Pokémon Platinum, a timeless classic from the Sinnoh region, offers three iconic starters: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. Each brings unique strengths and challenges to your journey, shaping your adventure in different ways. If you’re diving into Platinum for the first time, this guide will help you decide which starter to pick and what to expect.
The Starters: An Overview
1. Turtwig (Grass Type)
- Evolution Line: Turtwig → Grotle → Torterra
- Strengths:
- Bulk and Power: Torterra is a strong and durable Pokémon, excelling as a physical attacker.
- Early Access to Earthquake: A huge advantage for taking down opponents quickly.
- Gym Matchups: Effective against the first (Rock), fifth (Ground), and sixth (Steel) Gym Leaders. Struggles only with the seventh (Ice).
- Why Choose Turtwig?
If you prefer a tanky Pokémon that can deal heavy damage, Turtwig is a great pick. Its combination of Grass and Ground typing makes it versatile later in the game.
2. Chimchar (Fire Type)
- Evolution Line: Chimchar → Monferno → Infernape
- Strengths:
- Type Advantage: Fire types are rare in Sinnoh, making Chimchar essential for type coverage.
- Balanced Offense: Infernape excels in both physical and special attacks, making it adaptable in battles.
- Gym Matchups: Great against the second (Grass), sixth (Steel), and seventh (Ice) Gym Leaders. Slightly weaker against the first (Rock) and fifth (Ground).
- Why Choose Chimchar?
Infernape is perfect for trainers who prefer speed and power. Its dual Fire/Fighting typing provides coverage against many threats, making it a solid choice throughout the game.
3. Piplup (Water Type)
- Evolution Line: Piplup → Prinplup → Empoleon
- Strengths:
- Defensive Power: Empoleon is bulky, with excellent Special Attack.
- Unique Typing: Water/Steel typing gives it strong resistances and fewer weaknesses.
- Gym Matchups: Good against the first (Rock) and seventh (Ice) Gyms but struggles with the second (Grass) and last (Electric).
- Why Choose Piplup?
If you like strategic battles and need a reliable defensive option, Piplup is the way to go. Its unique typing offers an edge in late-game challenges.
Community Insights on Starters
The Pokémon community often weighs in with their preferences and advice, helping new trainers make informed decisions. Here’s what some seasoned trainers have to say:
- Turtwig’s Popularity:
- “Turtwig is cute, and Torterra is awesome. It’s a great choice for tanky players.”
- – GirikoBloodhoof
- «It’s underrated, even more than Bulbasaur.»
- – personofwizardry
- Chimchar’s Advantage:
- “Chimchar KOs the first gym with Mach Punch (after evolving) and the second gym with Flame Wheel. Few Fire Pokémon in the game make Chimchar a top pick.”
- – datasoy
- “Infernape is the best Fire type in the whole game.”
- – Rohunti
- Piplup’s Balance:
- “Empoleon has wonderful Special Attack, and its Water/Steel typing makes it stand out. It’s a great choice for strategic trainers.”
- – SenoraPapaya
Tips for Beginners
- Brave Nature for Turtwig: If you go with Turtwig and get a Brave nature, you’re in luck! Brave boosts Attack, a key stat for Torterra, though it slightly lowers Speed, which isn’t a major issue since Torterra is already slow.
- Consider Team Balance: Look at other Pokémon available in Platinum. For instance:
- Fire Types: If you don’t pick Chimchar, consider Houndoom or Magmortar.
- Grass Types: Roserade and Leafeon are good alternatives, though Leafeon’s movepool is limited in Generation IV.
- Water Types: Gastrodon and Vaporeon are excellent choices if you skip Piplup.
Final Thoughts
All three starters in Pokémon Platinum are fantastic and well-balanced, each offering a unique playstyle. Whether you choose the powerful Torterra, the blazing-fast Infernape, or the resilient Empoleon, your adventure in the Sinnoh region will be unforgettable.
What’s your pick? Let us know in the comments!
