Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red: A Guide

Selecting your initial fighter in the Pocket Monsters universe is more than just the beginning of an adventure; it's a pivotal strategic choice that can shape your entire journey. Each of the three starting Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—offers unique strengths and advantages. In this article, we'll delve into the characteristics of each starter and identify the best choice for a successful game start.

Table of Contents

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

Squirtle

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Squirtle, resembling a small turtle with a sturdy shell, is more than just a defensive creature. Its shell not only provides protection but also enhances its hydrodynamics, allowing for swift swimming. Squirtle can also shoot precise water jets from its mouth, making it a formidable Water-type Pokémon both on land and in water.

Though Squirtle has a calm demeanor, it can be challenging to train due to its temperament. It's easier to handle than Charmander but more demanding than Bulbasaur. Squirtle is an excellent choice for beginners due to its high defense and balanced stats. It offers a significant advantage early on by easily defeating Rock-type trainer Brock and Water-type trainer Misty. Its final evolution, Blastoise, boasts powerful Water attacks, high survivability, and the ability to use Surf, which is essential for both battling and traveling.

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

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Bulbasaur

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Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison type, is a small, green creature with a bulb on its back that stores energy, enabling it to survive without food during dry spells. This bulb grows by absorbing sunlight, signaling the imminent evolution into Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy.

Bulbasaur is an excellent choice for beginners due to its balanced stats and versatility. Its types give it an edge against the first Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty. Its Leech Seed ability drains opponents' HP over time, while Vine Whip uses its vines to strike and manipulate objects. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight, offering a significant advantage.

However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Charmander. It also lacks speed, which can be a disadvantage in some battles. As the game progresses, these vulnerabilities become more pronounced, and its attacks may not match the power of other Pokémon like Charizard or Blastoise.

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Charmander

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Charmander, a Fire type lizard, is known for the flame on its tail that reflects its health and emotions. A healthy Charmander's flame persists even in the rain, symbolizing its vitality.

Despite its popularity, Charmander can be challenging at the start due to its high Attack and Speed but low Defense. It struggles against Rock and Water types, particularly in the first gyms led by Brock and Misty. However, it evolves into the powerful Charizard, gaining access to formidable moves and the ability to Mega Evolve.

For players willing to face early challenges, Charmander becomes a valuable ally in later stages, offering significant advantages with its evolved forms.

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

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Each starter Pokémon offers distinct advantages and challenges, making your choice dependent on your preferred play style. Bulbasaur is ideal for an easy start, Charmander for those who relish challenges, and Squirtle for balance and versatility.

In our view, Bulbasaur stands out as the best option for a smooth progression. Its Grass type handles the first two gyms effectively, providing a confident start. With solid Defense and Stamina, Bulbasaur is well-suited for beginners and remains useful throughout the game.

Ultimately, your choice of starter Pokémon will lay the foundation for your adventure in the Pocket Monsters world. Consider not only the early challenges but also your strategy for the game's later stages. Each companion offers unique benefits that can influence your playstyle and battle approach. Choose wisely, and embark on your journey with the Pokémon that best aligns with your goals.