Top 5 Gen 9 Starters: Best Picks Reviewed Now

Which adorable, powerful creature will stand beside you as you journey through the Paldea region? Choosing your very first partner in a new Pokémon game is always a big moment! It sets the tone for your entire adventure. Will you pick the fiery leap, the sturdy grass shield, or the playful water companion?

The release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brought three exciting new starters: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. But picking the best one isn’t always easy. Each one has unique strengths and weaknesses that affect early-game battles and later team building. You want a partner that helps you win those tough Gym battles, not one that makes them harder!

Don’t worry about making a mistake! This post breaks down everything you need to know about the Gen 9 starters. We will explore their typing, potential abilities, and how they match up against the first few challenges. Keep reading to discover which starter perfectly fits your Paldean adventure style.

Top Gen 9 Starter Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
BUSIDN High Torque 3 HP 9 Tooth Mini Starter w/ 153/168 Tooth FLYWHEELS for Small/Big Block - Replacement for Chevy BBC SBC
  • Replacement For Chevrolet Small & Big Block 262-454 CID V6-V8 engine, w/ AT or MT, w/ 153-Tooth or 168-Tooth Flywheel (up to 18:1 Compression Ratio).
  • Item Part Number Is: JM7001R, JM7001BK, 18493N, PP106, PE106, 91-25-1201, 18493, S1936N, 244-1603, 76012GHDN, 76012GHD, 4N1603.
  • Specification: Heavy Duty 2.0 KW, 3 HP, 9 Tooth, OSGR, 12 Volt, CW, 0.988in / 25.1mm Gear OD, Adjustable Mounting Block.
  • 3 HP 9 Tooth Mini Starter, Billet Aluminum Mounting Block
  • Instructions Not Included, Professional installation is highly recommended
Bestseller No. 2
BUSIDN High Torque 3 HP 9 Tooth Mini Starter 153/168 Tooth for Small/Big Block - Replacement for Chevy BBC SBC
  • Replacement For Chevrolet Small & Big Block 262-454 CID V6-V8 engine, w/ AT or MT, w/ 153-Tooth or 168-Tooth Flywheel (up to 18:1 Compression Ratio).
  • Item Part Number Is: JM7001R, JM7001BK, 18493N, PP106, PE106, 91-25-1201, 18493, S1936N, 244-1603, 76012GHDN, 76012GHD, 4N1603.
  • Specification: Heavy Duty 2.0 KW, 3 HP, 9 Tooth, OSGR, 12 Volt, CW, 0.988in / 25.1mm Gear OD, Adjustable Mounting Block.
  • 3 HP 9 Tooth Mini Starter, Billet Aluminum Mounting Block
  • Instructions Not Included, Professional installation is highly recommended
Bestseller No. 3
RAREELECTRICAL New Starter Motor Compatible with Westerbeke Gen Set 8.0Sbeg 8.5Btg 8.5Btga 9.0Btg 9.6Bcgtc
  • Compatible with BOSCH, MITSUBISHI. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Mitsubishi Sales: Md087531 / Item Description: Starter / Unit Type: Bosch / Type: Osgr / Voltage: 12 / Power: 1.2 Kw / Rotation: Clockwise / Tooth Count: 9 / Gear Od: 29.1Mm / 1.146In / Mounting Ear 1: M10-1.25 Id Threaded / Mounting Ear 2: M10-1.25 Id Threaded / Weight: 10 Lbs / 4.55 Kg
  • Applications: Please Verify Your Oem Part Number From Your Original Unit To Help Ensure Fitment. / Westerbeke Gen Set 6.8 Btga 4Cyl, 79.1Ci, 1.3L Gas 1993-2002 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.0 Bcdt 2Cyl, 39Ci, 0.6L Diesel 2002-2004 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.0 Bcg 3Cyl, 51.6Ci, 0.85L Gas 1989-1997 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.0 Bcga 3Cyl, 51.6Ci, 0.85L Gas 1989-1997 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.0 Bcgb 3Cyl, 40.3Ci, 0.66L Gas 1999-2002 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.0 Btg 4Cyl, 60.6Ci, 1.0L Gas 1986-1999 / Westerbeke Gen Set
  • Applications: 7.2 Bcgtc 3Cyl, 40.3Ci, 0.66L Gas 1997-2002 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.2 Bcgte 3Cyl, 40.3Ci, 0.66L Gas 1997-2001 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.5 Btd 3Cyl, 68Ci, 1.1L Diesel 1987-2000 / Westerbeke Gen Set 7.6 Btd 3Cyl, 58Ci, 1.0L Diesel 1993-2007 / Westerbeke Gen Set 8.0 Bcdt 2Cyl, 39Ci, 0.6L Diesel 2002-2004 / Westerbeke Gen Set 8.0 Bcgtc 3Cyl, 40.3Ci, 0.66L Gas 1997-2002 / Westerbeke Gen Set 8.0 Bcgte 3Cyl, 40.3Ci, 0.66L Gas 1997-2001 / Westerbeke Gen Set 8.0 Beg (50 Hertz) 4Cyl, 90Ci,
  • Starter - Voltage: 12V Rotation: Clockwise Teeth On Drive / Splines: 9 Country Of Origin: US Source: Aftermarket
Bestseller No. 4
LUCAS STARTER 6947 COMPATIBLE WITH SAAB 9-3 9-3X 2.0L 2010 2011, COMPATIBLE WITH SATURN VUE SKY 2.4L 2008-2010, COMPATIBLE WITH GMC TERRAIN 2.4L 2010-17 12609317 8000213 8200213 S-1523 SDR0374 SR8647X
  • Replacement Part Numbers: 12609317, 12-60-9317, 2465176, 246-5176, 26657, 2805396, 280-5396, 3231657, 323-1657, 3362148A, 336-2148A, 41012346, 410-12346, 6947, 6947S, 8000213, 8200213, 89060407, 91014735, 91-01-4735, 96235, N6947, S1523, S-1523, SDR0374, SR8647X, 1202186
  • Condition: Remanufactured in the USA; Unit Type: PMGR; Unit Series: PG260D; Voltage: 12V; kW: 1.2; Rotation: CW; Tooth Count: 9; Mounting Hardware Included: No; Number of Pieces: 1; Country of Origin: US
  • Compatible With Chevrolet Equinox LT 2.4L 2010-16; Equinox LS 2.4L 2012-16; Malibu LT 2.4L 2008-10; Compatible With GMC Terrain SLE 2.4L 2012-16 - See the Description for more Applications
  • See Product Description for Additional Specifications
Bestseller No. 5
RAREELECTRICAL New Starter Compatible with Mercruiser 5.0L 2-BBL Gen + 305Ci 8Cyl 10099 9000821 50-806964A3 50-806964A4 3855177 3854751-9 50-12121A2 50-12177A2 50-712428A3 50-812604A2 50-99418A2
  • Compatible with DELCO, GM, MAN, MERCRUISER, MERCURY, OMC, VOLVO, VOLVO PENTA, YAMAHA. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Api Marine: 10099 / Delco: 9000821 / Mercury: 50-806964A3 50-806964A4 / Omc: 3855177 / Volvo Penta: 3854751-9 / Will Also Replace These Older Style 10Mt Delco Starters / Mercury: 50-12121A2 50-12177A2 50-712428A3 50-812604A2 50-99418A2 / Omc: 984456 986505 3850525 3853982 3855177 / This Marine Boat Starter Fits Nearly All Mercruiser Cobra Yamaha Volva Penta And Omc Gm Engines Except The 3.0 Liter. / This Permanent Magnet High Torque Gear Reduction Starter Will Also Replace The Older
  • Applications: Please Verify Your Oem Part Number From Your Original Unit To Help Ensure Fitment. / Mercruiser Ski Engines Black Scorpion Ski (Gen +) Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1996-1998 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 350 Mag Efi Ski (Gen +) Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1996-1997 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 350 Mag Efi Ski (Tbi) Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1994-1996 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 350 Mag Mpi Ski Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1995-1996 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 350 Mag Ski Gm 5.7L - 350Ci -
  • Applications: 1991-1997 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 454 Efi Ski (Gen V) Gm 7.4L - 454Ci - 8Cyl 1995 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 454 Mag Mpi Ski (Gen Vi) Gm 7.4L - 454Ci - 8Cyl 1996-1997 / Mercruiser Ski Engines Model 5.7L Competition Ski Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1987-1997 / ...
  • Starter - Voltage: 12V Rotation: Clockwise Teeth On Drive / Splines: 11 Country Of Origin: US Source: Aftermarket
Bestseller No. 6
RAREELECTRICAL New 12 Volts 9 Teeth Starter Compatible With Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engine 350 Mag Mpi Mie 454 Mag Mpi Horizon 5.7L Efi 30459
  • Compatible with DELCO, GM, MERCRUISER. Please verify your OEM part number from your original unit to help ensure fitment.
  • Replaces: Arco Marine: 30459 / Item Description: Starter / Unit Type: Delco / Type: Pmgr / Voltage: 12 / Rotation: Counterclockwise / Tooth Count: 9 / Gear Od: 1.004In / 25.5Mm / Mounting Ear 1: 12.3Mm Unthreaded / Mounting Ear 2: 12.3Mm Unthreaded / Weight: 9.2 Lbs / 4.18 Kg
  • Applications: Please Verify Your Oem Part Number From Your Original Unit To Help Ensure Fitment. / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 350 Mag Mpi Mie (Gen +) Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl 1998-1999 / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 454 Mag Mpi Horizon (Gen Vi) Gm 7.4L - 454Ci - 8Cyl / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 5.7L Efi (Gen +) Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 5.7L Efi (Gen +) Mie Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines
  • Applications: 5.7L Mie Gm 5.7L - 350Ci - 8Cyl -1998 / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 8.1S Ho Gm 8.1L - 496Ci - 8Cyl / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 8.1S Horizon Gm 8.1L - 496Ci - 8Cyl / Mercruiser Marine Inboard Engines Model 8.2L Mie Mpi (Lh) (Gen Vi) Gm 8.2L - 502Ci - 8Cyl...
  • Starter - Voltage: 12V Rotation: Counterclockwise Teeth On Drive / Splines: 9 Country Of Origin: CN Source: Aftermarket
Bestseller No. 7
HNARL Genie Lift Starter 139709GT 12-Volt 9-Tooth for Genie Z45-25RT, Z60-34RT, S45
  • Part Name:Genie Lift Starter
  • Part Number:139709GT 139709
  • Application:Used for Z45-25RT、Z60-34RT、S45.....
  • Description:12-Volt, 9-Tooth Bosch Style. Replaces 1223016, 1223016GT, 139709, 70376, and 70376GT. Fits GENIE Telehandler Models AGRI-625, AGRI-730, GTH-3384, GTH-3390, GTH-4390, GTH-5390, GTH-5390 SPECIAL, GTH-2506, GTH-2506 AU.2, GTH-3007, GTH-3007 AU.2, GTH-3007 FMS, GTH-5519
  • Description:Fits GENIE Telescopic Boom Lift Models S-100, S-100HD, S-105, S-120, S-120HD, S-125, S-3200, S-3800, S-40, S-45, S-60, S-65, S-80, S-85, SX-105 XC, SX-125 XC AND SX-135 XC, Fits GENIE Articulating Boom Lift Models Z-135/70, Z-45 XC, Z-45/22 IC, Z-45/25 IC, Z-45/25J IC, Z-51/30J, Z-60/34, Z-62/40, Z-80/60 AND ZX-135/70.
Bestseller No. 8
DB Electrical 410-52208 Starter For Toyota 4Runner 3.4L 3.4 96 9 98 99 00 01 02, T-100 Pickup 3.4L 3.4 95-98, Tacoma 3.4L 3.4 1995-2004, Tundra 3.4 3.4L 2000-04/1.8KW /28100-62030/22800-4080
  • PEAK PERFORMANCE: This starter delivers reliable power for enhanced starting. Its high-quality build and materials ensure efficient operation, guaranteeing the reliable performance you require.
  • FAST ENGINE STARTER: The DB Electrical starter is designed for fast and efficient engine ignition. It has sealed housings to prevent residue buildup, along with upgraded copper and silver contacts for enhanced performance.
  • DURABILITY: This product features high-quality materials and construction, ensuring durability and longevity even in harsh conditions. The starter replacement is designed for simple and straightforward installation, reducing downtime and labor costs.
  • COMPATIBILITY: The DB Electrical 410-52208 starter is compatible with/replacement for TOYOTA 4RUNNER 3.4L 1996-02, TOYOTA T-100 PICKUP 3.4L 1995-98, TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP 3.4L 1995-04, TOYOTA TUNDRA PICKUP 3.4L 2000-04
  • REPLACEMENT: This starter replaces the following OEM part numbers: ARROWHEAD: SND0217, 410-52208, ND280-0166; CARGO: 113173; DENSO: 228000-4080, 228000-4082, 228000-4083; LESTER: 17672; NSA: STR-5201; TOYOTA: 28100-62030; WAI: 2-1838-ND

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Gen 9 Starter Pokémon

Welcome, Trainers! Getting your first Pokémon in a new generation is exciting. The Gen 9 starters—Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—are all fantastic choices. This guide will help you pick the best partner for your Paldea adventure.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing your starter, think about what you want in a battle partner. Each one has unique strengths.

  • Typing Advantage: Remember the basic rock-paper-scissors! Grass beats Water, Water beats Fire, and Fire beats Grass. Your choice affects early-game battles significantly.
  • Base Stats: Look at their starting numbers. Some might be faster, while others hit harder. High Speed helps you attack first. High Attack or Special Attack means stronger moves.
  • Ability: This is a hidden power! Each starter has a standard ability and often a hidden one that activates under certain conditions. Check online guides for their final abilities to see which one suits your playstyle best.

Important Materials (Think About Their Final Forms!)

While you start with a cute creature, you are really investing in their final, powerful forms. Think about how their final typing affects their strengths.

  • Dual Typing: Later evolutions gain a second type. For example, one might become Grass/Dark. This dual typing gives them more move variety but also more weaknesses to watch out for.
  • Move Pool: Does the Pokémon learn powerful moves naturally? A good move pool means you do not have to rely only on TMs (Technical Machines) later in the game.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of your starter is mostly about how well it performs in battles throughout the game.

What Improves Quality?
  • Good Nature: A Pokémon’s Nature boosts one stat and lowers another. A Nature that boosts Speed for a fast attacker is a big plus.
  • High Potential (IVs): Individual Values (IVs) are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s maximum potential. A starter with great IVs will always be stronger than one with poor ones, though this matters more for competitive play.
What Reduces Quality?
  • Bad Matchups: If you choose a Fire-type starter, and the first major challenge uses mostly Water or Rock types, the early game will be harder. This reduces your immediate quality of life.
  • Low Speed Stat: If your final evolution is slow, the opponent often gets to attack first, which can lead to quick knockouts.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you play the game should guide your decision. Each starter offers a different journey.

  • The Balanced Trainer: If you want a reliable, all-around fighter that handles many situations well, consider the one known for balanced stats.
  • The Aggressive Trainer: If you like fast, hard-hitting attacks to sweep opponents quickly, pick the one with high Speed and Attack/Special Attack.
  • The Defensive Trainer: If you prefer soaking up hits and setting up powerful attacks later, choose the one with higher Defense or HP stats.

Remember, the best starter is the one you connect with the most! Have fun raising your new friend.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gen 9 Starters

Q: Which starter is best for beginners?

A: Usually, the Grass or Water type offers a slightly smoother start because the first Gym Leader might not have a hard counter to them. Check online for the very first Gym Leader’s type before deciding!

Q: Do the starters get cooler looking when they evolve?

A: Yes! Pokémon designs always change a lot between stages. You should look up the final evolution designs to ensure you like their appearance for the long haul.

Q: Can I get all three starters?

A: In a normal single-player game, no. You only pick one at the start. You must trade with friends or use online services later to get the others.

Q: What are the three types of the Gen 9 starters?

A: The three types are Grass (Sprigatito), Fire (Fuecoco), and Water (Quaxly).

Q: Do the starters have hidden abilities?

A: Yes, they all have a standard ability and a secret “Hidden Ability” that usually makes them much stronger in battle.

Q: Is it worth restarting the game if I pick the wrong one?

A: If you really dislike the first few hours of battling, yes. But most players find that any starter can beat the game with enough training.

Q: Which starter is usually the fastest?

A: Speed stats vary, but generally, one of the three excels in Speed, one in raw Attack power, and one in bulk (HP/Defense). Research their base stats to see who wins the speed race.

Q: How important are Natures early in the game?

A: Natures are important for strong trainers, but for a first playthrough, they are not critical. You can worry about perfect Natures later.

Q: Does the starter Pokémon stay useful until the end of the game?

A: Absolutely. Starter Pokémon are designed to be powerful partners that can stand up to the Elite Four and the Champion.

Q: What should I train my starter to learn besides their basic moves?

A: Teach them moves that cover their weaknesses. For example, a Grass-type might need a move that handles Flying-type Pokémon.