Pokemon X and Y starts you with a choice of Chespin (Grass), Fennekin (Fire) and Froakie (Water). We would pick Fennekin: it has the edge on Korrina.
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.
Fennekin has the easiest start
Fennekin starts as a Fire type. It evolves into Braixen at level 16 and into Delphox at level 36. Delphox is a Fire and Psychic type with 534 base stats in total.
Early on it starts with Scratch and Tail Whip, learns Ember at level 5 and learns Flame Charge at level 14.
Fennekin has the edge on Korrina and has a hard time against Grant. Its matchup score is 1 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
Froakie is the middle pick
Froakie is a Water type. It evolves into Frogadier at level 16 and into Greninja at level 36. Greninja is a Water and Dark type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon X and Y, it starts with Growl and Pound, picks up Bubble at level 5 and picks up Quick Attack at level 8.
Froakie goes into the early fights with no clear edge and no clear weak spot. Its matchup score is 1 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
Chespin has the hardest start
Chespin is a Grass type. It evolves into Quilladin at level 16 and into Chesnaught at level 36. Chesnaught is a Grass and Fighting type with 530 base stats in total.
In Pokemon X and Y, it starts with Growl and Tackle, picks up Vine Whip at level 5 and picks up Rollout at level 8.
Chespin goes into the early fights with no clear edge and no clear weak spot. Its matchup score is -1 across 7 opposing Pokemon.
The three starters side by side
| Starter | Type | Final form | Base stats | Matchup score | |---|---|---|---|---| | Chespin | Grass | Chesnaught | 530 | -1 | | Fennekin | Fire | Delphox | 534 | 1 | | Froakie | Water | Greninja | 530 | 1 |
Fennekin is the pick for X and Y
Fennekin has the highest matchup score at 1, level with Froakie, ahead of Chespin at -1. Its attacks score 4 against 1, which breaks the tie. The score only covers the early game. Delphox has 534 base stats in total, and the other two final forms have 530 and 530.
(Somebody on the team still picks the Fire one every time. We let them.)
For the same three across the whole generation, see the starters of generation 6.
Pokemon X and Y starters FAQ
What is the best starter in Pokemon X and Y?
Fennekin, on our early-fight matchup score.
Can you get the other starters?
Yes. You can get one of Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle as a gift later in the game.
