Picking a starter in Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions has arrived worldwide, and with it comes the familiar problem of deciding which first partner deserves the spot. The twist this time is that the game works a little differently from most Pokémon entries, so the “best” starter is less about one perfect answer and more about what fits your situation.

Players are given a choice of 10 starter Pokémon at the beginning of the game. That starter becomes the first member of a competitive squad, and the game then adds extra Pokémon to round out the team. So yes, one choice opens with a full roster, which is convenient in the way only a game designed to save you effort can be.

Because of that setup, the strongest starter for one player may be a mediocre pick for another. Much depends on personal preference and on which Pokémon you can already move in from Pokémon Home.

The standout starters

Pikachu is one of the safest choices for newcomers. Its Static ability can paralyze any opponent that makes physical contact, which gives it useful utility even if it is not the most powerful option on the list. Since the game also gives you additional party members alongside Pikachu, it ends up being a fairly balanced starting point.

Tyranitar is another strong pick. It is the only starter on the list that comes with a weather move right away, and it also has access to a broad range of move types. That makes it one of the more versatile choices from the start.

Other notable options include:

  • Charizard, which has Blaze and gets a boost to Fire-type moves when its health is low
  • Gardevoir, which brings strong Fairy and Psychic typing to the table

If you are missing one of the available starter Pokémon from your collection in another game, it may be worth taking that one here simply to expand your options. The catch, because there is always a catch, is that Pokémon recruited in Pokémon Champions cannot be transferred back out of the game.

Every starter has value

The 10 starter options in Pokémon Champions each come with their own party composition, and once you choose one, extra team members are added automatically. Those starting teams are meant to give players a solid foundation, especially early on.

From there, teams can be adjusted freely. Players can add or remove Pokémon, change moves, alter abilities, and customize the squad however they like.

Can you get the other starters later?

Yes. Choosing one starter does not block you from getting the others later.

The Pokémon shown during starter selection can show up again through the Recruit Pokémon option, and they can also be brought into Pokémon Champions through Pokémon Home. What you do not get a second time is the full starter package with its extra bonus teammates. Recruiting them later gets you the Pokémon, not the bundled deal.

So while the opening choice matters, it is not a permanent lock-in. In other words, Pokémon Champions lets you make a decision without turning it into a life sentence. A rare bit of mercy.