Which Starter Pokemon Has The Most HP? A Comprehensive Guide

The starter Pokemon: the first, crucial choice that shapes your entire journey through a new region. Beyond type advantages and aesthetic preferences, stats play a vital role. If you’re building a tanky team or just prefer a starter that can take a beating, HP (Hit Points) is a crucial stat to consider. So, which starter reigns supreme in the realm of HP?

The starter Pokemon with the highest base HP is Emboar, the final evolution of the Fire-type starter Tepig from the Unova region (Generation V). Emboar boasts a whopping base HP of 110. This makes it the undisputed champion among all fully evolved starter Pokemon when it comes to sheer health.

Diving Deep: HP, Starters, and Strategy

Understanding HP is fundamental to Pokemon battling. HP represents how much damage a Pokemon can sustain before fainting. A high HP stat makes a Pokemon more resilient, allowing it to withstand powerful attacks and stay in the fight longer. While HP isn’t the only stat that determines a Pokemon’s survivability (Defense and Special Defense are also crucial), it’s a significant factor, especially for Pokemon intended to soak up damage.

Many players prioritize offensive stats like Attack, Special Attack, and Speed. However, a well-balanced team often includes a “tank” or “wall” – a Pokemon designed to absorb hits and provide support. Starters with high HP can potentially fill this role, providing a valuable asset in both in-game adventures and competitive battles. Emboar, with its impressive HP, can act as a physical wall while dishing out powerful Fire and Fighting-type attacks.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Starter Pokemon and HP

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more complete picture of starter Pokemon, their stats, and their strategic value.

1. Which other starter Pokemon have high HP?

While Emboar holds the top spot, several other starters are known for their respectable HP stats. These include:

• Rillaboom (Base 100 HP): The Grass-type starter from Galar.
• Swampert (Base 100 HP): The Water/Ground-type starter from Hoenn.
• Incineroar (Base 95 HP): The Fire/Dark-type starter from Alola.
• Samurott (Base 95 HP): The Water-type starter from Unova.
• Torterra (Base 95 HP): The Grass/Ground-type starter from Sinnoh.

2. Does HP determine a Pokemon’s overall strength?

No. While HP is an important stat, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Other stats like Attack, Special Attack, Defense, Special Defense, and Speed also significantly contribute to a Pokemon’s overall strength and effectiveness. A Pokemon with high HP but low offensive stats might be able to withstand hits, but it will struggle to deal significant damage.

3. How important is HP compared to Defense and Special Defense?

HP, Defense, and Special Defense work together to determine a Pokemon’s overall tankiness. HP is the raw amount of damage a Pokemon can take, while Defense and Special Defense reduce the amount of damage taken from physical and special attacks, respectively. A Pokemon with high HP and good defenses will be significantly more durable than one with high HP but low defenses.

4. Can I increase a starter Pokemon’s HP?

Yes! There are several ways to increase a starter Pokemon’s HP:

• Leveling Up: As a Pokemon levels up, all of its stats, including HP, will increase.
• EV Training (Effort Value Training): By battling specific Pokemon, you can allocate Effort Values to your starter, boosting their HP stat.
• IVs (Individual Values): Each Pokemon has inherent IVs that affect its potential stats. Breeding and catching Pokemon with high HP IVs can result in a stronger Pokemon.
• Vitamins: Items like HP Up can permanently increase a Pokemon’s HP stat.
• Natures: Certain Natures can increase HP at the expense of another stat.

5. Are there any moves that rely on HP?

Yes, several moves are affected by a Pokemon’s HP. Some moves, like Pain Split, redistribute HP between the user and the target. Others, like Endeavor, set the target’s HP equal to the user’s remaining HP. There are also moves that inflict damage based on the user’s maximum HP.

6. Do Mega Evolutions or Gigantamax forms affect starter Pokemon’s HP?

Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax forms typically boost a Pokemon’s stats, including HP. However, not all starter Pokemon have Mega Evolutions or Gigantamax forms. Swampert, for example, receives a substantial HP boost upon Mega Evolving into Mega Swampert.

7. How does HP affect competitive battling?

In competitive battling, HP is a crucial factor for determining a Pokemon’s survivability and its ability to perform its role on the team. Tanks and walls need high HP to absorb damage and support their teammates. Sweepers also benefit from decent HP, allowing them to survive priority moves or unexpected attacks.

8. What is the lowest HP of any starter Pokemon?

The starter Pokemon with the lowest base HP is generally considered to be Chikorita (and its evolutions) from the Johto region. While not the absolute lowest, it is notoriously low and a big disadvantage in the early game.

9. Are all high-HP starters slow?

Not necessarily. While some high-HP starters like Emboar and Torterra are relatively slow, others, like Swampert, have decent Speed stats, especially after Mega Evolving.

10. Which is better: High HP or High Speed?

It depends on your strategy and the Pokemon’s role on the team. High Speed allows a Pokemon to attack first, potentially knocking out the opponent before they can retaliate. High HP allows a Pokemon to withstand attacks and stay in the fight longer. Ideally, you want a balance of both, but prioritizing one over the other depends on your playstyle.

11. How do abilities interact with HP?

Several abilities can affect a Pokemon’s HP. For example, the ability Regenerator restores HP when the Pokemon switches out, while Guts increases Attack when the Pokemon is afflicted with a status condition, potentially making a high-HP Pokemon even more dangerous.

12. Are there any items that boost HP during battle?

Yes, several items can restore HP during battle, such as Potions, Super Potions, and Hyper Potions. Hold items like Leftovers also restore a small amount of HP each turn.

13. How does HP influence Nuzlocke challenges?

In Nuzlocke challenges, where Pokemon fainting is permanent, HP becomes even more crucial. A high-HP starter can significantly increase your chances of survival, especially in the early game when resources are limited. A starter like Fuecoco in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has been considered “the most broken starter in Nuzlocke history”

14. Does the HP stat differ between male and female starter Pokemon?

No, the HP stat is the same for both male and female starter Pokemon. Gender does not affect base stats.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokemon stats and battling strategies?

There are numerous online resources dedicated to Pokemon stats, battling strategies, and team building. Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia provide comprehensive information on all things Pokemon. You can also explore communities such as the Games Learning Society to find fellow players and learn from their experiences. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more!

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Starter for You

While Emboar takes the crown for the highest base HP among starter Pokemon, the “best” starter ultimately depends on your individual preferences, playstyle, and team composition. Consider not only HP but also other stats, type matchups, and overall strategy when making your choice. Remember, every starter has its strengths and weaknesses, and with proper training and teambuilding, any starter can become a valuable asset to your Pokemon journey.