If you’re just getting started out in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and you aren’t sure which of the three Sword and Shield starter Pokemon is best for you, don’t fret. Each starter has its place, and we’re going to go over each one together!
The games’ three starter Pokemon are Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey — and you’ll be sure to find one you like.
Note that base stats are based on Level 100 Pokemon of the same type, and aren’t what you’ll see when you first claim your starter Pokemon. Level and personality traits determine what the actual stats of your starter Pokemon will be when Leon gifts them to you.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starter Tips: Scorbunny’s Starter Stats and Moves
Scorbunny is the Fire-type starter in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. It’s best described as a bunny rabbit, but with features that indicate an association with fire, including broad red streaks across its white fur. Scorbunny is weak against Water-type attacks.
The two moves that it starts with are Tackle and Growl, though it carries a hidden ability called Libero. Scorbunny’s ability is Blaze, which makes Fire-type moves more powerful when its HP is low.
Scorbunny Base Stats
- HP: 65
- Atk: 96
- Def: 60
- Sp. Atk: 55
- Sp. Def: 60
- Speed: 94
Scorbunny Evolutions
Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at Level 16 and Cinderance at Level 35.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starter Tips: Sobble’s Starter Stats and Moves
Sobble is the Water-type starter in Pokemon Sword and Shield. It looks like a blue tadpole, and due to its association with water, it is very sensitive to electricity and Grass-type attacks.
Sobble’s two starting moves are Pound and Growl, and it carries a hidden ability called Sniper. Sobble’s ability is Torrent, which makes Water-type attacks more powerful when Sobble’s HP is low.
Sobble Base Stats
- HP: 50
- Atk: 40
- Def: 40
- Sp. Atk: 70
- Sp. Def: 40
- Speed: 70
Sobble Evolutions
Sobble evolves into Drizzile at Level 16 and Inteleon at Level 35.
Pokemon Sword and Shield Starter Tips: Grookey’s Starter Stats and Moves
Grookey is the Grass-type starter Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield. It’s a green chimp with a cute stick in its hand. Grookey is associated with flora, and so it’s sensitive to Fire-type attacks.
Grookey’s two starting moves are Scratch and Growl. Its ability is Overgrow, which powers up Grookey’s Grass-type attacks when its HP is low. Its hidden ability is Grassy Surge.
Grookey Base Stats
- HP: 50
- Atk: 65
- Def: 50
- Sp. Atk: 40
- Sp. Def: 40
- Speed: 65
Grookey Evolutions
Grookey evolves into Thwackey at Level 16 and Rillaboom at Level 35.
Which Starter Pokemon Should You Choose?
Keep in mind that choosing a starter Pokemon is never really that big of a deal. Since you’ll be able to find plenty of other ‘mons soon after you set out on your adventure to catch ‘em all, you’re never locking yourself out of tactical options in the future by picking one starter over the other.
In addition to that, Pokemon Sword and Shield makes it easy for you to quickly trade with others across the world, meaning that (if you’re connected to the Internet with an active Nintendo Switch Online account) there’s always a chance that you’ll find somebody who’s willing to trade their starter for something else.
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That’s it for our guide on starter Pokemon stats and moves in Pokemon Sword and Shield! Make sure to keep up to date with all of our Pokemon Sword and Shield guides. Here a few a few you may be interested in:
