Starting a new Pokémon Black playthrough comes with an exciting decision: which starter to choose? The three options—Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott—each have their own strengths, but in this discussion, we’ll focus on the two remaining choices after you’ve ruled out Snivy. Many players find themselves torn between Tepig and Oshawott, each with its unique advantages and challenges. Let’s dive into the details of both and help you make a more informed decision.
Tepig: The Fire/Fighting Powerhouse
Tepig evolves into Pignite and then Emboar, a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon. While Fire/Fighting-type starters are somewhat common in Pokémon games, Tepig stands out due to its impressive offensive potential. Emboar, in particular, becomes a powerful force to reckon with, thanks to its high Attack and Special Attack stats, making it a versatile fighter.
Strengths of Tepig:
- Great Type Coverage: Emboar’s dual Fire/Fighting typing gives it access to an extensive moveset. Not only does it have strong Fire-type moves like Flamethrower, but it can also learn powerful Fighting-type moves such as Brick Break and Flare Blitz. With this coverage, it can take on a variety of opponents with ease.
- Offensive Power: Emboar’s stats are heavily tilted towards Attack, making it an offensive powerhouse. It can hit hard with physical moves, and with a wide movepool, you can tailor it to your specific needs.
- Tanky and Tough: With its decent bulk and high HP, Emboar can tank hits while dealing out devastating blows. This makes it a great choice for taking on tough opponents during the mid-to-late stages of the game.
Weaknesses of Tepig:
- Vulnerability to Common Types: Despite its strengths, Tepig shares the common Fire/Fighting typing, which leaves it weak to Flying, Psychic, Water, and Ground-type moves. The dual-typing can leave it vulnerable in certain matchups, especially early in the game when coverage options are more limited.
Tepig vs. Oshawott – Why Pick Tepig?
Tepig is a solid choice if you’re looking for a strong offensive Pokémon with great type coverage and a relatively straightforward playstyle. If you enjoy taking the lead with high-damage moves, Tepig might be your best option. However, it’s important to remember that Fire/Fighting starters are quite common, so if you want something a bit different, Oshawott could be worth considering.
Oshawott: The Balanced Water-Type
Oshawott evolves into Dewott and then Samurott, a pure Water-type Pokémon. While Water-types are abundant in Pokémon Black, Oshawott stands out due to its well-rounded stats and the option to evolve into Samurott, a Pokémon that can learn both powerful physical and special moves.
Strengths of Oshawott:
- Balanced Stats: Unlike Tepig, which is heavily skewed towards physical offense, Oshawott’s evolution line—particularly Samurott—has a balanced set of stats, allowing it to excel in both physical and special attacking roles. This versatility makes it a reliable Pokémon throughout the game.
- Access to Strong Moves: Samurott can learn a range of powerful Water-type moves such as Surf and Hydro Pump. Additionally, it has access to moves like Night Slash and Aqua Jet, making it adaptable to different battle situations.
- Late-Game Power: Samurott is a solid Pokémon in the later stages of the game, especially considering its balanced move pool. While it may not dominate in terms of raw offensive power like Emboar, it can still hold its own in tough battles.
Weaknesses of Oshawott:
- Lack of Diversity in Typing: As a pure Water-type, Samurott can sometimes struggle against Electric-types, which are fairly common in Pokémon Black. However, its ability to learn a variety of moves compensates for this, allowing for strategic flexibility.
- Slower Evolution: While Dewott and Samurott are solid Pokémon, their evolution line takes a bit longer to become truly powerful compared to Tepig’s quicker path to Emboar. You’ll need to be patient during the early parts of the game.
Oshawott vs. Tepig – Why Pick Oshawott?
If you’re looking for a more balanced, strategic Pokémon that offers flexibility in battles, Oshawott is a great choice. Samurott’s move pool and solid stats make it a versatile and reliable companion for the long haul. It’s also a good option if you enjoy using Water-types and want to avoid the often-seen Fire/Fighting starter duo.
What the Community Thinks
When it comes to which starter is better, opinions can vary greatly. Some players strongly advocate for Tepig, praising the offensive power and type coverage that Emboar brings to the table. Others, however, prefer Oshawott’s balanced stats and versatility. One player noted that Samurott is particularly useful in a Gen 5 playthrough due to its ability to learn strong moves and stand up against a wide range of opponents.
Another player mentioned the commonality of Fire/Fighting starters, which might make Oshawott a more unique and refreshing option for those seeking something different. Ultimately, the choice between Tepig and Oshawott comes down to your personal playstyle and what kind of challenge you want in your Pokémon Black adventure.
Conclusion: Tepig or Oshawott?
Both Tepig and Oshawott are great choices for a Pokémon Black playthrough, each offering its own unique advantages. If you’re looking for an offensive powerhouse and don’t mind a common Fire/Fighting-type starter, Tepig is a fantastic option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced, versatile Pokémon with a mix of physical and special moves, Oshawott will serve you well throughout the game.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference—whether you want a hard-hitting offensive juggernaut or a more strategic, well-rounded Water-type companion. Happy gaming!
