Pokémon Legends Z‑A sends you to Lumiose City with a trio that’s familiar but unexpected: two Johto starters and one from Unova. Your choice is between Chikorita (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Totodile (Water). On paper, all three can carry a first playthrough. If you want the most reliable path before release balance is known, Totodile edges ahead.

Every starter in Pokémon Legends Z‑A (types and abilities)

Pokémon Type Ability Boost trigger Height Weight
Chikorita Grass Overgrow Grass moves ×1.5 at ≤ 1/3 HP 0.9 m (2′11″) 6.4 kg (14.1 lbs)
Tepig Fire Blaze Fire moves ×1.5 at ≤ 1/3 HP 0.5 m (1′08″) 9.9 kg (21.8 lbs)
Totodile Water Torrent Water moves ×1.5 at ≤ 1/3 HP 0.6 m (2′00″) 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs)

These starter abilities are straightforward: when you’re low on health, your same‑type attacks get a notable power bump. That matters in early battles where a clutch KO can prevent damage snowballs.

Type resistances and weaknesses

Pokémon Resists (0.5×) Weak to (2×)
Chikorita Ground, Water, Grass, Electric Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice
Tepig Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Fairy Water, Ground, Rock
Totodile Steel, Fire, Water, Ice Grass, Electric

Type charts set the tone for how forgiving a starter feels. Totodile’s two weaknesses keep risk predictable. Tepig shrugs off common early nuisances like Bug‑type moves but fears Water/Ground/Rock. Chikorita’s five weaknesses demand more matchup planning.

Evolution levels and final typing

Line 1st evolution Final evolution Final typing
Chikorita → Bayleef → Meganium Lv. 16 Lv. 32 Grass
Tepig → Pignite → Emboar Lv. 17 Lv. 36 Fire/Fighting
Totodile → Croconaw → Feraligatr Lv. 18 Lv. 30 Water

Reaching a final form earlier means earlier stat spikes and broader moves. Feraligatr arriving at level 30 is ahead of the typical 32–36 window, which can swing midgame fights.

What actually matters when choosing a starter

  • Type profile: Resistances cut chip damage across many fights; few weaknesses lower surprise wipes.
  • Evolution timing: Earlier final forms front‑load power where it matters most in a first run.
  • Ability leverage: Overgrow/Blaze/Torrent can flip close battles; consistent same‑type attacks make better use of the boost.
  • Historic movepools: Bread‑and‑butter coverage and setup options seen in prior titles are a reasonable guide until ZA specifics are confirmed.
Note: Final move pools, encounter pacing, and any new forms in Legends Z‑A are not yet confirmed. Recommendations below use established evolution timings, typings, and type matchups.

Totodile: best overall (pre‑release)

Totodile’s case is simple: two weaknesses, four useful resistances, and the earliest final evolution in this trio. That combination minimizes bad matchups while accelerating your stat curve at level 30. Historically, Feraligatr also learns a broad set of physical Water and Ice‑leaning attacks, giving you reliable same‑type damage for Torrent and natural coverage into common threats. If you want a no‑drama first playthrough, this is the most flexible pick.

Chikorita: supportive tools, but more hazards

Chikorita comes with a slightly higher base stat total at the base stage and a strong defensive identity: it resists Ground, Water, Grass, and Electric, all frequent early‑mid encounters. The trade‑off is five weaknesses that punish misreads. Its evolution cadence is quick (16 and 32), and the line typically leans into status, healing, and screens—great for players who like controlling tempo and mitigating risk. If you enjoy planning around resistances and playing the long game, Chikorita can absolutely work.

Tepig: sturdy start, trickier finish

Tepig resists a wide swath of nuisance types—Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Fairy—making early routes comfortable. Its Fire typing also pairs well with Blaze’s clutch boosts. The pivot comes at the final stage: Emboar’s Fire/Fighting dual typing expands coverage but introduces extra weaknesses (notably Water, Ground, Flying, and Psychic). With the right physical moves, Emboar can still punch holes, but you’ll manage more matchup spikes later on.

Which starter should you pick?

For most players ahead of release, Totodile is the safest bet for balance, matchup coverage, and timing. Chikorita is a strong second if you like defensive play and status utility. Tepig is perfectly viable—expect a comfortable early game and plan around a more volatile late game once it becomes Fire/Fighting.

Ultimately, any of the three can finish the story if you build around their strengths. If you already have a favorite, take it—you’ll make it work.