The highly anticipated Pokemon Sword & Shield is finally here, but before you can set off on your quest to become Pokemon Master you have an important decision to make: which starter you should choose.
Fire-type Pokemon have traditionally had an easier start in earlier games, but Sword and Shield are very balanced in that regard. The first three Gym Leaders specialize in Grass, Water, and Fire element Pokemon respectively, meaning each starter will have its own advantages and disadvantages in the early game.
It’s the biggest decision you will make in the opening hours, and it’s worth weighing the positives and negatives of each Pokemon. With this guide, we will help you decide the best fit for you, the Sobbble Squad, the Grookey Gang or the Scor-Bunch!
Scorbunny
Scorbunny is a peppy rabbit Pokemon, a cheerful sort who is full of energy that loves to run about. As a Fire-type, they sometimes run so fast that small fires can start beneath their feet.
Mechanically, Scorbunny is something of a glass cannon, and that fact will become more apparent at higher levels. They have a high regular Attack stat and Speed, but low Defense and Special Defense.
This means that Scorbunny hits hard and fast, but can’t take the kind of punishment that some of the other starters can.
Rabbits are perhaps the most stereotypically British of the three starters, and Ash’s companion Go in the Sword & Shield anime will use a Scorbunny, something to keep in mind if you are looking for a somewhat “canon” option.
Sobble
Sobble is an adorable Water-type chameleon Pokemon that the fan community have an especially soft spot for. This could be due to its somewhat sad demeanor.
Like Scorbunny, Sobble has a high Speed stat, but differs in that they have a focus on Special Attack. With a fairly low Defense and Special Defense, Sobble is going to be at their best when using elemental Water attacks.
As a Water-type, Sobble will be at a disadvantage during the first Gym challenge, which can be difficult as you may not have a diverse lineup just yet.
The name Sobble seams to be a combination of both sob and bubble, which is just both sad and cute, and is worth mentioning.
Grookey
Grookey is a little Grass-type chimp that wields a twig as a drum-stick and makeshift weapon. They are a curious sort and are known to poke and prod objects that interest them.
With the highest Defense and Special Defense of the three, Grookey is a solid choice for anyone looking for a more defensive Pokemon. They have decent Speed and Attack, but low Special Attack, perhaps making them the most well-rounded of the lot.
As Grookey is a Grass-type, they will not take additional damage from the first Gym leader and will be super effective against the second. This makes Grookey the most effective starter in the early game and ideal for new players or those looking for an early advantage.
Ultimately, each starter offers something unique, and it really comes down to personal preference. After a few hours, the differences really don’t matter as much due to the variety of Pokemon you can capture, allowing you to form a well-rounded team.
Hopefully, this guide will have helped you decide which starter to choose in Pokemon Sword & Shield. Keep an eye out for Twinfinite‘s guide coverage for the game with our expansive guide wiki which will include everything you need to become the Galar regions next Pokemon Master!
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