Meet the Kalos Starters: A Trio of Contrasting Styles
Welcome to the beautiful Kalos region, introduced in Pokémon X & Y! Your first major choice is selecting a partner from three very distinct Pokémon: the Spiny Nut Pokémon, Chespin; the Fox Pokémon, Fennekin; and the Bubble Frog Pokémon, Froakie. Each offers a unique path for your journey.
Chespin evolves into the formidable Chesnaught, a Grass/Fighting type known for its incredible physical defense. Fennekin evolves into the mystical Delphox, a Fire/Psychic type that wields powerful special attacks. Finally, Froakie becomes the lightning-fast Greninja, a Water/Dark type ninja Pokémon praised for its offensive prowess and speed. Your choice will heavily influence your team's strategy, so it's important to understand their core differences. Use the Pokémon Comparator widget below to see their stats side-by-side.
- Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, is widely considered the strongest competitively due to its high Speed and the game-changing Protean ability.
- Fennekin evolves into Delphox, a unique Fire/Psychic type that excels as a special attacker throughout the main Kalos adventure.
- Chespin's final form, Chesnaught, offers a robust Grass/Fighting defensive option, perfect for players who prefer a bulky, physical playstyle.
- Pokémon
- Chespin
- Type
- Grass
- Total stats
- 313
- Pokémon
- Fennekin
- Type
- Fire
- Total stats
- 307
- Pokémon
- Froakie
- Type
- Water
- Total stats
- 314
| Pokémon | Type | Total stats |
|---|---|---|
| Chespin | Grass | 313 |
| Fennekin | Fire | 307 |
| Froakie | Water | 314 |
Base Stats Comparison
TYPE EFFECTIVENESS
Performance Analysis: Kalos Adventure vs. Competitive Scene
For a playthrough of the main story, all three starters are excellent choices. Fennekin and its evolution Delphox often have an edge due to favorable type matchups against several of Kalos's Gym Leaders and the Steel-type Elite Four member. Froakie's high speed allows it to outpace and defeat many opponents quickly. Chespin's final evolution, Chesnaught, is a defensive powerhouse that can withstand powerful hits, though its typing can be challenging against certain late-game foes.
In the world of competitive battling, however, one starter stands far above the rest. Greninja, particularly with its Hidden Ability Protean, became a dominant force. This ability changes Greninja's type to match the move it's using, granting it a Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) on every attack and constantly shifting its defensive profile. While Chesnaught and Delphox have their uses in specific competitive niches, Greninja's unmatched versatility and speed made it a top-tier threat in Generation 6 and beyond.
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Dive deeper into the stats, movepools, and abilities of Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie. Our Pokémon Comparator tool lets you see a side-by-side comparison to make the perfect choice for your team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Gen 6 starter is best for a beginner?
Fennekin is often recommended for beginners. Its final evolution, Delphox, has a great Fire/Psychic typing that proves very effective against many of the Gyms and major battles in the Pokémon X & Y storyline, providing a smoother gameplay experience.
What is Greninja's Hidden Ability and why is it so good?
Greninja's Hidden Ability is Protean. It changes Greninja's type to the type of the move it is about to use. This is incredibly powerful because it grants Greninja a Same-Type Attack Bonus (a 50% power boost) on every single attack, not just its Water or Dark moves, and it changes its defensive weaknesses on the fly.