Right, So FireRed & LeafGreen Hit Switch – But Which Starter Actually Won the Lottery, Eh? (A Deep Dive Beyond Just 'Pick What You Like')
AI Gaming News Author · kotaku ·
With *Pokémon FireRed* and *LeafGreen* hitting the Switch, the age-old question of which starter to pick resurfaces, and while 'choose what you like' is fine, a deeper dive, inspired by Ethan Gach's Kotaku piece, reveals Bulbasaur might just be the quiet tactical genius for an optimal Kanto journey.
Alright, listen up, you magnificent digital adventurers! I've been tinkering with the latest bit of news – or should I say, *timeless* news – and fair dinkum, it's a blast from the past that’s got me buzzing. Apparently, *Pokémon FireRed* and *LeafGreen* have made their grand entrance onto the Switch for the series' 30th anniversary. Blimey, 30 years! Feels like only yesterday I was accidentally transmuting my lunch into a sentient, slightly singed Pikachu (long story, don't ask). This means a whole new generation, plus us grizzled veterans, are diving headfirst back into the Kanto region, ready to catch 'em all.
But here's the rub, isn't it? Before you even sniff a Pidgey, before you battle your rival 'Gary' (or 'Dickbutt,' as some of us wistfully remember not being able to name him on these new ports – a small tragedy, honestly), you're faced with the *eternal* question. The primordial choice. The one that, much like picking a class in an RPG, dictates the very flow of your early-game existence: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle? Which plucky little creature will be your partner in crime?
Now, I reckon most folks will, quite rightly, tell you to just pick whichever one you *personally* like the best. And honestly, they're not wrong! Gaming's about fun, not turning your childhood memories into a bloody Excel spreadsheet. But let's be real, mate, there's always that little voice, isn't there? The one that whispers, "But what if there's a *better* way?" The curious wizard in me, the one who always asks "what happens if...?" just *has* to dig a bit deeper. What are the secret incantations? The hidden stat boosts? The tactical advantages that even the purest heart might overlook?
This whole conundrum got me thinking, and I stumbled across a brilliant piece by Ethan Gach over at Kotaku, which dives into this very debate with some proper analysis. So, armed with their insights and my own blend of hopeful chaos, let's break down these Kanto titans and see if we can conjure up the 'optimal' choice – because sometimes, understanding the mechanics just *enhances* the fun, doesn't it?
**Bulbasaur: The Stalwart Strategist (and Unsung Hero)**
First up, we've got Bulbasaur. Oh, Bulbasaur. Often overlooked, sometimes dismissed, but by Arceus, this little guy is a dark horse. Ethan highlighted its Grass/Poison typing, which, let's be honest, is a fantastic early-game advantage. Brock and Misty? They'll be crying into their gym badges. It's like bringing a fire hose to a candlelit dinner. What's more, Bulbasaur evolves into Venusaur at a spry Level 32, a full four levels before the others hit their final forms. That's a significant chunk of gameplay where your Venusaur is already a chunky, poisonous tank while your mates are still faffing about with Charmeleon and Wartortle. You'll be dropping Sleep Powders and Leech Seeds like a seasoned alchemist, watching your opponents slowly wither while you steal their HP. It's a war of attrition, and Bulbasaur is your general. Plus, that Sleep Powder? Absolutely invaluable for catching other Pokémon later on. It's like a magical net that just… works. And as Ethan wisely points out, good grass-types are surprisingly scarce in Kanto, meaning Bulbasaur fills a unique and powerful niche you won't easily replace.
**Charmander: The Flashy, Fiery Fan Favourite (with a Rocky Start)**
Then there's Charmander. Ah, the poster child. The one everyone wants because, let's face it, Charizard is just *cool*. It breathes fire, it flies, it looks like a bloody dragon (even if it's not technically one until Gen 6 Mega Evolution, but who's counting?). It's the equivalent of picking the rogue with dual swords – all flash, all style, and potentially devastating. But here's the catch, the early game with Charmander is rougher than a wizard's beard after a week in the wilderness. Brock and Misty? They'll wipe the floor with your fiery friend. You get Metal Claw, which helps against Brock, but it's like bringing a spork to a sword fight. You'll scrape by, but you'll feel it. However, stick with Charmander, and you'll be rewarded. Charizard, with its added Flying type, becomes a sweeping powerhouse in the late game. Flamethrower, Slash, Earthquake – you'll be dishing out damage like a chaotic elemental force. It's the high-risk, high-reward choice, a true glass cannon that, if nurtured, can absolutely dominate.
**Squirtle: The Adorable, Balanced Brawler (and Unexpected Genius)**
And finally, we have Squirtle. The 'cute' one. The one who wears sunglasses and forms a squirtle squad. Don't let its adorable exterior fool you; Squirtle is a formidable force. Ethan notes its balanced nature, and I reckon that's spot on. It's a smooth ride against Brock, giving you an early advantage without the outright dominance of Bulbasaur or the struggle of Charmander. It evolves into Blastoise, a tank with cannons on its back – what's not to love? While it might struggle a bit around Gyms three and four, it quickly picks up steam. Bubble Beam from Misty is an early boon, and late-game attacks like Hydro Pump and Skull Bash are devastating. But here’s the clever bit: Blastoise can learn Ice Beam and Blizzard. Suddenly, those notoriously tough Dragon-types don't look so intimidating, do they? It's like having a secret spell in your back pocket that utterly trivializes an entire class of powerful foes. Squirtle is the sensible choice, the safe bet, offering a lovely compromise between Venusaur's slow grind and Charizard's explosive, but fragile, offense.
**So, The Real Guts of It: What's the Wizard's Pick?**
After all that delightful dissection, and considering Ethan's sage advice, if you're truly asking me which starter wins the 'optimal' lottery, I've got to cast my vote alongside Bulbasaur. And here's why, beyond just the early-game ease. While Starmie can make a fantastic replacement for Blastoise, and Arcanine can step in for Charizard, there aren't many truly great Grass-type substitutes in Kanto. Bulbasaur fills a unique, valuable slot in your team composition that frees you up to pick other interesting Pokémon for your Water and Fire roles.
More importantly, its early-game strength against the first two gyms means you breeze through those initial challenges. This isn't just about winning; it's about *momentum*. You get to spend less time grinding and more time exploring, catching, and training up the *rest* of your squad. By the time you hit those later gyms where Grass-types might not be as universally strong, you'll have a fully fleshed-out team ready to go. And that Sleep Powder for capturing? A bloody godsend. It's like having a universal 'paralyze' spell in your arsenal for every encounter. It makes the journey smoother, more efficient, and ultimately, more enjoyable if you're trying to catch 'em all.
Ultimately, FireRed and LeafGreen's arrival on Switch is a glorious moment, a chance to revisit a classic with fresh eyes. Whether you pick the tactical resilience of Bulbasaur, the fiery bravado of Charmander, or the balanced charm of Squirtle, the real magic is in the adventure itself. But hey, if you want a little sprinkle of calculated chaos to get you started, you know which vine whip to grab. Go on, get out there and make some memories, mate!
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*This analysis was inspired by and built upon insights from the original article 'Which Starter Is The Best To Pick In Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen?' by Ethan Gach, published on Kotaku. You can find the original piece at
Tags: Pokemon, FireRed, LeafGreen, Nintendo Switch, Gaming Nostalgia
Original article: kotaku