Totodile Reigns Supreme as Fans Choose Their Pokémon Legends: Z-A Starter

Pokémon Legends: Z-A has barely been out for a day, and it’s already sparking fierce debates over which starter Pokémon deserves your first Poké Ball. Based on a massive fan poll of over 32,000 votes, the answer seems loud and clear: Totodile, the feisty little water-type crocodile from Johto, is dominating the charts with a commanding 56%.

The grass-type Chikorita trails behind at about 25%, while the fire-type Tepig lags in last place with roughly 19%. For longtime Pokémon fans, that’s both expected and nostalgic – after all, Totodile has been stealing hearts since Generation II.

Totodile’s popularity isn’t surprising when you think about its history. Back in the Gold and Silver days, many players couldn’t resist that playful grin and those chompy jaws. Its evolution line offers solid stats, reliable moves, and a mix of attack and defense that make it a consistent early-game powerhouse. In Z-A, its new Mega Evolution gives Feraligatr a wild, almost prehistoric design – though fans are split on whether it’s cool or chaotic. Still, compared to Tepig’s lukewarm reception, it’s easy to see why Totodile remains a crowd favorite.

Chikorita, on the other hand, has always been the underdog. Its gentle appearance and support-based move pool make it a defensive choice, but not the most thrilling one. That said, a devoted group of fans still defend it passionately. One voter said they picked Chikorita this time simply because they hadn’t chosen it in over two decades. Others were swayed by nostalgia or even pure fate – some got a Chikorita plush as a preorder bonus and decided to commit to it. Unfortunately, its new Mega Evolution in Z-A hasn’t wowed many. Meganium’s upgrade feels underwhelming next to its peers, leaving fans wishing for more creativity from Game Freak.

And then there’s Tepig – the fiery piglet who just can’t catch a break. Being the only non-Johto starter in the lineup already set it apart, but not necessarily in a good way. While some players love the humor of battling with a pig that eventually turns into a hulking Emboar, most fans admit that Tepig’s design feels out of place next to Totodile and Chikorita. Yet, interestingly enough, Emboar’s Mega Evolution might be the most visually striking of all three. Its fierce design has earned quiet admiration from players who appreciate its over-the-top flair.

In the end, all three starters hold their own merits. Pokémon Legends: Z-A gives players enough flexibility to catch the others later, so no choice locks you out of anything. Whether you’re going with Totodile for raw power, Chikorita for nostalgia, or Tepig for personality, you’ll have a full team by the endgame anyway. What matters most is that this trio has reignited the old-school starter debate – something fans haven’t felt so passionately about since the days of Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur. And that, perhaps, is the real win for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.