Mudkip vs. Treecko: Which Pokémon Emerald Starter Should You Choose?

Choosing your starter Pokémon is a pivotal moment in any Pokémon game, and Pokémon Emerald is no exception. You’re faced with a crucial decision right at the beginning: Mudkip, the adorable Water-type, or Treecko, the cool Grass-type. Both have their merits, and both will shape your early game experience significantly. So, which one should you choose?

The answer, in short, is: Mudkip is generally considered the better choice for a smoother, easier, and arguably more efficient playthrough of Pokémon Emerald. While Treecko offers a unique experience and higher speed, Mudkip’s advantageous typing and broader utility make it the more consistently reliable option, especially for newer players or those aiming for a less challenging experience.

However, this doesn’t mean Treecko is a bad choice; far from it. Treecko’s speed and unique evolution into the Dragon-type Mega Sceptile are definitely appealing. The decision comes down to your preferred playstyle and what you prioritize in your Pokémon journey.

Let’s break it down further.

The Case for Mudkip

Superior Typing and Gym Advantage

Mudkip’s biggest advantage comes from its unique Water/Ground typing after evolving into Marshtomp and then Swampert. This typing grants it a crucial resistance to Electric-type moves, a common weakness for Water-types. Moreover, it’s super effective against three of the eight Gym Leaders in Emerald, specifically:

• Roxanne (Rock type): Water-type moves are super effective
• Flannery (Fire type): Water-type moves are super effective
• Wattson (Electric type): Ground-type moves are super effective (and immune to electric)

This early gym domination significantly eases your journey through the game’s initial stages. Additionally, the Water/Ground type gives you a significant advantage against Tate & Liza’s Rock/Psychic duo, as Ground moves deal super effective damage against both types.

Robust Stats and Versatility

While not the fastest, Mudkip possesses balanced stats that allow it to be quite versatile. It can function as a bulky attacker, taking hits and dishing out respectable damage. Swampert, its final evolution, boasts high attack and defense, making it a reliable powerhouse throughout the game.

Availability of Other Water-types

While it’s true there are other water types later in the game, they don’t come close to having the same early advantage that Mudkip has. This means that relying on getting a good water type later in the game might make your game unnecessarily harder.

The Case for Treecko

Blazing Speed

Treecko’s main draw is its phenomenal speed. It begins with a much higher speed stat than both Mudkip and Torchic, allowing it to often strike first in battle. This can be a significant advantage in early-game battles where outspeeding opponents can be the key to victory.

Mega Sceptile

Mega Sceptile gains the Dragon-type in addition to the grass type. While some argue that Dragon is the strongest type in the game this is not always true. As the typing does not come until the post-game it might not be something worth holding out for.

A Challenging Experience

If you’re looking for a challenge, Treecko is the way to go. Its less favorable type matchup against early Gym Leaders and more frail nature will force you to play more strategically and rely less on type advantages. This can be rewarding for experienced Pokémon players who want a more demanding playthrough.

Unique Playstyle

Treecko, as a fast and offensive Grass-type, offers a different playstyle than Mudkip. It relies more on outspeeding opponents and dealing heavy damage, which can be quite fun for players who prefer a quicker, more aggressive style.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the “best” starter depends on your personal preference and playing style. However, for a straightforward and more efficient playthrough, Mudkip is generally the recommended choice in Pokémon Emerald. Its type advantage against key gym leaders and its balanced stats make it a very reliable pokemon, especially for newer players. Treecko, however, provides a unique, speed-oriented playstyle that becomes a Dragon type after Mega-Evolution, but poses a greater challenge and might not be as effective in the early stages of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Mudkip better than Treecko?

Yes, generally, Mudkip is considered a better starter choice in Pokémon Emerald due to its advantageous typing against multiple gym leaders and its overall versatility.

2. Is Mudkip a good Pokémon?

Yes, Mudkip is an excellent Pokémon. It evolves into the powerful Water/Ground-type Swampert, which is effective both offensively and defensively.

3. Why is Mudkip so popular?

Mudkip’s popularity stems from its adorable design, its strong final evolution, Swampert, and its strategic advantages in the Hoenn region due to its unique typing.

4. Is Treecko a strong Pokémon?

Treecko is strong in terms of speed and offers a different type matchup, but can be more challenging to use due to its less favorable matchups early on. It relies heavily on boosting moves for damage.

5. Does Treecko become a Dragon-type?

Treecko’s final evolution, Sceptile, becomes a Grass/Dragon-type as Mega Sceptile, not its standard final evolution.

6. Can you get all three starters in Pokemon Emerald?

No, you can only get one starter per save file in Emerald. The other starters must be obtained through trades.

7. What are Mudkip’s evolutions?

Mudkip evolves into Marshtomp at level 16, and then into Swampert at level 36.

8. Which starter has the least weaknesses?

Water/Ground-types, like Swampert, have only one weakness: Grass.

9. Is Swampert the most powerful starter?

Swampert is often considered one of the most powerful starters due to its strong typing, balanced stats, and excellent move pool.

10. Is Mudkip the best starter for a nuzlocke?

Mudkip, evolving into Swampert, is a popular and effective choice for a Pokémon Emerald Nuzlocke challenge, as its typing allows it to navigate through difficult encounters in a more consistent way.

11. What is the best type to start with in pokemon emerald?

Water-types like Mudkip, evolving into Swampert, are generally recommended as the best type to start with in Pokemon Emerald.

12. What is the best starter for Emerald Speedruns?

Mudkip is widely considered the best starter for speedruns in Emerald due to its early game advantages and reliability.

13. Which starter is best for beginners?

Mudkip is often recommended for beginners due to its balanced stats, type advantages, and easier journey.

14. Why do people like Treecko?

People like Treecko for its high speed, sleek design, and the challenge it presents. Its Mega evolution as a Dragon-type is also highly sought after.

15. Is Sceptile better than Swampert?

In a direct one-on-one battle, Sceptile can quickly take down Swampert with a super effective grass move. However, Swampert is more versatile overall due to its balanced stats and typing.