Pokemon Black White Best Starter

Choosing Your Champion: The Best Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White

Picking your first Pokémon is a pivotal moment in any Pokémon journey. In the Unova region of Pokémon Black and White, this decision carries even more weight, as the starters are uniquely powerful and strategically diverse. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the strengths and weaknesses of Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, helping you choose the best starter for your playthrough, considering various playstyles and competitive strategies. We'll explore their evolutions, movepools, and overall viability, ensuring you make an informed decision that leads you to victory against the Elite Four and beyond.

Introduction: A Trio of Unique Starters

Pokémon Black and White introduced a fresh batch of starter Pokémon, each possessing a distinct personality and combat style unlike anything seen before. This wasn't just a matter of type advantage; each starter boasts a unique approach to battling, forcing players to consider more than just elemental matchups. This guide will break down the nuances of each starter, comparing their individual pros and cons to help you select the perfect partner for your Unova adventure.

Snivy: The Graceful Grass-Type Starter

Snivy, the Grass-type starter, is renowned for its elegant demeanor and surprising power. While often underestimated at first glance, Snivy's evolution line, culminating in Serperior, offers a surprisingly strong and versatile option.

Strengths:

• High Special Attack: Serperior boasts exceptional Special Attack, making it a potent special attacker capable of dealing significant damage. This makes it particularly effective against Water, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon, common foes throughout the game.
• Access to Leaf Storm: This devastating move, while having recoil, delivers immense damage, often securing crucial knockouts.
• Good Speed: Serperior possesses excellent Speed, allowing it to often outpace opponents and secure first strikes.
• Elegant Design: Let's be honest, Serperior is one of the most stylish and visually appealing final evolutions in the entire Pokémon franchise.

Weaknesses:

• Grass-type vulnerabilities: Grass is weak against Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, and Poison-types, making Serperior vulnerable to many common opponents. Careful team composition is crucial.
• Fragility: While fast, Serperior isn't particularly bulky. It can be taken down relatively easily by powerful physical attacks.
• Reliance on Special Attack: Serperior’s physical attack stat is significantly lower, limiting its options in some battles.

Optimal Playstyle: A special attacker focusing on high-powered STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves like Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Utilize its speed advantage to strike first and capitalize on type matchups.

Tepig: The Fiery Fire-Type Starter

Tepig, the Fire-type starter, embodies fiery passion and unwavering determination. Its evolution into Emboar is a powerhouse, offering a different approach to battling compared to Snivy's elegance.

Strengths:

• High Attack: Emboar possesses incredible Attack, allowing it to dish out massive damage with physical attacks. This makes it a dominant force against Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel, and other Fire-types.
• Head Smash: This powerful move, despite its recoil, can obliterate even the bulkiest opponents.
• Great Physical Attacker: Emboar excels as a physical attacker, leveraging its high Attack stat and wide movepool to dominate battles.
• Imposing Presence: Emboar's final evolution is instantly recognizable and commands respect on the battlefield.

Weaknesses:

• Fire-type vulnerabilities: Fire is weak to Water, Ground, and Rock-types, making it vulnerable to common opponents, particularly early game.
• Lower Speed: Emboar is relatively slow compared to other fully evolved starters, meaning it may not always land the first hit.
• Can be Predictable: Relying heavily on physical attacks can be predictable, allowing opponents to exploit its weaknesses.

Optimal Playstyle: A devastating physical attacker. Focus on maximizing its high Attack stat with strong STAB moves and exploiting type advantages. Utilize its bulk to withstand some hits and retaliate powerfully.

Oshawott: The Agile Water-Type Starter

Oshawott, the Water-type starter, embodies a charming and tenacious spirit. Its evolution line culminates in Samurott, a powerful and strategic Pokémon.

Strengths:

• Balanced Stats: Samurott boasts a well-rounded stat spread, making it surprisingly versatile. It's not the absolute best in any one category but excels as a balanced threat.
• Razor Shell: This powerful move offers both damage and the chance to lower the opponent's Defense.
• Water-type coverage: Water is super-effective against Fire, Ground, and Rock types, making Samurott a valuable asset against many common opponents.
• Unique Design: Samurott's samurai-inspired design is instantly memorable and visually captivating.

Weaknesses:

• Average Special Attack: While capable of using special Water-type attacks, Samurott's Special Attack isn't as high as other special attackers in the game.
• Vulnerabilities: Water-types are weak to Grass and Electric-type attacks, making Samurott vulnerable to certain Pokémon.
• Not a clear-cut best: Samurott doesn't significantly excel in any particular area, making it less impressive compared to the specialized roles of Serperior and Emboar.

Optimal Playstyle: A balanced attacker capable of both physical and special attacks. Samurott's versatility allows it to adapt to various battle situations, making it a solid choice for players who prefer a flexible approach.

Comparing the Starters: A Detailed Breakdown

Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you visualize the strengths and weaknesses of each starter:

Which Starter is Best for You?

The "best" starter depends entirely on your preferred playstyle and strategic approach.

• For players who enjoy fast-paced, high-damage special attacks: Snivy (Serperior) is the clear winner. Its speed and special attack prowess make it a potent force, capable of overwhelming opponents quickly.

• For players who prefer brute force and overwhelming physical attacks: Tepig (Emboar) is the ideal choice. Its incredible Attack stat makes it a devastating force, capable of taking down almost any opponent with well-placed hits.

• For players who value versatility and balanced stats: Oshawott (Samurott) is a solid choice. Its well-rounded nature allows it to adapt to various battle situations. It's a good option for players who want a dependable Pokémon without heavily focusing on either physical or special attacks.

Beyond the Initial Choice: Team Building and Strategy

Remember, your starter is only one part of your team. Building a balanced team with diverse types and strategies is crucial for success. Consider the weaknesses of your starter and choose other Pokémon to complement its strengths and cover its weaknesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I change my starter Pokémon?

A: No, you cannot change your starter Pokémon once you've made your choice. Choose wisely!

Q: Which starter is easiest to play through the game with?

A: This is subjective. While Snivy might be considered easier due to Serperior's speed and high special attack, each starter offers a unique experience.

Q: Which starter is best for competitive battling?

A: All three starters have potential for competitive battles, but each requires different strategies and training. Serperior's speed and power, and Emboar's raw attack power make them popular choices, though careful move set selection is paramount for any of the three.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Choice and Conquer Unova!

The decision of choosing your starter in Pokémon Black and White is a deeply personal one. There's no single "right" answer. Consider your preferred playstyle, your strengths as a trainer, and the Pokémon that resonates most with you. Whichever starter you choose, remember to nurture it, train it, and work together to conquer the challenges of the Unova region. Your journey begins with a single choice, but your victory will be a testament to your dedication and skill. Embrace the adventure and become the Pokémon Champion!