Best starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Before you get exploring, you're no doubt wondering what the best starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus is. Like every other Pokemon game before it, there are three starter Pokemon in offer, and you can pick one to accompanying you as you start your journey in Hisui. Despite the fact that this is quite a different game to any Pokemon title before it, that is still a constant.

However, there are a few things to note when it comes to whether there's a "best" starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and we'll explain. But first, a warning.

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The three starters available in Pokemon Legends: Arceus are from different Pokemon generations. You've got the Fire Type Cyndaquil from gen 2, Water Type Oshawott from gen 5, and the Grass / Flying Type Rowlet from gen 7.

If you've played a Pokemon game before, then you'll recognize the trio follow the usual Water/Fire/Grass typing that all starter options do. This means each one is both strong against one of the others, while it's weak to the other. For example, Cyndaquil is super effective against Rowlet, but weak to Oshawott.

However, Pokemon Legends: Arceus doesn't follow the traditional Pokemon formula, and you don't have a rival in this game. You do have Rei, a fellow Survey Corps member, but they use Pikachu as their main Pokemon, so it doesn't follow the usual format of your rival choosing the starter Pokemon that's the direct opposite of yours.

Which is the best starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends Arceus starters — (Image credit: Nintendo)

Because of the way you explore the open world and the fact that there are so few trainer battles, it feels like with Pokemon Legends: Arceus more than any other entry in the series, it really doesn't matter what Pokemon Legends: Arceus starter you choose. The dual Grass / Flying Type of Rowlett does give you a slight advantage in the start but it's minimal.

It's also worth noting - and here comes the spoilers - that you'll eventually be given the other two starters you didn't pick by Professor Laventon later in the game after you've watched the credits roll and you move into end game.

Interesting, all three of our starters have new Hisuian forms, which may also influence your initial decision. As a reminder, Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava and then Typholsion; Oshawatt evolves into Dewott followed by Samurott; and Rowlet evolves first into Dartrix and then Decidueye.

Here are the Hisuian forms of Typholsion, Samurott, and Decidueye:

The Hisuian form of Typholosion in Pokemon Legends: Arceus — (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

The Hisuian form of Samurott in Pokemon Legends: Arceus — (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

The Hisuian form of Decidueye in Pokemon Legends: Arceus — (Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

Sam Loveridge is the Brand Director and former Global Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar. She joined the team in August 2017. Sam came to GamesRadar after working at TrustedReviews, Digital Spy, and Fandom, following the completion of an MA in Journalism. In her time, she's also had appearances on The Guardian, BBC, and more. Her experience has seen her cover console and PC games, along with gaming hardware, for a decade, and for GamesRadar, she's in charge of the site's overall direction, managing the team, and making sure it's the best it can be. Her gaming passions lie with weird simulation games, big open-world RPGs, and beautifully crafted indies. She plays across all platforms, and specializes in titles like Pokemon, Assassin's Creed, The Sims, and more. Basically, she loves all games that aren't sports or fighting titles! In her spare time, Sam likes to live like Stardew Valley by cooking and baking, growing vegetables, and enjoying life in the countryside.