Pokemon Legends: Arceus starts you with a choice of Rowlet (Grass and Flying), Cyndaquil (Fire) and Oshawott (Water). We would pick Cyndaquil: it has the edge on Lilligant.
The pick matters most at the start. The game has no Gyms, so we looked at the first three Noble battles, which come after the opening hours of the game. The sections below show how each starter does.
Cyndaquil has the easiest start
The Fire type Cyndaquil is one of the choices. It evolves into Quilava at level 14 and into Typhlosion (Hisuian) at level 36. Typhlosion (Hisuian) is a Fire and Ghost type with 534 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Quick Attack, picks up Ember at level 6 and gets Rollout at level 11.
Cyndaquil has the edge on Lilligant, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 1 across 3 opposing Pokemon.
Oshawott is the middle pick
The Water type Oshawott is one of the choices. It evolves into Dewott at level 17 and into Samurott (Hisuian) at level 36. Samurott (Hisuian) is a Water and Dark type with 528 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Tackle, picks up Aqua Jet at level 6 and picks up Water Pulse at level 18.
Oshawott has the edge on Kleavor and Arcanine and has a hard time against Lilligant. Its matchup score is 1 across 3 opposing Pokemon.
Rowlet has the hardest start
Rowlet starts as a Grass and Flying type. It evolves into Dartrix at level 17 and into Decidueye (Hisuian) at level 34. Decidueye (Hisuian) is a Grass and Fighting type with 530 base stats in total.
Early on it starts with Gust, gets Leafage at level 6 and gets Aerial Ace at level 18.
Rowlet has the edge on Lilligant and has a hard time against Kleavor and Arcanine. Its matchup score is 0 across 3 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Rowlet | Grass and Flying | Decidueye (Hisuian) | 530 | 0 | | Cyndaquil | Fire | Typhlosion (Hisuian) | 534 | 1 | | Oshawott | Water | Samurott (Hisuian) | 528 | 1 |
Cyndaquil is the pick for Legends: Arceus
Cyndaquil has the highest matchup score at 1, level with Oshawott, ahead of Rowlet at 0. Its attacks score 3 against 2, which breaks the tie. The score only covers the early game. Typhlosion (Hisuian) has 534 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 528 and 530.
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Pokemon Legends: Arceus starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus?
Cyndaquil. It has the best matchup score for the early fights.
Can you get the other starters?
Not at the start. Trading with another player is the usual way to get the other two.
