These are the three starters for Pokemon Legends: Arceus

TL;DR

  • Pokemon Legends: Arceus breaks tradition with cross-generational starters Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil
  • Strong evidence suggests Hisuian evolution forms rather than traditional final evolutions
  • Original Sinnoh starters Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup appear as wild encounters
  • Strategic starter selection should consider combat style and team composition needs
  • The game’s ancient Sinnoh setting explains the unique Pokemon distribution

Pokemon Legends: Arceus represents a dramatic shift in the franchise’s approach to starter Pokemon selection and distribution.

UPDATE: Hisuian versions of the three starters’ evolutions have leaked. Find out more here.

This groundbreaking Pokemon spin-off title completely reimagines established series conventions, implementing substantial changes to core battle mechanics and Pokemon acquisition systems. The game introduces an extensive roster of new creatures, featuring both regional Hisuian variants and unprecedented evolutionary branches for familiar species.

Among the most significant innovations is the complete overhaul of the traditional starter Pokemon formula, offering players unprecedented choice and strategic depth from the very beginning of their journey.

Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil: Your Starter Options in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Trainers embarking on their Hisui region adventure will select their initial partner from three distinct Pokemon spanning multiple generations: the Grass/Flying-type Rowlet from Alola, Water-type Oshawott from Unova, and Fire-type Cyndaquil from Johto.

This unprecedented mixing of starters from different eras represents a deliberate design choice that emphasizes the game’s historical setting. By combining Pokemon from various regions, the developers create a sense of temporal displacement that aligns perfectly with the ancient Sinnoh premise.

The Hisui region serves as the prehistoric version of modern Sinnoh, a fact reflected in both environmental design and Pokemon distribution patterns. Interestingly, despite the region’s Sinnoh origins, players won’t choose from the traditional Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup trio. Marketing materials clearly show the Diamond and Pearl starter Pokemon appearing as wild encounters, suggesting the original Sinnoh starters will be obtainable through exploration rather than initial selection.

Will Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil Receive New Evolutionary Forms?

Compelling evidence indicates that Rowlet, Oshawott, and Cyndaquil may develop entirely new evolutionary lines specific to the Hisui region’s unique environmental conditions.

Multiple promotional trailers have showcased numerous confirmed Pokemon species appearing throughout the game world. However, none of these previews have displayed the evolved forms of the three starter Pokemon, creating significant speculation within the community.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus starter Cyndaquil is shown over-leveled here.
A trailer showed a level 15 Cyndaquil, leading to speculation whether Cyndaquil evolves into a different Pokemon.

A Japanese gameplay demonstration revealed a trainer possessing a level 15 Cyndaquil, which contradicts established evolution mechanics since Cyndaquil typically evolves at level 14. This anomaly isn’t isolated, as no visual media has depicted any evolved stages for the three starter species.

While the possibility remains that the trio could follow their conventional evolutionary paths to Decidueye, Samurott, and Typhlosion, the consistent absence of these forms across all promotional materials strongly suggests alternative development routes. This evolutionary mystery represents just one of many compelling reasons players eagerly anticipate exploring Pokemon Legends: Arceus and uncovering its secrets.

Choosing your starter in Pokemon Legends: Arceus requires careful consideration of both immediate advantages and long-term strategic value. Each Pokemon offers distinct combat capabilities that align with different gameplay approaches.

Rowlet provides early-game type coverage with its Grass/Flying combination, but may face challenges against the increased Ice-type presence in Hisui’s colder climate. Its final evolution potentially gains unique adaptations to thrive in the ancient environment.

Oshawott offers solid Water-type coverage with potential evolution into a more historically-appropriate samurai or warrior form fitting the feudal Japan-inspired setting.

Cyndaquil presents interesting possibilities given the fire mouse Pokemon’s ability to generate internal heat, a valuable trait in Hisui’s harsh wilderness conditions.

Common selection mistakes include choosing based solely on personal preference without considering team composition needs or underestimating the importance of early-game type advantages against wild Pokemon encounters.

Action Checklist

  • Analyze your preferred combat style: ranged attacker (Rowlet), balanced fighter (Oshawott), or speed specialist (Cyndaquil)
  • Research each Pokemon’s potential Hisuian evolution theories and stat distributions
  • Plan your early-game team composition around your starter’s type weaknesses
  • Capture complementary Pokemon in the wild to balance your starter’s limitations

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » These are the three starters for Pokemon Legends: Arceus Complete guide to Pokemon Legends: Arceus starters with evolution theories and strategic selection tips