What is the Strongest Starter in Pokémon Violet?

The answer to “What is the strongest starter in Pokémon Violet?” isn’t a simple one, as “strongest” can mean different things to different players. However, considering overall battle effectiveness, typing advantages, movepool versatility, and post-game viability, Sprigatito, and its final evolution Meowscarada, stands out as the strongest starter in Pokémon Violet. While all three starters – Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly – are viable and can carry you through the main game, Meowscarada’s superior speed, powerful physical attack stat, and strategic Dark/Grass typing give it a significant edge in both story battles and competitive play.

Sprigatito/Meowscarada: The Top Contender

Sprigatito’s journey to Meowscarada is a testament to its power. Here’s why it’s considered the strongest:

• Typing: The Grass/Dark typing offers a unique blend of offensive and defensive capabilities. While it comes with a few common weaknesses (Fire, Flying, Poison, Fighting, Bug), it also provides crucial resistances to Ghost, Dark, Ground, Water, Grass and Electric type moves. This allows Meowscarada to switch in and out of battles strategically.
• Stats: Meowscarada boasts an impressive base 123 Speed stat, making it one of the fastest Pokémon in the game. This high speed allows it to consistently outspeed opponents and strike first. Its strong Attack stat also enables it to hit hard with its physical moves.
• Movepool: Meowscarada has access to a diverse movepool that includes powerful Grass and Dark-type moves like Flower Trick and Knock Off, along with other useful attacks like Play Rough, U-Turn and Shadow Claw. This versatility allows it to cover a wide range of threats.
• Signature Move: Flower Trick: This move is a guaranteed critical hit that never misses. This critical hit advantage allows it to deal massive damage even against Pokémon that resist Grass-type moves.
• Ability: Protean: Its hidden ability, Protean, changes Meowscarada’s type to the type of the move it’s about to use. This makes it incredibly unpredictable and difficult to counter, as it can effectively become resistant to moves that would normally be super-effective against it.

Fuecoco/Skeledirge: A Close Second

Fuecoco, evolving into Skeledirge, is also a strong contender, especially for players who prefer a more tanky and powerful special attacker:

• Typing: The Fire/Ghost typing provides good offensive coverage and immunity to Normal and Fighting-type attacks.
• Stats: Skeledirge has a strong Special Attack stat and decent HP, making it a powerful special attacker that can also take a hit.
• Movepool: It learns powerful Fire and Ghost-type moves, along with some coverage options.
• Signature Move: Torch Song: Raises Skeledirge’s Special Attack stat by one stage each time it’s used. This means that with each use, Skeledirge becomes exponentially more powerful.

However, Skeledirge’s lower Speed can be a disadvantage, especially in competitive battles where speed is often a deciding factor.

Quaxly/Quaquaval: A Solid Choice

Quaxly, evolving into Quaquaval, offers a good balance of attack and defense.

• Typing: The Water/Fighting typing gives it a decent offensive and defensive profile.
• Stats: Quaquaval has a good Attack stat and decent defenses, making it a solid physical attacker.
• Movepool: It learns powerful Water and Fighting-type moves, along with some coverage options like Brave Bird.
• Ability: Moxie: Boosts Quaquaval’s Attack stat by one stage whenever it knocks out an opponent.

While Quaquaval is a viable choice, its typing and movepool are generally less versatile than Meowscarada’s and Skeledirge’s.

Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the “strongest” starter depends on your playstyle and team composition. If you prefer a fast and unpredictable attacker, Meowscarada is the clear winner. If you prefer a tanky special attacker, Skeledirge is a great choice. If you want a balanced physical attacker, Quaquaval is a solid option. However, considering the metagame and overall versatility, Meowscarada’s superior speed, typing, and access to the Protean ability make it the strongest starter in Pokémon Violet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which starter is the easiest to use for a beginner in Pokémon Violet?

Fuecoco/Skeledirge is often considered the easiest for beginners due to its bulk and access to powerful Fire-type moves, which are effective against many early-game opponents. Its higher HP stat allows it to take more hits, making it more forgiving for new players.

2. How does Protean affect Meowscarada’s battles?

Protean is a game-changing ability that changes Meowscarada’s type to match the type of the move it’s about to use. This allows it to avoid taking super-effective damage from certain attacks and gives it more offensive versatility. For example, if Meowscarada uses Play Rough, it becomes a Fairy-type Pokémon.

3. What are Meowscarada’s weaknesses?

Meowscarada’s Grass/Dark typing makes it vulnerable to Fire, Flying, Poison, Fighting, Bug, and Ice type moves. However, with Protean, it can potentially change its type to resist or avoid these attacks.

4. What are Skeledirge’s weaknesses?

Skeledirge’s Fire/Ghost typing makes it vulnerable to Water, Ground, Rock, Ghost, and Dark type moves.

5. What are Quaquaval’s weaknesses?

Quaquaval’s Water/Fighting typing makes it vulnerable to Flying, Electric, Grass, Psychic, Fairy type moves.

6. Is Skeledirge a good choice for the post-game content in Pokémon Violet?

Yes, Skeledirge’s high Special Attack and decent HP make it a viable choice for post-game content, especially against opponents that are weak to Fire or Ghost-type moves. However, its lower Speed can be a disadvantage in some situations.

7. What is the best nature for Meowscarada?

The best nature for Meowscarada is Jolly (Speed Up, Special Attack Down) or Adamant (Attack Up, Special Attack Down). Jolly maximizes its Speed, allowing it to outspeed even more opponents, while Adamant boosts its already impressive Attack stat.

8. What is the best nature for Skeledirge?

The best nature for Skeledirge is Modest (Special Attack Up, Attack Down) or Timid (Speed Up, Attack Down). Modest further boosts its Special Attack stat, while Timid gives it a Speed boost to try and outspeed more opponents.

9. What is the best nature for Quaquaval?

The best nature for Quaquaval is Adamant (Attack Up, Special Attack Down) or Jolly (Speed Up, Special Attack Down). Adamant maximizes its Attack stat, while Jolly gives it a Speed boost.

10. Can I change a Pokémon’s ability in Pokémon Violet?

Yes, you can change a Pokémon’s ability using Ability Capsules or Ability Patches. Ability Capsules can switch between the Pokémon’s standard abilities, while Ability Patches can change a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability.

11. How do I get an Ability Patch in Pokémon Violet?

Ability Patches are rare items that can be obtained through Tera Raids, specifically 6-star raids. They can also be acquired by participating in high-level Battle Stadium battles or through special in-game events.

12. What are the best held items for Meowscarada?

Good held items for Meowscarada include Choice Band (Attack Up, can only use one move), Focus Sash (Survives one hit from full HP), and Life Orb (Boosts damage but takes HP each turn), depending on your strategy.

13. Are any of the starters better in Tera Raid battles?

Skeledirge is often considered strong in Tera Raid battles due to its access to powerful Fire-type moves and its ability to boost its Special Attack with Torch Song. The Fire/Ghost typing is also quite useful in raid battles.

14. How important is team composition when choosing a starter?

Team composition is crucial. Consider the other Pokémon you plan to use on your team and choose a starter that complements their strengths and weaknesses. If you already have a strong physical attacker, you might consider Fuecoco/Skeledirge for its Special Attack prowess.

15. Can all three starters be effective in competitive battling?

Yes, all three starters can be effective in competitive battling with the right strategies and team support. However, Meowscarada is generally considered the most versatile and powerful option due to its high Speed, strong Attack, and the Protean ability. Skeledirge and Quaquaval can also be successful with specific builds and strategies tailored to their strengths.