best starter from all generation

Before testing the 100-Year-Old San Francisco Sourdough Starter (1916), I never realized how much a true heritage starter could elevate your baking. Its rich, tangy flavor and long-lasting dry form make it perfect for beginners who want reliability and authentic taste from the start. Handling this starter felt like holding a piece of bread history—easy to store, simple to revive, and ready to go once reactivated.

Compared to the other options, this starter’s resilience and authentic flavor stand out. It’s designed with beginners in mind, with clear feeding instructions and a friendly recipe included. While the Organic Einkorn starter offers wild yeasts and unique flavor, it lacks the century-long tradition and gift-ready convenience of the San Francisco heirloom. And the Kohler starter is strictly mechanical, not ideal for baking but great for machinery. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the 100-Year-Old San Francisco Sourdough Starter (1916) for those seeking heritage flavor, ease of use, and proven reliability in their baking journey.

Top Recommendation: 100-Year-Old San Francisco Sourdough Starter (1916)

Why We Recommend It: This starter’s over a century of flavor and family tradition make it unmatched. Its dry-active format ensures easy storage and long-term backup, while the included beginner-friendly recipe and clear care instructions help boost confidence. The authentic San Francisco tang and ease of reactivation give it a significant edge over fresher or less proven options.

Best starter from all generation: Our Top 3 Picks

• 100-Year-Old San Francisco Sourdough Starter (1916) – Best starter for all generations
• Organic Einkorn Sourdough Starter 100g in Glass Jar – Best starter options for every generation
• Kohler Starter 7000 Series Mowers 3rd Generation 9 Teeth – Best starter choices for all ages

What Criteria Determine the Best Starter Pokémon Across Generations?

• Type Diversity: The variety of types available in starter Pokémon can influence their effectiveness against different opponents. A starter with a dual type offers more strategic options in battle, allowing for better coverage against different Pokémon types.
• Final Evolution Strength: The strength of the final evolution plays a crucial role in determining the best starter. Pokémon that evolve into powerful forms with strong stats and abilities tend to be favored, as they can handle end-game challenges more effectively.
• Learnset and Move Pool: A starter Pokémon’s ability to learn a wide range of moves can enhance its versatility in battles. Those that can learn moves that cover their weaknesses or provide utility, such as healing or status effects, are often more valuable.
• Availability of TMs and HMs: The accessibility of Technical Machines (TMs) and Hidden Machines (HMs) can greatly expand a starter’s capabilities. A starter that can learn crucial moves through TMs may find itself more effective throughout the game.
• Base Stat Distribution: The distribution of a Pokémon’s base stats determines how well it performs in various aspects of battle, including offense, defense, and speed. Starters with balanced or high base stats in key areas are typically more advantageous.
• Popularity and Nostalgia: Player sentiment and nostalgia can also play a role in determining the best starter. Some Pokémon become fan favorites due to their design, lore, or impact on players’ childhood experiences, which can influence subjective rankings.
• In-Game Role and Story Integration: How well a starter fits into the game’s narrative and its role in the player’s journey can affect its perceived value. A starter that has significant moments in the storyline or interacts well with other characters may be viewed more favorably.

How Do Different Pokémon Types Affect the Success of Starters?

Versatility: A starter Pokémon that can learn a wide range of moves can adapt to various battle situations, making it a more attractive choice. This versatility allows players to strategize and cover potential weaknesses, which is crucial in both gym battles and competitive play.

Evolutionary Potential: Starters typically evolve into stronger forms, and the final evolution’s typing and stats can make a huge difference in gameplay. A starter that evolves into a powerful Pokémon can provide a significant advantage in later stages of the game, influencing players’ choices based on anticipated growth.

Stat Distribution: The distribution of a Pokémon’s stats such as Attack, Defense, Speed, and Special Attack can determine how well it performs in battles. Starters with balanced stats or those skewed toward offensive capabilities are often favored for their ability to deal damage effectively.

Game-Specific Factors: Each generation of Pokémon games introduces unique mechanics, types, or challenges that can shift the balance of power among starters. For instance, the introduction of new types or abilities may make one starter more favorable than others in that particular game context.

In What Ways Does Design Influence Popularity Among Starter Pokémon?

Design plays a crucial role in determining the popularity of starter Pokémon across generations due to various factors.

• Visual Appeal: The aesthetic design of a starter Pokémon significantly influences its attractiveness to players. Pokémon with vibrant colors, unique shapes, and engaging features tend to capture the attention of trainers, making them more likely to be chosen as a starter.
• Type Advantages: The design often reflects the Pokémon’s type, which can affect its combat effectiveness. For instance, a well-designed Water-type starter may evoke a sense of fluidity and grace, appealing to players who value strategy and versatility in battles.
• Evolutionary Design: The evolutionary path of starter Pokémon can enhance their popularity. Players often favor starters whose final forms exhibit intricate and impressive designs, as these evolutions provide a sense of progression and fulfillment during gameplay.
• Cultural References: Many starters are inspired by cultural elements or real-world animals, which can resonate with players. A design that cleverly incorporates local folklore or familiar creatures can create a stronger emotional connection, leading to increased popularity.
• Personality and Charm: The personality traits conveyed through a starter’s design, such as playfulness or fierceness, can influence player choice. Pokémon that exude charm and friendliness typically attract players looking for companionship throughout their journey.
• Nostalgia Factor: For long-time fans, the design of starter Pokémon can evoke nostalgia for previous generations. A design that pays homage to classic starters can resonate deeply, encouraging players to embrace these new designs due to their sentimental value.

Which Starter Pokémon Stand Out in Competitive Battles?

Some of the best starters from all generations that stand out in competitive battles include:

• Greninja: Known for its incredible speed and versatility, Greninja can adapt to many roles thanks to its unique ability, Protean, which changes its type to match the move it uses.
• Incineroar: This Fire/Dark type Pokémon excels in the competitive scene with its Intimidate ability, which lowers the opponent’s Attack, and its access to powerful moves like Parting Shot, allowing it to pivot out and support teammates.
• Swampert: As a Water/Ground type, Swampert boasts excellent typing that grants it immunity to Electric moves and high physical bulk, making it a formidable wall and a strong attacker with access to moves like Earthquake and Waterfall.
• Decidueye: With its Ghost/Grass typing, Decidueye offers a unique set of resistances and access to moves like Spirit Shackle, which traps opponents, while its ability Long Reach allows it to hit without making contact, avoiding certain effects.
• Charizard: This iconic Fire/Flying type has remained a staple in competitive play due to its Mega Evolutions, which provide significant boosts in stats and access to powerful moves like Solar Beam and Dragon Dance, making it a versatile threat.
• Feraligatr: As a Water type, Feraligatr can utilize its ability Sheer Force to boost the power of moves that have secondary effects, such as Ice Punch and Waterfall, allowing it to hit hard while maintaining decent bulk.
• Blaziken: Famous for its ability Speed Boost, which increases its Speed stat at the end of each turn, Blaziken can become a formidable sweeper very quickly, complemented by its access to powerful physical moves like Flare Blitz and High Jump Kick.

What Notable Moves or Abilities Do These Starter Pokémon Have?

The notable moves and abilities of starter Pokémon vary greatly across generations, each providing unique advantages in battles and gameplay.

• Blaziken (Generation III): This Fire/Fighting-type starter has the ability Speed Boost, which increases its Speed stat at the end of each turn. This ability allows Blaziken to become a formidable sweeper, gaining momentum after a few turns and making it difficult for opponents to outspeed it.
• Incineroar (Generation VII): As a Fire/Dark-type Pokémon, Incineroar features the Intimidate ability, which lowers the Attack of opposing Pokémon upon entering battle. This not only helps in weakening physical attackers but also makes Incineroar a great pivot with moves like Fake Out and U-turn, allowing it to contribute to both offense and defense.
• Greninja (Generation VI): This Water/Dark-type starter possesses the ability Protean, which changes its type to that of its currently used move. This versatility makes Greninja unpredictable and allows it to gain STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) on every move, significantly enhancing its offensive capabilities in battle.
• Decidueye (Generation VII): As a Grass/Ghost-type, Decidueye has the ability Long Reach, which allows it to use contact moves without making contact. This is particularly useful against opponents with abilities like Rough Skin or items like Rocky Helmet, as it prevents Decidueye from taking damage while still dealing damage to its foes.
• Charizard (Generation I): With access to the ability Solar Power, Charizard can boost its Special Attack in sunny weather at the cost of some HP each turn. This makes it an excellent choice for solar-based teams, allowing it to unleash powerful fire-type moves like Solar Beam and Flamethrower, effectively decimating opponents in favorable weather conditions.
• Froakie (Generation VI): Froakie’s evolution, Greninja, is notable for its unique ability, Protean, which transforms its type to that of the move it just used. This trait not only allows Greninja to adapt to its opponents but also grants it STAB bonuses, making it a versatile choice on the battlefield.
• Rowlet (Generation VII): Rowlet evolves into Decidueye, which has the ability Long Reach, allowing it to use contact moves without making contact with its opponent. This ability is strategically advantageous as it avoids damage from abilities like Rough Skin or items like Rocky Helmet, enhancing its survivability in battles.
• Emboar (Generation V): This Fire/Fighting-type starter has the ability Reckless, which boosts the power of recoil moves. This makes Emboar a potent attacker with moves like Flare Blitz and Head Smash, allowing it to deal significant damage while also taking advantage of its high base attack stat.

How Do Fans Rank Their Favorite Starter Pokémon Over the Years?

Fans have ranked their favorite starter Pokémon from all generations based on various factors including design, utility in battles, and personal nostalgia.

• Bulbasaur: As the first-ever starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur has a special place in the hearts of many fans. Its Grass/Poison typing offers unique advantages in the early game, particularly against the first two gyms in Kanto, making it a popular choice for new players.
• Charmander: Charmander is often favored for its eventual evolution into the powerful Charizard, a fan-favorite that boasts a dragon-like appearance and strong fire-type moves. Its popularity is enhanced by its prominent role in the anime, especially with Ash Ketchum’s journey.
• Squirtle: Squirtle’s appeal lies in its adorable design and the fact that it evolves into Blastoise, a formidable water-type Pokémon. It is often considered a balanced choice among the original starters, providing good performance in various battles.
• Treecko: Known for its speed and attack capabilities, Treecko is often praised for its sleek design and the ability to evolve into Sceptile, a powerful Grass-type with a Mega Evolution. Fans appreciate its agility and effectiveness against many opponents in Hoenn.
• Torchic: Torchic is celebrated for its eventual evolution into Blaziken, which gained immense popularity due to its unique Fire/Fighting typing. The cute chick design and its strong battling capabilities make it a favorite among many players.
• Mudkip: With its Water/Ground typing upon evolution, Mudkip is highly regarded for its versatility and strength, especially in the context of competitive play. Its adorable appearance and the infamous meme “So I heard you like Mudkipz” have solidified its status among fans.
• Chimchar: Chimchar stands out for its evolution into Infernape, a powerful Fire/Fighting Pokémon that excels in speed and attack. Its design resonates well with fans, and its role in the fourth-generation anime further contributes to its popularity.
• Torchic: Torchic is often celebrated for its evolution into Blaziken, which has become a competitive favorite due to its ability to sweep teams with powerful Fire-type moves. The sheer cuteness of its initial form captures the hearts of many fans from the start.
• Snivy: Snivy’s sleek and elegant design appeals to many fans, and its evolution into Serperior grants it access to strong moves and good speed. It is often associated with strategic gameplay in battles, making it a choice for players who enjoy a tactical approach.
• Froakie: Froakie is a fan-favorite for its design and the strength of its final evolution, Greninja, which is well-known for its speed and versatility in battle. The character’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the anime and its unique ability, Protean.
• Rowlet: With its charming design and unique typing as Grass/Flying, Rowlet has quickly become a beloved starter among fans. Its final evolution, Decidueye, brings a mix of nostalgia and a cool, archer-like aesthetic that resonates with many players.
• Scorbunny: Scorbunny captures attention with its energetic and sporty design, evolving into Cinderace, which boasts impressive speed and physical attack stats. Its association with soccer culture has further endeared it to fans, especially in competitive settings.

What Are the Evolutionary Paths of the Most Celebrated Starters?

The evolutionary paths of the most celebrated starters reflect the unique traits and strategies of each generation of Pokémon.

• Bulbasaur (Generation I): Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16, and then into Venusaur at level 32. This Grass/Poison-type Pokémon is known for its strong reliance on status moves and its ability to absorb sunlight to heal through its ability, Chlorophyll.
• Charmander (Generation I): Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16, and then into Charizard at level 36. As a Fire-type, Charizard is renowned for its high offensive capabilities and its ability to Mega Evolve into two different forms, offering versatile battle strategies.
• Squirtle (Generation I): Squirtle evolves into Wartortle at level 16 and then into Blastoise at level 36. This Water-type starter is celebrated for its defensive capabilities and access to powerful Water-type moves, making it a reliable choice in battles.
• Treecko (Generation III): Treecko evolves into Grovyle at level 16, and then into Sceptile at level 36. As a Grass-type, Sceptile is known for its speed and special attack, as well as its ability to Mega Evolve, enhancing its combat prowess.
• Torchic (Generation III): Torchic evolves into Combusken at level 16, and then into Blaziken at level 36. This Fire/Fighting-type is notable for its high attack stat and the ability to learn powerful moves like Flare Blitz and High Jump Kick, making it a formidable offensive Pokémon.
• Mudkip (Generation III): Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp at level 16, and then into Swampert at level 36. As a Water/Ground-type, Swampert is highly versatile, boasting an immunity to Electric-type moves and strong physical attack capabilities.
• Chespin (Generation VI): Chespin evolves into Quilladin at level 16, and then into Chesnaught at level 36. This Grass/Fighting-type starter is distinguished by its tanky nature and access to a unique move set that allows it to excel in both offensive and defensive roles.
• Fennekin (Generation VI): Fennekin evolves into Braixen at level 16, and then into Delphox at level 36. As a Fire/Psychic-type, Delphox features a strong special attack and the ability to use moves that manipulate the battlefield, making it a strategic choice.
• Froakie (Generation VI): Froakie evolves into Frogadier at level 16, and then into Greninja at level 36. Known for its unique ability, Protean, Greninja can change its type to match the move it uses, creating immense versatility in battles.
• Grookey (Generation VIII): Grookey evolves into Thwackey at level 16, and then into Rillaboom at level 35. As a pure Grass-type, Rillaboom is known for its high attack and the ability to set up Grassy Terrain, which boosts Grass-type moves and heals Pokémon on the ground.
• Scorbunny (Generation VIII): Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at level 16, and then into Cinderace at level 35. This Fire-type starter is recognized for its speed and attack stats, along with its unique ability, Libero, which changes its type based on the move it uses.
• Sobble (Generation VIII): Sobble evolves into Drizzile at level 16, and then into Inteleon at level 35. Inteleon, a Water-type, is known for its high special attack and speed, as well as its unique sniper ability that boosts critical hit chances, making it a stealthy and powerful attacker.

What Unique Contributions Do Popular Starter Pokémon Make to the Gameplay Experience?

The best starter Pokémon from all generations each provide unique contributions that enhance the gameplay experience in distinct ways:

• Bulbasaur: As a Grass/Poison-type, Bulbasaur offers a balanced mix of offense and defense, making it versatile in early battles. Its access to moves like Sleep Powder allows for strategic plays, enabling players to incapacitate foes while setting up for stronger attacks.
• Charmander: Starting as a Fire-type, Charmander evolves into a powerful Charizard, known for its strong special attack. The ability to learn a variety of moves, including Flying and Dragon-type, gives players flexibility in handling different battle scenarios, making it a favored choice for many trainers.
• Squirtle: As a Water-type starter, Squirtle provides strong defensive capabilities, which can help players survive tough battles early on. Its evolution into Blastoise grants access to powerful Water-type moves, essential for countering Fire, Rock, and Ground-types, broadening the player’s strategic options.
• Treecko: This Grass-type starter is known for its speed and special attack, allowing it to hit hard and fast. Treecko’s final evolution, Sceptile, can learn a variety of moves and has a high Speed stat, making it a valuable asset in battles against faster opponents.
• Torchic: Starting as a Fire-type, Torchic evolves into Blaziken, a dual Fire/Fighting-type that excels in both physical and special attacks. Its access to powerful moves like Blaze Kick and High Jump Kick makes it a formidable opponent in battles, adding a dynamic element to gameplay.
• Mudkip: As a Water-type, Mudkip’s evolution into Swampert gives it a unique Ground/Water typing, making it immune to Electric-type moves. This versatility allows players to tackle a variety of challenges in the game, making Mudkip a strong and reliable starter choice.
• Chimchar: This Fire-type starter evolves into Infernape, which combines Fire and Fighting types, offering a diverse move pool. The ability to learn strong attacks like Flare Blitz and Close Combat enables Chimchar to be a powerful offensive presence throughout the game.
• Piplup: As a Water-type Pokémon, Piplup evolves into Empoleon, gaining Steel typing that gives it numerous resistances. This unique typing allows players to navigate battles with added defensive strategies while still packing a punch with powerful Water-type moves.
• Snivy: This Grass-type starter is known for its speed and defensive capabilities, evolving into Serperior, which boasts the ability to learn moves that can manipulate the battlefield, like Leaf Storm. Snivy’s advantages in speed make it a tactical choice for players who prefer a more strategic approach to battles.
• Fennekin: Starting as a Fire-type, Fennekin evolves into Braixen, known for its strong special attack. Its unique moveset allows players to take advantage of powerful Fire-type attacks, enhancing both offensive capabilities and strategic depth in battles.
• Rowlet: As a dual Grass/Flying-type, Rowlet evolves into Decidueye, which combines strong physical attacks with ghostly abilities. This unique combination offers players versatility in types and moves, allowing for creative strategies against various opponents.
• Scorbunny: This Fire-type starter evolves into Cinderace, which has a high Speed stat and access to powerful moves like Pyro Ball. Scorbunny’s agility and offensive capabilities make it an excellent choice for players looking to maintain an aggressive playstyle.
• Sprigatito: As a new Grass-type starter, Sprigatito evolves into a Pokémon that emphasizes speed and agility. This starter offers players a fresh take on the Grass-type role, providing both offensive and defensive options in battles that can disrupt opponents.

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