Pokemon Emerald starts you with a choice of Treecko (Grass), Torchic (Fire) and Mudkip (Water). We would pick Mudkip: it has the edge on Roxanne and Wattson.
The pick matters most at the start. Your rival picks a starter that depends on yours, so we left the rival out and looked at the first three Gyms. The sections below show how each starter does.
Mudkip has the easiest start
Mudkip is a Water type. It evolves into Marshtomp at level 16 and into Swampert at level 36. Swampert is a Water and Ground type with 535 base stats in total.
In Pokemon Emerald, it starts with Growl and Tackle, learns Mud Slap at level 6 and gets Water Gun at level 10.
Mudkip has the edge on Roxanne and Wattson, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 11 across 10 opposing Pokemon.
Treecko is the middle pick
Treecko is a Grass type. It evolves into Grovyle at level 16 and into Sceptile at level 36. Sceptile is a Grass type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon Emerald, it starts with Leer and Pound, learns Absorb at level 6 and picks up Quick Attack at level 11.
Treecko has the edge on Roxanne and Wattson, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 6 across 10 opposing Pokemon.
Torchic has the hardest start
The Fire type Torchic is one of the choices. It evolves into Combusken at level 16 and into Blaziken at level 36. Blaziken is a Fire and Fighting type with 530 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Growl and Scratch, learns Ember at level 10 and learns Peck at level 16.
Torchic has a hard time against Roxanne, and no early fight gives it a clear edge. Its matchup score is -3 across 10 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Treecko | Grass | Sceptile | 530 | 6 | | Torchic | Fire | Blaziken | 530 | -3 | | Mudkip | Water | Swampert | 535 | 11 |
Mudkip is the pick for Emerald
Mudkip has the highest matchup score at 11, ahead of Treecko at 6 and Torchic at -3. The score only covers the early game. Swampert has 535 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 530 and 530.
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For the same three across the whole generation, see the starters of generation 3.
Pokemon Emerald starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Emerald?
Mudkip. It has the best matchup score for the early fights.
Can you get the other starters?
No, not at the start. Another game or another player usually supplies them.
