Every Grass-type Starter Pokemon in the Anime, Ranked

Grass-type Pokémon are generally known for being calm and peaceful, unlike the more energetic Fire-types or quick Water-types. Because of their easygoing nature, Pokémon Professors often suggest them as first Pokémon for new trainers. But don’t let that fool you – they’re also clever fighters and can be powerful allies in battle.

Venusaur was the very first Grass-type Pokémon players could choose as a starter, and it popularized the powerful Solar Beam move that many Grass-types now use. While newer starters like Meowscarada have quickly become popular with fans, every Grass-type starter Pokémon is well-known. Some have played bigger parts in the animated series than others, but they’re all famous in their own way.

Gentle Rillaboom Always Works To Perfect Its Drumming

Rillaboom Wishes for a Peaceful Environment

Grookey, the playful Grass-type Pokémon, always carries a stick, which it uses to make music. As it evolves, it becomes a skilled drummer, eventually playing a full drum set as Rillaboom. Rillaboom groups choose their leader based on musical talent, and these leaders are known for being kind. However, Rillaboom doesn’t tolerate conflict and will fight against those who cause trouble.

Goh, who traveled with Ash for a time, obtained a Grookey, but it never evolved into Thwackey or Rillaboom. Because of this, Rillaboom is best known as Leon’s Pokémon – the Champion of Galar. Rillaboom fought alongside Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament, including a memorable battle against Alain, where it was revealed it could Gigantamax, just like Leon’s Charizard.

Chesnaught Is a Selfless Fighter

The Spiny Armor Pokémon Can Easily Tackle Tanks

Chesnaught has always been a gentle Pokémon, even when it was a Chespin or Quilladin. It’s not usually one to start conflicts, but it will powerfully defend itself and others when it has to. This Grass and Fighting-type Pokémon is also very selfless, always prioritizing the safety of those it cares about, even at its own risk.

Clemont, a friend of Ash from the Kalos region, has a Chespin that hasn’t evolved yet. In the Pokémon anime, Chesnaught, Chespin’s final evolution, appeared occasionally with both heroes and villains, like the one used by the antagonist Millis Steel or the one wielded by Alain. Notably, in the web series Pokémon Generations, Chesnaught was Calem’s strongest Pokémon and played a key role – along with Calem – in helping AZ reconnect with his Floette.

Decidueye’s Accuracy Can Decide Battles in Seconds

One of Several Pokémon With a Hisuian Form

I was totally captivated when Rowlet first came out – that little owl Pokémon is just so cute! It starts as a Grass/Flying type, which is pretty cool, but then it evolves into Decidueye, and that’s where things get really interesting. Decidueye becomes a Grass/Ghost type, and it’s known for being incredibly accurate – seriously, this Pokémon can shoot arrows with pinpoint precision! It’s usually a really calm and collected Pokémon, but if you manage to surprise it, it gets pretty flustered.

Besides appearing with Nemona, Decidueye is also a key Pokémon for Hau, a rival character from the Generation VII games, in the anime series. Initially shown as a Dartrix, Decidueye has become a permanent member of Hau’s team. Just like in the games, it uses moves like Leaf Blade and Spirit Shackle, and its special Z-Move, Sinister Arrow Raid. Decidueye even helped Hau win a major battle against a powerful Shiny Guzzlord that was endangering the Manalo Stadium.

Meganium Is Able To Revive Plants and Soothe Troubled Hearts

The Herb Pokémon Recently Received a Mega Evolution

Chikorita, a beloved Grass-type Pokémon originally from the Johto region, is now available as a starter in a new location! In the upcoming game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players in the Kalos region can choose Chikorita as their first Pokémon. It evolves into Bayleef and then Meganium, retaining its strength while getting a special new ability. Similar to Emboar and another Johto starter, Feraligatr, Meganium can now Mega Evolve, transforming into the Grass/Fairy-type Mega Meganium.

When Ash first traveled through the Johto region, he became friends with a Chikorita who eventually evolved into a Bayleef. However, the most prominent Meganium in the Pokémon anime actually belonged to two other characters, Vincent and Casey. Vincent received his Meganium – originally a Chikorita – from Professor Elm and trained it to become a strong Pokémon for the Silver Conference. Casey also started with a Chikorita, and her Meganium remained a loyal companion, even assisting her in battles against Team Rocket.

Serperior Will Only Battle Against Powerful Foes

The Fearsome Lord of the Forest

I’ve always found Snivy to be a pretty calm Pokémon, though it definitely carries itself with a bit of an air. That attitude seems to stick with it even when it evolves into Serperior. According to the Pokédex, Serperior is a really proud Pokémon and only puts its full power on display against opponents it respects. But one thing’s for sure: Serperior always meets a challenge head-on, staring down its foes with an intense gaze.

While Snivy and Servine appear often in the anime, especially with Ash’s Pokémon, Serperior is much harder to spot. The most impressive Serperior is likely Trip’s, who famously defeated Ash’s Pikachu in their first battle. Since then, this Serperior has remained self-assured, and like other Serperior, only fights at its full potential against strong opponents. Despite its strength, it has a close bond with Trip and displays good sportsmanship, even in defeat.

Venusaur’s Flower Can Absorb Powerful Sunlight Energy

The First Known Grass-type Starter Pokémon

Bulbasaur is a consistently popular Pokémon, partly because of its prominent role in the original anime series. Many fans remember Ash’s Bulbasaur as a particularly loyal and righteous Pokémon. Interestingly, despite being a core member of Ash’s team, it never evolved past its initial form. When Bulbasaur does evolve, it becomes Venusaur and gains significant power. Venusaur is easily recognized by the large flower on its back and is famous for being one of the first Pokémon to demonstrate the powerful Solar Beam attack. It’s a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon that has remained a fan favorite for years.

In addition to her Blaziken and Wartortle, May has a Venusaur that she originally received as a Bulbasaur. This friendly Pokémon befriended May when she found herself at May’s house after wandering into the Forbidden Forest, and decided to join her team. Venusaur competed alongside May in Pokémon Contests and even traveled to Kanto, where she met Ash’s Bulbasaur and improved her battle skills. Later, she reappeared as a strong Venusaur in the Sinnoh region, participating in the Wallace Cup.

Torterra Protects an Entire Ecosystem

A Grass/Ground-type Also Called a “Moving Forest”

Many longtime fans of the original Pokémon animated series will remember that Ash doesn’t always fully evolve his starter Pokémon. However, there are a few exceptions. One example is his Torterra, a gentle Grass-type Pokémon who frequently helped others. Torterra evolved during a battle with Team Rocket, quickly defeating them with a powerful new move called Leaf Storm.

Torterra, like all Pokémon of its kind, is naturally very durable, a trait that was apparent even when it was a Grotle. Becoming a Grotle did slow it down considerably, but it received unexpected help from a Torterra trained by Paul, despite their trainers being rivals. Beyond battles, Torterra is calm and devoted to its friends. A unique ecosystem has developed on its back, starting when it was a Grotle, with smaller Pokémon often building nests there.

Meowscarada Is Liko’s Partner Pokémon

An Agile and Cunning Grass/Dark-type

When the original Pokémon anime ended, many fans said goodbye to Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. But a new Pokémon series, Pokemon Horizons: The Series, introduces Liko as the new main character, along with her Pokémon partner, Sprigatito. Liko started her adventure feeling quite shy, but she’s grown into a much more confident Trainer. Now, she’s joined by Meowscarada, the fully evolved form of her first Pokémon.

Sprigatito was initially hesitant around Liko, but as it evolved into Floragato and then Meowscarada, the two became very close. Meowscarada, known as the Magician Pokémon, now prefers to stay outside of its Poké Ball. Like other Meowscarada, it’s quick, nimble, and enjoys playing tricks. Its strongest move, Flower Trick, is especially powerful, particularly when Meowscarada is Terastallized.

Sceptile Watches Over Its Home With Great Dedication

Sceptile Changes Type Through Mega Evolution

Many Pokémon fans consider Sceptile to be Ash’s best Grass-type Pokémon. Starting as a Treecko, Sceptile has always been known for its calm and collected nature, which is typical of Grass-type Pokémon. It’s also fiercely protective of its home – Sceptile is even described in the Pokédex as a guardian of the forest. Since leaving the forest, that protectiveness has extended to the people and Pokémon it cares about.

This Sceptile started as a Grovyle whose feelings weren’t returned by a Meganium – she preferred a Tropius. When it first evolved into Sceptile, it couldn’t battle effectively, but it regained its confidence by rescuing its friends from Team Rocket. Since then, it’s become a vital part of Ash’s Pokémon team, even winning against powerful opponents like Darkrai. While it can’t Mega Evolve, unlike another Sceptile owned by a trainer named Sawyer, it would be an even stronger Pokémon if it could learn how.

2026-01-25 02:07