Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Starter Evolutions, Explained (2024)

Pokémon fans were thrilled when the much-anticipated Scarlet and Violet were released in November 2022. Some fans criticized the game for its buggy launch, which included unpolished graphics, lag, and odd creature designs. These issues, in part, led to Scarlet and Violet being the lowest-reviewed Pokémon games on Switch. However, many have taken to social media to document the fun they're having in the Spain-inspired region of Paldea.

One of the most important decisions that every Pokémon Trainer must make at the beginning of a new game is what their starter (or first) Pokémon will be. This is traditionally a choice between a Fire, Water, and Grass-type Pokémon of roughly the same strength, and each will then evolve into two stronger forms. In Scarlet and Violet, the three starter choices are Fuecoco (Fire), Sprigatito (Grass), and Quaxly (Water), and each of these Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starters and their evolutions has its pros and cons.

Updated on July 1, 2024, by Antonio Samson: Choosing a starter is one of the hardest decisions when starting up a new game. This is no different in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Each has its own pros and cons. This article has been updated to provide more information on the starters and to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.

The Fire-Type Pokémon Starter Is Powerful From the Start

A Fiery Powerhouse With High HP and Defense

The Fire-type Pokémon starter, Fuecoco, is both charming and powerful. It evolves into Crocalor at level 16 and into Skeledirge at level 36. The advantage of choosing the Fire-type starter is that Fuecoco and its evolutions have the highest HP and Defense stats among all the Scarlet and Violet starters.

What's more, the movesets of Fuecoco, Crocolator, and Skeledirge are notably powerful, and it's always good to have Pokémon that can pack a punch. Additionally, the Fire-type's second evolution, Skeledirge, is immune to both Normal and Fighting Pokémon, which is a great advantage.

Fuecoco Is The Adorable Fire Croc Pokémon That Can Learn Dark Moves

Fuecoco, the Fire-type crocodile starter, has been met with praise since Scarlet and Violet's release, with fans adoring his cute design and expression. While it's not as powerful as its later evolutions, Crocalor and Skeledirge, Fuecoco can learn several helpful abilities that will make him a new favorite of any Fire-type Pokémon fan.

• Best Moves: Incinerate, Flame Thrower, Ember, Fire Blast
• Super Effective STAB Against: Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice
• Resistances: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Fairy
• Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, Water

Between levels 1 and 36, Fuecoco can learn 12 Fire, Normal, and Dark moves with power that ranges anywhere from 40 to 110, with some fan-favorites being Incinerate and Flamethrower (both of which have 100% accuracy). As a bonus, its Ember, Incinerate, Flamethrower, and Fire Blast also have the same type attack bonus damage (or "STAB") because they share the Fire-type with Fuecoco. As a Fire-Type, Fuecoco takes less damage from Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, and Fairy moves and is weak to Ground, Rock, and Water moves.

Crocalor Is The Goofy-Looking Evolution Of Fuecoco

While fans have criticized Crocalor's awkward appearance, it's a great improvement over the adorable Fuecoco on the battlefield. Crocalor is a crocodile-like Pokémon, and its name is likely a combination of the words "crocodile" and "calor," which means "hot" in Spanish. After Fuecoco evolves at level 16, its stats jump from a total of 310 (when combining HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed) to 411, with its Attack power rising from 45 to 55 and its HP from 67 to 81. This naturally means it can inflict and take more damage.

• Best Moves: Incinerate, Flame Thrower, Ember, Fire Blast
• Super Effective STAB Against: Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice
• Resistances: Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Fairy
• Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, Water

Like Fuecoco, Crocalor can also learn a variety of Fire, Normal, and Dark-type moves by leveling up. It gains even more type coverage with TMs including Psychic, Dragon, and even a Grass-type move (Seed Bomb). Being only a Fire-type, Crocalor has the same strengths and weaknesses as its pre-evolution, so there's not much of a change in this area.

Skeledirge Is An Absolute Tank

At level 36, Crocalor evolves into the most powerful version of its evolutionary line — Skeledirge, the Fire/Ghost-type. Skeledirge isn't only an epic Pokémon in terms of design, but its stats reach a total of 530. Skeledirge's HP jumps up to 104, making it the strongest second evolution of a starter Pokémon in terms of endurance. Even better, its Attack reaches 75 and its Special Attack gets to 110.

• Best Moves: Incinerate, Flame Thrower, Overheat, Torch Song
• Super Effective STAB Against: Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, Ghost, Psychic
• Resistances: Poison, Bug, Steel, Fire, Grass, Ice, Fairy
• Immunities: Normal, Fighting
• Weaknesses: Ground, Rock, Water, Ghost, Dark

While Skeledirge has similar strengths and weaknesses to Crocalor and Fuecoco, it has the downside of having additional weaknesses to Ghost and Dark on top of the Ground, Rock, and Water weaknesses its predecessors had since Skeledirge is also a Ghost-type Pokémon, However, this also means that Skeledirge will gain resistance to Poison-type Pokémon.

Out of all the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starter evolutions, Skeledirge is the most robust in battle. With its solid movepool and boosted stats, Skeledirge can demolish almost any enemy it encounters, especially taking into account its signature move: Torch Song. This move raises its Special Attack by one stage and causes 80 damage with 100% accuracy.

The Grass-Type Pokémon Starter Is a Fan Favorite

The Perfect Starter for Cat Lovers and Grass-Type Fans

While the Grass-Type starter, Sprigatito, is a fan favorite in terms of design, its later evolutions, Floragato and Meowscarada, have caused some controversy among the Pokémon fandom. Many players dislike the human-like design Game Freak gave to the cat-like Pokémon, so the Grass-Type starter may not be the ideal aesthetic choice for some players.

However, if players are looking for an effective option in terms of battle skills, Sprigatito and its later evolutions are a fantastic option. While its HP is always low, it compensates with great Attack power. What's more, Meowscarada's hidden ability, Protean, gives the player the upper hand by allowing the Pokémon to change its type according to the move it uses once in battle.

Sprigatito Is Purr-fect For Cat Lovers

When introduced, Sprigatito charmed players with its adorable cat-like design, especially with its Grass-type green colors. However, those who pick Sprigatito as their starter have to be careful, for it starts with the lowest base HP at only 40. Thankfully, its 61 Attack and 65 Speed are decent enough.

• Best Moves: Energy Ball, Play Rough, Seed Bomb
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Water, Rock
• Resistances: Ground, Water, Grass, Electric
• Weaknesses: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice

As a Grass-type Pokémon, Sprigatito resists Ground, Water, Grass, and Electric moves. However, it's weak to more types than Fuecoco and Quaxly, taking extra damage from Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, and Ice moves. But its moves have decent power behind them, with the strongest ones being Play Rough, Energy Ball, and Seed Bomb.

Floragato Is The Best-Looking Second Stage Starter Evolution Despite Its Disappointing Bipedal Design

Even in high-selling games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are bound to be things fans disapprove of. With Sprigatito's evolution into Floragato at level 16, fans realized that the Grass Cat was sure to follow an unfortunate series design trend of making quadrupedal Pokémon bipedal in their evolutions. Still, Floragato continues to be endearing enough to fans, especially compared to Crocalor and Quaxwell.

• Best Moves: Energy Ball, Play Rough, Seed Bomb
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Water, Rock
• Resistances: Ground, Water, Grass, Electric
• Weaknesses: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice

To fans' dismay, Floragato's stats are not that much higher than Sprigatito's, with its HP at 61. Despite this, its Speed of 83 does give it the advantage of striking first against slower opponents. Floragato has a combined stat total of 410, which is the same as Quaxwell and only one point lower than Crocalor. One perk is that Floragato learns Leaf Storm at level 46, which has a base power of 130 and 90% accuracy.

Meowscarada Is A Grass/Dark-Type That Is Incredibly Fast

At level 36, Floragato evolves into Meowscarada, which, to fans' disappointment, is even more humanoid than its pre-evolution. However, Meowscarada is also a unique Grass/Dark-type, and its masked appearance makes for an exciting and elegant design. Upon evolving, Meowscarada also gets much faster, seeing its Speed boost to 123 despite its HP staying at 76. While Meowscarada's HP isn't its strong suit, it compensates with its great Speed and Attack, with the latter reaching 110. Combined with Meowscarada's signature move Flower Trick, which is always a critical hit and doesn't miss under normal circ*mstances, this Pokémon excels at hitting hard and fast.

• Best Moves: Leaf Storm, Energy Ball, Flower Trick, Play Rough, Grassy Terrain
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Rock, Water, Ghost, Psychic
• Resistances: Ground, Water, Grass, Electric, Ghost, Dark
• Immunities: Psychic
• Weaknesses: Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice, Fighting, Fairy

As a Grass/Dark-type, Meowscarada takes less damage from Ground, Ghost, Water, Grass, Electric, and Dark moves, and is weak to Fighting, Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, Ice, and Fairy moves. This makes it rather hit-or-miss when it comes to battle. Trainers would have to be strategic in the way they use Meowscarada, as this is not a Pokémon that could be used in just any situation.

The Water-Type Pokémon Starter's Final Evolution Dances to Intimidate Opponents

Great Defensive Typing and Stylish Design

The Water-type Pokémon starter, Quaxly, evolves into Quaxwell and Quaquaval throughout the game. Quaxly's last evolution, Quaquaval, is by no means a poor option for battling. Still, it pales in comparison to Skeledirge's bulky stats and Meowscarada's powerful moveset and hidden ability. Plus, Quaquaval is the only one out of the three that doesn't have any immunities.

However, while Quaxly isn't the best option for battle, it's still a respectable Pokémon that will get the player through the game. Quaxly is a fan-favorite in terms of design and personality. Fans of this Pokémon should pick it because, while it isn't the best option, it's also far from being poor.

Quaxly Has Great Defensive Typing as a Pure Water-Type

Quaxly is the Paldea region's unique duckling Water-type starter. Many players have praised its stylish appearance and are glad to finally have a duck-like starter. Quaxly is also a decent starter stat-wise, comparable to Fuecoco, with a base HP of 55 and Attack of 65, although its Defense is a bit on the low end at only 45.

• Best Moves: Liquidation, Aqua Cutter, Air Slash
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Rock, Fire
• Resistances: Steel, Fire, Water, Ice
• Weaknesses: Grass, Electric

The Water-type Quaxly is resistant to Steel, Fire, Water, and Ice moves. It's also weak to Grass and Electric moves, making Quaxly have the fewest weaknesses among the first-stage starters. Between levels 1 and 35, it can learn a variety of Water, Normal, and Flying moves such as Aqua Get, Water Gun, and Liquidation. However, none of its level-up moves have power higher than 85.

Quaxwell Won Players Over With Its Personality

Quaxwell's design isn't adorable or interesting on an aesthetic level, so it disappointed most Quaxly fans. However, the Pokémon's connection with music still makes it a solid choice for those who pay attention to their Pokémon's personalities and behaviors.

• Best Moves: Liquidation, Aqua Cutter, Air Slash
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Rock, Fire
• Resistances: Steel, Fire, Water, Ice
• Weaknesses: Grass, Electric

In terms of Pokémon battling skills, Quaxwell boasts a base HP of 70 and an Attack of 85 at level 16, which is pretty decent for a first evolution. Quaxwell has the same strengths and weaknesses as Quaxly, and its abilities have the same power behind them. So, while it's a decent second evolution, it isn't overly powerful. Regardless, it'll get the job done offensively against Ground, Rock, and Fire Pokémon while being able to take more hits from Steel, Fire, Ice, and fellow Water Pokémon.

Quaquaval's High Attack Stat Is Necessary For Its New Fighting Typing

Quaxly's final evolution, Quaquaval, the Dancer Pokémon, comes at level 36. Players have had mixed reactions to this Pokémon, as it looks less like the duck they found so charming and more like a peaco*ck. True to its title, Quaquaval is known for its "striking dances" that have left many players confused and disappointed, as dancing between attacks doesn't make for an intimidating final starter evolution when compared to big names like the Pokémon franchise's iconic Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur.

• Best Moves: Aqua Step, Ice Spinner, Close Combat, Wave Crash
• Super Effective STAB Against: Ground, Rock, Fire, Normal, Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark
• Resistances: Rock, Bug, Steel, Fire, Water, Ice, Dark
• Weaknesses: Flying, Grass, Electric, Psychic, Fairy

Quaquaval's base stats are unremarkable, with its HP at 85. Although, it does boast a 120 Attack stat, which is higher than Skeledirge's 75 and Meowscarada's 110. While the Attack stat did see a nice jump from Quaxwell, its HP almost guarantees that it won't last long against a stronger opponent. Quaquaval is also a Water/Fighting-type, meaning it's weak not only to Grass and Electric, but also Psychic, Fairy, and Flying.

Fuecoco Is The Best Starter Pokémon, Here's Why

It's Mixed Attack Capabilities Makes It Perfect For The Early Game

Choosing a starter Pokémon is always a stressful decision. Players have to decide what's more important to them: the Pokémon's design and personality or its battle stats. While all Pokémon have pros and cons, this is ultimately a subjective decision. Many people may love Sprigatito's adorable cat-like design, while others may find it plain and dull.

While all starter evolutions in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will reach 530 points in their stats, there are differences in their distribution and move sets that can impact gameplay. In terms of battling skills, players would do best choosing Fuecoco. The Fire-type starter's stats and move sets make for a powerful Pokémon that will make the early-game portion notably easier. Its high Attack and Special Attack stats, combined with a diverse range of powerful moves, give it a significant advantage in battles, especially against early-game opponents.

Best Team For Skeledirge

A Balanced Team For Paldea

• Skeledirge
• Clodsire
• Armarouge
• Tinkaton
• Palafin
• Baxcalibur

This team covers many typings and roles, ensuring balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. Each Pokémon's typing helps cover the weaknesses of others, providing broad resistance and immunities. For example, Clodsire covers Electric for Palafin, while Tinkaton's Fairy typing provides immunity to Dragon. The team includes special and physical attackers, ensuring versatility in dealing with different threats. Defensive Pokémon like Clodsire and Skeledirge can take hits and support the team, while offensive Pokémon like Baxcalibur and Palafin can deal significant damage.

Utility and support moves enhance the team's adaptability and control over battles. Moves like Clodsire's Toxic Spikes, Skeledirge's status moves, and Palafin's pivoting options allow the team to manage various situations effectively. This combination of Pokémon provides a balanced and diverse team capable of handling a wide range of threats and scenarios. This makes it a strong choice for competitive play in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Franchise

Pokemon

Platform(s)

Switch

Released

November 18, 2022

Developer(s)

Game Freak

Publisher(s)

Nintendo , The Pokemon Company

Genre(s)

RPG

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

32 Hours

Metascore

72

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