Best Starter Pokémon In Pokémon Platinum, Diamond & Pearl
Embarking on an unforgettable journey through the magical world of Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl, begins with one crucial decision: selecting your first partner Pokémon. This humble starting point sets the tone for the entire journey, shaping your experiences, strategies, and the evolution of your team.
Whether you’re an old fan revisiting the Sinnoh region, or a new trainer just setting foot in this realm, our guide to the best starter Pokémon in Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl is an invaluable asset. Let’s delve into an in-depth analysis of Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, exploring their stats, evolution line, abilities, and strategic significance, to help you make an informed choice for your next epic adventure.
Understanding the Starters: An Overview of Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup
The Sinnoh region, featured in Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl, presents players with a familiar yet momentous choice: selecting between the Grass-type Turtwig, the Fire-type Chimchar, or the Water-type Piplup as their inaugural partner. Each of these starter Pokémon offers its unique blend of abilities, type advantages, and evolution potential that can significantly shape your gaming experience and progression.
Turtwig is a Grass-type Pokémon characterized by its remarkable defensive capabilities. Evolving into Grotle and eventually the formidable Torterra, Turtwig offers trainers a sturdy and resilient partner able to endure numerous battles. Torterra’s dual Grass/Ground typing further adds to the depth of strategic possibilities, especially in battles against Electric, Rock, and Poison-type Pokémon.
Chimchar, the Fire-type starter, is known for its agility and potent offensive prowess. As Chimchar progresses along its evolutionary path to Monferno and finally to the Fire/Fighting-type Infernape, it becomes a versatile powerhouse, capable of delivering punishing blows. Its dual typing allows it to effectively counter Steel, Ice, Grass, and Dark-type Pokémon, making it a lethal adversary in numerous battle scenarios.
Lastly, Piplup is the Water-type starter that stands out for its balanced approach. Piplup evolves into Prinplup and finally into Empoleon, a Water/Steel-type Pokémon. This unique combination of types grants it a wide range of resistances and strong offensive capabilities against a variety of Pokémon types, including Rock, Ground, and Fire, to name a few.
Understanding the unique attributes and potential of each starter is the first step in shaping your journey. The decision between Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup ultimately depends on your preferred playstyle, strategy, and the challenges you’ll want to face in your journey through Sinnoh.
Turtwig: The Resilient Grass Starter
Boasting an impressive defense stat and potent Grass-type moves, Turtwig is often the go-to starter for trainers who value resilience and endurance. This tiny tortoise-inspired Pokémon, with its robust shell and sprouting sapling, showcases an intriguing mix of natural toughness and green vitality.
Turtwig’s Basic Stats and Abilities
From the onset, Turtwig comes equipped with solid HP and Defense stats that allow it to absorb significant damage, ensuring it can stand its ground in many early battles.
Its Overgrow ability, a common trait among Grass starters, bolsters the power of Grass-type moves when its HP falls below a third. This trait can turn the tide of battle in crunch moments, especially when Turtwig’s health is dwindling.
The Evolutionary Path of Turtwig: Grotle and Torterra
As Turtwig evolves, first into Grotle at level 18 and eventually into Torterra at level 32, its strengths become more pronounced. Grotle maintains the sturdy Grass-type tradition, with improvements in its HP, Attack, and Defense stats.
Upon reaching its final form as Torterra, the addition of Ground-type to its nature expands its arsenal of possible moves and strategic options. Torterra’s high Defense and Attack, combined with a commendable HP pool, makes it a formidable tank that can deal substantial damage while taking hits.
Battle Strategies and Move Set: Using Turtwig Effectively
Turtwig’s moveset is a diverse blend of Grass, Ground, and even some Dark-type moves. From the initial ‘Tackle’ and ‘Withdraw’ to the later learned ‘Razor Leaf’ and ‘Bite’, Turtwig can adapt to different battle conditions.
Once it evolves into Torterra, it gains access to powerful moves like ‘Earthquake’ and ‘Wood Hammer’, providing powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) options that can decimate opponents.
Strategically, Turtwig and its evolutions are best used as frontline tanks that can absorb damage while steadily whittling down opponents. It shines against Water, Ground, and Rock types thanks to its Grass typing, and the addition of Ground in its final evolution makes it a good counter against Electric-type Pokémon. However, trainers should be cautious around Fire, Ice, Flying, and Bug-type Pokémon, as Turtwig’s typing leaves it vulnerable to these types.
All in all, Turtwig provides a steady and resilient presence for any trainer embarking on their Sinnoh journey, offering a balance between defense and offense that can hold firm against many adversaries.
Chimchar: The Fiery Fighter
For trainers seeking a dynamic, high-damage dealer, Chimchar, the Fire-type starter, is an excellent choice. This lively, monkey-inspired Pokémon is not just agile but packs a serious punch, especially after it starts unlocking its dual Fire/Fighting typing post-evolution.
Chimchar’s Basic Stats and Abilities
Starting off, Chimchar impresses with its decent Speed and Attack stats, allowing it to outmaneuver many foes and land quick hits. Its ability, Blaze, is a common trait among Fire-type starters, enhancing the power of Fire-type moves by 50% when its HP drops below a third.
This ability can be a game-changer, enabling a weakened Chimchar to unleash a devastating attack just when it matters the most.
The Evolutionary Path of Chimchar: Monferno and Infernape
Chimchar begins to shine truly as it evolves into Monferno at level 14, gaining the Fighting-type designation alongside its inherent Fire-type. This dual typing extends to its final evolution, Infernape, at level 36, widening its move pool and granting it more versatility in battle.
Infernape stands out for its superbly balanced Attack and Speed stats, making it one of the swiftest and most potent attackers in the game.
Battle Strategies and Move Set: Using Chimchar Effectively
Chimchar’s move set includes a blend of Fire and Fighting moves, along with a sprinkling of Normal and Dark-type moves. It starts with ‘Scratch’ and ‘Leer’ and later learns ‘Flame Wheel’ and ‘Mach Punch’, the latter showcasing its dual typing.
When Chimchar fully evolves into Infernape, it can learn powerful moves like ‘Close Combat’ and ‘Flare Blitz’, providing potent STAB options that capitalize on its Attack stat.
Strategically, Chimchar and its evolved forms can effectively serve as swift strikers in your team. They excel against Steel, Ice, Grass, and Dark types, thanks to their Fire and Fighting typing. However, their relative frailty in terms of Defense and HP means they’re vulnerable to Water, Psychic, and Flying-type moves. Therefore, it’s essential to utilize Chimchar’s speed and strike first in battles.
In essence, Chimchar is a starter for trainers who favor an aggressive, fast-paced battling style. With the right moves and strategies, this fiery fighter can become a real powerhouse, lighting up your path as you blaze a trail through the Sinnoh region.
Piplup: The Agile Water Type
Piplup, the adorable penguin-inspired Pokémon, stands as a brilliant choice for trainers who appreciate balanced stats and a versatile moveset. As a Water-type starter that eventually gains Steel-type traits, Piplup provides unique strategic potential that can be pivotal in a wide array of battles.
Piplup’s Basic Stats and Abilities
Starting out, Piplup exhibits a well-rounded distribution of stats with a slight lean towards Special Attack. This balanced stat line ensures it can handle both offensive and defensive roles quite adequately.
Its ability, Torrent, is common to all Water-type starters, powering up Water-type moves by 50% when Piplup’s HP falls below a third. This boost can swing battles in your favor when Piplup is under pressure.
The Evolutionary Path of Piplup: Prinplup and Empoleon
Piplup evolves into Prinplup at level 16, enhancing its overall stats while maintaining its Water typing. The game-changer arrives when Prinplup evolves into Empoleon at level 36, adding the Steel-type to its classification.
This dual Water/Steel nature allows Empoleon access to a broad range of moves, making it a versatile choice in a variety of battle scenarios.
Battle Strategies and Move Set: Using Piplup Effectively
Piplup’s moveset evolves to incorporate Water, Steel, and even some Flying-type moves as it grows. Starting with ‘Pound’ and ‘Growl’, it later learns ‘Bubble’ and ‘Peck’.
As Empoleon, it gains access to powerful moves like ‘Hydro Pump’ and ‘Flash Cannon’, providing a potent mix of STAB attacks that can be decisive in battles.
In battle, Piplup and its evolved forms can serve as flexible members of your team due to their diverse move pool. Empoleon, in particular, shines against Rock, Ground, Fire, and even Ice types, thanks to its unique dual typing. However, trainers should be wary of Fighting and Electric-type moves, as Piplup’s lineage has pronounced vulnerabilities to these types.
All things considered, Piplup offers a versatile and balanced option for trainers embarking on their journey through the Sinnoh region. With its charming demeanor and potent mix of Water and Steel attacks, Piplup can indeed prove to be a reliable and strategic choice for your Pokémon adventure.
Comparing the Starters: A Statistical Breakdown
When selecting your starter Pokémon in the Sinnoh region, it’s helpful to compare the basic statistics and abilities of Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon can significantly inform your choice based on your preferred playstyle.
Turtwig is the heavyweight of the group, boasting high HP and Defense stats that allow it to absorb significant damage. This makes it a perfect choice for trainers who prefer a slow and steady playstyle, gradually wearing down opponents with a tanky Pokémon. Turtwig’s ability, Overgrow, enhances its Grass-type moves when its HP is low, adding to its last-minute battle potential.
Chimchar stands out for its Speed and Attack, enabling it to hit hard and fast. Chimchar is ideal for players who prefer an aggressive, high-damage approach, rapidly taking down opponents before they can react. With its Blaze ability, Chimchar can dish out powerful Fire-type moves, especially when its HP drops below a third.
Piplup presents a balanced approach, with good Special Attack and a balanced set of other stats. This allows it to perform consistently against a variety of foes, making it a suitable choice for players who appreciate versatility. Its ability, Torrent, gives a power boost to Water-type moves when its HP is low, providing Piplup an edge in tough battles.
Below is a basic comparison of their final evolutions’ base stats:
| Pokémon | HP | Attack | Defense | Special Attack | Special Defense | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torterra (Turtwig’s final evolution) | 95 | 109 | 105 | 75 | 85 | 56 |
| Infernape (Chimchar’s final evolution) | 76 | 104 | 71 | 104 | 71 | 108 |
| Empoleon (Piplup’s final evolution) | 84 | 86 | 88 | 111 | 101 | 60 |
It’s clear that each of these starters offers a distinct mix of capabilities. Torterra is the defensive powerhouse with good Attack, Infernape shines with balanced Attack stats and high Speed, while Empoleon presents a well-rounded package with high Special Attack and Special Defense.
Your final choice, therefore, will hinge on the playstyle you enjoy the most and how you wish to navigate through the challenges that await in the Sinnoh region.
Choosing Your Starter: Factors to Consider
Choosing your starter Pokémon in Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl is not just about raw stats and types. It is a strategic decision that will define your journey through the Sinnoh region. Here are some crucial factors you should consider when making this pivotal choice:
1. Playstyle: Your preferred style of play can significantly influence your starter choice. If you favor a defensive approach, Turtwig with its high Defense and HP would be an excellent choice. If you prefer a fast-paced, offensive style, Chimchar with its high Speed and Attack could be your best bet. For a more balanced approach, Piplup, with its versatility and blend of stats, could be the ideal choice.
2. Gym Leaders and Elite Four: The Sinnoh region has Gym Leaders and Elite Four members with a wide array of Pokémon types. You may want to choose your starter based on who you’ll be battling. For example, choosing Chimchar might give you an edge in the early gyms, while Turtwig might help in the late game.
3. Pokémon Team Composition: Consider the other Pokémon you wish to catch and add to your team. You’ll want a diverse team to handle various types of enemy Pokémon effectively. Choosing a starter that complements your desired team composition is a smart move.
4. Evolution Potential: Starter Pokémon have powerful evolutions that significantly boost their abilities. Looking at these evolutions can help inform your choice. Turtwig’s final evolution, Torterra, becomes a dual Grass/Ground type, while Piplup’s final evolution, Empoleon, gains the Steel type, and Chimchar evolves into the Fire/Fighting type Infernape.
5. Personal Preference: Ultimately, the most important factor is which Pokémon you feel the most connection with. Pokémon is, above all, a game meant to be enjoyed. Whether it’s because of the design, abilities, or just a gut feeling, going with the starter that you like the most will ensure that you enjoy your journey through the Sinnoh region.
Remember, there are no ‘wrong’ choices when selecting your starter Pokémon. Each of Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup has unique strengths that, when utilized effectively, can lead you to become the Champion of the Sinnoh League.
How Your Choice Affects Gameplay in Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl
Your choice of starter Pokémon in Pokémon Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl significantly influences your gameplay experience, impacting various aspects ranging from battle strategy to exploration of the Sinnoh region. Here’s a deeper look into how your selection can affect your journey:
1. Battle Strategies: Different starters lead to different battle strategies. If you choose Turtwig, you’ll likely adopt a defensive approach, soaking up damage while whittling away at your opponents’ health. If you pick Chimchar, you’ll lean towards a hit-fast, hit-hard strategy, aiming to defeat foes before they can even move. Picking Piplup means you’ll have a balanced, flexible Pokémon that can handle different roles as needed.
2. Rival Encounters: Your rival in the game, who you’ll face multiple times on your journey, always picks the starter that has a type advantage over yours. This can make these battles more challenging and pushes you to diversify your team to compensate for your starter’s type weakness.
3. Gym Battles: Some gyms in the Sinnoh region may pose a significant challenge or be relatively easy depending on your starter choice. For instance, the first Gym Leader, Roark, uses Rock-type Pokémon, giving an advantage to trainers who chose Turtwig or Piplup. However, Chimchar trainers might struggle a bit in this gym.
4. Team Building: Your choice of starter often influences the other Pokémon you catch to complement your team. For instance, if you pick Chimchar, you might seek out a strong Water-type Pokémon to balance your team, or if you select Piplup, you may look for a reliable Grass or Fire-type Pokémon.
5. Exploration: Certain starters might provide an edge during various parts of the game. For example, after evolving, Torterra’s Earthquake can be a game-changer in certain battles, Infernape’s high speed might allow you to outspeed and catch wild Pokémon more easily, and Empoleon’s Surf can help you navigate water areas.
6. Legendary and Elite Four Battles: The climactic battles against the Elite Four and the game’s Legendary Pokémon could be influenced by your choice of starter. Each starter’s unique strengths can be crucial in these battles, and a well-trained and strategically used starter can make these challenging encounters more manageable.
Ultimately, your starter choice is a personal decision that shapes your unique Pokémon journey.