Although the Pokemon series isn't exactly known for offering its players a lot of choices, there is one difficult decision that needs to be made at the very beginning of most mainline Pokemon games. Before setting out on their adventure, players are asked to choose between one of three potential starter Pokemon to accompany them on their journey, and this is once again the case in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.

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Where Pokemon Legends: Arceus differs from most other Pokemon games, however, is through its decision to take its starter Pokemon from three different regions and eras. Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott represent the seventh, second, and fifth-generation Pokemon games respectively, meaning that there are some pretty big differences between the trio. Of course, that's not to say that the choice will be any easier for players.

Why Players Should Choose Rowlet as Their Starter Pokemon in Legends: Arceus

Unlike Cyndaquil and Oshawott, Rowlet and its subsequent evolutionary forms each have two different types. This, together with Rowlet's high base stat total, can be incredibly useful during the early stages of the game as it provides players with additional type coverage as they gradually build their team. Rowlett also obtains its final stage evolution at just level 34, which is two levels sooner than the other two potential starter Pokemon in Legends: Arceus.

Why Players Should Choose Cyndaquil as Their Starter​​​​​​ Pokemon in Legends: Arceus

Of the three potential starter Pokemon in Legends: Arceus, Cyndaquil is the first to evolve. It does so at level 14, which is three whole levels sooner than both Oshawott and Rowlet. Granted, Rowlet may achieve its final form a little sooner, but Quilava should come in handy during the early stages of the game nonetheless. Cyndaquil's final stage evolution Hisuian Typhlosion boasts a higher base stat total than either of its counterparts as well, though this does come at the cost of being a little weaker while in its earlier forms.

Why Players Should Choose Oshawott as Their Starter​​​​​​ Pokemon in Legends: Arceus

Water starters have typically proven to be safe bets in previous Pokemon games, and this is no different in Legends: Arceus. Oshawott can be particularly useful during the opening stages of the game as a lot of the Pokemon that players will encounter early on have access to rock-type moves. What's more, despite its final stage evolution having a lower base stat total than either of its two counterparts, Samurott can be effective as either a physical or special attacker depending on what's required.

The Final Verdict

As is often the case with Pokemon games, the best starter Pokemon to choose in Pokemon Legends: Arceus will vary from player to player. That said, once nostalgia is taken out of the equation, Oshawott does seem to be the weakest of the trio due to its lower base stat total. Conversely, Cyndaquil becomes both the fastest and the most powerful overall, while Rowlet is able to offer a little more early-game versatility than either of the other two options.

When choosing a starter Pokemon in Legends: Arceus, however, players should be thinking about their team composition as a whole as well. If, for example, they plan on using a Hisuian Arcanine or an Infernape in their final team, then choosing Cyndaquil probably isn't the best idea. While on the subject of Infernape, it's also worth noting that players will get a chance to catch some of the other starter Pokemon out in the wild as well.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now for the Nintendo Switch.

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