Best Starter Pokémon in FireRed for Beginners

Choosing your starter Pokémon in Pokémon FireRed is one of the first big decisions you make in the game. At the beginning, Professor Oak lets you choose between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. All three are popular, but they do not make the game equally easy.

For beginners, the best starter Pokémon in FireRed is usually Bulbasaur because it helps a lot in the early gyms and makes the start of the game easier. Squirtle is the most balanced choice, while Charmander is better for players who want a harder early-game challenge.

In this guide, we will compare all three starters and explain which one you should pick based on your play style.

Quick Answer: Which Starter Is Best in Pokémon FireRed?

If you want the easiest journey, choose Bulbasaur.

If you want a balanced starter, choose Squirtle.

If you want a challenge and like Charizard, choose Charmander.

Here is the simple ranking for beginners:

Rank	Starter	Best For
1	Bulbasaur	Beginners and easy early game
2	Squirtle	Balanced gameplay
3	Charmander	Players who want a challenge

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are official remakes set in the Kanto region, originally released for Game Boy Advance. The official Pokémon site also describes FireRed and LeafGreen as a return to the Kanto region with improved visuals and animations compared with the older games.

Why Bulbasaur Is the Best Starter for Beginners

Bulbasaur is the easiest starter for most new players because it performs very well in the early part of the game.

The first Gym Leader, Brock, uses Rock-type Pokémon. Bulbasaur’s Grass-type moves are very useful here. After that, Misty uses Water-type Pokémon, and Bulbasaur also has an advantage against Water types.

This means Bulbasaur gives beginners a smoother start.

Bulbasaur advantages

• Strong against Brock’s Rock-type Pokémon
• Useful against Misty’s Water-type Pokémon
• Good defensive typing early in the game
• Easier for new players
• Evolves into Ivysaur and later Venusaur

Bulbasaur is not the flashiest starter, but it is very practical. If your goal is to complete the story without too much trouble, Bulbasaur is a smart pick.

Is Charmander Good in Pokémon FireRed?

Charmander is one of the most loved Pokémon because it eventually evolves into Charizard. Many players choose Charmander because Charizard looks powerful and iconic.

However, Charmander is not the easiest starter in FireRed.

The early game can be difficult with Charmander because Brock’s Rock-type Pokémon are not easy for a Fire-type starter. Misty’s Water-type team is also a problem because Fire is weak against Water.

This does not mean Charmander is bad. It just means Charmander needs more planning.

Charmander advantages

• Evolves into Charizard
• Strong Fire-type attacker
• Very popular and fun to use
• Great for players who want a challenge
• Becomes better later in the game

Charmander disadvantages

• Harder against Brock
• Harder against Misty
• Beginners may struggle early
• Needs good team support

If you pick Charmander, make sure you catch helpful Pokémon early to support your team. Charmander is a great starter for experienced players, but beginners may find the start harder.

Is Squirtle a Good Starter in FireRed?

Squirtle is the balanced option. It is not as easy as Bulbasaur in the first two gyms, but it is also not as difficult as Charmander.

Squirtle does well against Brock because Water-type moves are strong against Rock-type Pokémon. Against Misty, Squirtle does not have the same advantage as Bulbasaur, but it can still be useful with a proper team.

Squirtle eventually evolves into Blastoise, a strong Water-type Pokémon with good defense.

Squirtle advantages

• Good against Brock
• Balanced stats
• Evolves into Blastoise
• Easy to use
• Good defensive Pokémon

Squirtle is a safe choice for players who want a simple and balanced journey.

Bulbasaur vs Charmander vs Squirtle

Here is a simple comparison:

Starter	Early Game	Beginner Friendly	Final Evolution	Difficulty
Bulbasaur	Very easy	Excellent	Venusaur	Easy
Charmander	Hard	Medium	Charizard	Hard
Squirtle	Good	Good	Blastoise	Normal

For beginners, Bulbasaur is the best overall choice. Squirtle is second because it is reliable and simple. Charmander is third only because the early gyms are more difficult.

Best Starter for the First Gym

The first gym is Pewter City Gym, where you face Brock.

For Brock, the best starter is:

1. Bulbasaur
2. Squirtle
3. Charmander

Bulbasaur and Squirtle both have a better matchup against Rock-type Pokémon. Charmander can still win, but it usually takes more effort.

Best Starter for the Second Gym

The second gym is Cerulean City Gym, where you face Misty.

For Misty, the best starter is:

1. Bulbasaur
2. Squirtle
3. Charmander

Bulbasaur is strong here because Grass-type moves are useful against Water-type Pokémon. Charmander struggles because Fire is weak against Water.

Best Starter for Story Mode

For the full story mode, all three starters can work. FireRed is not impossible with any starter. The difference is how easy or difficult your journey feels.

If you want the easiest story mode, choose Bulbasaur.

If you want a normal balanced journey, choose Squirtle.

If you want to use Charizard and do not mind a harder start, choose Charmander.

READ ALSO: Pokemon-Firered-Leafgreen

Which Starter Should You Pick?

Here is the best choice based on your play style:

Pick Bulbasaur if:

You are new to Pokémon FireRed and want an easier start. Bulbasaur is best for beginners because it helps against the first two gyms.

Pick Charmander if:

You like Charizard and want a challenge. Charmander is harder early, but it becomes more exciting later.

Pick Squirtle if:

You want a balanced and safe starter. Squirtle is not too easy and not too hard.

Final Verdict: Best Starter Pokémon in FireRed

The best starter Pokémon in FireRed for beginners is Bulbasaur.

Bulbasaur makes the early game easier, helps against important early gyms, and is simple to use. Squirtle is also a great choice if you want balance. Charmander is popular and powerful later, but it is not the easiest option for new players.

So, if this is your first time playing Pokémon FireRed, choose Bulbasaur. If you want a challenge and love Charizard, choose Charmander. If you want a balanced journey, choose Squirtle.

FAQs

What is the best starter Pokémon in FireRed?

The best starter Pokémon in FireRed for beginners is Bulbasaur. It performs well in the early gyms and makes the start of the game easier.

Is Charmander bad in Pokémon FireRed?

No, Charmander is not bad. It is just harder in the early game because Brock and Misty can be difficult for Charmander.

Is Squirtle better than Bulbasaur?

Squirtle is more balanced, but Bulbasaur is easier for beginners. If you want the easiest start, Bulbasaur is better.

Which starter becomes the strongest later?

All three can become strong later. Charmander evolves into Charizard, Squirtle evolves into Blastoise, and Bulbasaur evolves into Venusaur.

Should beginners choose Charmander?

Beginners can choose Charmander, but it is harder at the start. If you are new, Bulbasaur or Squirtle may be easier.