Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl starts you with a choice of Turtwig (Grass), Chimchar (Fire) and Piplup (Water). We would pick Chimchar: it has the edge on Gardenia.
The pick matters most at the start. We looked at your rival's first battle and the first three Gyms. The sections below show how each starter does.
Chimchar has the easiest start
Chimchar starts as a Fire type. It evolves into Monferno at level 14 and into Infernape at level 36. Infernape is a Fire and Fighting type with 534 base stats in total.
Early on it starts with Leer and Scratch, gets Ember at level 6 and gets Power Up Punch at level 12.
If you take Chimchar, your rival Barry answers with a level 9 Piplup.
Chimchar has the edge on Gardenia and has a hard time against your rival Barry. Its matchup score is 5 across 11 opposing Pokemon.
Piplup is the middle pick
Piplup starts as a Water type. It evolves into Prinplup at level 16 and into Empoleon at level 36. Empoleon is a Water and Steel type with 530 base stats in total.
Early on it starts with Pound, gets Water Gun at level 6 and gets Peck at level 15.
If you take Piplup, your rival Barry answers with a level 9 Turtwig.
Piplup has the edge on Roark and has a hard time against your rival Barry. Its matchup score is 4 across 11 opposing Pokemon.
Turtwig has the hardest start
The Grass type Turtwig is one of the choices. It evolves into Grotle at level 18 and into Torterra at level 32. Torterra is a Grass and Ground type with 525 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Tackle, picks up Leafage at level 6 and learns Razor Leaf at level 13.
If you take Turtwig, your rival Barry answers with a level 9 Chimchar.
Turtwig has the edge on Roark and has a hard time against your rival Barry. Its matchup score is 1 across 11 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Turtwig | Grass | Torterra | 525 | 1 | | Chimchar | Fire | Infernape | 534 | 5 | | Piplup | Water | Empoleon | 530 | 4 |
Chimchar is the pick for Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Chimchar has the highest matchup score at 5, ahead of Piplup at 4 and Turtwig at 1. The score only covers the early game. Infernape has 534 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 530 and 525.
(There will be mail about this.)
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?
Chimchar. It has the best matchup score for the early fights.
Can you get the other starters?
Not from the beginning. The other two usually need a trade.
