Objectively, what is the best starter in every main series game?

I really want to know which starter does best in every game because I have my opinions and theories, but I’d like to know the facts of the subject.

Answer in terms of which starter makes completing the playthrough most efficient and hassle-free.

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

I think it useful to first post my criteria for an in-game Pokemon starter, or any Pokemon truly, in descending order of priority:

With that stated - and understanding that my own criteria are guidelines and not rules - I present below the fully-evolved starters with their ideal learnsets from 3rd gen onwards, and a brief explanation of its worthiness:

KANTO, GEN-3, BLASTOISESurf, Aqua Cannon, Blizzard, BiteBlastoise owns early gyms and caves while being a good tank with a useful movepool, allowing it to afford lost turns with Aqua Cannon or misses with Blizzard.Suggested Team: Blastoise, Nidoking, Kadabra, Dodrio, Snorlax, Flareon

HOENN, GEN-3, SWAMPERTSurf, Earthquake, Ice Beam, RolloutSwampert enjoys superb typing, learns good moves early, and has an excellent stat spread. Rollout is filler in a Rock-move-starved generation.Suggested Team: Swampert, Gardevoir, Slaking, Crobat, Hariyama, Exploud

JOHTO, GEN-4, TYPHLOSIONSunny Day, Fire Blast, Flamethrower, SolarbeamBetter than the other options. Sunny day eases Solar Beam and powers up Fire STABs. Fire Blast in sun is powerful enough to count as its own coverage.Suggested Team: Typhlosion, Ampharos, Espeon, Crobat, Heracross, Lapras

SINNOH, GEN-4, INFERNAPEFlare Blitz, Close Combat, Shadow Claw, Thunder PunchSpeedy, powerful, wide movepool, good typing, Infernape drops foes with its powerful STABS and invaluable coverage. Flamethrower, Focus Blast, Mach Lunch, Grass Knot, many options.Suggested Team: Infernape, Staraptor, Garchomp, Espeon, LickiLicki, Weavile

UNOVA, GEN-5, SAMUROTTAqua Tail, Surf, Ice Beam, MegahornSamurott is a bulky mixed attacker and a rare good Water-type in this gen. The above set represent his best coverage options. A glue Pokemon more than a sweeper.Suggested Team: Samurott, Galvantula, Krookadile, Chandelure, Haxorus, Golurk (learns Fly)

KALOS, GEN-6, DELPHOXPsychic, Flamethrower, Shadow Ball, Grass KnotFast, powerful, with the ability to Calm Mind boost but better off as a coverage cleaner. Not burdened with an unseemly tongue scarf, which surely must count as an asset.(NOTE: Pairs well with Mega-Blastoise, a sporting Mega-Evolution who should run Surf, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse, & Flash Cannon)Suggested Team: Delphox, Blastoise-Mega, Gogoat, Heliolisk, Aegislash, Hawlucha

ALOLA, GEN-7, DECIDUEYELeaf Blade, Spirit Shackle, U-Turn, Brave BirdRobin Hood The Bird can trap with Spirit Shackle (or use Z-move) and then U-Turn out to a sweeper. Brave Bird dispatches Pokemon the Ghost can check. Can run mixed sets, too.Suggested Team: Decidueye, Toucannon, Vikavolt, Mudsdale, Espeon, Cloyster

GALAR, GEN-8, INTELEONSurf, Ice Beam, Air Slash, Shadow BallVery speedy & powerful, and one of the best Water-types in the region. It does this one job and does it well.Suggested Team: Inteleon, Copperajah, Toxtricity, Hawlucha, Haxorus, Gardevoir

HISUI, GEN-9, QUAQUAVALSurf, Aqua Step, Close Combat, Ice SpinnerAqua Step Speed buff plus Moxie ability leads to Mighty Duck ownage. Has the compressed coverage needed for cleaning, sweeping, AND Surf utility to spare.Suggested Team: Quaquaval, Oinkologne-Male, Glimmora, Kilowattrel, Arboliva, Annihilape

Hope this points long-time fans in the right direction!