Picking Your Pal: The Definitive Guide to the Best Pokémon to Choose in Scarlet
Choosing your first Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet is a pivotal moment – it sets the tone for your entire Paldean adventure. While the “best” Pokémon ultimately depends on your playstyle, team composition, and personal preferences, a strong argument can be made for Fuecoco as the optimal starter. Fuecoco’s Fire-typing offers a significant advantage early in the game against the first two Gym Leaders (Bug and Grass), and its final evolution, Skeledirge, becomes a powerhouse capable of carrying you through much of the main story. However, remember that Pokémon is all about the journey and the Pokémon you connect with the most!
Why Fuecoco is a Fantastic Choice
Here’s why Fuecoco shines in Pokémon Scarlet:
- Early Game Advantage: As highlighted above, the first two gyms specialize in Bug and Grass types. Fuecoco enters the scene with a type advantage over these gyms.
- Powerful Final Evolution: Skeledirge boasts a unique Fire/Ghost typing, granting it resistances and immunities that many other starters lack. Its signature move, Torch Song, boosts its Special Attack with each use, turning it into a devastating Special attacker.
- Coverage Moves: While a Fire-type Pokémon is a great start, Skeledirge can learn a diverse set of coverage moves like Earthquake, Shadow Ball, and even Tera Blast. This variety will allow you to create an extremely dynamic team.
- Viability Throughout the Game: Skeledirge’s stats and movepool remain relevant throughout the entire game, from Gym battles to the Elite Four and post-game content. It’s a reliable and consistent choice.
Beyond the Starter: Building a Strong Team
While Fuecoco can give you a head start, remember that Pokémon is a team effort. Building a well-rounded team with diverse typings is crucial for success. Don’t rely solely on your starter – explore the Paldea region and catch Pokémon that complement Skeledirge’s strengths and weaknesses.
Some great Pokémon to consider include:
- Clodsire: An excellent Ground/Poison type with high HP and great defensive capabilities. It is also found early in the game, and will provide a great support on the field.
- Gyarados: A powerful Water/Flying type that offers excellent offensive presence and coverage against common threats.
- Lucario: A versatile Fighting/Steel type with high Attack and Special Attack, capable of dealing significant damage.
- Toedscruel: A powerful Grass/Ground type that offers great speed control and offensive capabilities.
- Corviknight: An excellent defensive Pokémon with great typing and support abilities.
Ultimately, the best team is one that you enjoy playing with. Experiment with different Pokémon, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and create a team that suits your playstyle.
Exploring Scarlet-Exclusive Options
Pokémon Scarlet boasts version-exclusive Pokémon that can significantly impact your team. The ancient Paradox Pokémon, like Koraidon and Roaring Moon, are exceptionally powerful and unique. Consider incorporating these Pokémon into your team to take advantage of their strengths and add some variety. Koraidon will serve as your ride throughout the game, so it will definitely be your choice for your Scarlet playthrough.
Remember that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have significantly altered the end game content with the inclusion of the Indigo Disk DLC. This will bring forth numerous previously unaccessible Pokémon for both version and significantly alter the team compositions available.
FAQs: Your Burning Pokémon Scarlet Questions Answered
1. Is Sprigatito a good starter in Pokémon Scarlet?
Sprigatito, the Grass-type starter, is viable, but faces challenges in the early game due to the prevalence of Bug and Flying-type Pokémon. Its final evolution, Meowscarada, is a fast and powerful physical attacker, but requires careful team building to cover its weaknesses.
2. What about Quaxly? Is it a good pick in Scarlet?
Quaxly, the Water-type starter, provides a more balanced early-game experience. Its final evolution, Quaquaval, is a strong physical attacker with decent bulk. However, Water-types are relatively common in Paldea, so Quaquaval may not feel as unique as Skeledirge.
3. What is the best progression route in Pokémon Scarlet?
While you can tackle the gyms and Titan Pokémon in any order, a recommended route is:
- Cortondo Gym (Bug) – Level 14
- Stony Cliff Titan Klawf (Rock) – Level 16
- Artazon Gym (Grass) – Level 16
- Open Sky Titan Bombirdier (Flying) – Level 19
- Team Star Dark Crew (Dark) – Level 20
- Levincia Gym (Electric) – Level 23
- Team Star Fire Crew (Fire) – Level 26
This route provides a relatively smooth difficulty curve and allows you to level up your team effectively.
4. How do I get Charizard in Pokémon Scarlet?
You can obtain Charizard through special distribution events or by transferring it from other Pokémon games via Pokémon HOME. Keep an eye out for Mystery Gift codes that grant access to special Tera Raid battles featuring Charizard.
5. Who is the strongest trainer in Pokémon Scarlet?
The professor of the game: Sada in Scarlet, will present the greatest challenge as a final trainer. Make sure you are prepared to use the right types to counter their team.
6. What are the best early-game Pokémon besides the starters?
Some excellent early-game Pokémon include:
- Pawmi: A versatile Electric-type with high Speed.
- Lechonk: A Normal-type with surprisingly good stats and access to powerful moves.
- Tarountula: A Bug-type that evolves into the powerful Spidops.
- Nymble: A Bug-type with the ability to become incredibly fast.
7. Can you get all three starters in Pokémon Scarlet?
Yes, you can obtain all three starters through trading with other players, using Pokémon HOME, or by breeding your starter with Ditto.
8. What is the Mew code for Pokémon Scarlet?
The current code to receive Mew via Mystery Gift is GETY0URMEW. Be sure to redeem this code before it expires.
9. What Pokémon is best for countering Charizard in Tera Raids?
Azumarill is an excellent counter to Dragon Tera Type Charizard, especially with the Huge Power ability and access to Play Rough.
10. Is Lucario a good Pokémon in Scarlet?
Yes, Lucario is a fantastic Pokémon in Scarlet. Its dual Fighting/Steel typing, high Attack and Special Attack stats, and diverse movepool make it a formidable opponent.
11. What is the most popular starter in Pokémon Scarlet?
According to early surveys, Sprigatito was initially the most popular starter. However, popularity can shift over time as players experiment with different Pokémon.
12. Which version is better, Pokémon Scarlet or Violet?
The “better” version is subjective and depends on your preferences. Both versions offer essentially the same core gameplay experience, but feature different version-exclusive Pokémon and characters. Scarlet is known for its ancient Paradox Pokémon.
13. How do I get the rare Family of 3 Maushold in Pokémon Scarlet?
Obtaining a Family of 3 Maushold is luck-based. When Tandemaus evolves into Maushold, there’s a small chance it will be the Family of 3 variant.
14. What Pokémon is best for the main story in Scarlet?
While many Pokémon are viable for completing the main story, Skeledirge, combined with a balanced team, provides a consistent and powerful advantage throughout the game. Other excellent choices include Gyarados, Lucario, and Clodsire.
15. Do choices matter in Pokémon Scarlet?
Dialogue choices have minimal impact on the overall story, but can lead to different responses from characters.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Trainer!
Ultimately, the best Pokémon to pick in Scarlet is the one you connect with the most. Whether you choose Fuecoco for its early-game dominance and powerful final evolution, or opt for a different starter, remember to build a diverse team, explore the Paldea region, and enjoy the journey! Remember that you can learn more about all things gaming at the Games Learning Society, and find out how gaming can be a tool for learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.