Best Starter Fighter in Pokémon Fire Red: A Guide

Embarking on your journey in the Pocket Monsters universe begins with a crucial choice: selecting your first fighter. This decision not only marks the beginning of your adventure but also strategically influences your entire gameplay experience. In Pokémon FireRed, you're presented with three distinct starters, each boasting unique qualities and advantages. In this guide, we'll delve into the characteristics of Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Charmander, helping you decide which Pokémon is the best choice for a successful start.

Squirtle

Image: ensigame.com

Squirtle, resembling a small turtle, is encased in a sturdy shell that serves multiple purposes. Beyond mere protection and rest, the shell's rounded shape and grooves enhance its hydrodynamics, enabling Squirtle to swim at impressive speeds. Additionally, it can launch precise water jets from its mouth. Despite being a Water type, Squirtle is equally adept on land.

Known for its calm demeanor, Squirtle can be challenging to train compared to Bulbasaur but easier than Charmander. It's an excellent choice for beginners due to its high defense and balanced stats. Early in the game, Squirtle provides a significant advantage by easily defeating Rock-type trainer Brock and Water-type specialist Misty. Its final evolution, Blastoise, boasts powerful Water attacks, high survivability, and the ability to use Surf, which is invaluable both in battle and for navigation.

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 than Charmander's, and its speed could be better.

Image: alphacoders.com

Bulbasaur

Image: ensigame.com

Bulbasaur, a Grass and Poison type, features a green body with a large head and a distinctive bulb on its back. This bulb stores energy, allowing Bulbasaur to survive without food during dry spells. As it absorbs sunlight, the bulb grows, signaling an imminent evolution into Ivysaur when it becomes too heavy.

Bulbasaur is an ideal choice for new players due to its balanced stats and versatility. Its types give it an edge against the first Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty. The Leech Seed ability allows it to inflict damage over time, while Vine Whip uses its vines as effective limbs for combat and manipulation. Its hidden ability, Chlorophyll, doubles its speed in sunlight, offering a tactical advantage.

However, Bulbasaur is vulnerable to Fire, Ice, Psychic, and Flying attacks, making it weak against Charmander. It's not the fastest, which can be a disadvantage in some battles. As the game progresses, its evolution retains these vulnerabilities, and its attacks may not match the power of those from Charizard or Blastoise.

Image: pinterest.com

Charmander

Image: ensigame.com

Charmander, a Fire type lizard, has a tail flame that reflects its health and emotions. A bright flame indicates strength, while a dim one signals exhaustion. It's believed that if the flame extinguishes, Charmander's life ends, though a healthy one can keep its flame burning even in rain.

Despite its popularity, Charmander can be challenging at the start. It boasts high Attack and Speed, with effective Fire moves against Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel types. Eventually, it evolves into the formidable Charizard, gaining access to powerful moves and the ability to Mega Evolve.

However, Charmander struggles early on against Rock-type Brock and Water-type Misty. Its relatively low defense makes it vulnerable in battles. Despite these initial hurdles, Charmander becomes a powerful ally later in the game, rewarding trainers who embrace the challenge.

Image: alphacoders.com

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

Image: ensigame.com

Each of the three starters offers unique advantages and challenges, and the best choice depends on your preferred play style. For an easy start, Bulbasaur is recommended. If you relish challenges, Charmander might be your pick. For balance and versatility, Squirtle is the way to go.

In our view, Bulbasaur stands out as the best option for a smooth progression. Its Grass type excels against the first two gyms, providing a confident start. With solid Defense and Stamina, it's less likely to falter in battles, making it suitable even for beginners. Bulbasaur proves its worth early and remains valuable throughout the game.

Each starter shapes your playstyle and battle approach. Consider not only the early game challenges but also your strategy for later stages. Your choice will lay the foundation for your adventure in the world of Pocket Monsters.