Choosing the right starter Pokémon is one of the most exciting moments in any Pokémon game, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A is no exception. With the game’s focus on a reimagined Lumiose City and a deeper connection between trainers and their Pokémon, your starter choice can shape your entire adventure. Whether you’re a returning fan or diving into the world of Legends for the first time, here’s a closer look at the best starters to pick and how each one fits into the game’s early journey.

1. Chespin – The Defensive Powerhouse

Chespin makes a strong case for being the best starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A for players who prefer a sturdy and tactical approach. Its evolution line focuses on defense and physical strength, giving it great survivability in longer battles. Once it evolves into Chesnaught, it becomes a tank capable of soaking up hits while dishing out strong physical attacks.

In early missions, Chespin’s ability to endure multiple opponents and support your team makes it a reliable choice. For players who like methodical battles and don’t mind a slower pace, Chespin is an excellent starter to rely on.

2. Fennekin – The Balanced Offense

Fennekin stands out for those who enjoy a mix of offense and versatility. As a Fire-type starter, it offers strong coverage early on and transitions into a Psychic/Fire hybrid when it evolves into Delphox. This dual typing opens up powerful move combinations that can handle a variety of wild Pokémon and tougher trainers.

Delphox also benefits from high Speed and Special Attack stats, making it ideal for trainers who prefer to strike first and finish battles quickly. If you enjoy strategic playstyles and powerful ranged attacks, Fennekin could easily become your go-to starter.

3. Froakie – The Speedster and Fan Favorite

It’s hard to talk about Pokémon Legends: Z-A starters without mentioning Froakie. Greninja’s popularity from previous generations is well-earned, and it’s likely to remain one of the most dynamic choices in this game as well. Froakie’s line excels in Speed and flexibility, allowing it to outspeed most wild encounters and handle surprise battles with ease.

With the potential return of unique abilities like Protean, Greninja could once again redefine the meta for competitive and in-game battles alike. If you’re looking for a fast, aggressive playstyle, Froakie will not disappoint.

4. Which Starter Fits Your Playstyle?

The “best” starter depends largely on how you like to play. If you prefer endurance and defense, go with Chespin. For balance and strong special attacks, Fennekin is the clear winner. And if you want pure speed and adaptability, Froakie is still king.

As always, consider your long-term strategy. Pokémon Legends: Z-A introduces new terrain mechanics and battle dynamics that could make certain types more advantageous depending on where you explore.

5. Building a Strong Early Team

Once you’ve chosen your starter, it’s wise to build around its strengths. For example, pair Chespin with Flying or Fire-types to cover its weaknesses, or team up Fennekin with Water-types for balance. Players looking to experiment can also check out online trading communities or in-game exchanges to expand their rosters more efficiently.

For those wanting to strengthen their teams quickly or find specific Pokémon to fill type gaps, it’s often helpful to look for cheap Legends ZA Pokemon options available through community trading platforms. Some players also choose to buy Legends ZA Pokemon from trusted sources like U4N, especially when they want to save time building their dream lineup or test strategies in endgame scenarios.

Each starter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings something unique to the table. Chespin offers defense and reliability, Fennekin provides balance and versatility, and Froakie delivers speed and power. No matter which one you choose, understanding how to complement its strengths with a well-rounded team is the key to success.