What is the Strongest Starter Pokémon in Sword and Shield?
Choosing the right starter Pokémon is one of the most crucial decisions in any Pokémon game, and Sword and Shield are no exception. With three unique starters to choose from, players must carefully consider each one’s strengths, weaknesses, and evolutions to decide which one to pick. In this article, we’ll explore each of the three starters, analyzing their abilities, types, and potential to be the strongest starter in the game.
Grookey, the Grass-Type Starter
Grookey is a grass-type Pokémon, which gives it an immediate advantage in terms of typing. Its ability, Overgrow, also increases the power of its grass-type moves when its HP is below 50%. Grookey evolves into Thwackey at level 16, and then again into Rillaboom at level 35.
Here are some of Grookey’s notable stats:
- HP: 45
- Attack: 55
- Defense: 35
- Special Attack: 35
- Special Defense: 30
- Speed: 65
Grookey’s high speed and special attack make it a formidable opponent, especially with its grass-type moves.
Scorbunny, the Fire-Type Starter
Scorbunny is a fire-type Pokémon, known for its Intrepid Sword ability, which increases its attack power when its HP is below 50%. Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at level 16, and then into Cinderace at level 35.
Here are some of Scorbunny’s notable stats:
- HP: 40
- Attack: 65
- Defense: 40
- Special Attack: 30
- Special Defense: 30
- Speed: 50
Scorbunny’s high attack power and ability to learn powerful fire-type moves make it a popular choice among players.
Sobble, the Water-Type Starter
Sobble is a water-type Pokémon, with the ability Intimidate, which lowers the opponent’s attack power when its HP is above 50%. Sobble evolves into Drizzile at level 16, and then into Inteleon at level 35.
Here are some of Sobble’s notable stats:
- HP: 50
- Attack: 30
- Defense: 30
- Special Attack: 40
- Special Defense: 50
- Speed: 60
Sobble’s high special defense and special attack make it a reliable choice for players who focus on water-type moves.
The Strongest Starter Pokémon: Grookey
Based on its stats and evolutions, Grookey is arguably the strongest starter Pokémon in Sword and Shield. Its high speed and special attack, combined with its ability to learn powerful grass-type moves, make it a formidable opponent. Additionally, its evolutions into Thwackey and Rillaboom give it access to a range of moves, including the powerful Earthquake and Wood Hammer.
Here is a summary of each starter’s stats and abilities:
| Starter | Type | Abilities | HP | Attack | Defense | Special Attack | Special Defense | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Overgrow | 45 | 55 | 35 | 35 | 30 | 65 |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Intrepid Sword | 40 | 65 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 50 |
| Sobble | Water | Intimidate | 50 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
Conclusion
Choosing the strongest starter Pokémon in Sword and Shield ultimately depends on a player’s playstyle and preferences. While each starter has its unique strengths and weaknesses, Grookey’s well-rounded stats and powerful grass-type moves make it the strongest starter Pokémon overall. With its high speed, special attack, and ability to learn powerful moves, Grookey is a reliable choice for players who want to take on the competition.