Unveiling the Alola’s Favorite: Which Gen 7 Starter Reigns Supreme?
The Alola region, introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, brought a tropical breeze to the world of Pokémon, alongside a fresh trio of starter Pokémon: the fiery Litten, the aquatic Popplio, and the leafy Rowlet. But which of these delightful companions did trainers choose most often? The answer, without a doubt, is Rowlet. This adorable Grass/Flying-type owl captured the hearts of players worldwide, securing its place as the most picked Gen 7 starter.
Rowlet’s Endearing Appeal: Why the Grass Owl Triumphed
Rowlet’s popularity isn’t solely based on its battling prowess (or lack thereof, as some might argue). Several factors contributed to its widespread appeal:
- Design: Rowlet’s design is undeniably charming. Its round, expressive eyes, neat bow tie of leaves, and perpetually calm demeanor made it instantly lovable. It perfectly embodies the cute-but-capable aesthetic that many Pokémon fans adore.
- Early Game Advantage: While it might not be the strongest in the long run, Rowlet provides a comfortable start to the game. Its dual typing gives it an early advantage against common Bug- and Water-type Pokémon found in the initial stages of the Alola region.
- Unique Evolution Line: Rowlet’s evolutions, Dartrix and Decidueye, offer a compelling visual journey. Dartrix, with its edgy teenage phase, adds humor, while Decidueye, the Arrow Quill Pokémon, boasts a cool, stealthy archer design.
- Nostalgia Factor: Owl Pokémon are inherently popular. From Hoothoot to Noctowl, owls evoke a sense of wisdom and mystery. Rowlet taps into this pre-existing fondness.
- Social Media Buzz: Rowlet’s cuteness was amplified by its popularity on social media platforms. Fan art, memes, and shared experiences online further solidified its place in the hearts of Pokémon trainers.
The Runner-Ups: Litten and Popplio’s Allure
While Rowlet dominated the popularity contest, Litten and Popplio certainly have their own dedicated fan bases:
- Litten: This fiery feline appeals to trainers who prefer a more aggressive playstyle. Litten’s evolution line leads to Incineroar, a powerful Dark/Fire-type wrestler. Its design is strong and its battling capabilities are undeniable. The article excerpt says “If you want to be primarily an attacker, Litten is the way to go.”
- Popplio: This Water-type seal, initially met with some criticism, garnered significant appreciation as players experienced its evolution into the graceful and powerful Primarina. Primarina’s Fairy/Water typing and access to strong special attacks make it a formidable contender. The article excerpt says “If you want to use something else as a primary attacker and your starter to assist, Poppolio is the way to go.”
Ultimately, each starter Pokémon offers a unique experience and caters to different preferences. However, Rowlet’s irresistible charm and early-game advantages cemented its place as the most popular choice in the Alola region. You can further understand the dynamics of gaming communities and preferences through resources offered by organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gen 7 Starters
1. Which Alola starter is the strongest in battle?
It’s a complex question, as “strongest” depends on the context. Incineroar and Primarina are generally considered more powerful than Decidueye in competitive battling due to their typing, stats, and movepools.
2. Is Decidueye a good Pokémon overall?
Absolutely! While it may not be top-tier competitively, Decidueye is a strong and versatile Pokémon for in-game play. Its Ghost/Grass typing offers a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses.
3. Why was Popplio initially unpopular?
Popplio’s initial design wasn’t universally loved, and some players found it less appealing compared to Rowlet and Litten. However, its evolution into Primarina won many trainers over.
4. Does the starter Pokémon choice affect the game’s difficulty?
Yes, to some extent. Rowlet is typically considered the easiest starter for beginners due to its early-game advantages. Litten offers a more balanced challenge, while Popplio can present a slightly steeper learning curve initially.
5. What are the best movesets for each Alola starter?
- Incineroar: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Earthquake, Cross Chop/Outrage
- Primarina: Hydro Pump, Moonblast, Energy Ball, Shadow Ball
- Decidueye: Spirit Shackle, Leaf Blade, Brave Bird, U-Turn
6. How do the Alola starters compare to other generation starters?
Each generation’s starters have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Alola starters are notable for their unique typings and diverse designs.
7. Are there any differences between the starter Pokémon in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon?
No, the starter Pokémon themselves are the same across all four games. However, the overall game difficulty and available Pokémon differ slightly between the original and Ultra versions.
8. Can you get all three Alola starters in one playthrough?
Not without trading or transferring Pokémon from other games. In a single playthrough, you can only choose one starter.
9. What are the Hidden Abilities of the Alola starters?
- Litten: Intimidate
- Popplio: Liquid Voice
- Rowlet: Long Reach
10. Which starter is best for a Nuzlocke challenge in Alola?
Rowlet is often considered a good choice for a Nuzlocke due to its early-game advantages and access to healing moves.
11. Do the Alola starters have any Gigantamax forms in Sword and Shield?
No, the Alola starters do not have Gigantamax forms.
12. What role does nostalgia play in starter Pokémon popularity?
Nostalgia plays a significant role, particularly for older generations. The Gen 1 starters, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, benefit greatly from this, as do later starters that evoke strong memories for players.
13. How does the competitive battling scene affect starter popularity?
Competitive battling influences perceptions of starter strength. Pokémon with strong competitive viability, like Incineroar and Primarina, often gain more recognition.
14. Are there any fan theories about the Alola starters’ design inspirations?
Yes, some theories suggest that the Alola starters are inspired by the roles of performer, wrestler, and archer, respectively, linking to Alola’s culture and themes.
15. Which starter Pokemon is more popular than Rowlet?
According to the excerpts from the article Gen 1’s starter Pokemon of Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle are all tied for the most popular starters of their generation and of all time.