. Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at Nintendo of America, has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.^[3]

Historically, these Pokémon were known as "starter Pokémon", or "starters", though these terms were rarely used in the games and used occasionally during the second through fourth series of Pokémon the Series. From Pokémon the Series: XY onward, "starter Pokémon" was no longer used in the animated series. Tom Wayland, then-voice director of the English dub, stated at PokéCon 2015 that "starter Pokémon" is "an unofficial term now".^[4] In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at TPCi,^[5] stated that official social media accounts were authorized to use "starter Pokémon" with specific formatting restrictions.^[6]^[7]

In Japanese, no consistent term is used to refer to first partner Pokémon. The most common term is 「パートナー」 (partner), but occasionally 相棒 (partner) is also used. These terms, along with ポケモン (Pokémon), are typically paired with 最初の or 初めての (both meaning first). Phrases like 最初に選んだ or はじめに選んだ (both meaning that was chosen first) are also used. Among Japanese fans, 御三家 (the big three) is commonly used to refer to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.

Grass, Fire, and Water trios

Most marketing refers exclusively to the standard trios of Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core series games.

The Grass, Fire, and Water types handily illustrate the type effectiveness mechanics of Pokémon battles: Fire "beats" Grass (a Fire-type move deals double damage when attacking a Grass-type Pokémon, but a Fire-type Pokémon takes half damage from a Grass-type move), Water beats Fire, and Grass beats Water. This "rock, paper, scissors" relationship was illustrated in the instruction booklet of the original games.^[8]

The 27 Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type first partner Pokémon are listed below. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the Hisui first partner Pokémon consist of a mix of Pokémon from previous regions: Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott.

Kanto first partner Pokémon

Johto first partner Pokémon

Hoenn first partner Pokémon

Sinnoh first partner Pokémon

Unova first partner Pokémon

Kalos first partner Pokémon

Alola first partner Pokémon

Galar first partner Pokémon

Paldea first partner Pokémon

The Kalos first partners also have a more broadly defined triangle in the secondary types of their final evolutions. They all still deal 2× damage offensively, and most still receive ½× damage defensively, but while Dark does not technically resist Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it is immune.

Other first partners

Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.

For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see list of characters' first Pokémon.

Player's first Pokémon

Pikachu and Eevee are given out as first partner Pokémon in Kanto by Professor Oak in some media. Pikachu is the first Pokémon given to the player in Pokémon Yellow, while Blue gets an Eevee. The partner Pikachu and Eevee are the first Pokémon caught by the player in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, respectively, while Oak gives Trace a standard Eevee in Let's Go, Pikachu! and a standard Pikachu in Let's Go, Eevee!

These Pokémon are never referred to as first partner Pokémon in-game; they are typically referred to as partner Pokémon instead. However, in one instance on the official website for the games, and on the Pokémon.com page for the games, they are referred to as first partner Pokémon.^[9]^[10]

Other references

Alolan Meowth is given out by Nanu as a first partner on Ula'ula Island in Alola. It is implied that kahunas are responsible for giving out first partners on their respective islands, so it is possible the other kahunas give out different Pokémon to the standard Alolan first partner Pokémon given by Hala.

Poipole's Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun refers to it as a popular first partner in its world.

In the games

The Sinnoh first partner trio wallpaper in Pokémon HOME

Core series

In the core series games, a rival character often picks the Pokémon that is strong against the one the player chose, nominally setting them up for challenging battles going forward.

The Pokémon in the regional first partner trios have several common characteristics, both among each other and between generations. The most obvious commonality is their reliable typing. They all have an Ability that boosts their main type when their HP becomes low: the Grass types have Overgrow, Fire types have Blaze, and Water types have Torrent. They also all have a gender ratio of seven males to one female, generally making breeding them slightly inconvenient. When obtained at the start of a game, they are always level 5 and they start out knowing a Normal-type physical move (Pound, Scratch, or Tackle) and a stat-altering status move (Growl, Leer, or Tail Whip); since Generation VI (with the exception of Generation VIII), they also have an attacking move that matches their main type.

The table below shows the Pokémon that are selectable at the start of each core series game, and which other games they can also be obtained in. A notation of G, F, or W above the game's title indicates that only the first partner Pokémon in the trio that corresponds to that type is obtainable in that game. For availability in games outside of the core series, refer to the "Game locations" heading of the Pokémon's respective page for its species.

Game(s)	First partners	Also obtainable in
RG B/RB, FRLG		Y, HGSS, XY, USUM, PE, SwSh^F (IA)^G^W, BDSP, SV (ID)
Y		Regular Pikachu are obtainable in all games except Y, BW, and B2W2.
GS C, HGSS		E, ORAS, SM, BDSP, SV (ID)
RS E, ORAS		HGSS, USUM, SwSh (IA), BDSP, SV (ID)
DP Pt, BDSP		ORAS, USUM, BDSP, LA, SV (TM, ID)
BW, B2W2		ORAS, SM, SV (ID)
XY		USUM, SV (ID)
SM USUM		SwSh (IA), SV (ID)
P		None
E		None
SwSh		SV (ID)
LA		SM, USUM, SwSh (IA), SV (ID)
		E, ORAS, SM, BDSP, SV (ID)
		ORAS, SM, SV (ID)
SV		None

Other games

Main article: List of the player's first Pokémon

Other games may use one of the classic first partner Pokémon, with Pikachu being fairly common; but many games give the player other Pokémon as their first Pokémon.

In animation

For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see list of characters' first Pokémon.

For a list of characters who own first partner Pokémon, see List of characters with first partner Pokémon.

Pokémon animated series

The Paldea first partner Pokémon with Roy, Liko, and Dot in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

In Pokémon the Series, upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a Pokédex and pick up a first partner Pokémon from the local Pokémon Professor or Pokémon Center free of charge. First partner Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.

Like in the games, the specific first partner Pokémon available vary from region to region but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle; Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile; and so on.

In A Mudkip Mission, it was shown where first partner Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds run by a Pokémon Breeder for first partner Pokémon. The Pokémon League sends these Breeders the Pokémon Eggs for them to hatch at the breeding grounds. The breeders then hatch, care for, and raise the young Pokémon until they are ready to be proper first partner Pokémon for new Trainers. As these young ones are virtually defenseless, the locations of breeding grounds (or even the knowledge of their existence) is a secret unknown to most in the Pokémon world. This is likely to guard against unscrupulous individuals or groups (such as Team Rocket) from poaching the young Pokémon.

However, not all first partner Pokémon are raised at these special breeding grounds, with Professor Birch said to catch and raise his own first partner Pokémon for Trainers.

Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.

The Kanto first partner Pokémon in Professor Cerise's laboratory
The Johto first partner Pokémon owned by Ash
The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by Brock, Ash, and May
The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in Professor Rowan's laboratory
The Unova region first partner Pokémon in Professor Juniper's laboratory
The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in Professor Sycamore's laboratory
The Alola first partner Pokémon, owned by Ash and Lana
The Galar region first partner Pokémon
The Hisui region first partner Pokémon
The Paldea first partner Pokémon, owned by Liko, Dot, and Roy

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

Rosa and Serperior in the Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

Brendan and May and their first partner Pokémon in the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

The Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer's extended cut features all three of Unova's first partner Pokémon: Nate is shown with an Emboar, Hugh is seen with a Samurott (having picked the opposing type, like most rivals do in the games), and Rosa uses a Serperior to battle Cheren's Stoutland.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

The Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer also features all three of Hoenn's first partner Pokémon, in all forms including their Mega Evolutions. Brendan is shown to have picked a Treecko, while May has both a Torchic and Mudkip.

In the manga

For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see list of characters' first Pokémon.

For a list of characters who own first partner Pokémon, see List of characters with first partner Pokémon.

Pokémon Adventures

In Pokémon Adventures, the first partner Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. Professor Oak produces three Pokédexes for each region, and gives out the three first partner Pokémon in each region along with the Pokédex to Trainers he thinks are talented. He has colleagues and friends like Professor Birch do this for him in regions in which he isn't present. In the Unova region, two sets of first partner Pokémon are given out to six Trainers, but still with only three Pokédexes. Professor Oak also gave Red's Pikachu as a special first partner to Yellow.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

In Pokémon Pocket Monsters, Professor Oak is depicted offering one of three first partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle—to Pokémon Trainers as they begin their journeys, much like in other media. Green chooses Charmander as his first Pokémon, and while Red was offered the choice as well, he decided to keep a Clefairy that he met on his way to Professor Oak's lab as his first Pokémon instead.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, unlike the animated series from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of first partner Pokémon. Professor Oak is not shown residing at his laboratory handing out first partner Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the animated series, rather, he travels the Kanto region conducting research, often accompanied by Bill. Trainers in The Electric Tale of Pikachu must obtain a license before they can purchase Poké Balls or otherwise capture and train Pokémon. Ash found Pikachu under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what Gary Oak's first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a Venusaur.

Pokémon Zensho

In Pokémon Zensho, much like in the Pokémon Red and Green games on which the manga was based, Professor Oak offers Satoshi and Shigeru their choice of one out of three first partner Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Satoshi chooses Charmander, while Shigeru chooses Squirtle, leaving Bulbasaur with Professor Oak.

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

In Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys, much like Pokémon Gold and Silver, Gold is offered the choice of one of the three Johto first partner Pokémon—Chikorita, Cyndaquil or Totodile—to borrow so that he may run an errand for Professor Elm. Gold chooses Totodile, who Elm allows him to keep after the errand is completed. Also, like in the games, Black (who is based on Silver) steals a Chikorita from Elm's lab while Gold is away on his errand.

Trivia

The only two first partner Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, Bulbasaur and Rowlet, are both Grass-type.
Each one of the Alola first partners' final evolutions has an immunity. Decidueye's Ghost type is immune to Normal and Fighting; Incineroar's Dark type is immune to Psychic; and Primarina's Fairy type is immune to Dragon.
- Coincidentally, this also gives them advantages against Necrozma's Ultra form: Decidueye and Incineroar are super effective against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing, while Primarina is strong against Ultra Necrozma's Dragon typing.
As of Generation IX, the only sets of first partners without secondary types in any of their final evolutions are the Johto first partners and the Galar first partners.
- If regional forms are included, the Galar first partners are the only set in which all of the final evolutions have only one type.
- By contrast, the first partners of Sinnoh (including Hisui), Kalos, Alola, and Paldea all have a secondary type present in their final evolutions.
Both Kanto and Hoenn first partners are the only set of first partners capable of Mega Evolution.
- Additionally, both Kanto and Galar first partners are the only set of first partners capable of Gigantamaxing.
  - This makes the Kanto first partners the only set of first partners that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.
In Generation II, it was not possible to have a Shiny female first partner Pokémon, due to the mechanics of how gender and Shininess were determined. The lowest Attack IV a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV that a female Pokémon in their gender group could have was 1.
Kanto's first partner Pokémon are the only partner Pokémon where all of the members appear in more than one regional Pokédex: Kanto's, Johto's, and Kalos's.
- The Charmander line also appears alone in the Galar regional Pokédex, while the Bulbasaur and Squirtle lines appear in the Isle of Armor regional Pokédex.
Fennekin is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is Torterra's Speed, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is Primarina's Special Attack, at 126.
The Pikachu featured in Pokémon Yellow & Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are the only first partner Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which they are first partner Pokémon.
- Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s respective first partners are also the only ones that cannot be traded to other games.
Charmander is the only Fire-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the Field Egg Group.
Oshawott is the only Water-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the Water 1 Egg Group.
With the exception of Hisuian Decidueye having a higher base stat total than Hisuian Samurott, no fully evolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon has a higher base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
- By contrast, with the exception of Blaziken having a lower base stat total than Swampert, no fully evolved Fire-type first partner Pokémon has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
- Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides Chespin has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
- Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type first partner has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts and no fully evolved Fire-type first partner besides Blaziken has a lower one.
As of Generation IX, all fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM move Surf.
In DP001 of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia is about the first partner Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this senryū about them: 「シンオウで　たびがはじまる　ポケモンと」 "In Sinnoh, a journey begins with Pokémon."
In BW003 of Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster is about the first partner Pokémon of Unova. He writes this senryū about them: 「パートナー　みず・くさ・ほのお　まよっちゃう」 "Partner, Water, Grass, Fire, I can't decide."
Like the Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, in Pokémon Adventures Red's Pikachu, Pika, and Yellow's Pikachu, Chuchu, never evolved.

In other languages

First partner Pokémon

Language		Title
Chinese	Cantonese	搭檔寶可夢 Daapdong Bóuhómuhng * 最初的夥伴 Jeuichō dīk fóbuhn *
Chinese	Mandarin	搭檔寶可夢 / 搭档宝可梦 Dādàng Bǎokěmèng * 最初的夥伴 / 最初的伙伴 Zuìchū de huǒbàn *
Danish		første Pokémon-partner (JN001) første Pokémon-makker (JN049–)
Finnish		Ensikumppani-Pokémon
French		Pokémon de départ* Premier Pokémon* Premier partenaire*
German		Erstes Partner-Pokémon
Italian		Primo compagno d'avventura* Pokémon iniziale*
Korean		파트너 포켓몬 Partner Pokémon * 첫 파트너 Cheot partner*
Spanish		Pokémon inicial* Primer compañero*

Starter Pokémon

Language		Title
Czech		Startovní Pokémon
Danish		Begynder-Pokémon
Dutch		Starter Pokémon
Finnish		Aloitus-Pokémon
French		Pokémon de départ
German		Starter-Pokémon
Hungarian		Kezdő Pokémon
Italian		Pokémon iniziale
Norwegian		Førstegangs-Pokémon
Polish		Pokémon Starter
Portuguese	Brazil	Pokémon inicial Pokémon iniciante (BW116)
Portuguese	Portugal	Pokémon inicial
Russian		Стартовый покемон Startovy Pokémon
Spanish		Pokémon inicial
Swedish		Nybörjar-Pokémon
Thai		โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น Pokémon Roemton
Turkish		Başlangıç Pokémon'u
Vietnamese		Pokémon khởi đầu Pokémon khởi hành

References

↑ How Pokemon are born | GamesRadar+, by Michael Grimm, published 20 March 2009
↑ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon.
↑ Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."
↑ PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices: Wayland: "Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now."
Audience: "I think it's always been an unofficial term."
Wayland: "Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't."
↑ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn
↑ Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "P.S. We can call them starter on social now"
↑ Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!"
↑ Pokémon Red Version instruction booklet, pg. 32, archived on Internet Archive
↑ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."
↑ Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."

First partner trios

[1] How Pokemon are born | GamesRadar+, by Michael Grimm, published 20 March 2009

[2] Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon.

[3] Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."

[4] PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices: Wayland: "Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now."
Audience: "I think it's always been an unofficial term."
Wayland: "Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't."

[5] Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn

[6] Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "P.S. We can call them starter on social now"

[7] Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!"

[8] Pokémon Red Version instruction booklet, pg. 32, archived on Internet Archive

[9] Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."

[10] Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."

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First partner Pokémon: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 00:02, 13 September 2024

Contents

Terminology

Grass, Fire, and Water trios

Other first partners

Player's first Pokémon

Other references

In the games

Core series

Other games

In animation

Pokémon animated series

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Pokémon Zensho

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Trivia

In other languages

See also

References

Navigation menu

Page actions

Page actions

Personal tools

Navigation

Search

Bulbagarden

Tools

In other languages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:MainSeriesStarters.png|thumb|250px|Artwork featuring the starter Pokémon through Generation IV, not including Eevee]]
+[[File:Pokémon Day 2022 Kanto Artwork.png|thumb|300px|{{ga|Red}} picking his first partner Pokémon]]
-[[File:Unova starters anime.png|thumb|250px|Generation V starters, as seen in the anime]]
+A '''first partner Pokémon''', also referred to informally as a '''starter Pokémon''', is the first {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that a {{pkmn|Trainer}} owns at the start of their [[Pokémon journey]]. This primarily refers to {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, or {{type|Water}} Pokémon given to players by a [[Pokémon Professor]] or other mentor at the beginning of the [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]], as well as {{p|Pikachu}} in {{game|Yellow}} and Pikachu or {{p|Eevee}} in {{LGPE}}. However, the term can sometimes be used to refer to any Pokémon that was the first one owned by a Trainer.
-At the beginning of their quest, {{pkmn|Trainer}}s are given a '''starter Pokémon''' (Japanese: '''はじめてのポケモン''' ''Beginning Pokémon'' or '''さいしょのポケモン''' ''first Pokémon''; known as '''{{tt|御三家|ごさんけ}}''' ''the big three'' among Japanese fans). This Pokémon will be used to {{pkmn|battle}} the first [[wild Pokémon]] that the Trainer encounters.
-Once another Pokémon is [[caught Pokémon|caught]], the starter Pokémon may be retired, but it is often with this Pokémon that Trainers learn [[friendship]] and trust. As such, even advanced Trainers may still use their starter Pokémon, and they will often be the most powerful Pokémon on their respective teams.
+In the games, the player's first partner will be used to battle the first [[wild Pokémon]] they encounter. Once another Pokémon is {{pkmn2|caught}}, their first partner may be retired, but it is often with this Pokémon that Trainers learn [[friendship]] and trust. As such, even advanced Trainers may still use their first partner Pokémon, and they will often be the most powerful Pokémon on their respective teams.
-==In the games==
+It is said that the first partner Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, accounting for their uniqueness in each game.
-In the main {{pkmn|games}}, each starter Pokémon is at [[level]] 5, armed with one damage-dealing [[move]] and another that affects [[stats]]. Trainers can choose a {{t|Fire}}-, {{t|Water}}-, or {{type|Grass}} Pokémon ([[Pokémon Yellow Version|with one exception]]). The Trainer that will be designated as the player's [[rival]] will always choose or have the Pokémon of the starter trio that has a type advantage over the one the player chooses, though it may not be the case that they remain the true rival.
-The following is a list of starter Pokémon by region:
+In the creative process, first partner Pokémon are the Pokémon from each game that the most work goes into, and usually take significantly more time than other Pokémon in each [[generation]].<ref>[https://www.gamesradar.com/how-pokemon-are-born/ How Pokemon are born | GamesRadar+], by Michael Grimm, published 20 March 2009</ref>
-===Starter Pokémon===
+==Terminology==
-====Main series====
+[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|300px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
-=====[[Kanto]]=====
+{{main|Terminology of first partner Pokémon}}
-In {{game5|Red|Green|Blue|FireRed|LeafGreen}}, [[Professor Oak]] will bring Trainers to his lab to give them one of the following to begin their journey:
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
+Since [[Generation VI]], "first partner Pokémon", sometimes shortened to "first partner", has become the primary term used to describe these Pokémon across official media. It is sometimes shortened to simply "first partner". Occasionally, other Pokémon have been referred to as first partner Pokémon, such as {{p|Poipole}} in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}} and various Pokémon in {{g|Masters EX}}. Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at [[Nintendo of America]], has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube] — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."</ref>
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:001.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:004.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:007.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
-|- align="center"
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{poison color}}" | {{tcolor|Poison|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
-| {{MSP|002|Ivysaur}}
-| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|005|Charmeleon}}
-| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|008|Wartortle}}
-| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-|- align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{poison color}}" | {{tcolor|Poison|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
-| {{MSP|003|Venusaur}}
-| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|006|Charizard}}
-| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|009|Blastoise}}
-| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-|- align="center"
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{poison color}}" | {{tcolor|Poison|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{flying color}}" | {{tcolor|Flying|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|}
-The player's {{ga|Blue|rival}} will then pick the type-advantageous starter Pokémon, and the remaining Pokémon will sit in its [[Poké Ball]] on Oak's desk for the rest of the game.
+Historically, these Pokémon were known as "starter Pokémon", or "starters", though these terms were rarely used in the {{pkmn|games}} and used occasionally during the second through fourth series of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]''. From ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'' onward, "starter Pokémon" was no longer used in the {{pkmn|animated series}}. [[Tom Wayland]], then-voice director of the English dub, stated at PokéCon 2015 that "starter Pokémon" is "an unofficial term now".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuH-5Fv87g&t=1608s PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices]: Wayland: "''Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now.''"<br>Audience: "''I think it's always been an unofficial term.''"<br>Wayland: "''Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't.''"</ref> In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at [[The Pokémon Company International|TPCi]],<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-hammes-1a1aa087/ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn]</ref> stated that official social media accounts were authorized to use "starter Pokémon" with specific formatting restrictions.<ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103070703904018433 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''P.S. We can call them starter on social now''"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103262076707979265 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!''"</ref>
-Professor Oak offers one of this trio of Pokémon to the player in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} after the player has defeated {{ga|Red}}, making reference to the fact that he gives them out as starter Pokémon in Kanto-based games, suggesting the player will be able to make it to [[Viridian City|the next town]] with one of these Pokémon by his or her side.
+In Japanese, no consistent term is used to refer to first partner Pokémon. The most common term is 「パートナー」 (''partner''), but occasionally 相棒 (''partner'') is also used. These terms, along with ポケモン (''Pokémon''), are typically paired with 最初の or 初めての (both meaning ''first''). Phrases like 最初に選んだ or はじめに選んだ (both meaning ''that was chosen first'') are also used. Among Japanese fans, 御三家 (''the big three'') is commonly used to refer to the {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, and {{t|Water}} trios.
-In {{game|Yellow}}, due to being based on [[Pokemon anime|the anime]], Oak instead gives out:
+==Grass, Fire, and Water trios==
+Most marketing refers exclusively to the standard trios of {{t|Grass}}-, {{t|Fire}}-, and {{type|Water}} Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most [[core series]] games.
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background: #{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}};" | [[File:025.png]]<br>'''{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Red's Pikachu (game)|Pikachu}}'''
-|-
-| align="center" style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
-|}
-The rival will be given:
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{kanto color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
-|-
-! colspan="10" align="center" style="width:80px; background: #{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}};" | [[File:133.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Eevee|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| colspan="10" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{kanto color light}}"
-| {{MSP|134|Vaporeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|135|Jolteon}}
-| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|136|Flareon}}
-| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-|}
-This {{ga|Red's Pikachu|Pikachu}} is the same one that attacked the player when they ventured onto {{rt|1|Kanto}} that Oak caught, which will be the only choice the player gets. Another notable change here involves the player's rival's {{p|Eevee}} which will evolve into one of its three [[Generation I]] evolutions, depending on the outcome of the battles between the player and the rival. During the adventure, the player will be able to get the original three Kanto starter Pokémon through special events not present in the earlier games. It remains to be the only main series game to allow the player to obtain all three starter Pokémon from a previous game legitimately, without trading. The Pikachu received from Oak will also refuse to evolve into {{p|Raichu}} by use of a {{evostone|Thunderstone}} unless it is traded away to do so.
-=====[[Johto]]=====
-In {{game5|Gold|Silver|Crystal|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, [[Professor Elm]] will have an errand for the player to run, and will give them one of the following for protection on this errand, which they will then keep after completion:
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:152.png‎]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chikorita|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:155.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:158.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Totodile|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
-|- align="center"
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{johto color light}}" align="center"
-| {{MSP|153|Bayleef}}
-| {{pcolor|Bayleef|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|156|Quilava}}
-| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|159|Croconaw}}
-| {{pcolor|Croconaw|{{johto color dark}}}}
-|- align="center"
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{johto color light}}" align="center"
-| {{MSP|154|Meganium}}
-| {{pcolor|Meganium|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|157|Typhlosion}}
-| {{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|160|Feraligatr}}
-| {{pcolor|Feraligatr|{{johto color dark}}}}
-|- align="center"
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|}
-In HeartGold and SoulSilver, the player character not chosen will have:
+The Grass, Fire, and Water types handily illustrate the type effectiveness mechanics of [[Pokémon battle]]s: Fire "beats" Grass (a Fire-type [[move]] deals double damage when attacking a Grass-type Pokémon, but a Fire-type Pokémon takes half damage from a Grass-type move), Water beats Fire, and Grass beats Water. This "rock, paper, scissors" relationship was illustrated in the instruction booklet of the original games.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/pokemon-blue-nintendogameboy-hiresscans/Pokemon%20Blue%20-%20Manual/page/n33/mode/2up Pokémon Red Version instruction booklet, pg. 32], archived on Internet Archive</ref>
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{johto color}}"
+The 27 Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type first partner Pokémon are listed below. In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the [[Hisui first partner Pokémon]] consist of a mix of Pokémon from previous regions: {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, and {{p|Oshawott}}.
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background: #{{johto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}};" | [[File:183.png]]<br>'''{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Marill}}'''
-|-
-| align="center" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|}
-After the player meets with [[Mr. Pokémon]] and receives a [[Pokédex]] from [[Professor Oak]], Professor Elm will call the player to tell them that {{ga|Silver|a thief}} has taken a Pokémon. As the player returns to [[New Bark Town]], he or she will encounter the thief, who will have the stolen Pokémon with the type advantage over the player's own. From this point onward, the thief will be the player's rival, while Professor Elm keeps the Pokémon that was left behind by the thief on his desk for the remainder of the game (in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, the last Pokémon mysteriously disappears at some point.
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-In Generation II, the Pokémon will be holding a {{DL|Berries (Generation II)|Berry}} when received from Elm, though the rival's stolen starter Pokémon will not.
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Kanto color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Kanto first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0001|Bulbasaur|Grass|Poison}}
+{{PokeSum|0004|Charmander|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0007|Squirtle|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-In {{game|Emerald}}, after the player has caught all Pokémon in the [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number|Hoenn Pokédex]] with the exception of {{p|Jirachi}} and {{p|Deoxys}}, [[Professor Birch]] will offer one of these Pokémon as a reward.
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Johto color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Johto first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0152|Chikorita|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0155|Cyndaquil|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0158|Totodile|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-=====[[Hoenn]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Hoenn color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-In {{game2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}}, after [[Professor Birch]] is rescued from a {{p|Poochyena}}{{sup/3|RS}} or {{p|Zigzagoon}}{{sup/3|E}}, he allows the player to keep the Pokémon they chose to rescue him with, either:
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Hoenn first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0252|Treecko|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0255|Torchic|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0258|Mudkip|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{hoenn color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Sinnoh color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-|-
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Sinnoh first partner Pokémon}}</div>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:252.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Treecko|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:255.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Torchic|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
+{{PokeSum|0387|Turtwig|Grass}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:258.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Mudkip|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''
+{{PokeSum|0390|Chimchar|Fire}}
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0393|Piplup|Water}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}"
-| {{MSP|253|Grovyle}}
-| {{pcolor|Grovyle|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|256|Combusken}}
-| {{pcolor|Combusken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|259|Marshtomp}}
-| {{pcolor|Marshtomp|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{ground color}}" | {{tcolor|Ground|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}"
-| {{MSP|254|Sceptile}}
-| {{pcolor|Sceptile|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|257|Blaziken}}
-| {{pcolor|Blaziken|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|260|Swampert}}
-| {{pcolor|Swampert|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{ground color}}; {{roundybr|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Ground|FFF}}
-|}
-Wally, with the help of the player, will catch:
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Unova color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Unova first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0495|Snivy|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0498|Tepig|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0501|Oshawott|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{hoenn color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Kalos color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-|-
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Kalos first partner Pokémon}}</div>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:280.png‎]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Ralts|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
-|- align="center"
+{{PokeSum|0650|Chespin|Grass}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
+{{PokeSum|0653|Fennekin|Fire}}
-|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}" align="center"
+{{PokeSum|0656|Froakie|Water}}
-| {{MSP|281|Kirlia}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
-| {{pcolor|Kirlia|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-|- align="center"
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}" align="center"
-| {{MSP|282|Gardevoir}}
-| {{pcolor|Gardevoir|{{hoenn color dark}}}}
-|- align="center"
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{psychic color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
-|}
-The player's neighbor, {{ga|Brendan}} or {{ga|May}}, already has his or her starter Pokémon, which is always the one with the type advantage. What happens to the starter not selected is unknown. By the end of the game, it seems that the player's nominal rival, the son/daughter of Professor Birch, has stopped being a Trainer, and Wally is actually the true rival, facing the player before he or she can leave {{ho|Victory Road}} and staying there to rebattle the player later.
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Alola color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Alola first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0722|Rowlet|Grass|Flying}}
+{{PokeSum|0725|Litten|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0728|Popplio|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-In {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, [[Steven Stone]] offers one of these Pokémon to the player after he or she has defeated {{ga|Red}}.
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Galar color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Galar first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0810|Grookey|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0813|Scorbunny|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0816|Sobble|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-=====[[Sinnoh]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Paldea color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-In {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, when two {{p|Starly}} attack the player and rival at [[Lake Verity]], to which they travel upon hearing reports of a [[Shiny Pokémon|red]] {{p|Gyarados}}, they will choose one of the following from [[Professor Rowan]]'s briefcase, which he left at the lake:
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Paldea first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0906|Sprigatito|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0909|Fuecoco|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0912|Quaxly|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{sinnoh color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex CLOSE -->
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:387.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Turtwig|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:390.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chimchar|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" colspan="2" | [[File:393.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Piplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}"
-| {{MSP|388|Grotle}}
-| {{pcolor|Grotle|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|391|Monferno}}
-| {{pcolor|Monferno|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|394|Prinplup}}
-| {{pcolor|Prinplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}"
-| {{MSP|389|Torterra}}
-| {{pcolor|Torterra|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|392|Infernape}}
-| {{pcolor|Infernape|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|395|Empoleon}}
-| {{pcolor|Empoleon|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}
-|-
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{ground color}}" | {{tcolor|Ground|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{steel color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Steel|FFF}}
-|}
-The player's friend and rival {{ga|Barry}} will choose the starter Pokémon that has a type advantage against the player's choice, and the [[non-player character|NPC]] who is the other-gender choice ({{ga|Lucas}}/{{ga|Dawn}}) will have the Pokémon weak to the player's choice, and therefore strong against Barry's. After fighting off the two Starly at the lake and returning the briefcase to Rowan, the professor will allow the player and {{ga|Barry}} to keep the Pokémon they used.
+The Kalos first partners also have a more broadly defined triangle in the secondary types of their final evolutions. They all still deal 2× damage offensively, and most still receive ½× damage defensively, but while Dark does not technically resist Psychic, it is still defensively advantaged since it is immune.
-In {{game|Platinum}}, the player and the rival are stopped by Professor Rowan just as they are about to run through tall grass to get to Sandgem Town to ask the Professor for Pokémon. After some questions about the player and the rival's love for Pokémon, he decides to entrust them with one starter Pokémon each.
+==Other first partners==
+Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.
-=====[[Unova]]=====
+:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''
-In {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Professor Juniper]] leaves a gift with the player's [[mom|mother]] in [[Nuvema Town]] to give to him or her, containing the following three Pokémon:
-{| class="roundy" align="center" style="background: #{{Unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; border: 5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
+===Player's first Pokémon===
-|-
+{{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Eevee}} are given out as first partner Pokémon in [[Kanto]] by [[Professor Oak]] in some media. {{OBP|Pikachu|Yellow}} is the first Pokémon given to the player in {{game|Yellow}}, while {{ga|Blue}} gets an Eevee. The {{OBP|partner Pokémon|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|partner}} Pikachu and Eevee are the first Pokémon caught by the player in {{LGPE}}, respectively, while Oak gives {{ga|Trace}} a standard Eevee in Let's Go, Pikachu! and a standard Pikachu in Let's Go, Eevee!
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:495.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:498.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:501.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{Unova color light}}"
-| {{MSP|496|Servine}}
-| {{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|499|Pignite}}
-| {{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|502|Dewott}}
-| {{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{Unova color light}}"
-| {{MSP|497|Serperior}}
-| {{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|500|Emboar}}
-| {{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|503|Samurott}}
-| {{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{fighting color}}" | {{tcolor|Fighting|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-|}
-The player's friend [[Cheren]] will choose the Pokémon that is strong against the player's choice, while the player's other friend [[Bianca]] will choose the one weak to the player's choice. The choice of starter Pokémon affects which of the [[Gym Leader]]s of [[Striaton City]] will be battled; players who chose Snivy will face [[Chili]], a {{type|Fire}} specialist, players who chose Tepig will face [[Cress]], a {{type|Water}} specialist, and players who chose Oshawott will face [[Cilan]], a {{type|Grass}} specialist. Also, the choice affects the [[Elemental monkeys|Pokémon]] given to the player in the [[Dreamyard]]. Choosing Snivy gives the player a {{p|Panpour}}, Tepig a {{p|Pansage}} and Oshawott a {{p|Pansear}}.
+These Pokémon are never referred to as first partner Pokémon in-game; they are typically referred to as {{OBP|partner Pokémon|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!}} instead. However, in one instance on the official website for the games, and on the [[Pokémon.com]] page for the games, they are referred to as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]: "Of course, your first partner Pokémon will be either Pikachu or Eevee, depending on which version you get, but the types and rarities of the wild Pokémon that you encounter also differ between the two games."</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Video Games & Apps]: "In addition to determining your first partner Pokémon, your choice of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! also affects the species of Pokémon you encounter and the rate at which you encounter them."</ref>
-In {{game|Black 2 and White 2|s}}, Bianca takes three starter Pokémon to [[Aspertia City]] on Professor Juniper's behalf and offers one of them to the player. The player's friend, [[Hugh]], will have the Pokémon that is strong against the player's choice, having raised it from an {{pkmn|Egg}}. The player character not chosen will have the starter that is weak to the player's choice, but in its second form.
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-====Side series====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{electric color light}}|
-=====[[Orre]]=====
+{{PokeSum|0025|Pikachu|Electric}}
-In {{g|Colosseum}}:
+}}
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{colo color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{colo color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{normal color light}}|
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0133|Eevee|Normal}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" | [[File:196.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Espeon|{{colo color dark}}}}'''
+}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:197.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Umbreon|{{colo color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| style="background:#{{psychic color}}; {{roundybl|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
-| style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}};" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
-|}
-A first for the Pokémon games, these starter Pokémon come as a pair as to represent the double-battle system, and are also different in that they are in the player's possession right at start of play. Umbreon is at level 26, knowing the [[TM]] moves {{m|Taunt}} and {{m|Snatch}}, as well as {{m|Bite}} which is otherwise only available through {{pkmn|breeding}} at such a level. Espeon is at level 25, knowing the TM moves {{m|Return}} (and appears to start with maximum [[friendship]]) and {{m|Reflect}}. Both are always male.
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex CLOSE -->
-In [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]:
+===Other references===
+{{rf|Alolan}} {{p|Meowth}} is given out by [[Nanu]] as a first partner on [[Ula'ula Island]] in [[Alola]]. It is implied that [[Island kahuna|kahunas]] are responsible for giving out first partners on their respective islands, so it is possible the other kahunas give out different Pokémon to the standard Alolan first partner Pokémon given by Hala.
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{xd color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{xd color}}"
+{{p|Poipole}}'s [[Pokédex]] entry in {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}} refers to it as a popular first partner in its world.
-|-
-! colspan="10" align="center" style="width:80px; background: #{{xd color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}};" | [[File:133.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Eevee|{{xd color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| colspan="10" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{xd color light}}"
-| {{MSP|134|Vaporeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|135|Jolteon}}
-| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{xd color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|136|Flareon}}
-| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{xd color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|196|Espeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Espeon|{{xd color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|197|Umbreon}}
-| {{pcolor|Umbreon|{{xd color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
-|}
-This starter Pokémon is also in the player's possession right at the beginning. It is at level 10, knowing Bite which is again unique for this level. At an early point in the game, the player is offered one of five evolutionary items, {{evostone|Water Stone}}, {{evostone|Thunderstone}}, {{evostone|Fire Stone}}, [[Sun and Moon Shards|Moon Shard]] and [[Sun and Moon Shards|Sun Shard]], to make the Eevee evolve into any of its ([[Generation III|then]]) [[Eeveelution|evolutions]].
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-In Pokémon XD, if the player completes the [[Mt. Battle]] challenge and beats all 100 Trainers without quitting or switching Pokémon, [[Battlus]] will give one of the Johto starter Pokémon as a reward.
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{dark color light}}|
+{{PokeSum|0052|Meowth|Dark|form=-Alola|formname=Alolan}}
+}}
-=====[[Pokétopia]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{poison color light}}|
-In [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]], the player's starter Pokémon are determined by the gender specified on their [[Rental Pass]] or [[Custom Pass]]. They are all at level 50.
+{{PokeSum|0803|Poipole|Poison}}
+}}
-Male players start out with the following Pokémon:
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex CLOSE -->
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{pbr color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
+==In the games==
-|-
+[[File:Pokémon HOME Wallpaper Sinnoh Partners.png|thumb|200px|The Sinnoh first partner trio wallpaper in {{g|HOME}}]]
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" | [[File:388.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Grotle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+===Core series===
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:391.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Monferno|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+In the core series games, a [[rival]] character often picks the Pokémon that is strong against the one the player chose, nominally setting them up for challenging battles going forward.
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:394.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Prinplup|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:404.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Luxio|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:444.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Gabite|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:397.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Staravia|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-|}
-Female players start out with the following Pokémon:
+The Pokémon in the regional first partner trios have several common characteristics, both among each other and between generations. The most obvious commonality is their reliable typing. They all have an [[Ability]] that boosts their main type when their [[HP]] becomes low: the Grass types have {{a|Overgrow}}, Fire types have {{a|Blaze}}, and Water types have {{a|Torrent}}. They also all have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female, generally making {{pkmn|breeding}} them slightly inconvenient. When obtained at the start of a game, they are always level 5 and they start out knowing a {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] ({{m|Pound}}, {{m|Scratch}}, or {{m|Tackle}}) and a stat-altering [[status move]] ({{m|Growl}}, {{m|Leer}}, or {{m|Tail Whip}}); since [[Generation VI]] (with the exception of [[Generation VIII]]), they also have an attacking move that matches their main type.
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{pbr color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
+The table below shows the Pokémon that are selectable at the start of each core series game, and which other games they can also be obtained in. A notation of '''{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}''', '''{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}''', or '''{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}''' above the game's title indicates that only the first partner Pokémon in the trio that corresponds to that type is obtainable in that game. For availability in games outside of the core series, refer to the "Game locations" heading of the Pokémon's respective page for its species.
-|-
+{| class="roundy" style="margin: auto; background-color: #{{bulba color}}; border: 3px solid #{{bulba color dark}};"
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" | [[File:002.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Game(s)
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:005.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; padding: 0px 5px;" | First partners
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:008.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Wartortle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Also obtainable in
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:148.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dragonair|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}};" | [[File:111.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Rhyhorn|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+| {{gameabbrev1|RGB}}/{{gameabbrev1|RB}}, {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:018.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pidgeot|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
+| {{MSP|0001|Bulbasaur}} {{MSP|0004|Charmander}} {{MSP|0007|Squirtle}}
+| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev6|XY}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev7|PE}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}'''<sup>{{color2|{{fire color}}|Fire (type)|F}}</sup>''' ({{gameabbrev8|IA}})'''<sup>{{color2|{{grass color}}|Grass (type)|G}}</sup><sup>{{color2|{{water color}}|Water (type)|W}}</sup>''', {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}
+| {{MS|0025|Pikachu (Yellow)}}
+| Regular Pikachu are obtainable in all games except {{gameabbrev1|Y}}, {{gameabbrev5|BW}}, and {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}.
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
+| {{MSP|0152|Chikorita}} {{MSP|0155|Cyndaquil}} {{MSP|0158|Totodile}}
+| {{gameabbrev3|E}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev3|RSE}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
+| {{MSP|0252|Treecko}} {{MSP|0255|Torchic}} {{MSP|0258|Mudkip}}
+| {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}}), {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
+| {{MSP|0387|Turtwig}} {{MSP|0390|Chimchar}} {{MSP|0393|Piplup}}
+| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev8|LA}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|TM}}, {{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev5|BW}}, {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
+| {{MSP|0495|Snivy}} {{MSP|0498|Tepig}} {{MSP|0501|Oshawott}}
+| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev6|XY}}
+| {{MSP|0650|Chespin}} {{MSP|0653|Fennekin}} {{MSP|0656|Froakie}}
+| {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev7|SMUSUM}}
+| {{MSP|0722|Rowlet}} {{MSP|0725|Litten}} {{MSP|0728|Popplio}}
+| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}}), {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev7|P}}
+| [[File:0025Pikachu-Partner.png|48px|link=Partner Pokémon (Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!)]]
+| ''None''
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev7|E}}
+| [[File:0133Eevee-Partner.png|48px|link=Partner Pokémon (Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!)]]
+| ''None''
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
+| {{MSP|0810|Grookey}} {{MSP|0813|Scorbunny}} {{MSP|0816|Sobble}}
+| {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| rowspan="3" | {{gameabbrev8|LA}}
+| {{MSP|0722|Rowlet}}
+| {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}}), {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{MSP|0155|Cyndaquil}}
+| {{gameabbrev3|E}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{MSP|0501|Oshawott}}
+| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
+| {{gameabbrev9|SV}}
+| {{MSP|0906|Sprigatito}} {{MSP|0909|Fuecoco}} {{MSP|0912|Quaxly}}
+| ''None''
 |-
+!
 |}
-===Starting Pokémon===
+===Other games===
-While not actually starter Pokémon, these are the first Pokémon available in each of these games.
+{{main|List of the player's first Pokémon}}
+Other games may use one of the classic first partner Pokémon, with {{p|Pikachu}} being fairly common; but many games give the player other Pokémon as their first Pokémon.
-====Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
+==In animation==
-{{main|Player character#Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Player character → Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series}}
+:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''
+:''For a list of characters who own first partner Pokémon, see [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]].''
+===Pokémon animated series===
+[[File:Liko Roy Dot Paldean first partners.png|thumb|250px|The Paldea first partner Pokémon with [[Roy]], [[Liko]], and [[Dot]] in ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]'']]
+In ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a [[Pokédex]] and pick up a first partner Pokémon from the local [[Pokémon Professor]] or [[Pokémon Center]] free of charge. First partner Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.
-====Pokémon Ranger series====
+Like in the games, the specific first partner Pokémon available vary from region to region but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle; Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile; and so on.
-{{main|Partner Pokémon}}
-====Pokémon Rumble series====
+In ''[[AG025|A Mudkip Mission]]'', it was shown where first partner Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds run by a [[Pokémon Breeder]] for first partner Pokémon. The [[Pokémon League]] sends these Breeders the Pokémon Eggs for them to hatch at the breeding grounds. The breeders then hatch, care for, and raise the young Pokémon until they are ready to be proper first partner Pokémon for new Trainers. As these young ones are virtually defenseless, the locations of breeding grounds (or even the knowledge of their existence) is a secret unknown to most in the [[Pokémon world]]. This is likely to guard against unscrupulous individuals or groups (such as [[Team Rocket]]) from poaching the young Pokémon.
-{{main|Player character#Pokémon Rumble series|Player character → Pokémon Rumble series}}
-====PokéPark series====
+However, not all first partner Pokémon are raised at these special breeding grounds, with [[Professor Birch]] said to catch and raise his own first partner Pokémon for Trainers. <!--from AG025 as well-->
-{{main|Player character#PokéPark series|Player character → PokéPark series}}
-====[[Pokémon Conquest]]====
+Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{unova color}}"
-|-
-! colspan="14" align="center" style="width:80px; background: #{{unova color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}};" | [[File:133.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Eevee|{{unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-| colspan="14" style="background:#{{normal color}}" | {{tcolor|Normal|FFF}}
-|- style="background: #{{unova color light}}"
-| {{MSP|134|Vaporeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Vaporeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|135|Jolteon}}
-| {{pcolor|Jolteon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|136|Flareon}}
-| {{pcolor|Flareon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|196|Espeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Espeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|197|Umbreon}}
-| {{pcolor|Umbreon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|470|Leafeon}}
-| {{pcolor|Leafeon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|471|Glaceon}}
-| {{pcolor|Glaceon|{{unova color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{fire color}}" | {{tcolor|Fire|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{psychic color}}" | {{tcolor|Psychic|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dark color}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{ice color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Ice|FFF}}
-|}
-====[[Pokédex 3D]]====
+<gallery widths="200px" class="center">
-In [[Pokédex 3D]], all players begin with these Pokémon.
+File:Cerise Kanto first partners.png|The Kanto first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Cerise]]'s laboratory
-{| align="center" style="background: #{{Unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
+File:Johto first partners anime.png|The Johto first partner Pokémon owned by {{Ash}}
-|-
+File:Hoenn first partners anime.png|The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by {{an|Brock}}, Ash, and {{an|May}}
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}};" | [[File:495.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Sinnoh first partners anime.png|The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:496.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Unova first partners anime.png|The Unova region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:497.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Kalos first partners anime.png|The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in {{an|Professor Sycamore}}'s laboratory
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:498.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Alola first partners anime.png|The Alola first partner Pokémon, owned by Ash and {{an|Lana}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:499.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Galar first partners anime.png|The Galar region first partner Pokémon
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:500.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Hisuian first partners anime.png|The Hisui region first partner Pokémon
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:501.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+File:Paldea first partners anime.png|The Paldea first partner Pokémon, owned by [[Liko]], [[Dot]], and [[Roy]]
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:502.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
+</gallery>
-|-
-! colspan="2" style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | [[File:503.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:531.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Audino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:559.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Scraggy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:572.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Minccino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:587.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emolga|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:590.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Foongus|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};" | [[File:610.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Axew|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:635.png]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Hydreigon|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-|}
-==In the anime==
+===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer===
-Upon their tenth birthday, youths can register for a [[Pokédex]] and pick up a starter Pokémon from the local [[Pokémon professor]] or [[Pokémon Center]] free of charge. Starter Pokémon are usually raised specifically to be easy to train.
+[[File:Rosa Serperior Animated Trailer.png|thumb|left|250px|Rosa and Serperior in the [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer|Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer]]]]
+[[File:May Blaziken ORAS Trailer.png|thumb|250px|Brendan and May and their first partner Pokémon in the [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer]]]]
+The [[Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 Animated Trailer|Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer]]'s extended cut features all three of [[Unova]]'s first partner Pokémon: {{ga|Nate}} is shown with an {{p|Emboar}}, [[Hugh]] is seen with a {{p|Samurott}} (having picked the opposing type, like most [[rival]]s do in the games), and {{ga|Rosa}} uses a {{p|Serperior}} to battle [[Cheren]]'s {{p|Stoutland}}.
-Like in the games, the specific starter Pokémon available vary from region to region, but are the same in each region as the games. That is, Kanto Trainers can only choose Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle, Johto Trainers can only choose Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile, and so on.
+===Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer===
+The [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer]] also features all three of [[Hoenn]]'s first partner Pokémon, in all forms including their [[Mega Evolution]]s. {{ga|Brendan}} is shown to have picked a {{p|Treecko}}, while {{ga|May}} has both a {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Mudkip}}.
+{{-}}
-In ''[[AG025|A Mudkip Mission]]'', it was shown where starter Pokémon come from. Each region has special breeding grounds for starter Pokémon. The [[Pokémon League]] sends these breeders the Pokémon Eggs for them to hatch at secret breeding grounds. The breeders then hatch, care for, and raise the young Pokémon until they are ready to be proper starter Pokémon for new Trainers. As these young ones are virtually defenseless, the locations of breeding grounds (or even the knowledge of their existence) is a secret unknown to most in the [[Pokémon world]]. This is likely to guard against unscrupulous individuals or groups (such as [[Team Rocket]]) from poaching the young Pokémon.
+==In the manga==
+:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''
-Other rookie Trainers may receive their first Pokémon from a friend or relative instead. Others, on the other hand, may befriend a Pokémon in the wild. These mean that Trainers can, in fact, start with any Pokémon.
+:''For a list of characters who own first partner Pokémon, see [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]].''
+===Pokémon Adventures===
-<gallery perrow=5>
+In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the first partner Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. {{adv|Professor Oak}} produces three Pokédexes for each region, and gives out the three first partner Pokémon in each region along with the Pokédex to Trainers he thinks are talented. He has colleagues and friends like Professor Birch do this for him in regions in which he isn't present. In the Unova region, two sets of first partner Pokémon are given out to six Trainers, but still with only three Pokédexes. Professor Oak also gave [[Pika|Red's Pikachu]] as a special first partner to {{adv|Yellow}}.
-File:Starter Pokemon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall, depicting the Kanto starter Pokémon
-File:LoT starters.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their starter Pokémon
-File:Hoenn starters anime.png|The Hoenn starter Pokémon; owned by Brock, Ash, and May from left to right
-File:Sinnoh Starters.png|A postcard from Professor Rowan, depicting the Sinnoh starter Pokémon
-File:Unova starters anime.png|The Unova region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
-</gallery>
-===List of starter Pokémon in the anime===
+===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
-{{spoilers}}
+In [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], {{PPM|Professor Oak}} is depicted offering one of three first partner Pokémon&mdash;{{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, or {{p|Squirtle}}&mdash;to Pokémon Trainers as they begin their journeys, much like in other media. {{PPM|Green}} chooses {{TP|Green|Charmander}} as his first Pokémon, and while {{PPM|Red}} was offered the choice as well, he decided to keep a {{TP|Red|Clefairy}} that he met on his way to Professor Oak's lab as his first Pokémon instead.
-* {{Ash}} received a {{AP|Pikachu}} from {{an|Professor Oak}}.
-* {{an|Brock}} received an {{p|Onix}} from {{ka|Flint|his father}} that now belongs to his brother, [[Forrest]], with whom it evolved into a {{TP|Brock|Steelix}}.
-* {{an|Misty}} began her journey with {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Staryu}} and {{p|Starmie}}, however it's unknown how she got them or which one she acquired first.
-* {{Gary}} received a {{p|Squirtle}} from Professor Oak that [[evolution|evolved]] into a {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}.
-* [[James]]'s first Pokémon is his pet {{p|Growlithe}} named [[Growlie]]. However, he left it at home when he ran away.
-* Through her life [[Jessie]] had many temporary Pokémon belonging to her former partners, she even [[Nurse Joy's Blissey|befriended one]] prior to joining Team Rocket, but her first oficially is a [[Jessie's Arbok|Ekans]] she received as a birthday gift.
-* {{an|Casey}} received a {{p|Chikorita}} from [[Professor Elm]] that evolved into a {{TP|Casey|Meganium}}.
-* {{Jo|Jimmy}} received a {{p|Cyndaquil}} from Professor Elm that evolved into a {{TP|Jimmy|Typhlosion}}.
-* {{Jo|Marina}} received a {{p|Totodile}} from Professor Elm that evolved into a [[Wani-Wani|Feraligatr]].
-* [[Vincent]] received a Chikorita from Professor Elm that evolved into a {{TP|Vincent|Meganium}}.
-* {{Jo|Harrison}} received a {{p|Torchic}} from [[Professor Birch]] that evolved into a {{TP|Harrison|Blaziken}}.
-* {{an|May}} received a Torchic from [[Professor Birch]] that evolved into a {{TP|May|Blaziken}}.
-* [[Nicholai]] started with a Mudkip.
-* {{Ho|Tommy}}'s first Pokémon was a {{p|Mudkip}}, that he evolved into a {{p|Marshtomp}}. He lost it on the [[Abandoned Ship]], where it evolved again into {{p|Swampert}}. They were later reunited.
-* {{Ho|Stephanie}} (''[[AG034|Having a Wailord of a Time]]'') received a {{p|Mudkip}} from Nurse Joy at the [[Slateport City]] [[Pokémon Center]].
-**[[Stephanie's father]] received a {{p|Treecko}} at the same time.
-* [[Xander]]'s (''[[AG142|Caterpie's Big Dilemma]]'') Caterpie was implied to be his starter Pokémon in the episode, as he mentioned that his Caterpie was his first Pokémon, albeit it was "not caught".
-* {{Ka|Gilbert}} (''[[SS014|Journey to the Starting Line]]'') received a {{p|Bulbasaur}} from Professor Oak.
-* {{an|Dawn}} received a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]].
-* [[Yuzo]] said that he started his Pokémon journey with a Starly.
-* [[Paul]]'s starter Pokémon was a {{p|Turtwig}}, now a {{TP|Paul|Torterra}}.
-* {{Si|Kenny}}'s first Pokémon was a {{p|Piplup}} that evolved into an {{TP|Kenny|Empoleon}}.
-* [[Tyler]] (''[[DP080|Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'') received a {{p|Piplup}} named ''Pippy'' from an unknown location in East [[Sinnoh]].
-* [[Zoey]]'s first Pokémon was a {{TP|Zoey|Glameow}} that she raised after it was abandoned. It is her signature Pokémon.
-* [[Max]] intends to begin his journey with the {{p|Ralts}} that he met in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]''.
-* {{an|Lyra}} probably received a {{p|Chikorita}} from [[Professor Elm]], given that she is from [[New Bark Town]].
-* [[Khoury]] probably received a {{p|Totodile}} from [[Professor Elm]] that evolved into a {{p|Croconaw}}.
-* {{an|Barry}}'s starter Pokémon is currently unknown, but it was hinted in ''[[DP122|Stopped in the Name of Love!]]'' that his starter might be his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}} he received as a Piplup.
-* [[Trip]] received a {{TP|Trip|Snivy}} from [[Professor Juniper]] in ''[[BW001|In The Shadow of Zekrom!]]''.
-* {{an|Iris}}'s first Pokémon was a {{TP|Iris|Drilbur|Excadrill}} that she saved from falling off a cliff when she was a little girl.
-* {{an|Bianca}} started with her {{TP|Bianca|Pignite}} which she likely had since a Tepig.
-* [[Emmy]] was given her {{p|Druddigon}} from her father when she started her journey.
-Several characters have also captured Pokémon in the wild that are, in the games, only available as starter Pokémon.
-* Ash Ketchum captured a {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, a {{AP|Charmander}}, and a {{AP|Squirtle}} in quick succession in the [[Kanto]] region. Of the three, only Charmander evolved, becoming a {{p|Charmeleon}}, and later a {{AP|Charizard}}, both of which were ''very'' disobedient to Ash until [[EP105|an incident]] in the [[Orange Archipelago]], after which it served Ash as it had when it was a Charmander. Bulbasaur was also going to evolve, but decided itself against becoming an {{p|Ivysaur}} in ''[[EP051|Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden]]''.
-* Ash also captured the three [[Johto]] region starter Pokémon, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Cyndaquil}} and {{AP|Totodile}}, of which Cyndaquil and Chikorita evolved, into {{AP|Quilava}} and {{AP|Bayleef}}, respectively.
-* Ash captured as well a {{AP|Treecko}} in [[Hoenn]], while Brock captured a {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}}. Treecko evolved twice, becoming {{AP|Sceptile}} before Ash left it at {{an|Professor Oak}}'s lab, while Brock's Mudkip evolved into {{TP|Brock|Marshtomp}}. Along with May's {{TP|May|Torchic}}, the traveling trio had the three starter Pokémon of Hoenn.
-* {{an|May}} captured a {{p|Bulbasaur}} midway through her journey in Hoenn, and was given a {{TP|May|Squirtle}} by Professor Oak when she journeyed to Kanto. Bulbasaur evolved all the way into {{TP|May|Venusaur}} during May's travels through Johto. Squirtle also evolved into {{TP|May|Wartortle}} during May's travels through Johto.
-* In [[Sinnoh]], Ash repeated himself by capturing {{AP|Turtwig}}, which has since evolved into a {{AP|Torterra}}. His rival, [[Paul]] owned a Chimchar that was confirmed to be caught in the wild. It was released, recaught by Ash, and is now an {{AP|Infernape}}.
-* Dawn hatched a {{TP|Dawn|Cyndaquil|Quilava}} during her journey in Sinnoh.
-* Ash reused his pattern from the [[original series]] of capturing all starter Pokémon in [[Unova]], {{AP|Oshawott}}, {{AP|Tepig}} and {{AP|Snivy}}. However this time around he caught them in reverse of the Pokédex order rather than following it as he did in the original series, and Oshawott was in fact a starter Pokémon that Professor Juniper allowed Ash to have after it ran away to be with him.
-* Gary Oak had an {{TP|Gary|Eevee}} at least since Ash was traveling in the [[Orange Archipelago|Orange Islands]]. As it was revealed to be under his ownership before his Blastoise, it caused many to hearken back to {{game|Yellow}}, where the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}}, like Ash, and the rival starts with Eevee. Either way, it was disproven that this was the case when Gary finally revealed his Blastoise to Ash. His Eevee eventually evolved into {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}.
-==In the manga==
+===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
-===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
+In [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], unlike the [[Pokémon the Series|animated series]] from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of first partner Pokémon. {{an|Professor Oak}} is not shown residing at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|his laboratory]] handing out first partner Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the animated series, rather, he travels the [[Kanto]] region conducting research, often accompanied by [[Bill]]. Trainers in The Electric Tale of Pikachu must obtain a license before they can purchase [[Poké Ball]]s or otherwise capture and train Pokémon. {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP|Ash}} found {{AP|Pikachu|Pikachu (EToP)}} under the floorboards of his home, keeping it as his first Pokémon. It is not currently known what [[Gary Oak]]'s first Pokémon was in the manga, although he is at one point seen owning a {{p|Venusaur}}.
-In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the starter Pokémon featured in the games are reserved for the few people who hold a Pokédex. [[Professor Oak]] produces three Pokédex for each region, and gives out the three starter Pokémon in each region along with the Pokédex to Trainers he thinks are talented. He has colleagues and friends like Professor Birch do this for him in regions in which he isn't present.
-Most characters in the manga do not start out with one of the Pokédex-related starter Pokémon. Instead, they usually have a Pokémon they were given by their parents when they were infants that they use as their starter Pokémon. Occasionally, it is not directly stated which Pokémon were their starter Pokémon in the manga, but in profiles of their teams, their starter Pokémon is marked with a star and is among the highest level in the party, even if they acquired more than one Pokémon at first.
+===Pokémon Zensho===
+In [[Pokémon Zensho]], much like in the {{game|Red and Green|s}} games on which the manga was based, [[Professor Oak]] offers {{Zensho|Satoshi}} and {{Zensho|Shigeru}} their choice of one out of three first partner Pokémon: {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, or {{p|Squirtle}}. Satoshi chooses Charmander, while Shigeru chooses Squirtle, leaving Bulbasaur with Professor Oak.
-====List of starter Pokémon in Pokémon Adventures====
+===Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys===
-* {{adv|Red}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Poli|Poliwag]] he had since his childhood, which has evolved into a {{p|Poliwrath}}. His "starter" was a [[Saur|Bulbasaur]] given to him by Professor Oak, which became a '''{{p|Venusaur}}''' in his travels.
+In [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], much like {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}, {{GnB|Gold}} is offered the choice of one of the three [[Johto]] first partner Pokémon&mdash;{{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} or {{p|Totodile}}&mdash;to borrow so that he may run an errand for [[Professor Elm]]. Gold chooses Totodile, who Elm allows him to keep after the errand is completed. Also, like in the games, {{GnB|Black}} (who is based on {{ga|Silver}}) steals a Chikorita from Elm's lab while Gold is away on his errand.
-* {{adv|Blue}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Blue's Scizor|Scyther]], now a {{p|Scizor}}, he took to the training with [[Chuck]]. His "starter" was a {{TP|Blue|Charmander}} given to him by his grandgather, which evolved twice into a '''{{p|Charizard}}'''.
-* {{adv|Green}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Jiggly|Jigglypuff]], now a {{p|Wigglytuff}}, she received from the [[Masked Man]]. Her "starter" was a [[Blasty|Squirtle]] she stole from Professor Oak, which later evolved into a '''{{p|Blastoise}}'''.
-* {{adv|Yellow}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Ratty|Rattata]] that Red caught for her, which has evolved into a {{p|Raticate}}. Later, she borrowed Red's '''[[Pika|Pikachu]]''', and after Red took him back, caught  her "starter", a '''[[Chuchu|female Pikachu]]''' for herself. Like the Pikachu in {{v2|Yellow}}, neither evolved.
-* {{adv|Gold}}'s first Pokémon was his [[Aibo|Aipom]], now a {{p|Ambipom}}, that his mother gave him. Professor Elm allows him to keep his "starter", a [[Exbo|Cyndaquil]], which becomes a '''{{p|Typhlosion}}''' alongside the other two starter Pokémon.
-* {{adv|Silver}}'s first Pokémon was the [[Silver's Weavile|Sneasel]], now a {{p|Weavile}}, that Giovanni gave him as a child. He later stole his "starter", a {{TP|Silver|Totodile}} from Professor Elm, as well as the first Pokédex of [[Johto]]. His starter Pokémon evolved twice into a '''{{p|Feraligatr}}'''.
-* {{adv|Crystal}}'s first Pokémon is officially her {{p|Smoochum}}, although she acquired many wild Pokémon that lived as a family while she was in the wild. [[Megaree|Chikorita]] later ran away from Professor Elm to go with her, and became her "starter". It became a '''{{p|Meganium}}''' midway into their journey.
-[[File:Ruby and his starters.png|thumb|200px|{{adv|Ruby}} and his first Pokémon from the left to the right: Ruru, [[Coco]] and [[Nana]]]]
-* {{adv|Ruby}}'s first Pokémon were the {{p|Ralts}}, [[Coco|Skitty]] and [[Nana|Poochyena]] that he received from his father, all of them having evolved into {{p|Kirlia}}, {{p|Delcatty}} and {{p|Mightyena}} respectively. Later, he got his "starter" from Professor Birch's [[Zuzu|Mudkip]]. It evolved into a '''{{p|Swampert}}''' from the concussive battles it underwent.
-* {{adv|Sapphire}}'s first Pokémon was the [[Rono|Aron]], now a {{p|Aggron}} her father gave her. Later, he gave her her "starter", a [[Toro|Torchic]], which evolved twice under her care into '''{{p|Blaziken}}'''.
-* {{adv|Wally}}'s first Pokémon was a Kecleon that Ruby helped him capture after seeing how much Wally wanted a Pokémon. However, he also borrowed Ruby's Ralts and rescued the Treecko intended for Emerald, but they ended up returned to their rightful owners, and the third Pokédex was returned to Birch, which was then finally given to Emerald.
-* When {{adv|Emerald}} arrived in the Battle Frontier he had no Pokémon on hand. Then he challenged the [[Battle Frontier (Generation III)#Battle Factory|Battle Factory]] using only Rental Pokémon, nearly at the end of the challenge, he noticed something suspicious about a '''{{TP|Emerald|Sceptile}}''' so he decided to steal it from the facility and kept him afterwards, it is later is revealed that the Sceptile was supposed to be his in the first place, making it his "starter". It evolved from its {{p|Grovyle}} stage in the wild, after evolving once in Wally's care.
-* {{adv|Diamond}}'s first was his [[Lax|Munchlax]], and later he received his "starter", a [[Tru|Turtwig]] from Platinum because of a misunderstanding. It has since evolved to '''{{p|Torterra}}''' alongside the others.
-* {{adv|Pearl}}'s first was his [[Chatler|Chatot]], and later he received his "starter", a [[Chimler|Chimchar]] from Platinum. The Chimchar has since evolved twice into an '''{{p|Infernape}}'''.
-* {{adv|Platinum}}'s first Pokémon was her [[Platinum's Rapidash|Ponyta]], now a Rapidash, and later she recieved her "starter", a [[Platinum's Empoleon|Piplup]] from Professor Rowan. It has since become an '''{{p|Empoleon}}''' under her care.
-* {{adv|Black}} started with a {{p|Rufflet}} that he captured with the help of a wild {{p|Munna}} he had befriended, and later acquired his "starter", a [[Buoh|Tepig]] from [[Professor Juniper]]. It later evolved into an '''{{p|Emboar}}'''.
-* {{adv|White}}'s "starter" Pokémon was a {{adv|Amanda|Servine}}, which later evolved into a '''{{p|Serperior}}'''. This Servine was with [[N]] until [[Gigi]], the Tepig that White employed, went to his side. It was later revealed that Amanda was a Snivy that was going to be given out to new trainers by Professor Cedric Jupiter, but was liberated by N.
-* [[Hugh]]'s first Pokémon is a {{p|Trapinch}}.
 ==Trivia==
-* Each of the {{type|Grass}} starter Pokémon is based on a reptilian creature, with Bulbasaur and Chikorita being based on {{wp|dicynodont|prehistoric}} {{wp|sauropod|reptiles}}, Treecko on {{wp|gecko}}s, Turtwig on {{wp|turtle}}s, and Snivy on a {{wp|squamata|lizard/snake}}.
+* The only two first partner Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
-* In interviews with [[Junichi Masuda]] during 2009, he stated that starter Pokémon are the Pokémon from each game that the most work goes into, and usually take significantly more time than other Pokémon in each generation.
+* Each one of the Alola first partners' final evolutions has an immunity. {{p|Decidueye}}'s Ghost type is immune to Normal and Fighting; {{p|Incineroar}}'s Dark type is immune to Psychic; and {{p|Primarina}}'s Fairy type is immune to Dragon.
-* Two of the three Johto fully evolved starter Pokémon, {{p|Typhlosion}} and {{p|Feraligatr}}, share the position of the fully evolved starter Pokémon to have the longest name. However, they tie with the not fully evolved starter Pokémon {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Charmeleon}}. Also, two of the three Unova starter Pokémon, {{p|Snivy}} and {{p|Tepig}}, share the position of the starter Pokémon or its evolutions with the shortest name.
+** Coincidentally, this also gives them advantages against {{p|Necrozma}}'s Ultra form: Decidueye and Incineroar are super effective against Ultra Necrozma's Psychic typing, while Primarina is strong against Ultra Necrozma's Dragon typing.
+* As of [[Generation IX]], the only sets of first partners without secondary types in any of their final evolutions are the [[Johto]] first partners and the [[Galar]] first partners.
+** If regional forms are included, the Galar first partners are the only set in which all of the final evolutions have only one type.
+** By contrast, the first partners of [[Sinnoh]] (including [[Hisui]]), [[Kalos]], [[Alola]], and [[Paldea]] all have a secondary type present in their final evolutions.
+* Both Kanto and Hoenn first partners are the only set of first partners capable of [[Mega Evolution]].
+** Additionally, both Kanto and Galar first partners are the only set of first partners capable of [[Gigantamax]]ing.
+*** This makes the Kanto first partners the only set of first partners that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.
+* In [[Generation II]], it was not possible to have a {{Shiny}} female first partner Pokémon, due to the mechanics of how [[gender]] and Shininess were determined. The lowest Attack {{IV}} a Shiny Pokémon could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV that a female Pokémon in their gender group could have was 1.
+* [[Kanto]]'s first partner Pokémon are the only partner Pokémon where all of the members appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]]: [[List of Pokémon by Kanto Pokédex number|Kanto]]'s, [[List of Pokémon by Johto Pokédex number|Johto]]'s, and [[List of Pokémon by Kalos Pokédex number|Kalos]]'s.
+** The {{p|Charmander}} line also appears alone in the [[List of Pokémon by Galar Pokédex number|Galar]] regional Pokédex, while the {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Squirtle}} lines appear in the [[Isle of Armor]] regional Pokédex.
+* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
+* The lowest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Torterra}}'s {{stat|Speed}}, at 56. The highest base stat of a non-Mega Evolved fully evolved first partner Pokémon is {{p|Primarina}}'s {{stat|Special Attack}}, at 126.
+* The Pikachu featured in Pokémon Yellow & Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and the Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are the only first partner Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which they are first partner Pokémon.
+** Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!'s respective first partners are also the only ones that cannot be traded to other games.
+* {{p|Charmander}} is the only Fire-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Field}}.
+* {{p|Oshawott}} is the only Water-type first partner Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Water 1}}.
+* With the exception of Hisuian Decidueye having a higher base stat total than Hisuian Samurott, no fully evolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon has a higher base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
+** By contrast, with the exception of Blaziken having a lower base stat total than Swampert, no fully evolved Fire-type first partner Pokémon has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
+** Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides {{p|Chespin}} has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
+** Similarly, no unevolved Fire-type first partner has a higher base stat total than either its counterparts and no fully evolved Fire-type first partner besides {{p|Blaziken}} has a lower one.
+* As of Generation IX, all fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM move {{m|Surf}}.
+* In [[DP001]] of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'', [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] is about the first partner Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this {{wp|senryū}} about them: 「シンオウで　たびがはじまる　ポケモンと」 ''"In [[Sinnoh]], a journey begins with Pokémon."''
+* In [[BW003]] of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'', [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] is about the first partner Pokémon of Unova. He writes this senryū about them: 「パートナー　みず・くさ・ほのお　まよっちゃう」 ''"Partner, {{t|Water}}, {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, I can't decide."''
+* Like the {{OBP|Pikachu|Yellow}} in {{game|Yellow}}, in [[Pokémon Adventures]] {{adv|Red}}'s {{p|Pikachu}}, [[Pika]], and {{adv|Yellow}}'s Pikachu, [[Chuchu]], never evolved.
+==In other languages==
+<div style="display: inline-block">
+;''First partner Pokémon''
+{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
+|zh_yue=搭檔寶可夢 ''{{tt|Daapdong Bóuhómuhng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 ''{{tt|Jeuichō dīk fóbuhn|First partner}}'' {{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
+|zh_cmn=搭檔寶可夢 / 搭档宝可梦 ''{{tt|Dādàng Bǎokěmèng|Partner Pokémon}}'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>最初的夥伴 / 最初的伙伴 ''{{tt|Zuìchū de huǒbàn|First partner}}'' {{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
+|da=første Pokémon-partner ([[JN001]])<br>første Pokémon-makker ([[JN049]]&ndash;)
+|fi=Ensikumppani-Pokémon
+|fr=Pokémon de départ{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Premier Pokémon{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card}}<br>Premier partenaire{{tt|*|HOME}}
+|de=Erstes Partner-Pokémon
+|it=Primo compagno d'avventura{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website, HOME}}<br>Pokémon iniziale{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card}}
+|es=Pokémon inicial{{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>Primer compañero{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
+|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon'' {{tt|*|Scarlet and Violet official website}}<br>첫 파트너 ''{{tt|Cheot|First}} partner''{{tt|*|Sword and Shield League Card, HOME}}
+}}
+</div>
+<div style="display: inline-block">
+;''Starter Pokémon''
+{{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
+|cs=Startovní Pokémon
+|da=Begynder-Pokémon
+|nl=Starter Pokémon
+|fi=Aloitus-Pokémon
+|fr=Pokémon de départ
+|de=Starter-Pokémon
+|hu=Kezdő Pokémon
+|it=Pokémon iniziale
+|no=Førstegangs-Pokémon
+|pl=Pokémon Starter
+|pt_br=Pokémon inicial<br>Pokémon iniciante ([[BW116]])
+|pt_eu=Pokémon inicial
+|ru=Стартовый покемон ''Startovy Pokémon''
+|es=Pokémon inicial
+|sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
+|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Roemton''
+|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
+|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
+}}
+</div>
-===In the games===
+==See also==
-* All starter Pokémon in the [[main series]] besides Pikachu have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female.
+* [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]]
-** Due to this, as well as the way in which gender and Shininess were determined, it was impossible to have a {{Shiny}} female starter Pokémon in [[Generation II]], as the lowest Attack {{IV}} a [[Shiny Pokémon]] could have was 2, while the highest Attack IV a female Pokémon in that gender group could have was 1.
+* [[List of the player's first Pokémon]]
-* The Hoenn starter Pokémon all evolve for the first time at level 16, then again at level 36. The Unova starter Pokémon all evolve for the first time at level 17, and then again at level 36. Other trios have differences among the three in either one or both evolutionary levels.
+* [[List of characters' first Pokémon]]
-* The starter Pokémon from [[Generation I]] are the only ones to appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]].
+* [[Game mascot]]
-* In the main series, when a starter Pokémon is first obtained, all are at level 5. Each knows one {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] and a stat-altering [[status move]] at this level, except for {{p|Pikachu}}, which has {{m|ThunderShock}} instead of a Normal-type move.
-* Pokémon Colosseum is the only Pokémon game that the player starts out with more than one starter Pokémon. They are also the highest leveled. Other games such as the [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon]] series and [[Pokédex 3D]] have the player start with multiple Pokémon, but these are not true starter Pokémon.
-* In {{game5|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum|Black|White}}, all of the starter Pokémon are taken, instead of one being left at the lab.
-* All of the Grass-type starter Pokémon have the Ability {{a|Overgrow}}, the Fire-type ones {{a|Blaze}}, and the Water-type ones {{a|Torrent}}. The exception to this are the evolutions of the {{p|Eevee}} obtained in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
-** However, through the {{pkmn|Dream World}}, it is possible to find starter Pokémon with other Abilities.
-* In the [[National Pokédex]] and the regional Pokédexes, the Grass-type starter Pokémon comes numerically before the others. The Water-type ones always come last numerically.
-* Neither of the main series starter Pokémon that are based on birds ({{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}}) are {{type|Flying}} nor are able to {{m|fly}}.
-===In the anime===
+==References==
-* For [[DP001]], [[Professor Oak's lecture]] is about the starter Pokémon of Sinnoh. He writes this [[Pokémon senryū]] about them: シンオウで　たびがはじまる　ポケモンと ''Shin'ō de tabi ga hajimaru Pokémon to.'' "In [[Sinnoh]], a journey begins with Pokémon."
+{{reflist}}
-* For [[BW003]], [[Professor Oak's lecture]] is about the starter Pokémon of Unova. He writes this [[Pokémon senryū]] about them: パートナー　みず・くさ・ほのお　まよっちゃう ''Pātonā, mizu kusa honō, mayocchau.'' "Partner, {{t|Water}}, {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, I can't decide."
-* Ash has owned all five Grass-type starter Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}} and {{AP|Snivy}}. All of them except Bulbasaur and Snivy have evolved since then.
-* Each {{type|Water}} starter Pokémon obtained by a main character was not battled: [[Ash's Squirtle]] and {{AP|Oshawott}} chose to join his team, while Ash fought and won against Misty for his {{AP|Totodile}}. Brock did not battle {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}} to obtain it. May received her {{TP|May|Squirtle}} from [[Professor Oak]], and Dawn received her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]].
-* {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Treecko}} are both based on lizards (salamander, gecko). Ash had the final forms of them: {{AP|Charizard}} and {{AP|Sceptile}}. A real life salamander is an amphibian, not a lizard; however, Charmander is based upon the legendary creature known as the {{wp|salamander (legendary creature)|Salamander}}.
-* {{p|Squirtle}} and {{p|Turtwig}} are both based on turtles and were the starter Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, {{Gary}} and [[Paul]].
-* {{p|Torchic}} and {{p|Piplup}} are both based on birds (chicken, penguin). They were also both owned by the anime's resident [[Pokémon Coordinator]]s.
-* Both May and Dawn have a second starter Pokémon from a previous generation with a type disadvantage to their first. These starter Pokémon are both from two generations prior to their owner's introduction, and featured in the anime likely due to the same-generation [[remake]]s.
-{{Starter Pokémon|Arceus}}
+{{First partner trios|Pokemon}}
 [[Category:Terminology]]
-[[Category:Starter Pokémon|*]]
+[[Category:First partner Pokémon|**]]
-[[Category:Anime starter Pokémon|*]]
+[[Category:First Pokémon]]
+[[Category:Pokémon groupings]]
-[[pt:Pokémon Iniciantes]]
-[[de:Starter-Pokémon]]
+[[de:Erste Partner-Pokémon]]
 [[es:Pokémon inicial]]
 [[fr:Pokémon de départ]]
 [[it:Pokémon iniziale]]
 [[ja:御三家]]
-[[pl:Startery]]
+[[zh:最初的夥伴]]