Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starter Guide — Chikorita vs Tepig vs Totodile
Quick Answers
Which starter should I pick in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
Totodile is the strongest pick for the Lumiose story — its Water/Dark Feraligatr (Mega) is super effective against the most common early-game wild Pokémon, and Mega Feraligatr has a huge 588 base stat total. Chikorita is the defensive pick, Tepig the offensive Fire type.
What are the three starters in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
The three starters are Chikorita (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Totodile (Water) — a return of Johto and Unova starters, matching the original Pokémon X/Y Kalos roster of Chikorita, Tepig and Totodile.
Do Z-A starters get Mega Evolutions?
Yes — all three final evolutions (Meganium, Emboar, Feraligatr) receive new Mega forms in Z-A, each with a type addition: Mega Meganium becomes Grass/Fairy, Mega Emboar stays Fire/Fighting, and Mega Feraligatr becomes Water/Dark.
Meet the Z-A Starters
Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings back the Kalos starter trio — the same three Pokémon available in the original Pokémon X and Y: Chikorita (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Totodile (Water). Each evolves through its classic line and gains a brand-new Mega Evolution for its final stage.
| Starter | Type | Final Form | Final Type | Mega Type Add | Base Stat Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Grass | Meganium | Grass | Fairy (Mega Meganium) | 525 → 625 (Mega) |
| Tepig | Fire | Emboar | Fire/Fighting | — (Mega Emboar, Fire/Fighting) | 528 → 618 (Mega) |
| Totodile | Water | Feraligatr | Water | Dark (Mega Feraligatr) | 530 → 588 (Mega) |
Chikorita — The Defensive Calm Pick
Chikorita is the tank of the trio. Its line has high Defense and Special Defense, and Mega Meganium becomes Grass/Fairy — the only Mega starter with a type change beyond Dragon. Fairy typing gives it strong matchups against the Dragon, Dark and Fighting types that roam Lumiose City, and its access to screens and recovery moves makes it excellent for a relaxed, slow-and-steady playthrough.
Tepig — The Aggressive Fire Pick
Tepig hits hard and fast with Fire-type STAB, and Emboar's dual Fire/Fighting typing gives coverage against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark and Steel. It keeps that typing in its Mega form with a massive stat boost, making it the most straightforward offensive choice. Its main weakness: Fire/Fighting leaves it open to Water, Ground, Flying and Psychic attacks, and the first major boss of the Lumiose story is not kind to Fire types.
Totodile — The Balanced Power Pick
Totodile is widely considered the best story pick. Water is the most reliable type in the early game, and Mega Feraligatr gains the Dark type — making it Water/Dark with strong neutral coverage and a great ability matchup. Its balanced stats and powerful Sheer Force-style offense (via its Mega ability) let it sweep most of the Z-A story without much team support.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Pick Totodile if you want the easiest, most powerful story run.
- Pick Tepig if you want an aggressive Fire-type attacker and don't mind type disadvantages early.
- Pick Chikorita if you prefer bulky, defensive play or want the unique Grass/Fairy Mega Meganium.
Whichever you choose, check the full Pokédex for each final form's exact weaknesses, stats and evolution requirements.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the other two starters in Z-A?
Yes — as in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the starters you don't choose are obtainable later in the game through side content or post-game quests.
Do Z-A starters evolve at the same levels as before?
Yes — Chikorita evolves at level 16/32, Tepig at 17/36, and Totodile at 18/30, exactly matching their original evolution levels.
Does the starter choice affect the story?
The story remains the same, but your starter affects early-type matchups against the first wild districts of Lumiose City.