Best Starter Pokémon for advanced strategies

Incineroar remains a top-tier choice in competitive play due to its Intimidate ability, which significantly reduces opposing physical threats. Its access to Fake Out and Parting Shot provides crucial support and momentum control in double battles.

Rillaboom's Grassy Surge ability creates Grassy Terrain, boosting Grass-type moves and providing passive recovery for grounded Pokémon. This terrain control, combined with its high Attack and Drum Beating, makes it a powerful offensive and supportive presence.

Meowscarada is a lightning-fast physical attacker with a high critical hit rate thanks to its signature move, Flower Trick. Its excellent offensive typing and access to utility moves like U-turn make it a potent threat for sweeping and pivoting.

Greninja's historical competitive dominance stems from its incredible Speed and the versatility of its Protean ability, allowing it to adapt its typing to its moves. Even with recent changes, its diverse movepool and offensive prowess keep it relevant for advanced strategies.

Cinderace is a formidable offensive Pokémon, leveraging its Libero ability to gain STAB on every attack, similar to Protean. Its high Speed and powerful signature move, Pyro Ball, make it an excellent choice for sweeping and breaking through defenses.

Serperior's unique Contrary ability turns stat drops into boosts, making its signature move, Leaf Storm, incredibly potent. This allows it to become a dangerous special sweeper that grows stronger with each attack, posing a significant threat.

Skeledirge offers a unique blend of bulk and offensive power, with its Unaware ability ignoring opponent's stat changes. Its signature move, Torch Song, boosts its Special Attack with each use, allowing it to become a formidable special wallbreaker.

Feraligatr has gained significant competitive viability with the announcement of its new Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This boost in stats, particularly Attack and Defense, positions it as a powerful physical threat for advanced strategies.

Hisuian Samurott is a potent physical attacker whose signature move, Ceaseless Edge, not only deals damage but also sets up Spikes. This dual utility makes it valuable for both offensive pressure and entry hazard support in advanced competitive play.

Infernape is a highly versatile mixed attacker with excellent offensive stats and speed, allowing it to adapt to various situations. Its diverse movepool and the Iron Fist ability make it a strong choice for unpredictable and aggressive strategies.

Venusaur, particularly its Mega Evolution, offers excellent bulk and access to crucial status moves like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed. Its defensive typing and utility make it a reliable choice for controlling the battlefield and supporting its team.

Swampert's unique Water/Ground typing grants it an invaluable immunity to Electric-type attacks, a common threat in competitive play. Its impressive bulk and solid Attack make it a versatile Pokémon capable of functioning as a tank or a powerful attacker.

Quaquaval is a powerful offensive Pokémon that excels at sweeping, thanks to its Moxie ability which boosts its Attack after every KO. Its signature move, Aqua Step, further enhances its sweeping potential by increasing its Speed.

Chesnaught is a physically bulky Pokémon known for its ability to set up entry hazards like Spikes. With the upcoming Mega Evolution in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it is expected to receive a significant power boost, enhancing its role as a defensive pivot and hazard setter.

Primarina is a strong special attacker with an excellent Water/Fairy typing, offering valuable resistances and offensive coverage. Its high Special Attack and Special Defense allow it to hit hard and withstand special hits, making it a reliable special wallbreaker.