Choosing a starter in a Pokémon game can be like hitting a brick wall. What you decide then, almost without any information, will determine the further course of the game. The Pokémon Sword and Shield starters are no exception, you'll have to pick a companion by the end of the game, and the opportunity to get one you don't believe in can be paralyzing.

To help you make up your mind, we've put together a guide to the best Pokémon Sword and Shield starters based on their type and gameplay. Sure, you can just go with the one you love the most - those of us who battled the Charmander for the grueling first few Red and Blue gyms will confirm that it might be worth it - but if you want to know which Pokémon you've optimized your trip the most, read on on!

Grookey

Grookey is your grassy Pokémon and, like all the starters in Sword & Shield, they are absolutely adorable.

This Pokémon learns a few powerful physical attacks and at the end of the game has the highest HP potential of any of your starters, turning it into a walking meat tower if you take the time to do so. Grookey evolves into Thwackey at level 16 and then into Rillaboom at level 35, Grookey is a tough grass monkey that can take damage.

Scorbunny

This melted little rabbit is your fiery appetizer, it gets slimmer and more mean every time it evolves.

Scorbunny has the highest special defense of all three starters in Pokémon Sword & Shield, meaning they can reduce the damage they take from special attacks - especially useful later in the game. They also have a high attack stat and speed, making them a great choice if you want to increase your pain. They evolve at level 16 to Raboot and then to Cinderace at level 35. If your goal is to fight fast, Scorbunny could be the starting point for you.

Sobble

Sobble is the teary, small, watery primer in Pokémon Sword and Shield, looking like a cross between a sad salamander and a wet lizard. In a good way; they are heartbreakers.

Their special attack stats are the best of the three starting with Pokémon Sword and Shield, making them a powerhouse at delivering attacks - especially water attacks. As they evolve, their HP and defense don't keep up, but that doesn't really matter as you launch special attacks and destroy your opponents. At level 16, they evolve to Drizzile and then to Inteleon at level 35. Sobble is a good choice for anyone who wants to see how their special attacks are perfect.

The best Pokémon Sword and Shield starter

Overall, it depends on your goals when you choose the best starter in Pokémon Sword and Shield. When it comes to pure stats, here are our picks:

   Early game: It will be easier for Grookey in the beginning as they deal less damage in the first gym and aim for the second.

   Late Game: Scorbunny will strike a balance between staying in battle and dealing late game damage with its high special defense and speed.

That said, of course, pick the Pokémon your heart draws you to. You'll spend a lot of time with them, and you should always make sure you love your Pokémon above all else.

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