Highlights

• Scarlet and Violet offer a wide range of early-game Pokemon for players to catch and use throughout their adventures in the new open-world format.
• Starter Pokemon are essential and the best early-game Pokemon, with interesting secondary types and similar stat totals of 530.
• From Lechonk, Nacli, and Maschiff to Smoliv, Klawf, and Tarountula, there are many diverse and powerful early-game Pokemon to choose from in Scarlet and Violet.

Every Pokemon journey has a beginning, and the Pokemon you catch early on can play crucial roles in your whole adventure. Scarlet and Violet have plenty of Pokemon you can catch as you start your game, and given the new open-world format, the possibilities are higher than they’ve ever been.

The Paldea region has given us plenty of great new Pokemon to catch, so here are some of the best early Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet.

Updated on February 15, 2023 by Jon Eakin: Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are now considered complete with all announced DLC released. That makes it the perfect time to update this list with more suggestions for the best Pokemon to pick up early on your adventure, as well as more information on all the existing entries.

We've provided information on where you're likely to first find these Pokemon, and at what level. Scarlet and Violet allow you to explore the game at your leisure from very early on, however, so keep in mind that you may find these Pokemon in different places and at higher levels.

11 Starter Pokemon

Who Will You Choose?

Although your starter Pokemon is technically given to you rather than caught, it still counts. As the first Pokemon you'll obtain, it is unquestionably the best early-game Pokemon since you couldn't do anything without them.

Starters are viable throughout the entire course of the game, especially in Scarlet and Violet. Each starting Pokemon gains an interesting secondary type as they evolve, and all three end up with the same stat total of 530. There really is no wrong choice.

10 Lechonk

The Hog Pokemon

Many trainers write off the Route One Normal types, but Lechonk is not one to sleep on. Lechonk learns solid moves like Disarming Voice and Covet at early levels and fully evolves at Level 18, meaning they get a great base stat boost very early in the game.

Its stats aren’t anything to scoff at, either, boasting a solid Attack and Special Defense. Alongside learning great moves utility moves like Yawn, this is a Pokemon who is more than meets the eye.

9 Nacli

The Rock Salt Pokemon

Rock Pokemon are typically pretty tough, and Nacli is no exception. With a base Defense of 75 in its earliest evolution stage, Nacli is one of your safest bets as one of the best early-game Pokemon.

Its move pool is impressive too, learning moves like Smack Down and Headbutt early and getting powerhouse moves like Stone Edge and Earthquake later on. While they may take some time to reach their final evolution, they are more than capable of holding their own until then.

8 Maschiff

The Rascal Pokemon

If you’re working your way through the Path of Legends storyline, you’re certainly familiar with Arven’s Mabosstiff, and if you’ve grown fond of the Pokemon, you can catch one for yourself quite early by starting with Maschiff.

Maschiff learns a lot of great moves early on, like Bite and Hone Claws. It gets even better as it levels up with moves like Crunch, Payback, and even Outrage. With great Attack and Defense, this dog is one you won’t want to pass up.

7 Smoliv

The Olive Pokemon

The Grass typing is one of the most versatile in Pokemon, with plenty of resistances. If you want a reliable grass Pokemon, Smoliv is a great one to look for. Smoliv learns many of the best Special-attacking Grass moves, like Leech Seed and Energy Ball, and boasts high Defense, Special Attack, and Special Defense stats.

While it may be tiny at first, Smoliv blossoms into a great Pokemon later down the line and is one that can fit well on many teams.

6 Klawf

The Ambush Pokemon

Single-evolution Pokemon can be great picks for the early game, and Klawf is proof. The first Pokemon you encounter in the Path of Legends quest is a worthy addition to any team.

Featuring great Attack and Defense stats, this crab can take hits as hard as it can dish them. With a move pool featuring moves like Rock Blast and X-Scissor, as well as utility moves like Protect and Swords Dance, this Pokemon will serve you well.

5 Tarountula

The String Ball Pokemon

It's not often you see a bulky Bug-type Pokemon, but Tarountula is here to deliver. Featuring great Defensive and Special Defensive stats, as well as a respectable Attack stat, Tarountula flips the script on what it means to be a Bug Pokemon. Evolving at the early level of 15 means you’ll be able to take advantage of these great stats very early.

Tarountula learns moves that take advantage of its tanky nature, such as Block and Counter, as well as some great attacking moves like Throat Chop and Skitter Smack. One of the most unconventional Bug Pokemon is certainly worth a spot on your team.

4 Paldean Wooper

The Poison Fish Pokemon

Wooper is no new Pokemon, but its new form gives it a fun new identity. Wooper is best known for its incredible Defensive stat, and Paldean Wooper carries on the tradition. Combined with great utility moves like Yawn and Toxic Spikes, you have a fantastic Poison-type tank to add to your team.

Upon evolving, you may be shocked to see that they won’t evolve into Quagsire, but a similarly goofy Pokemon, Clodsire. It features many of the same strengths as Quagsire but with an all-new typing. If you love Quagsire, you’re sure to love Clodsire just as much.

3 Pawmi

The Mouse Pokemon

The newest Electric mouse Pokemon is one that does not disappoint. Pawmi is an early game encounter who learns Nuzzle very early, a damaging electric move that always the other Pokemon paralyzed. If you want to gain an early advantage or paralyze a troubling Pokemon, Pawmi has you covered.

Pawmi can also reach its final evolution very early, reaching its final stage if you take 1,000 steps with Pawmo out, as early as Level 18. Pawmi and its evolutions are fast physical attackers, so if you want an Electric-type that can outspeed the competition, look no further.

2 Fidough

The Puppy Pokemon

There are many adorable puppy Pokemon you will encounter in Scarlet and Violet, and Fidough makes for one of the best. The Fairy-type is one of the strongest in Pokemon, and Fidough represents it well. Its best stat comes in the form of its Defense, though its Speed and Attack are solid as well.

When it evolves, it also gains the Well-Baked Body ability, gaining a Fire immunity that boosts its Defense. Additionally, it learns Play Rough at Level 18, before it even evolves. If you love puppies and strong Pokemon, you owe it to yourself to catch this sweet Pokemon.

1 Charcadet

The Fire Child Pokemon

One of the best Pokemon you can catch in the whole game also happens to be an early encounter. Charcadet is a very powerful Fire-type with the potential to evolve into one of two menacing Pokemon. Featuring great stats and plenty of fantastic moves, it's one of the best investments you can make in an early-game Pokemon.

Charcadet is somewhat rare, and you may need a specific picnicking recipe to summon them. Additionally, the item you need to evolve it doesn't come into play until quite late. Even so, this is a Pokemon that will definitely reward you for going out of your way to obtain it.