Pokémon Claude Red ▶ Play free

Which starter should you pick in Pokémon Red?

Bulbasaur is the easiest starter in Pokémon Red: it beats the first two gyms (Brock and Misty) outright. Squirtle is a close second. Charmander is the hard mode: it struggles against both Brock and Misty early on but becomes the powerful Charizard.

Gym leaderBulbasaurCharmanderSquirtle
BrockAdvantageDisadvantageAdvantage
MistyAdvantageDisadvantageEven
Lt. SurgeEvenEvenDisadvantage
ErikaEvenAdvantageDisadvantage
KogaDisadvantageEvenEven
SabrinaDisadvantageAdvantageEven
BlaineDisadvantageEvenAdvantage
GiovanniEvenDisadvantageAdvantage

Bulbasaur pixel-art sprite Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16 and Venusaur at level 32. Venusaur has a base stat total of 425.

Charmander pixel-art sprite Charmander

Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16 and Charizard at level 36. Charizard has a base stat total of 425.

Squirtle pixel-art sprite Squirtle

Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and Blastoise at level 36. Blastoise has a base stat total of 425.

Frequently asked questions

What is the easiest starter in Pokémon Red?

Bulbasaur: Grass and Poison moves beat Brock and Misty, the first two gym leaders.

Is Charmander hard in Pokémon Red?

Early on, yes: Brock (Rock) and Misty (Water) both resist Fire. Catch a Nidoran or Mankey to help.