Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a goodPokemonteam. Every team starts with a starter Pokemon and a dream. Eventually, this team and this trainer will be strong enough to become the Champions of a region- but that’s only if they can claw their way up. And to do that, they need some early-game Pokemon.
Early-game Pokemon have a reputation for being fodder to throw away once something better comes along. But there’s a lot of potential in those Route 1 catches. These are the best early-route Pokemon in the series.
Introduced In
Generation III
Wurmple is one of the most unique early Pokemon in the series. Wurmple’s split evolution was revolutionary when it was introduced in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. Players had no way of knowing whether their new friend would become a beautiful Beautifly or a daring Dustox.
Both could be useful in later fights, but there was no way of knowing until Wurmple evolved; this is still unique among Pokemon and makes Wurmple stand out even years later. This bug buddy is all over early routes in Hoenn, so players looking for some excitement and variety need to go no further than Oldale Town.
Generation IV
Is there any Pokemon more adored in its mediocrity than the humble Bidoof? Ever since it flopped its way onto the scene from Sinnoh, Bidoof has been beloved for its dorky face and squishy body. But don’t let that fool you: Bidoof has a lot of uses. Bidoof can learn almost all the HMs needed to get around a region and has served many a trainer well in this role.
As its evolved form, Bibarrel can be a surprisingly sturdy tank. It is a wall of HP, and its ability to use a STAB Surf move can make Bibarrel really annoying really quick for enemies to deal with. Bidoof may be a bit of a doofus, but it’s a loyal, and surprisingly competent, doofus- but its why we love it.
On the surface, Zigzagoon doesn’t look like much; it’s just one of those early-game rodents, right? Ah, but that overlooks one key thing about Zigzagoon, which is the early access to Headbutt. Zigzagoon gets access to Headbutt, a 70-power move, at level 12, and while it’s far from the strength of some later game moves, this is nothing to sneer at for the early game.
Furthermore, its normal typing means that the Normal-type Headbutt gets boosted by STAB (Same-type attack bonus). This lets Zigzagoon hit hard very early in the game and makes it a great choice for early Hoenn games. Plus it’s utterly adorable. Look at that face.
Fun fact: Azurill was one of the first Generation III Pokemon ever revealed to the world. It was like Game Freak knew what they had on their hands. Azurill is one of those early-game Pokemon that is good to snag because of what they turn into.
Azurill evolves through friendship; Pokemon gain friendship simply by walking and being with a trainer so just by having Azurill in your party, you are helping it evolve. It isn’t uncommon to have an Azurill evolve into a Marill, level up once, and then evolve again into the super-bulky Azumarill, a great tank with a great typing. And a trainer gets all that from one little Azurill, what a great deal.
Generation I
If there’s a more reliableFlying-type Pokemon around, it needs better PR because Pidgey has become one of the ‘old reliables’ of the franchise- and for good reason. This little bird has been a mainstay of early-game teams since it flew onto the scene back in Red and Blue.
Pidgey’s dual typing of Normal/Flying is simple but effective. It keeps this plucky bird safe from Ground and Ghost moves while letting it get the upper hand against Fighting types. A fully evolved Pidgey can even Mega-Evolve. Not bad for a little bird from Route 1.
Generation V
Lillipup is truly an example of being in the right place at the right time. This darling dog made its debut inGeneration V- the same gym that opened with a gym that changes types to always be strong against the starter.
Oh boy. Lillipup’s access to boosted Normal-type moves was a lifesaver against the Striaton City gym. Many a Lillipup has served well in that restaurant of chaos. But the fun doesn’t stop there- its evolved form, Stoutland, is bulky enough that it has late-game potential. With Lillipup, trainers are truly getting a Pokemon that will fight by their side until the end.
Generation VIII
Corviknight was one of the highlights of Pokemon Sword and Shield. A Pokemon with both Flying and Steel types? And it also has a part-time job as a taxi? Okay, that’s awesome. But to get a Corviknight, players have to start small. Luckily for them, the first form of Corviknight is available almost right away.
Rookidee is small but mighty. Not only will it grow into Corviknight, but its early flying moves will be a big help against Gym Leader Milo’s grass types. For trainers who don’t have a fire type, Rookidee is a godsend. And, like a fine wine, it only gets better with time.
Having Ralts on a team means having a lot of options, as it has two different evolution paths open to it, the glamorous Gardevoir or the gallant Gallade. Both of these are excellent Pokemon, and they can quickly become a cornerstone of any Hoenn team with an early route catch.
Ralts originally appeared on Hoenn Route 102; it was a rarer find, but worth the effort considering what it can become given time. Plus, the early access to Psychic moves helps against early gym leader Brawley. Its inclusion in early routes in games like Scarlet and Violet proves that Ralts is one of the best investments a player can make.
When it comes to early birds, Starly is one of the standouts. This brave bird originates from Sinnoh, and its evolution Staraptor was one of the most powerful birds available in that generation. Its appearances in other generations have upheld its reputation.
Early access to a Starly makes Bug-types and Fighting-types a breeze, and its excellent speed helps it outrun anything that might be able to catch it. It evolves at relatively low levels, which allows for early-game power boosts. Throw in the attack-cutting Intimidateability, and you’ll see why Starly is one of the Sinnoh legends.
Generation VI
Fletchling is an absolute powerhouse of an early-game Pokemon. In its final form, Talonflame, absolutely dominated the Pokemon X and Y meta when it was introduced. It was one of the most used Pokemon in competitive play during that era- and many of them got their start well before the first gym badge of the game.
Fletchlings can be found in many of the early Kalos routes. It also made a return in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet where it is one of the many Pokemon found in the early areas. When it comes to remaining useful, this early bird does seem to get the worm.
