Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire 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
The Water type Mudkip is one of the choices. 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.
At the start it starts with Growl and Tackle, learns Water Gun at level 4 and picks up Mud Slap at level 9.
Mudkip has the edge on Roxanne and Wattson, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 8 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
Treecko is the middle pick
The Grass type Treecko is one of the choices. It evolves into Grovyle at level 16 and into Sceptile at level 36. Sceptile is a Grass type with 530 base stats in total.
At the start it starts with Leer and Pound, gets Absorb at level 5 and picks up Quick Attack at level 9.
Treecko has the edge on Roxanne, and no early fight is a clear problem for it. Its matchup score is 3 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
Torchic has the hardest start
Torchic starts as a Fire type. 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.
Early on it starts with Growl and Scratch, learns Ember at level 5 and learns Peck at level 14.
Torchic has the edge on Brawly and has a hard time against Roxanne. Its matchup score is 0 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Treecko | Grass | Sceptile | 530 | 3 | | Torchic | Fire | Blaziken | 530 | 0 | | Mudkip | Water | Swampert | 535 | 8 |
Mudkip is the pick for Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Mudkip has the highest matchup score at 8, ahead of Treecko at 3 and Torchic at 0. The score only covers the early game. Swampert has 535 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 530 and 530.
(For the record, picking the cutest one is also a strategy.)
Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire?
Mudkip. 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.
