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 player's starter Pokémon from [[Generation]]s {{Gen|I}} through {{Gen|IV}}]]
+[[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]] starter Pokémon, 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.
-[[File:Kalos starters XY anime.png|thumb|250px|Anime artwork of the [[Generation VI]] starter Pokémon]]
-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 '''{{tt|最初|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 {{pkmn2|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 [[core series]] games, it is said that the starter Pokémon are extremely rare, giving the player a reason why the Pokémon not chosen can't be found in the wild.
+It is said that the first partner Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, accounting for their uniqueness in each game.
-==In the games==
+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>
-In the core series {{pkmn|games}} ([[Pokémon Yellow Version|with one exception]]), the player can choose a {{t|Fire}}-, {{t|Water}}-, or {{type|Grass}} starter Pokémon at [[level]] 5. At least one of the player's [[rival]]s will also always choose or have a starter Pokémon, typically the one that has a type advantage over the player's.
-===Starter Pokémon===
+==Terminology==
-====Core 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 [[Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Pokémon Red, Green]], [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue]], [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed, and LeafGreen]], [[Professor Oak]] will bring Trainers to his lab to give them one of the following to begin their journey:
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; text-align:center; 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:001Bulbasaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:004Charmander.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:007Squirtle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-{{typetable|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Poison}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}}}
-|-
-{{typetable|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Poison}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}}}
-|-
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-{{typetable|Poison}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Flying}}
-| 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.
-[[Professor Sycamore]] will let the player choose one of these three Pokémon after meeting him in person and beating his team of Kanto starters in {{pkmn|battle}}. After making their choice, Professor Sycamore will give the player a [[Mega Stone]] corresponding to the chosen starter's final evolution; {{DL|Mega Stone|Venusaurite}} for {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{DL|Mega Stone|Charizardite X}}{{sup/6|X}}/{{DL|Mega Stone|Charizardite Y}}{{sup/6|Y}} for {{p|Charmander}}, and {{DL|Mega Stone|Blastoisinite}} for {{p|Squirtle}}.
+==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.
-In {{game|Yellow}}, due to being based on the {{pkmn|anime}}, Oak instead gives out:
+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>
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{kanto 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:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:025Pikachu.png|96px]]<br>'''{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Red's Pikachu (game)|Pikachu}}'''
-|-
-| style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
-|}
-The {{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. 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. The Pikachu received from Oak will also refuse to evolve into {{p|Raichu}} by use of a [[Thunder Stone]] unless it is traded away to do so.
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-=====[[Johto]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Kanto color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-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:
+<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 -->
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{johto color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{johto color}}"
+{{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>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:152Chikorita.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chikorita|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:155Cyndaquil.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Cyndaquil|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
+{{PokeSum|0152|Chikorita|Grass}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{johto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:158Totodile.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Totodile|{{johto color dark}}}}'''
+{{PokeSum|0155|Cyndaquil|Fire}}
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0158|Totodile|Water}}
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
-| {{MSP|153|Bayleef}}
-| {{pcolor|Bayleef|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|156|Quilava}}
-| {{pcolor|Quilava|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|159|Croconaw}}
-| {{pcolor|Croconaw|{{johto color dark}}}}
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{johto color light}}"
-| {{MSP|154|Meganium}}
-| {{pcolor|Meganium|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|157|Typhlosion}}
-| {{pcolor|Typhlosion|{{johto color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|160|Feraligatr}}
-| {{pcolor|Feraligatr|{{johto color dark}}}}
-|-
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|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).
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Hoenn color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<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 -->
-In Generation II, the Pokémon will be holding a {{DL|Berry (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 #{{Sinnoh color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Sinnoh first partner Pokémon}}</div>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0387|Turtwig|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0390|Chimchar|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0393|Piplup|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 (Generation III)|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 #{{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 -->
-In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the player first enters the [[Hall of Fame]] and meets [[Zinnia]], Professor Birch can be found being chased by a {{p|Shroomish}} on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Johto starters.
+{{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>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
+{{PokeSum|0650|Chespin|Grass}}
+{{PokeSum|0653|Fennekin|Fire}}
+{{PokeSum|0656|Froakie|Water}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Johto starters can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}}.
+{{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 -->
-=====[[Hoenn]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Galar color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-In {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, {{v2|Emerald}}, {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after [[Professor Birch]] is rescued from a {{p|Poochyena}}{{sup/3|RS}}{{sup/6|ORAS}} 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|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 -->
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{hoenn color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{hoenn color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{Paldea color light}}|content=<!-- trio box OPEN -->
-|-
+<div style="font-weight: bold;">{{color2|000|Paldea first partner Pokémon}}</div>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:252Treecko.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Treecko|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
+<div><!-- Pokémon list OPEN -->
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:255Torchic.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Torchic|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''<br>
+{{PokeSum|0906|Sprigatito|Grass}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{hoenn color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:258Mudkip.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Mudkip|{{hoenn color dark}}}}'''
+{{PokeSum|0909|Fuecoco|Fire}}
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0912|Quaxly|Water}}
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
+</div><!-- Pokémon list CLOSE -->
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
+}}<!-- trio box CLOSE -->
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}}}
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable|Water}}
-{{typetable|Ground}}
-|- 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}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable|Water}}
-| style="background:#{{ground color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Ground|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.
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex 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}}.
+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.
-=====[[Sinnoh]]=====
+==Other first partners==
-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:
+Aside from the regional trios, a few other Pokémon have been explicitly referred to as first partner Pokémon.
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{sinnoh color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{sinnoh color}}"
+:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:387Turtwig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Turtwig|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:390Chimchar.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chimchar|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:393Piplup.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Piplup|{{sinnoh color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}}}
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}
-{{typetable|Ground}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable|Water}}
-| 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.
+===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!
-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.
+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 {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the player enters the [[Hall of Fame]] for the second time, Professor Birch can be found being chased by his wife on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Sinnoh starters.
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-=====[[Unova]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{electric color light}}|
-In {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Professor Juniper]] leaves a gift with the player's {{OBP|Mom|Black and White}} in [[Nuvema Town]] to give to him or her, containing the following three Pokémon:
+{{PokeSum|0025|Pikachu|Electric}}
+}}
-{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{Unova color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{normal color light}}|
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0133|Eevee|Normal}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:495Snivy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
+}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:498Tepig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:501Oshawott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}}}
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- 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}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-| 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}}.
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex CLOSE -->
-In {{game|Black and White|s|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|2}}, 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 only seen in its second form.
+===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.
-In {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, after the [[Delta Episode]] is completed, Professor Birch can be found being chased by a {{p|Machoke}} on {{rt|101|Hoenn}} and the player will be allowed to choose one of the Unova starters.
+{{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.
-In {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the Unova starters' final forms can be caught in the wild via {{DL|QR Scanner|Island Scan}}.
+{{Flexheader|gap=20px}}<!-- flex OPEN -->
-=====[[Kalos]]=====
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{dark color light}}|
-In [[Pokémon X and Y]], the player, [[Shauna]], and {{ga|Serena}}/{{ga|Calem}} receive their starter Pokémon in [[Aquacorde Town]] from [[Tierno]], who was asked by [[Professor Sycamore]] to deliver them.
+{{PokeSum|0052|Meowth|Dark|form=-Alola|formname=Alolan}}
+}}
-{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{kalos color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{kalos color}}"
+{{Flexitem|class=roundy c|extra-style=padding: 5px|border=3px solid #{{poison color light}}|
-|-
+{{PokeSum|0803|Poipole|Poison}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:650Chespin.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Chespin|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''<br>
+}}
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:653Fennekin.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Fennekin|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kalos color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:656Froakie.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Froakie|{{kalos color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
-| {{MSP|651|Quilladin}}
-| {{pcolor|Quilladin|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|654|Braixen}}
-| {{pcolor|Braixen|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|657|Frogadier}}
-| {{pcolor|Frogadier|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{kalos color light}}"
-| {{MSP|652|Chesnaught}}
-| {{pcolor|Chesnaught|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|655|Delphox}}
-| {{pcolor|Delphox|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|658|Greninja}}
-| {{pcolor|Greninja|{{kalos color dark}}}}
-|-
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-{{typetable|Fighting}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Psychic}}
-{{typetable|Water}}
-| style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
-|}
-The player's friend [[Shauna]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice, while the player's other friend {{ga|Serena}}/{{ga|Calem}} will choose the one with a type advantage to the player's choice. The choice of starter Pokémon affects which Pokémon Shauna will [[In-game trade|trade]] with the player after the player enters in the [[Hall of Fame]]. Shauna will trade the unevolved form of her starter Pokémon, having received it as an {{pkmn|Egg}}. The choice of starter Pokémon also determines which of the [[Legendary birds]] will [[Roaming Pokémon|roam]] the [[Kalos]] region after defeating the [[Pokémon League]]—if the player chooses Chespin, {{p|Articuno}} will appear, {{p|Zapdos}} will appear to those who chose Fennekin, and {{p|Moltres}} will appear to those that went with Froakie.
+{{Flexfooter}}<!-- flex CLOSE -->
-=====[[Alola]]=====
+==In the games==
-In [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]], the player receives their starter Pokémon in [[Iki Town]] from [[Hala]] and [[Professor Kukui]]. The player's friend [[Hau]] will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice.
+[[File:Pokémon HOME Wallpaper Sinnoh Partners.png|thumb|200px|The Sinnoh first partner trio wallpaper in {{g|HOME}}]]
+===Core series===
-{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{alola color dark}}; font-size:85%; border:5px solid #{{alola color}}"
+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.
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:722Rowlet.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Rowlet|{{alola color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:725Litten.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Litten|{{alola color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{alola color light}};{{roundytr|5px}}; vertical-align:bottom" colspan="2" | [[File:728Popplio.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Popplio|{{alola color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-{{typetable|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Flying}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
-| {{MSP|723|Dartrix}}
-| {{pcolor|Dartrix|{{alola color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|726|Torracat}}
-| {{pcolor|Torracat|{{alola color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|729|Brionne}}
-| {{pcolor|Brionne|{{alola color dark}}}}
-|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
-{{typetable|Grass}}
-{{typetable|Flying}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
-|- style="background:#{{alola color light}}"
-| {{MSP|724|Decidueye}}
-| {{pcolor|Decidueye|{{alola color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|727|Incineroar}}
-| {{pcolor|Incineroar|{{alola color dark}}}}
-| {{MSP|730|Primarina}}
-| {{pcolor|Primarina|{{alola color dark}}}}
-|-
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
-{{typetable|Ghost}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Dark}}
-{{typetable|Water}}
-| style="background:#{{fairy color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Fairy|FFF}}
-|}
-====Other in-game starters====
-* The rival of {{game|Yellow}}, {{ga|Blue}}, starts with an {{p|Eevee}} originally intended for the player. The Eevee will evolve into a {{p|Vaporeon}} if the player loses against the rival at the lab and either loses or skips the battle on Route 22, {{p|Jolteon}} if the player wins against the rival at both locations, and {{p|Flareon}} if the player wins against the rival once at either location, and loses or skips the other battle.
-* [[Wally]], with the help of the player and [[Norman| his or her father]], will catch a {{p|Ralts}}.
-* The player character not chosen in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, {{ga|Ethan}} or {{ga|Lyra}}, will have a {{p|Marill}}.
-====Base stat comparison when fully evolved====
-{{quartetstats|kanto|003|Venusaur|grass|80|82|83|100|100|80|006|Charizard|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|009|Blastoise|water|79|83|100|85|105|78|025|Pikachu|electric|35|55|40|50|50|90}}
-{{triostats|johto|154|Meganium|grass|80|82|100|83|100|80|157|Typhlosion|fire|78|84|78|109|85|100|160|Feraligatr|water|85|105|100|79|83|78}}
-{{triostats|hoenn|254|Sceptile|grass|70|85|65|105|85|120|257|Blaziken|fire|80|120|70|110|70|80|260|Swampert|water|100|110|90|85|90|60}}
-{{triostats|sinnoh|389|Torterra|grass|95|109|105|75|85|56|392|Infernape|fire|76|104|71|104|71|108|395|Empoleon|water|84|86|88|111|101|60}}
-{{triostats|unova|497|Serperior|grass|75|75|95|75|95|113|500|Emboar|fire|110|123|65|100|65|65|503|Samurott|water|95|100|85|108|70|70}}
-{{triostats|kalos|652|Chesnaught|grass|88|107|122|74|75|64|655|Delphox|fire|75|69|72|114|100|104|658|Greninja|water|72|95|67|103|71|122}}
-{{triostats|alola|724|Decidueye|grass|78|107|75|100|100|70|727|Incineroar|fire|95|115|90|80|90|60|730|Primarina|water|80|74|74|126|116|60}}
-====Base stat comparison when [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolved]]====
-{{quartetstats|kanto|003|Venusaur|form1=-Mega|grass|80|100|123|122|120|80|006|Charizard|form2=-Mega X|fire|78|130|111|130|85|100|006|Charizard|form3=-Mega Y|fire|78|104|78|159|115|100|009|Blastoise|form4=-Mega|water|79|103|120|135|115|78}}
-{{triostats|hoenn|254|Sceptile|form1=-Mega|grass|70|110|75|145|85|145|257|Blaziken|form2=-Mega|fire|80|160|80|130|80|100|260|Swampert|form3=-Mega|water|100|150|110|95|110|70}}
-====Side series====
-=====[[Orre]]=====
-In {{g|Colosseum}}:
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{colo color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{colo color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | [[File:196Espeon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Espeon|{{colo color dark}}}}♂'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{colo color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:197Umbreon.png|96px]]<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}} (while also starting with maximum [[friendship]]) and {{m|Reflect}}. Both are always male.
-In [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]:
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{xd color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{xd color}}"
-|-
-! colspan="10" align="center" style="width:80px; background:#{{xd color light}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:133Eevee.png|96px]]<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}}
-{{typetable2|Electric}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Psychic}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{dark color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Dark|FFF}}
-|}
-This starter Pokémon is in the player's possession right at the beginning of the game. It is at level 10 and knows {{m|Bite}}, which Eevee does not normally know at this level without {{pkmn|breeding}}. At an early point in the game, the player is offered one of five evolutionary items—[[Water Stone]], [[Thunder Stone|Thunderstone]], [[Fire Stone]], [[Sun and Moon Shards|Moon Shard]], and [[Sun and Moon Shards|Sun Shard]]—to allow the Eevee to evolve into any of its [[Eeveelution|evolutions]] that existed in [[Generation III]].
+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.
-In Pokémon XD, if the player completes the [[Mt. Battle]] challenge and defeats all 100 Trainers without quitting or switching Pokémon, [[Battlus]] will give one of the Johto starter Pokémon as a reward.
-=====[[Pokétopia]]=====
-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.
-Male players start out with the following Pokémon:
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{pbr color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyleft|5px}}" | [[File:388Grotle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Grotle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:391Monferno.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Monferno|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:394Prinplup.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Prinplup|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:404Luxio.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Luxio|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:444Gabite.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Gabite|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyright|5px}}" | [[File:397Staravia.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Staravia|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-|}
-Female players start out with the following Pokémon:
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{pbr color dark}}; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{pbr color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyleft|5px}}" | [[File:002Ivysaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:005Charmeleon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:008Wartortle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Wartortle|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:148Dragonair.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dragonair|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}" | [[File:111Rhyhorn.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Rhyhorn|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{pbr color light}}; {{roundyright|5px}}" | [[File:018Pidgeot.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pidgeot|{{pbr color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-|}
-=====[[Pokémon GO]]=====
-In Pokémon GO, when the player starts the game {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Squirtle}} will appear nearby. If the player battles and captures one of them, the others will disappear.
-If the player walks away from them, they will reappear near their new location. If they do this four times, {{p|Pikachu}} will appear in addition to the Kanto starter Pokémon.
-{| style="margin:auto; width:auto; background:#{{kanto color dark}}; text-align:center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{kanto color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:001Bulbasaur.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Bulbasaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:004Charmander.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Charmander|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''<br>
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}" colspan="2" | [[File:007Squirtle.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Squirtle|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" colspan="2" | [[File:025Pikachu.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pikachu|{{kanto color dark}}}}'''
+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}};"
-{{typetable|Grass}}
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Game(s)
-{{typetable|Poison}}
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; padding: 0px 5px;" | First partners
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
+! style="background-color: #{{bulba color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Also obtainable in
-{{typetable2|Water}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-{{typetable2|Electric}}
+| {{gameabbrev1|RGB}}/{{gameabbrev1|RB}}, {{gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
-|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
+| {{MSP|0001|Bulbasaur}} {{MSP|0004|Charmander}} {{MSP|0007|Squirtle}}
-| {{MSP|002|Ivysaur}}
+| {{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}})
-| {{pcolor|Ivysaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-| {{MSP|005|Charmeleon}}
+| {{gameabbrev1|Y}}
-| {{pcolor|Charmeleon|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+| {{MS|0025|Pikachu (Yellow)}}
-| {{MSP|008|Wartortle}}
+| Regular Pikachu are obtainable in all games except {{gameabbrev1|Y}}, {{gameabbrev5|BW}}, and {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}.
-| {{pcolor|Wartortle|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-| {{MSP|026|Raichu}}
+| {{gameabbrev2|GSC}}, {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
-| {{pcolor|Raichu|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+| {{MSP|0152|Chikorita}} {{MSP|0155|Cyndaquil}} {{MSP|0158|Totodile}}
-|-
+| {{gameabbrev3|E}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|SM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
-{{typetable|Grass}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-{{typetable|Poison}}
+| {{gameabbrev3|RSE}}, {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
+| {{MSP|0252|Treecko}} {{MSP|0255|Torchic}} {{MSP|0258|Mudkip}}
-{{typetable2|Water}}
+| {{gameabbrev4|HGSS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|SwSh}} ({{gameabbrev8|IA}}), {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|ID}})
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{electric color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Electric|FFF}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-|- style="background:#{{kanto color light}}"
+| {{gameabbrev4|DPPt}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
-| {{MSP|003|Venusaur}}
+| {{MSP|0387|Turtwig}} {{MSP|0390|Chimchar}} {{MSP|0393|Piplup}}
-| {{pcolor|Venusaur|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+| {{gameabbrev6|ORAS}}, {{gameabbrev7|USUM}}, {{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}, {{gameabbrev8|LA}}, {{gameabbrev9|SV}} ({{gameabbrev9|TM}}, {{gameabbrev9|ID}})
-| {{MSP|006|Charizard}}
+|- style="background-color: #FFF;"
-| {{pcolor|Charizard|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+| {{gameabbrev5|BW}}, {{gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
-| {{MSP|009|Blastoise}}
+| {{MSP|0495|Snivy}} {{MSP|0498|Tepig}} {{MSP|0501|Oshawott}}
-| {{pcolor|Blastoise|{{kanto color dark}}}}
+| {{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''
 |-
-| style="background:#{{grass color}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Grass|FFF}}
+!
-{{typetable|Poison}}
-{{typetable|Fire}}
-{{typetable|Flying}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{water color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Water|FFF}}
 |}
-===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====
-{{main|Player character#Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series|Player character → Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series}}
-====Pokémon Ranger series====
+==In animation==
-{{main|Partner Pokémon}}
+:''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 Rumble series====
+===Pokémon animated series===
-{{main|Player character#Pokémon Rumble series|Player character → Pokémon Rumble 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.
-====PokéPark series====
-{{main|Player character#PokéPark series|Player character → PokéPark series}}
-====[[Pokémon Conquest]]====
-{| 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:133Eevee.png|96px]]<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}}
-{{typetable2|Electric}}
-{{typetable2|Fire}}
-{{typetable2|Psychic}}
-{{typetable2|Dark}}
-{{typetable2|Grass}}
-| colspan="2" style="background:#{{ice color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | {{tcolor|Ice|FFF}}
-|}
-====[[Pokédex 3D]]====
+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 [[Pokédex 3D]], all players begin with these Pokémon.
-{| align="center" style="background:#{{Unova color dark}}; text-align: center; font-size:85%; {{roundy}}; border:5px solid #{{Unova color}}"
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | [[File:495Snivy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Snivy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:496Servine.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Servine|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:497Serperior.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Serperior|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:498Tepig.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Tepig|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:499Pignite.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Pignite|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:500Emboar.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emboar|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:501Oshawott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Oshawott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | [[File:502Dewott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Dewott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | [[File:503Samurott.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Samurott|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:531Audino.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Audino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:559Scraggy.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Scraggy|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:572Minccino.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Minccino|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:587Emolga.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Emolga|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:590Foongus.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Foongus|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}" | [[File:610Axew.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Axew|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-! style="width:80px; background:#{{Unova color light}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:635Hydreigon.png|96px]]<br>'''{{pcolor|Hydreigon|{{Unova color dark}}}}'''
-|-
-|}
-==In the anime==
+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.
-[[File:Sinnoh Starter Pokémon.png|thumb|350px|The Sinnoh starter Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory]]
-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.
-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.
+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-->
-In ''[[AG025|A Mudkip Mission]]'', it was shown where starter Pokémon come from. Each region has special, secret breeding grounds ran by a Pokémon Breeder for starter 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 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.
 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.
-<gallery perrow=6>
+<gallery widths="200px" class="center">
-File:Starter Pokemon poster.png|A poster on Ash Ketchum's bedroom wall, depicting the Kanto starter Pokémon
+File:Cerise Kanto first partners.png|The Kanto first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Cerise]]'s laboratory
-File:LoT starters.png|[[Vincent]], {{jo|Marina}}, and {{jo|Jimmy}} with their Johto starter Pokémon
+File:Johto first partners anime.png|The Johto first partner Pokémon owned by {{Ash}}
-File:Hoenn starters anime.png|The Hoenn starter Pokémon; owned by Brock, Ash, and May from left to right
+File:Hoenn first partners anime.png|The Hoenn first partner Pokémon, owned by {{an|Brock}}, Ash, and {{an|May}}
-File:Sinnoh Starters.png|A postcard from Professor Rowan, depicting the Sinnoh starter Pokémon
+File:Sinnoh first partners anime.png|The Sinnoh first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Rowan]]'s laboratory
-File:Unova starters anime.png|The Unova region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
+File:Unova first partners anime.png|The Unova region first partner Pokémon in [[Professor Juniper]]'s laboratory
-File:Kalos starters anime.png|The Kalos region starter Pokémon in [[Professor Sycamore]]'s laboratory
+File:Kalos first partners anime.png|The Kalos region first partner Pokémon in {{an|Professor Sycamore}}'s laboratory
+File:Alola first partners anime.png|The Alola first partner Pokémon, owned by Ash and {{an|Lana}}
+File:Galar first partners anime.png|The Galar region first partner Pokémon
+File:Hisuian first partners anime.png|The Hisui region first partner Pokémon
+File:Paldea first partners anime.png|The Paldea first partner Pokémon, owned by [[Liko]], [[Dot]], and [[Roy]]
 </gallery>
-===List of starter Pokémon in the anime===
+===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer===
-{{spoilers}}
+[[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]]]]
-* {{Ash}} started with a {{AP|Pikachu}}, which he received from {{an|Professor Oak}}.
+[[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]]]]
-* {{an|Brock}} started with an {{p|Onix}}, which he received from {{ka|Flint|his father}} and who now belongs to his brother, [[Forrest]], with whom it evolved into a {{TP|Brock|Steelix}}.
+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}}.
-* {{an|Misty}} started with {{TP|Misty|Goldeen}}, {{TP|Misty|Staryu}}, and {{TP|Misty|Starmie}}; however, it's unknown how she got them or which one she acquired first.
-* {{Gary}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Oak and who later [[evolution|evolved]] into a {{TP|Gary|Blastoise}}.
-* [[James]] started with his pet {{p|Growlithe}}, [[Growlie]]; however, he left it at home when he ran away.
-* [[Jessie]] started with an {{p|Ekans}}, which she received for {{wp|chūgen}} (a [[birthday]] present in the dub), and who later evolved into an {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}.
-* [[Sakura]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Sakura|Espeon}}.
-* {{an|Casey}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}, which she received from [[Professor Elm]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|Casey|Meganium}}.
-* [[Zackie]] (''[[EP130|A Bout With Sprout]]'') started with a {{p|Bellsprout}}, which he accidentally caught in [[Violet City]] when trying to catch [[Ash's Pikachu]], which he thought was a [[wild Pokémon]].
-* {{Jo|Jimmy}} (''[[The Legend of Thunder!]]'') started with a {{p|Cyndaquil}}, which he received from Professor Elm and who later evolved into a {{TP|Jimmy|Typhlosion}}.
-* {{Jo|Marina}} started with a {{p|Totodile}}, which she received from Professor Elm and nicknamed [[Wani-Wani]], and which later evolved into a {{p|Feraligatr}}.
-* [[Vincent]] started with a {{p|Chikorita}}, which he received from Professor Elm and who later evolved into a {{TP|Vincent|Meganium}}.
-* {{Jo|Harrison}} started with a {{p|Torchic}}, which he received from [[Professor Birch]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|Harrison|Blaziken}}.
-* {{an|May}} started with a {{p|Torchic}}, which she received from [[Professor Birch]] and who later evolved into a {{TP|May|Blaziken}}.
-* [[Nicholai]] started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Marshtomp}}.
-* {{OBP|Tommy|AG032}} started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Swampert}}.
-* {{OBP|Stephanie|AG034}} (''[[AG034|Having a Wailord of a Time]]'') started with a {{p|Mudkip}}, which she received from Nurse Joy at the [[Slateport City]] [[Pokémon Center]].
-** [[Stephanie's father]] started with a {{p|Treecko}}, which he received at the same time.
-* {{OBP|Jimmy|AG092}} (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'') started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Blastoise}}.
-* [[Xander]]'s (''[[AG142|Caterpie's Big Dilemma]]'') {{p|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".
-* {{OBP|Gilbert|SS014}} (''[[SS014|Journey to the Starting Line!]]'') started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which he received from Professor Oak.
-[[File:Dawn choosing Piplup.png|thumb|220px|Dawn choosing Piplup as her starter]]
-* {{an|Dawn}} started with a {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}}, which she received from [[Professor Rowan]].
-* [[Yuzo]] said that he started his [[Pokémon journey]] with a {{p|Starly}}.
-* [[Paul]] started with a {{p|Turtwig}}, which later evolved into {{TP|Paul|Torterra}}.
-* {{Si|Kenny}} started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Kenny|Empoleon}}.
-* [[Tyler]] (''[[DP080|Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'') started with a {{p|Piplup}}, which he nicknamed "Pippy" who he received from an unknown location in eastern [[Sinnoh]].
-* [[Zoey]] started with a {{TP|Zoey|Glameow}}, which she raised after it was abandoned.
-* [[Max]] intends to begin his journey with the {{p|Ralts}}, which he met in ''[[AG109|Do I Hear a Ralts?]]''.
-* {{an|Lyra}} started with a {{p|Chikorita}}.
-* [[Khoury]] started with a {{p|Totodile}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Croconaw}}.
-* {{an|Barry}}'s first Pokémon is currently unknown, but it was hinted in ''[[DP122|Stopped in the Name of Love!]]'' that his first Pokémon might be his {{TP|Barry|Empoleon}}, which he received as a {{p|Piplup}}.
-* [[Volkner]] started with a {{p|Pikachu}}, which later evolved into a {{p|Raichu}}.
-* [[Trip]] started with a {{p|Snivy}}, which he received from [[Professor Juniper]], who later evolved into a {{TP|Trip|Serperior}}.
-* {{an|Iris}} started with a {{p|Drilbur}}, which she saved from falling off a cliff when she was a little girl, who later evolved into an {{TP|Iris|Excadrill}}.
-* {{an|Cilan}} started with a {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}}, which he has had since childhood.
-* {{an|Bianca}} started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Bianca|Emboar}}.
-* [[Emmy]] started with her {{p|Druddigon}}, which she received from her father when she started her journey.
-* [[Virgil]] started with an {{p|Eevee}}, which later evolved into an {{TP|Virgil|Umbreon}}.
-* [[Nanette]] started with a {{p|Tepig}}, which she received from Professor Juniper.
-* {{an|Serena}} started with a {{TP|Serena|Fennekin}}, which she received from [[Professor Sycamore]], which has since evolved into {{p|Braixen}}.
-* [[Mairin]] started with a {{p|Chespin}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore. She nicknamed it [[Chespie]].
-* {{an|Shauna}} started with a {{p|Bulbasaur}}, which she received from Professor Sycamore, which evolved into {{TP|Shauna|Ivysaur}}.
-* {{an|Tierno}} started with a {{p|Squirtle}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore and later evolved into {{TP|Tierno|Blastoise}}.
-* {{an|Trevor}} started with a {{p|Charmander}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore, which evolved into {{TP|Trevor|Charizard}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Charizard}} Y.
-* [[Sawyer]] started with a {{p|Treecko}}, which he received from [[Professor Birch]] and later evolved into {{TP|Sawyer|Sceptile}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Sceptile}}.
-* [[Alain]] started with a {{p|Charmander}}, which he received from Professor Sycamore, and which evolved into {{TP|Alain|Charizard}}. It can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] into a {{me|Charizard}} X.
-* {{an|Lillie}} started with an [[Regional variant|Alolan]] {{p|Vulpix}} that hatched from an {{pkmn|Egg}}. She nicknamed it [[Shiron]].
-Several characters have also caught Pokémon in the {{pkmn2|wild}} that are, in the games, only available as starter Pokémon.
+===Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer===
-* Ash caught 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]]''.
+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}}.
-* Ash also captured the three [[Johto]] region starter Pokémon, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} and {{AP|Totodile}}, of which Chikorita and Cyndaquil evolved into {{AP|Bayleef}} and {{AP|Quilava}} respectively.
+{{-}}
-* Ash caught a {{AP|Treecko}} in [[Hoenn]], while Brock captured a {{TP|Brock|Mudkip}}. Treecko evolved twice, becoming {{AP|Sceptile}} before Ash left it at 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}} caught a 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}} and Squirtle evolved into {{TP|May|Wartortle}} during May's travels through Johto.
-* In [[Sinnoh]], Ash repeated himself by catching {{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 {{pkmn|Egg|hatched}} a {{p|Cyndaquil}} during her journey in Sinnoh. It later evolved into {{TP|Dawn|Quilava}}.
-* Ash reused his pattern from the [[original series]] of catching 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. Of the three, only Tepig has evolved, becoming a {{p|Pignite}}.
-* Gary Oak had an {{TP|Gary|Eevee}} at least since Ash was traveling in the [[Orange Archipelago]]. 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}}.
-* Ash caught a {{TP|Ash|Froakie}} in [[Kalos]], which used to belong to several other Trainers before being abandoned or abandoning the Trainer. It has since evolved into a {{p|Greninja}}.
-* {{an|Clemont}} obtained a {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}} in Kalos. It originally belonged to Professor Sycamore as a starting Pokémon for new trainers.
-* {{an|Lana}} is revealed to have caught a {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} in [[Alola]]. Popplio was rescued from being abused by members of Team Skull.
-* While Ash was in Alola, he caught a {{AP|Rowlet}} who was living in a flock of {{p|Pikipek}}, a {{p|Trumbeak}} and a {{p|Toucannon}}. Ash also encountered a {{AP|Litten}} a few times before finally earning its trust and capturing it.
 ==In the manga==
-===In the Be the Best! Pokémon B+W manga===
+:''For a list of other Pokémon who are Trainers' first Pokémon, see [[list of characters' first Pokémon]].''
-[[File:Cheren and Unova starters PBW.png|thumb|200px|The fully evolved Unova starter Pokémon in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W]]
+:''For a list of characters who own first partner Pokémon, see [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]].''
-[[Monta]], [[Bianca]], and [[Cheren]] received a {{TP|Monta|Snivy}}, {{TP|Bianca|Oshawott}}, and Tepig respectively as their first Pokémon. They ended up evolving into their final stages later on.
+===Pokémon Adventures===
+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}}.
-===In the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
-In [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], unlike the anime from which the manga was based on, new Pokémon Trainers do not appear to be given any sort of starter Pokémon. {{an|Professor Oak}} is not shown residing at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|his laboratory]] handing out starter Pokémon to new Trainers, as in the anime, 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. {{Ash}} found {{AP|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.
-===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
+===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
-In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the starter 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 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. In the Unova region, two sets of starter Pokémon are given out to six Trainers, but still with only three Pokédexes. Professor Oak also gave Red's Pikachu as a special starter to Yellow.
+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.
-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.
+===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
+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}}.
-====List of starter Pokémon in Pokémon Adventures====
+===Pokémon Zensho===
-* {{adv|Red}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Poli]]wag he had since his childhood, which has evolved into a {{p|Poliwrath}}. His "starter Pokémon" was a [[Saur|Bulbasaur]] given to him by Professor Oak, which he nicknamed "Saur". It became a '''{{p|Venusaur}}''' in his travels.
+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.
-* {{adv|Blue}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Blue's Scizor|Scyther]], now a {{p|Scizor}}, he took to the training with [[Chuck]]. His "starter Pokémon" was a {{TP|Blue|Charmander}} given to him by his grandfather, which evolved twice into a '''{{p|Charizard}}'''.
-* {{adv|Green}}'s first Pokémon was a [[Jiggly]]puff, now a {{p|Wigglytuff}}, she received from the [[Masked Man]]. Her "starter Pokémon" was a [[Blasty|Squirtle]] she stole from Professor Oak, which she nicknamed "Blasty". It 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]]chu''', and after Red took him back, caught  her "starter Pokémon", a '''[[Chuchu|female Pikachu]]''' for herself which she nicknamed "Chuchu". Like the Pikachu in {{v2|Yellow}}, neither evolved.
-* {{adv|Gold}}'s first Pokémon was his [[Aibo|Aipom]], now an {{p|Ambipom}}, that his mother gave him. He borrowed his "starter Pokémon", a [[Exbo|Cyndaquil]], from Professor Elm, and was later allowed to keep the Cyndaquil which he nicknamed "Exbo". It later becomes a '''{{p|Typhlosion}}''' alongside the other two Johto 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 Pokémon", 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 Pokémon" nicknamed "Megaree". 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: [[Rara]], [[Kiki]] and [[Nana]]]]
-* {{adv|Ruby}}'s first Pokémon were the [[Rara|Ralts]], [[Kiki|Skitty]] and [[Nana|Poochyena]] that he received from his father, all of them having evolved into {{p|Gardevoir}}, {{p|Delcatty}} and {{p|Mightyena}} respectively. Later, he got his "starter Pokémon" from Professor Birch; a [[Mumu|Mudkip]] which he nicknamed "Mumu". It evolved into a '''{{p|Swampert}}''' from the battles it underwent.
-* {{adv|Sapphire}}'s first Pokémon was the [[Rono|Aron]], now an {{p|Aggron}} her father gave her. Later, he gave her her "starter Pokémon", a [[Chic|Torchic]], which she nicknamed "Chic". It has since evolved twice under its Trainer's care into a '''{{p|Blaziken}}'''.
-* When {{adv|Emerald}} arrived in the Battle Frontier, he had no Pokémon on hand. Then he challenged the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|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 Pokémon". It evolved from its {{p|Grovyle}} stage in the wild, after evolving once in Wally's care.
-* {{adv|Diamond}}'s first was his {{adv|Lax|Munchlax}}, and later he received his "starter Pokémon", 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 Pokémon", 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 received her "starter Pokémon", a [[Platinum's Empoleon|Piplup]] from Professor Rowan. It has since become an '''{{p|Empoleon}}''' under her care.
-* {{adv|Black}} started with a [[Brav|Rufflet]] that he captured with the help of a wild [[Musha|Munna]] he had befriended, and later acquired his "starter Pokémon", a [[Bo|Tepig]] from [[Professor Juniper]] which later evolved into an '''{{p|Emboar}}'''. Initially it was nicknamed "Tep", but the nickname was changed to "Nite" and eventually "Bo", making Black the only main character so far to change his Pokémon's nickname.
-* {{adv|White}}'s "starter Pokémon" was a {{adv|Amanda|Servine}}, which later evolved into a '''{{p|Serperior}}'''. This Servine, which White nicknamed "Amanda", was with [[N]] until [[Gigi]], the {{p|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 Juniper, but was liberated by N.
-* {{adv|Blake}}'s first known Pokémon is a {{TP|Blake|Dewott}}.
-* {{adv|Whitley}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Foongy|Foongus]].
-* {{adv|X}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Kanga and Li'l Kanga|Kangaskhan]]. He later got a [[Marisso|Chespin]], nicknamed "Marisso", as his "starter Pokémon" after he accepted it as a member of his team. It has since become a '''{{p|Chesnaught}}''' under his care.
-* {{adv|Y}}'s first known Pokémon is a [[Fletchy|Fletchling]]. She later got a [[Croaky|Froakie]], nicknamed "Croaky", as her "starter Pokémon" after she accepted it as a member of her team. It has since become a '''{{p|Greninja}}''' under her care.
-* {{adv|Sun}}'s first known Pokémon is an Alolan {{p|Meowth}}. He is immediately shown as well with a '''{{p|Litten}}''' named En as his "starter Pokémon".
-===In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga===
+===Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys===
-In [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]], much like in the {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} video games on which the manga was based, {{GnB|Gold}} is offered the choice of one of the three [[Johto]] starter Pokémon - {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}} or {{p|Totodile}} - to borrow so that he may run an errand for [[Professor Elm]]. Gold chooses Totodile, which 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.
+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.
-===In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga===
-In [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], {{PPM|Professor Oak}} is depicted distributing the choice of one out of three starter Pokémon - {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} or {{p|Squirtle}} - to Pokémon Trainers as they begin their journeys, much like in other media. {{PPM|Green}} chooses {{TP|Green|Charmander}} as his starter 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 starter instead.
-===In the Pokémon Zensho manga===
-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 starter Pokémon - {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}} or {{p|Squirtle}}. Satoshi chooses Charmander, while Shigeru chooses Squirtle, leaving Bulbasaur with Professor Oak.
 ==Trivia==
-* 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.
+* The only two first partner Pokémon that are dual-type in their initial form, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
-* Two of the three Unova starter Pokémon, {{p|Snivy}} and {{p|Tepig}}, share the position of the starter Pokémon with the shortest name.
+* 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.
-* The only two Starter Pokémon that are dual-type, {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Rowlet}}, are both {{type|Grass}}.
+** 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.
-===In the games===
+** If regional forms are included, the Galar first partners are the only set in which all of the final evolutions have only one type.
-* All starter Pokémon in the [[core series]] besides Pikachu have a [[gender]] ratio of seven males to one female.
+** By contrast, the first partners of [[Sinnoh]] (including [[Hisui]]), [[Kalos]], [[Alola]], and [[Paldea]] all have a secondary type present in their final evolutions.
-** 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.
+* Both Kanto and Hoenn first partners are the only set of first partners capable of [[Mega Evolution]].
-* The starter Pokémon from [[Generation I]] are the only ones to appear in more than one [[regional Pokédex]]. They appear in [[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]].
+** Additionally, both Kanto and Galar first partners are the only set of first partners capable of [[Gigantamax]]ing.
-* In the core series, when a starter Pokémon is first obtained, all are at level 5. Each knows one {{type|Normal}} [[physical move]] (either {{m|Tackle}}, {{m|Scratch}} or {{m|Pound}}) and a stat-altering [[status move]] at this level, except for {{p|Pikachu}}, which has {{m|Thunder Shock}} instead of a Normal-type move. This pattern is broken in {{pkmn|X and Y}} when the starter at level 5 have both of these moves and one of their type.
+*** This makes the Kanto first partners the only set of first partners that can both Mega Evolve and Gigantamax.
-* All Grass-type starter Pokémon have the Ability {{a|Overgrow}}, the Fire-type starters have {{a|Blaze}}, and the Water-type starters have {{a|Torrent}}. Starter Pokémon may have differing Hidden Abilities.
+* 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.
-* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved starter Pokémon with unique base stat totals.
+* [[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 Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow is the only starter Pokémon that cannot evolve in the game in which it is a starter Pokémon.
+** 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.
-* The Johto starter Pokémon are the only set of starter Pokémon that remain the same type in all their evolutionary forms.
+* {{p|Fennekin}} is the only unevolved first partner Pokémon with a unique base stat total.
-* {{p|Charmander}} is the only Fire-type starter Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Field}}.
+* 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.
-* {{p|Oshawott}} is the only Water-type starter Pokémon that is not a member of the {{egg3|Water 1}}.
+* 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.
-* The Kalos starter Pokémon's secondary types in their final forms ({{t|Fighting}}, {{t|Psychic}}, and {{t|Dark}}) almost form another type-advantage triangle (where one type deals 2× damage to and receives ½× damage from another type), only being broken by the Dark type being completely immune to rather than resistant to the Psychic type.
+** 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.
-** Both the primary and secondary types, however, fit a more generally defined triangle that only requires one type to be offensively and defensively advantaged against another. For example, just as Water has the offensive and defensive advantage against Fire, so does Dark against Psychic.
+* {{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}}.
-===In the anime===
+* 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.
-* For [[DP001]], [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] is about the starter 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."''
+** 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.
-* For [[BW003]], [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] is about the starter 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."''
+** Contrarily, no unevolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon besides {{p|Chespin}} has a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts.
-* Ash has owned all but one of the Grass-type starter Pokémon: {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Treecko}}, {{AP|Turtwig}}, {{AP|Snivy}} and {{AP|Rowlet}}. The Grass-type starter from Generation VI, {{TP|Clemont|Chespin}}, was instead owned by {{an|Clemont}}.
+** 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.
-* Each {{type|Water}} starter Pokémon obtained by a main character was not battled: [[Ash's Squirtle]], {{AP|Oshawott}} and {{AP|Froakie}} 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]], Dawn received her {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} from [[Professor Rowan]], and Lana rescued her {{TP|Lana|Popplio}} from Team Skull.
+* As of Generation IX, all fully evolved Water-type first partners can learn the HM move {{m|Surf}}.
-* {{p|Charmander}} and {{p|Treecko}} are both based on lizards (salamander, gecko). Ash had the final forms of them: {{AP|Charizard}} and {{AP|Sceptile}}. Although real salamanders are amphibians, rather than lizards, Charmander can be based upon the legendary creature known as the {{wp|salamander (legendary creature)|Salamander}}.
+* 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."''
-* {{p|Squirtle}} and {{p|Turtwig}} are both based on turtles and were the starter Pokémon of two of Ash's rivals, {{Gary}} and [[Paul]].
+* 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."''
-* {{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.
+* 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.
-* 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.
-* In the Diamond and Pearl series, there have been two major appearances of each fully evolved starter introduced in [[Generation IV]]: Ash and Paul's Torterra, Ash and Flint's Infernape, and Barry and Kenny's Empoleon.
-* {{AP|Froakie|Greninja}} is the only Water-type starter that has ever evolved under Ash's ownership.
 ==In other languages==
+<div style="display: inline-block">
+;''First partner Pokémon''
 {{langtable|color={{Arceus color}}|bordercolor={{Arceus color dark}}
-|cs=Startovních Pokémon
+|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
@@ Line 722: / Line 339: @@
 |it=Pokémon iniziale
 |no=Førstegangs-Pokémon
-|ko=파트너 포켓몬 ''Partner Pokémon''
+|pl=Pokémon Starter
 |pt_br=Pokémon inicial<br>Pokémon iniciante ([[BW116]])
 |pt_eu=Pokémon inicial
@@ Line 728: / Line 345: @@
 |es=Pokémon inicial
 |sv=Nybörjar-Pokémon
+|th=โปเกมอนเริ่มต้น ''Pokémon Roemton''
+|vi=Pokémon khởi đầu<br>Pokémon khởi hành
+|tr=Başlangıç Pokémon'u
 }}
-{{-}}
+</div>
-{{Starter Pokémon|Arceus}}
+==See also==
+* [[List of characters with first partner Pokémon]]
+* [[List of the player's first Pokémon]]
+* [[List of characters' first Pokémon]]
+* [[Game mascot]]
+==References==
+{{reflist}}
+{{First partner trios|Pokemon}}
 [[Category:Terminology]]
-[[Category:Starter Pokémon|*]]
+[[Category:First partner Pokémon|**]]
-[[Category:Anime starter Pokémon|*]]
+[[Category:First Pokémon]]
-[[Category:Adventures starter Pokémon|*]]
+[[Category:Pokémon groupings]]
-[[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]]
-[[zh:最初拿到的宝可梦]]