Which Starter Pokémon Has the Best Speed? Find Out Here!

The crown for the starter Pokémon with the highest base Speed stat unequivocally belongs to Greninja, boasting an impressive 122. This amphibian ninja stands head and shoulders above the competition, making it a formidable choice for trainers who prioritize swiftness in battle.

The Need for Speed: Why Speed Matters in Pokémon

In the fast-paced world of Pokémon battles, Speed is king. A high Speed stat allows your Pokémon to attack first, potentially knocking out an opponent before they even have a chance to retaliate. This advantage is crucial in both competitive and casual play, offering opportunities to land crucial status effects, set up strategic moves, or simply overwhelm opponents with sheer offensive power. A Pokémon with high speed allows the user to hit first, giving the player a critical edge against the opponent.

Top Speedster Starters: A Closer Look

While Greninja reigns supreme, several other starter Pokémon also possess impressive Speed stats, making them valuable assets to any team. Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders.

• Greninja (122 Base Speed): This Water/Dark-type from the Kalos region is not only fast but also boasts a versatile movepool and the Protean ability, further enhancing its offensive capabilities.

• Inteleon (120 Base Speed): A close second, this Water-type from Galar offers exceptional Special Attack, making it a potent special sweeper.

• Sceptile (120 Base Speed): This Grass-type from Hoenn is a speedy special attacker with access to powerful moves like Leaf Storm.

• Cinderace (119 Base Speed): This Fire-type from Galar is a physical powerhouse with the ability to change its type with its signature move, Pyro Ball.

• Serperior (114 Base Speed): This Grass-type from Unova can be a strategic support due to its ability Contrary, which reverses stat changes.

• Infernape (108 Base Speed): A fan favorite and strong offensive threat, Infernape offers a versatile toolkit.

Beyond Speed: Considering Other Stats

While Speed is undeniably important, it’s crucial to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. A well-rounded Pokémon team requires a balance of stats, including Attack, Special Attack, Defense, Special Defense, and HP. Choosing a starter based solely on Speed might lead to weaknesses in other areas. For example, Swampert has the highest Base Stat Total of 535 and Emboar has the highest HP stat with 110, but their speed stats are much lower. Consider your playstyle and team composition when making your choice.

Strategy Beyond Speed

A slower Pokemon may have different characteristics that would benefit the player more than a fast Pokemon. A high defense Pokemon allows the player to absorb more damage. This would work to allow the slower Pokemon to last longer, perhaps even deal more damage than a faster one due to longevity. Other strategies can also involve the use of buffs or debuffs to make a Pokemon deal more damage or have the opponent deal less damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starter Pokémon Speed

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of starter Pokémon speed and related considerations:

1. Which starter has the highest overall base stat total?

   Swampert boasts the highest base stat total among all starter Pokémon, clocking in at 535. However, remember that this total encompasses all stats, not just Speed.

2. What are some strategies for dealing with faster Pokémon?

   Utilize priority moves (moves that always go first, regardless of Speed), status effects like paralysis to slow them down, or bulky Pokémon with high defenses that can withstand their attacks.

3. Which Gen 4 starter is the fastest?

   Infernape, the final evolution of Chimchar, is the fastest Gen 4 starter, with a base Speed of 108.

4. Is Greninja always the best choice due to its high Speed?

   Not necessarily. While Greninja’s Speed is a significant advantage, its effectiveness depends on your team composition, the opponent’s team, and your overall strategy. A well-placed defensive Pokémon can wall Greninja.

5. What’s the best way to train a Pokémon’s Speed stat?

   Utilize items like Speed EVs and train against Pokémon that yield Speed Effort Values. Proper breeding with optimal IVs also plays a crucial role.

6. Which starter has the highest Defense stat?

   Chesnaught takes the crown for the highest Defense stat among fully-evolved starter Pokémon, boasting an impressive 122.

7. Does Speed always guarantee victory?

   No. Type matchups, move choices, critical hits, and luck all play significant roles in determining the outcome of a battle.

8. What are some alternative strategies besides focusing on Speed?

   Trick Room teams (where slower Pokémon move first), weather-based teams (like Rain Dance or Sun), and stall teams are all viable alternatives.

9. Which starter has the fewest type weaknesses?

   This is a tricky question as starters themselves don’t innately have the fewest. Type combinations like Electric or Normal have fewer weaknesses. The weakness comes from the dual type of starter Pokemon, which make them stronger but opens up more weaknesses.

10. What makes a starter Pokémon “weak”?

    Low base stats, poor type matchups, and a limited movepool can all contribute to a starter Pokémon being considered “weak”. Chikorita is often cited as an example due to these factors.

11. Is it better to choose a starter based on personal preference or competitive viability?

    It depends on your goals. If you’re playing casually, choose the Pokémon you like the most! If you’re aiming for competitive success, research their stats, abilities, and movepools carefully.

12. How do abilities affect a starter Pokémon’s Speed?

    Abilities like Speed Boost (which increases Speed at the end of each turn) can drastically alter a Pokémon’s Speed tier.

13. Are there any items that can boost a Pokémon’s Speed in battle?

    Yes! Items like Choice Scarf (which boosts Speed but locks the user into one move) and Agility (which sharply raises Speed) can provide significant Speed boosts.

14. Which generation has the best overall selection of starter Pokémon?

    This is subjective, but Gen 1 (Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle) is often praised for its iconic status and balanced selection, while Gen 3 (Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip) offers diverse and powerful options.

15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to Pokémon strategy? The Games Learning Society explores how games can enhance learning and problem-solving skills. Analyzing Pokémon battles involves strategic thinking, type matching, resource management, and predicting opponent moves, aligning with principles examined by the GamesLearningSociety.org. These games offer practical applications of many of the principles studied by the Games Learning Society.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Trainer!

Ultimately, the “best” starter Pokémon depends on your individual playstyle and preferences. While Greninja’s impressive Speed makes it a formidable choice, don’t underestimate the power of other starters with different strengths. Consider your team composition, your strategy, and your personal connection to the Pokémon when making your decision. Happy battling!