These are the 3 starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to bring in a load of new Pokemon, and the list starts with its new starters.

The most recognizable and identifiable Pokemon of each generation is its crop of starters. Though not all are equally beloved, these Pokemon are the de facto poster children of their generations even moreso than the cover legendaries.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are shaping up to have one of the best crops of starters in a long while. Here are the three Pokemon players will kick off their journey with, and what’s known about them so far.

Who are the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starters?

Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly are the starters of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Very little is known about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet at this time, but Nintendo and Game Freak made sure that one of the first things fans saw was who they’ll be starting their journeys with. 

Sprigatito

• Type: Grass
• Category: Grass Cat Pokémon
• Height: 1’4″
• Weight: 9 lbs.
• Ability: Overgrow

Sprigatito is the grass-type starter and is a somewhat surprising choice. Another cat Pokemon was available as a starter in Sun and Moon with Litten. Final Litten evolution Incineroar was also a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Despite that, fans have been particularly enthusiastic regarding Sprigatito.

Fuecoco

• Type: Fire
• Category: Fire Croc Pokémon
• Height: 1’4″
• Weight: 21.6 lbs.
• Ability: Blaze

As with Sprigatito, Game Freak is going back to some animals that were previously given starter treatment. Fuecoco is the second crocodile starter, following Pokemon Gold and Silver’s Totodile. Despite that, the Pokemon is also getting a positive reception, and it seems its personality will differ from Totodile. While Totodile was portrayed as high-energy and silly, Fuecoco is described as “laid-back.”

Quaxly

• Type: Water
• Category: Duckling Pokémon
• Height: 1’8″
• Weight: 13.4 lbs.
• Ability: Torrent

Quaxly is essentially a throwback design for Pokemon. Pokemon designs have become more elaborate over time, but Quaxly gets back to basics. Quaxly is a duck with a hat. That’s it. The Pokemon hasn’t delighted fans the way Sprigatito has, but it’s likely to be a fun addition to the crew.

What do Quaxly, Fuecoco, and Sprigatito evolve into?

At present, it is unknown what Quaxly, Fuecoco, and Sprigatito will turn into when they evolve.

The running theory is that these Pokemon will ultimately diverge from past generations’ starters. For example, it’s unlikely that Fuecoco will turn into a giant, bipedal alligator the way that Totodile and Sandile do. A similar train of thought can be used with Sprigatito moving in a different direction from Meowth or Litten.

For Sprigatito, the most obvious direction would be a tiger. Eight generations deep into the Pokemon franchise there still hasn’t been an actual tiger Pokemon, and that evolution would set it apart from both Incineroar and Persian. Fuecoco would likely be best served turning into an actual crocodile rather than something bipedal like Krookodile or Feraligatr. 

As for Quaxly, its evolution is particularly unclear. Previous duck Pokemon Psyduck and Ducklett evolve in very different ways, and it will be interesting to see what direction Game Freak goes in for its new starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.