Back during Pokémon's 25th anniversary celebrations, The Pokémon Company revealed a brand-new open-world title for the Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is based in the Hisui region, an ancient Sinnoh, with clan rivalry and three unique starter Pokémon that cross generations.
The new instalment in the series attempts to capture the amazing open-world elements of other popular Nintendo titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but within the Pokémon universe.
While Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set within Sinnoh of the past, the starter Pokémon are not what players will be used to, and each have their own pros and cons when it comes to being in your party. In this guide, we share all three starter Pokémon and which you could choose in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Cyndaquil
Cyndaquil is one of the best fire-type starting Pokémon from the entire series, and its final evolution is Typhlosion. Typhlosion does massive special attack damage, at a top speed too, but lacks in overall defense. However, as a fire-type Pokémon, it is weak to the likes of ground, rock, and water-type moves.
Rowlet
Rowlet is one of the most interesting starting Pokémon as its final evolution, Decidueye is a ghost/flying-type Pokémon. This makes it one of the most original final evolutions among the starting Pokémon. Being a grass/flying-type Pokémon, Rowlet is also the only dual-type starter which may be helpful for those looking to get a good start to the game.
Rowlet, when in its final form, also as high attack, special attack, and special defense stats to aid with battles. However, while being a dual-type makes him a strong starter, it also means he has the most weaknesses of all the starters. Rowlet is weak to flying, dark, ghost, ice, and fire-type moves.
Oshawott
Finally, Oshawott is an otter, making him one of the cutest starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. End of. It later evolves into Samurott; a standard water-type Pokémon who has a steady balance of attack and defense stats, and can be a great companion if trained appropriately.
Oshawott's downfall comes from having the lowest base stats of all water-types within the series, making the start of Pokémon Legends: Arceus a bit of a struggle initially. If you're patient, however, Oshawatt may make a great starter for you.
Which Starter Pokémon Should You Choose?
All things considered, Rowlet is an all-rounder as a Pokémon given its dual-type and high base stats, so we'd recommend selecting the owl companion as one of the best options. Cyndaquil is the second-best option, given its high special attack and speed stats in combination with fire-type moves.
Unfortunately, the Pokémon we would recommend the least is Oshawatt. The otter starter is exceptionally cute, but with the lowest base stats of all water-types, it won't be the strongest member of any team.
It is always a tricky decision in choosing which starting Pokémon to opt for, especially considering they have presented three amazing choices within the Legends: Arceus, but only you - the player - know which starter will be best for you!
For more Pokémon Legends: Arceus, check out our release guide, whether it is compatible with Pokémon HOME, and all new Pokemon and Hisuian forms.