Pokemon Legends: Arceus (PLA) is the next installment of games in the storied Pokemon franchise. This time we’ll be heading into a more open-world style of play, and things will be a bit unfamiliar to even long-time fans of the series. If you’re wondering which Pokemon you should have by your side as a starter, we’ll try to help you make your decision as best we can with this guide.
If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of the game, be sure to follow along with us on our Pokemon Legends: Arceus Countdown page!
Which Starter to Pick in Pokemon Arceus
The best starter to choose in Pokemon Arceus is likely going to be Cyndaquil. Fire-type Pokemon are fairly rare in the early stages of the game, and having one in the beginning will make your playthrough easier. Water and Grass-type Pokemon are pretty easy to find, so you won’t miss out if you decide to not choose one of them for your team.
This is not to say that any choice is wrong, because at the end of the day you should choose whichever Pokemon you like the most. There will eventually be a Fire-type Pokemon that you can get in the game, and you can always trade for the starters at a later time!
If you are on the fence on who to pick, then here’s a brief look at each of the Pokemon and how they will look when they evolve (based on previous games).
Cyndaquil Evolutions
Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava starting at level 14, which then evolves into Typhlosion starting at level 36.
Cyndaquil is a Pokémon from the Johto region. It is timid and always curls itself up in a ball. When it’s surprised, the flames on its back flare up stronger. When it is attacked, it uses its flames to protect itself.

Rowlet Evolutions
Rowlet evolves into Dartrix starting at level 17, which then evolves into Decidueye starting at level 34.
Rowlet is a Pokémon from the Alola region. It uses photosynthesis to store up energy during the day, while becoming active at night. Silently it glides, drawing near its targets. Before they even notice it, it begins to pelt them with vicious kicks.

Oshawott Evolutions
Oshawott evolve into Dewott starting at level 17, which then evolves into Samurott starting at level 36.
Oshawott is a Pokémon from the Unova region. With the scalchop on its stomach, it blocks opponents’ attacks, then retaliates immediately by slashing. Its scalchop can be used to break open hard Berries as well.

Don’t read further if you don’t want any possible game spoilers!
Starter Rumors
These leaks have been confirmed, and you will find unique Hisuian versions of the final evolutions of the starter Pokemon!
There are some unconfirmed rumors that there will be new Hisuian evolutionary forms for the three starter Pokemon in the game. Different forms have been confirmed for a variety of Pokemon already, including Voltorb, Zorua, Zoroark, Braviary, and Growlithe. This not only give them a new look, but also a different typing. It is pretty useful for Pokemon that might be a bit under-powered due to their types.
The rumors are that the final evolutionary form of each of the starters will be a Hisuian variant. The look of them hasn’t been leaked, but the typing of them has been rumored as follows:
- Typhlosion – From mono Fire-type to Fire and Ghost-type.
- Decidueye – From Grass and Ghost-type to Grass and Fighting-type.
- Samurott – From mono Water-type to Water and Dark-type.
These possible changes to your starter might make you change your mind on who you want to pick! It certainly makes the Pokemon a bit more interesting, and could lead to some interesting teams in the end game.
Those are all of the details you’ll need to know before you choose your starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. We have more coverage on the game in the Pokemon Arceus section of our website!
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