Pokémon Generation 4, also known as “Diamond and Pearl Series,” is the fourth installment in the Pokémon video game franchise. It includes the games Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, and Pokémon Platinum, which were released for the Nintendo DS handheld console between 2006 and 2009.
The games introduced 107 new Pokémon species, bringing the total number of Pokémon to 493. They also featured new gameplay mechanics such as the physical/special split for moves and the introduction of the Distortion World.
Gen 4 Starters Pokemon
Following three Pokémon were the first set of Starter Pokémon to have a secondary type in their final evolution. They were also the first set of Starter Pokémon to be introduced in the Nintendo DS era.
The Generation 4 Starter Pokemon are:
- Turtwig
- Chimchar
- Piplup
Turtwig
National Pokédex
| Pokedex No. | 387 |
|---|---|
| Name | Turtwig |
| Type | Grass |
| Species | Tiny Leaf Pokemon |
| Height | 0.4 m (1’04”) |
| Weight | 10.2 kg (22.5 lbs) |
| Abilities | Overgrow |
| Base stats | HP: 55 Attack: 68 Defense: 64 Sp. Attack: 45 Sp. Defense: 55 Speed: 31 |
| Catch rate | 45 (5.9% with PokéBall, full HP) |
| Gender ratio | 87.5% male, 12.5% female |
| Egg groups | Monster, Grass |
| Hatch time | 5140 – 5396 steps |
| EV yield | 1 Defense |
| Base friendship | 70 (normal) |
| Weaknesses | Fire, Flying, Poison, Ice, and Bug |
| Immunities | None |
| Resistances | Water, Grass, Electric, and Ground |
| Flavor text | It undertakes photosynthesis with its body, making oxygen. The leaf on its head wilts if it is thirsty. |
Base Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 55 |
| Attack | 68 |
| Defense | 64 |
| Sp. Atk | 45 |
| Sp. Def | 55 |
| Speed | 31 |
Evolution
| Stage | Pokémon | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turtwig | Starting Pokémon |
| 2 | Grotle | Level 18 |
| 3 | Torterra | Level 32 |
Turtwig is a Grass-type Pokémon and one of the Starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region in the fourth generation of Pokémon games. It is the first stage of the Turtwig evolutionary line, and it evolves into Grotle at level 18 and then into Torterra at level 32.
Turtwig has a small, light green body with a brown shell on its back. It has a small sprout growing out of its head, which eventually becomes a tree-like structure on its final evolution, Torterra. Turtwig is known for its slow but steady movement and its ability to absorb water through its feet. In battle, Turtwig can use Grass-type moves such as Razor Leaf, Energy Ball, and Leaf Storm. Its hidden ability, Shell Armor, protects it from critical hits.
In the anime, Ash caught a Turtwig in the Sinnoh region, which later evolved into a Torterra and became one of his strongest Pokémon.
Chimchar
National Pokedex No.
| Pokedex No. | 390 |
|---|---|
| Name | Chimchar |
| Type | Fire |
| Species | Chimp Pokemon |
| Height | 0.5 m (1’08”) |
| Weight | 6.2 kg (13.7 lbs) |
| Abilities | Blaze |
| Base stats | HP: 44 Attack: 58 Defense: 44 Sp. Attack: 58 Sp. Defense: 44 Speed: 61 |
| Catch rate | 45 (5.9% with PokéBall, full HP) |
| Gender ratio | 87.5% male, 12.5% female |
| Egg groups | Field, Human-Like |
| Hatch time | 5140 – 5396 steps |
| EV yield | 1 Speed |
| Base friendship | 70 (normal) |
| Weaknesses | Water, Ground, and Rock |
| Immunities | None |
| Resistances | Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, and Steel |
| Flavor text | It agilely scales sheer cliffs to live atop craggy mountains. Its fire is put out when it sleeps. |
Base Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 44 |
| Attack | 58 |
| Defense | 44 |
| Sp. Atk | 58 |
| Sp. Def | 44 |
| Speed | 61 |
Evolution
| Stage | Name | Level | Evolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chimchar | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | Monferno | 14 | Level up |
| 3 | Infernape | 36 | Level up |
Chimchar is a Fire-type Pokémon, and it is number 390 in the National Pokédex. It is a small, bipedal primate-like Pokémon with orange fur, a beige face, and a flame on its rear end. It is known for its high speed and agility, as well as its fiery fighting spirit. Chimchar is one of the three starter Pokémon in the Sinnoh region, along with Turtwig and Piplup, and it evolves into Monferno at level 14. Its final evolution is Infernape, which it can achieve at level 36. Chimchar is popular among trainers for its strong Fire-type attacks and its ability to learn a variety of moves from other types, such as Rock Tomb and Brick Break.
Piplup
National Pokedex Number
| Pokedex Number | Name | Type | Species | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 393 | Piplup | Water | Penguin | 0.4 m (1’04”) | 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs) |
Base Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP (Hit Points) | 53 |
| Attack | 51 |
| Defense | 53 |
| Special Attack | 61 |
| Special Defense | 56 |
| Speed | 40 |
Evolution
| Stage | Name | Level/Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piplup | N/A |
| 2 | Prinplup | Evolves from Piplup at Level 16 |
| 3 | Empoleon | Evolves from Prinplup at Level 36 |
Piplup is a fictional character and one of the starter Pokemon that first appeared in the fourth generation of the Pokemon video games, namely “Pokemon Diamond and Pearl” which were released in 2006. Piplup is a Water-type Pokemon that resembles a penguin, and it has a blue body with a white underbelly. It is known for its playful and curious personality, and it is a popular choice among trainers in the game. Piplup has also appeared in various Pokemon animated TV series, movies, and merchandise.
Which Gen 4 Starter is The Best
The choice of the best Gen 4 starter ultimately depends on personal preference and playing style. However, each starter has its strengths and weaknesses.
Here are some general traits of each starter:
- Turtwig: Turtwig is a Grass-type starter with high defense and decent attack. Its evolution, Torterra, gains the Ground typing, making it vulnerable to Ice, Flying, and Bug moves but also giving it some unique resistances. Torterra’s signature move, Wood Hammer, deals massive damage but also takes recoil damage.
- Chimchar: Chimchar is a Fire-type starter with high speed and attack. Its evolution, Infernape, gains Fighting typing, which grants it a wide movepool but also gives it some vulnerabilities. Infernape’s signature move, Flare Blitz, is a powerful physical Fire-type move that also causes recoil damage.
- Piplup: Piplup is a Water-type starter with high defense and special defense. Its evolution, Empoleon, gains the Steel typing, making it resistant to many types but also giving it some weaknesses. Empoleon’s signature move, Hydro Cannon, is a powerful Water-type move that requires a turn of recharge.
Overall, each starter has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best starter depends on your preference and playing style. If you prefer a bulky and defensive Pokemon, Turtwig might be the best choice for you. If you like fast and hard-hitting Pokemon, Chimchar might be the way to go. If you enjoy a well-rounded Pokemon with a lot of resistances, Piplup might be the best option.
Gen 4 Starter Evolutions
Here are their evolutions:
- Turtwig evolves into Grotle at level 18, and then into Torterra at level 32.
- Chimchar evolves into Monferno at level 14, and then into Infernape at level 36.
- Piplup evolves into Prinplup at level 16, and then into Empoleon at level 36.
Also see Gen 3 Starters
