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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For most players, Totodile is the strongest default choice. A MeriStation guide calls it the most complete of the three opening Pokémon, pointing to Feraligatr’s physical offense and its move options. That is one outlet’s editorial judgement, not an official ranking, and it does not guarantee that Totodile will win more battles than the others. If you care more about design or a particular style of play, Chikorita and Tepig are both sensible picks. Nintendo confirms that these three are the starter choices in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
The three opening choices and their final forms
Nintendo’s game page and Play Nintendo both name Chikorita, Tepig, and Totodile as the first partners. Each one evolves into a final form that also has a Mega form listed on the official Pokémon roster.
| Starter | Final evolution | Mega form | Base stat total (as reported by MeriStation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chikorita | Meganium | Mega Meganium | 525 (Meganium) / 625 (Mega Meganium) |
| Tepig | Emboar | Mega Emboar | 528 (Emboar) / 628 (Mega Emboar) |
| Totodile | Feraligatr | Mega Feraligatr | 530 (Feraligatr) / 630 (Mega Feraligatr) |
The base stat totals come from the MeriStation guide, which attributes its stat graphic to Bulbapedia. They are not taken from an official Nintendo or Pokémon Company table, so read them as reported figures. The spread is only 5 points across the three final forms, which is too small on its own to settle the choice.
How battles work, and why that changes the decision
The starter question matters more in this game than in earlier mainline titles because of how combat runs. The Pokémon Company’s official game description states:
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![Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51r8yUj+syL._SL160_.jpg)
- Venture into Hyperspace Lumiose in this additional story content that can be accessed after completing the main game
- Work with the mysterious baker, Ansha, to make donuts that awaken the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa’s power and grant you and your Pokémon a variety of useful effects
- Join Team MZ and the Mega Evolution Successor, Korrina, to investigate Hyperspace Lumiose, the otherworldly home to rare and hyper-strong Pokémon
- Discover new Mega Evolutions such as Mega Raichu X, Mega Raichu Y, Mega Chimecho and Mega Baxcalibur
- Claim Holo-X and Holo-Y in-game apparel items, which you can wear as soon as you are able to customize your character’s look and outfit in the main game
“Unlike previous titles in the Pokémon video game series, where Pokémon took action once per turn, Trainers and their Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Z-A move in real time during battles, and Pokémon unleash moves when their Trainers command them to.”
Because the fight plays out in real time, the official description points to several factors beyond type matchups:
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![Pokémon Legends: Z-A Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IOdpg0EfL._SL160_.jpg)
- Your journey will take you to all manner of sights in the streets arrayed around Prism Tower, including shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free.
- As you catch, train, and battle Pokémon, there will be plenty of people to meet too—like AZ, the enigmatic owner of Hotel Z.
- Move and switch timing, meaning when your command lands relative to the enemy’s action.
- Move execution time, which determines how long a move takes to resolve.
- Area of effect, which affects how many enemies a move can reach.
- Type matchups, which still count but are only one part of the picture.
A starter that feels strong on paper may play differently once you are issuing commands under pressure. Try the early battles with each option before committing to a long run with one.
Mega Evolution depends on the bond
Nintendo describes how Mega Evolution is unlocked:
“When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.”
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- [4K ULTRA HD PERFORMANCE] Protect the peace in Lumiose City in this enhanced edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 system, featuring native 4K resolution and a stable 60FPS frame rate. Experience the urban re-development plan with high-fidelity textures and advanced lighting effects centered around the iconic Prism Tower.
- [REAL-TIME BATTLE ENGINE] For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in seamless real-time battles. Engage over 100+ unique species with zero loading transitions, utilizing an upgraded combat AI that leverages the increased processing power of the Switch 2 hardware.
- [MEGA EVOLUTION MECHANICS] Master the power of Mega Evolution to suppress rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon appearing across the Kalos region. This edition introduces 15+ newly discovered Mega-Evolved forms, each rendered with dynamic particle effects and exclusive Z-A signature moves for tactical depth.
- [MULTIPLAYER Z-A ROYALE] Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills against global Trainers. Supported by Nintendo Switch 2's improved low-latency wireless architecture, these competitive events allow you to climb leaderboards and unlock rare evolution stones in 20-player lobbies.
- [EXPANSIVE WILD ZONES] Explore vibrant Wild Zones where Pokémon roam free in their natural habitats, from bustling city shops to hidden restaurants. This Hong Kong physical edition is region-free and supports English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, featuring the enigmatic AZ and the peacekeeping Team MZ.
The roster confirms that Mega Meganium, Mega Emboar, and Mega Feraligatr exist. It does not compare how they perform in practice, so the Mega forms should not be treated as proof that one starter is stronger.
Which starter fits which player
Totodile: the performance-based default
MeriStation’s guide favors Totodile because Feraligatr offers strong physical offense and a broad set of moves. If you want the option with the most attacking range to grow into, this is the choice the guide supports. Keep in mind that this is the outlet’s editorial view. The official pages establish the Pokémon and its Mega form, but not a ranking.
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- Live the life of a Pokémon Trainer in the streets of Lumiose City!
- For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, command your Pokémon in real-time battles
- Use the power of Mega Evolution in battle and take on rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Compete in the Z-A Royale each night to test your skills and try to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer
- Visit shops, restaurants, and places called wild zones—where Pokémon roam free—all centered around Prism Tower
Chikorita: for players who prefer its design or style
Chikorita is a Grass-type starter whose line ends in Meganium and Mega Meganium. MeriStation describes it as a valid pick for players who want a different style or simply like the design more. If you know you will enjoy raising Meganium, that personal preference is a legitimate reason to choose it.
Tepig: for players who prefer its design or style
Tepig is a Fire-type starter whose line ends in Emboar and Mega Emboar. Like Chikorita, it is a reasonable choice based on personal attachment and the style of Pokémon you want to build around.
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- An ambitious new adventure set in Lumiose City awaits in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, coming to Nintendo Switch in late 2025. Explore the city, unravel its secrets and battle Pokémon like never before!
- An urban redevelopment plan is underway in Lumiose City! The goal: to turn it into a place Pokémon and people can truly share. Shortly after arriving, you’ll choose from one of these partner Pokémon to accompany you on your journey – Chikorita, Tepig or Totodile.
- Together, you can explore the streets of this vast city or visit Wild Zones – habitats where you’ll encounter wild Pokémon. To catch them, aim carefully and throw a Poké Ball or take them on with the help of the Pokémon on your team.
- For the first time ever, Trainers and their Pokémon will move around and take action in real time during battles. Pokémon will unleash their moves when their Trainers command them to. In addition to type matchups, there will be new mechanics to consider, such as the precise timing for swapping out your Pokémon or using moves, the different lengths of time moves will take to launch, and how big an area the moves will impact.
- In Lumiose City, Pokémon can go beyond Evolution by undergoing Mega Evolution! When a Trainer’s Key Stone resonates with the Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, the Pokémon will do more than just change shape and size – it will unlock a new level of power, which could turn the tide of battle!
Can you get the other two starters later?
MeriStation reports that the two starters you do not pick can be obtained later in the same copy, but only after substantial play. The official pages reviewed for this guide do not confirm that timing. Do not assume you can switch to another starter early on. If you have a specific Pokémon in mind, treat your first pick as the one you will definitely have.
Where to get the game
You need the game to make this choice. Nintendo’s UK listing for Pokémon Legends: Z-A specifies a Nintendo Switch Game Card release with a listed release date of 16 October 2025. Check the edition and your region before buying, because retailer availability and pricing change over time.
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