For a first run, try Charmander’s Ember for ranged burning shots, Squirtle’s Water Gun for a piercing projectile, or Treecko’s Razor Leaf for a returning attack. These are learning recommendations, not an objective damage ranking.
Compare the opening move, not the mascot
| Partner | Opening move | Why try it? | Evolution stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charmander | Ember | Ranged projectile with burn | Attack / Potencia |
| Squirtle | Water Gun | Piercing water projectile | Attack / Potencia |
| Treecko | Razor Leaf | Returning leaves hit on both passes | Cooldown / Reflejos |
| Bulbasaur | Vine Whip | A close-range arc for learning spacing | Attack / Potencia |
| Piplup | Bubble | Radial bubbles slow enemies | Speed / Carrera |
| Psyduck | Confusion | A homing projectile | Cooldown / Reflejos |
Our recommendation: start simple
A ranged opener lets you practise moving while the attack finds targets. Charmander and Squirtle make straightforward first experiments. Neither is guaranteed to be the strongest partner for every arena, weather state or upgrade combination.
Bulbasaur’s wider melee arc suits players who enjoy controlling distance. Treecko introduces a different rhythm: returning leaves reward keeping enemies in the outbound and inbound path. Pick the one whose movement pattern feels natural.
The quiz does not lock you in
The source lists 29 initial partners, including starters from nine regions plus Psyduck and Slowpoke. You can decline the personality result and choose another. Pikachu and Eevee are not listed in the initial starter board in this checked version.
Do not confuse the full playable roster with the starting roster. The creator advertises 966 playable Pokémon, but a new account does not begin with all of them unlocked.
Try a fair comparison
- Use the same permanent-upgrade budget for each partner.
- Learn how its opening move behaves before judging the result.
- Write down what ended the run: positioning, a bad matchup or a late evolution.
- Change one decision next time. A single run is not evidence for a universal tier list.
Sources & version notes
Reviewed October 14, 2026. Mechanics refer to the original game; forks and later patches may differ. Advice is editorial, not a developer-endorsed build.
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