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Which Gen 7 Starter Reigns Supreme? A Deep Dive into Popplio, Litten, and Rowlet

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So, you’re tackling the Alola region and staring down those adorable Gen 7 starters, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio, trying to decide which one to take on your journey? The question of “Which Gen 7 starter is the best?” is a deceptively complex one, as the answer hinges entirely on your playstyle and what you value in a Pokémon partner. But let’s cut to the chase: Litten, specifically its final evolution Incineroar, emerges as the most generally powerful and strategically versatile choice.

Incineroar boasts a fantastic Attack stat, solid defenses, and the invaluable Intimidate ability, which lowers the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entering the battlefield. This is HUGE for both in-game battles and competitive play. Furthermore, its Dark/Fire typing gives it a diverse movepool and access to powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves. While Rowlet (eventually Decidueye) and Popplio (eventually Primarina) have their strengths, Incineroar’s overall toolkit gives it an edge.

Now, let’s dissect the pros and cons of each starter more closely.

Rowlet: The Archery Ace

Rowlet, the Grass/Flying type, is undeniably cute and enjoys a comfortable early game advantage. Its evolution, Dartrix, is a bit awkward, but it ultimately becomes Decidueye, a Grass/Ghost type archer.

Pros: Early game advantage against early Bug and Water types. Decidueye’s unique typing gives it interesting coverage options. Cool design!
Cons: Double weakness to Fire and Ice. Relatively low Speed, making it difficult to outspeed opponents later in the game. Decidueye’s Ghost typing doesn’t offer a huge offensive advantage in Alola’s story.

Litten: The Fiery Feline

Litten, the Fire type, starts off a bit slower, but truly shines upon evolving into Incineroar, the Fire/Dark type.

Pros: Incineroar’s Intimidate ability is invaluable, debuffing opponents and making battles easier. Strong Attack stat allows for powerful physical moves. Diverse movepool thanks to its Dark typing. Good bulk for a starter.
Cons: Early game can be a bit challenging against Water-types. Its design might not appeal to everyone.

Popplio: The Sparkling Siren

Popplio, the Water type, becomes Primarina, a Water/Fairy type.

Pros: High Special Attack and Special Defense, making it a potent special attacker and relatively bulky. Fairy typing is excellent for dealing with Dragon types. Access to strong Water and Fairy type STAB moves.
Cons: Lower physical Attack and Defense. Its Speed is decent, but not exceptional. Can be vulnerable to physical attackers.

Why Incineroar Edges Out the Competition

While Decidueye and Primarina are certainly viable and enjoyable to play, Incineroar’s Intimidate ability, coupled with its strong Attack stat and diverse movepool, gives it the highest level of utility. It can handle a wider variety of threats and is valuable both during the main story and in post-game battles. Think about it – weakening opponent attack, then landing heavy hits!

Furthermore, the competitive battling scene overwhelmingly favors Incineroar due to its flexibility and supportive capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gen 7 Starters

Here are some common questions regarding the Alola region starters.

Which Gen 7 starter is the easiest to use for beginners?

Rowlet is generally considered the easiest starter for beginners, especially in the early game. Its Grass/Flying typing gives it an advantage against common early-game enemies like Bug and Water types.
Which Gen 7 starter is the most difficult to use?

Litten can be the most challenging starter in the early game due to its weakness to Water-types, which are prevalent in the Alola region. However, this early challenge pays off later as Incineroar becomes incredibly powerful.
Does the choice of starter significantly impact the storyline?

The storyline remains largely the same regardless of your starter choice. However, certain battles may be easier or harder depending on your chosen Pokémon. For instance, choosing Rowlet can make early battles against Totem Pokémon easier.
What are the final stats of each Gen 7 starter?
- Decidueye: Base Stat Total of 530
- Incineroar: Base Stat Total of 530
- Primarina: Base Stat Total of 530
While the totals are equal, their distribution varies, impacting their battle effectiveness.
Which Gen 7 starter is the fastest?

Primarina has the highest Speed stat among the fully evolved Gen 7 starters.
Which starter has the best defensive stats?

Incineroar boasts the best combination of physical and special Defense among the Gen 7 starters.
What are the best movesets for each fully evolved starter?
- Decidueye: Spirit Shackle, Leaf Blade, Brave Bird, Swords Dance
- Incineroar: Flare Blitz, Darkest Lariat, Earthquake, Cross Chop
- Primarina: Hydro Pump, Moonblast, Energy Ball, Psychic
Are there any version exclusive advantages for each starter?

No, the starter you choose doesn’t grant any version exclusive advantages in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, or Ultra Moon.
Can you get all three starters in a single playthrough without trading?

No, you can only choose one starter at the beginning of the game. To obtain the other two, you’ll need to trade with other players.
How does breeding affect the starter Pokémon?

You can breed your starter Pokémon to obtain more of them. Simply place your starter (or its evolution) in the Day Care with a Ditto or another compatible Pokémon. The resulting Egg will hatch into a Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio, depending on the parent.
Is there a hidden ability for the Gen 7 starters?

Yes, each starter has a hidden ability:
- Rowlet/Decidueye: Long Reach
- Litten/Incineroar: Intimidate
- Popplio/Primarina: Liquid Voice
Intimidate for Incineroar is especially valuable.
Which starter is the most popular among fans?

Rowlet is arguably the most popular Gen 7 starter due to its adorable design and endearing personality.
Which starter is the strongest in competitive battling?

Incineroar is overwhelmingly the most popular and successful starter in competitive battling, especially in VGC (Video Game Championships). Intimidate and its diverse movepool make it a valuable asset to any team.
How do the Z-Moves affect the starter Pokémon?

Each starter has a unique Z-Move when it reaches its final evolution:
- Decidueye: Sinister Arrow Raid
- Incineroar: Malicious Moonsault
- Primarina: Oceanic Operetta
These powerful moves can turn the tide of battle.
Where can I learn more about Pokémon strategy and game design?

The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) is a fantastic resource for information on game design, learning through games, and the strategic aspects of games like Pokémon. Check out their resources for a deeper understanding of the mechanics at play! You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, the “best” Gen 7 starter is subjective. If you value cuteness and a smooth early game, Rowlet is a great choice. If you prefer a special attacker with Fairy-type coverage, Primarina is a solid option. However, for overall power, versatility, and competitive viability, Incineroar stands out as the best Gen 7 starter. Its Intimidate ability, strong Attack stat, and diverse movepool make it a force to be reckoned with in the Alola region and beyond. Choose wisely, trainer, and enjoy your adventure!