
Gen 1, short for Generation 1, refers to the first set of Pokémon games and Pokémon introduced by Nintendo and Game Freak. These games were released in 1996 for the Game Boy console, and they included Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue versions.
Gen 1 also refers to the first 151 Pokémon that were introduced in these games, including iconic characters such as Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo. These games and Pokémon were a significant cultural phenomenon and kickstarted the Pokémon franchise, which has since grown to include numerous games, anime, movies, and merchandise.
Gen 1 Starters Pokemon
The Gen 1 starters are the first set of three Pokémon that players can choose from at the beginning of the game in the Generation 1 Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow). The Gen 1 starter Pokémon are:
- Bulbasaur
- Charmander
- Squirtle
Bulbasaur

Feature | Value |
---|---|
Name | Bulbasaur |
Pokédex Number | #001 |
Classification | Seed Pokémon |
Type | Grass/Poison |
Height | 0.7 m (2’04”) |
Weight | 6.9 kg (15.2 lbs.) |
Abilities | Overgrow (Increases Grass move power when HP is low) |
Hidden Ability | Chlorophyll (Doubles Speed in strong sunlight) |
Catch Rate | 45 (5.9% with Poké Ball, full HP) |
Base Friendship | 70 (Normal) |
Base Experience | 64 |
Growth Rate | Medium Slow |
In the Pokémon games, Bulbasaur is often chosen as a starter Pokémon by players, as it is one of the three available starters in the first generation games. Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16, and then into Venusaur at level 3
It is a Pokémon species in the Pokémon franchise, introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. Bulbasaur is a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon, which means it has abilities and moves associated with both Grass and Poison types.
This is a small, quadrupedal creature with blue-green skin and a bulb-like structure on its back. The bulb on its back absorbs sunlight, which provides energy for Bulbasaur’s photosynthesis. It is known for its friendly and loyal personality, as well as its ability to learn powerful Grass and Poison type moves.
Charmander

Feature | Value |
---|---|
Name | Charmander |
Pokédex Number | #004 |
Classification | Lizard Pokémon |
Type | Fire |
Height | 0.6 m (2’00”) |
Weight | 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs.) |
Abilities | Blaze (Increases Fire move power when HP is low) |
Hidden Ability | Solar Power (Increases Special Attack in strong sunlight but lowers HP) |
Catch Rate | 45 (5.9% with Poké Ball, full HP) |
Base Friendship | 70 (Normal) |
Base Experience | 62 |
Growth Rate | Medium Slow |
In the Pokémon games, Charmander is often chosen as a starter Pokémon by players, as it is one of the three available starters in the first generation games. Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16, and then into Charizard at level 36.
Charmander is a Pokémon species in the Pokémon franchise, introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. Charmander is a Fire type Pokémon, which means it has abilities and moves associated with the Fire type.
Charmander is a small, bipedal creature with orange scales, a cream-colored belly, and a flame on the tip of its tail. The flame on its tail is an indication of its health and mood, and it will dim or go out if Charmander is feeling ill or weak. Charmander is known for its fiery personality, and its ability to learn powerful Fire type moves.
Squirtle

Feature | Value |
---|---|
Name | Squirtle |
Pokédex Number | #007 |
Classification | Tiny Turtle Pokémon |
Type | Water |
Height | 0.5 m (1’08”) |
Weight | 9.0 kg (19.8 lbs.) |
Abilities | Torrent (Increases Water move power when HP is low) |
Hidden Ability | Rain Dish (Recovers HP during rain) |
Catch Rate | 45 (5.9% with Poké Ball, full HP) |
Base Friendship | 70 (Normal) |
Base Experience | 63 |
Growth Rate | Medium Slow |
In the Pokémon games, Squirtle is often chosen as a starter Pokémon by players, as it is one of the three available starters in the first generation games. Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16, and then into Blastoise at level 36.
Squirtle is a Pokémon species in the Pokémon franchise, introduced in the first generation of Pokémon games. Squirtle is a Water-type Pokémon, which means it has abilities and moves associated with the Water type.
Squirtle is a small, quadrupedal creature with light blue skin, a cream-colored belly, and a shell on its back. The shell is a natural defense mechanism for Squirtle, and it can withdraw its limbs into the shell for protection. Squirtle is known for its friendly and playful personality, and its ability to learn powerful Water-type moves.
Which of The Gen 1 Starters is Best
The choice of which Gen 1 starter is the “best” ultimately depends on the player’s individual playstyle and preferences. Each of the three starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Bulbasaur, for example, has a type advantage against the first two gym leaders in the game, which can make it a strong choice early on. It also has the ability to learn a variety of moves, including Sleep Powder and Leech Seed, which can be useful in battles.
- Charmander, on the other hand, has a high attack stat and can learn powerful Fire-type moves, making it a good choice for players who prefer an offensive playstyle. It also has the potential to evolve into the powerful Charizard, which has both Fire and Flying-type moves.
- Squirtle has a type advantage against the third gym leader in the game and can learn a variety of defensive moves, including Withdraw and Bubblebeam. It also has the potential to evolve into Blastoise, which has high defense and can learn powerful Water type moves.
Ultimately, it’s up to the player to decide which starter Pokémon is the “best” for them based on their own preferences and playstyle.
Gen 1 Starter Evolutions
Here are the evolutions for the three Gen 1 starter Pokémon:
Bulbasaur -> Ivysaur -> Venusaur
- Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16.
- Ivysaur evolves into Venusaur at level 32.
Charmander -> Charmeleon -> Charizard
- Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16.
- Charmeleon evolves into Charizard at level 36.
Squirtle -> Wartortle -> Blastoise
- Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16.
- Wartortle evolves into Blastoise at level 36.
Also see Pokemon Starters