Stepping into the Unova region for the first time is an unforgettable experience, not least because of the trio of potential partners waiting for you. The Overview of Unova Starters: Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott introduces you to three distinct personalities and strategic choices, each poised to shape your journey through the world of Pokémon Black and White, and their sequels. These aren't just cute creatures; they're your first allies, setting the tone for every challenge and victory to come.
Whether you're a returning champion or a newcomer eager to explore the diverse landscapes of Unova, understanding these initial choices is crucial. From the elegant Grass-type Snivy to the boisterous Fire-type Tepig and the resourceful Water-type Oshawott, each offers a unique path to building a powerful team.
At a Glance: Your Unova Starter Essentials
- Three Distinct Types: Snivy (Grass), Tepig (Fire), and Oshawott (Water) form a classic elemental triangle, influencing early-game strategy.
- Unique Evolution Paths: Each starter evolves twice, gaining new types or refining their existing ones, culminating in powerful final forms.
- Strategic Depth: Beyond their initial stats, each starter's Hidden Ability or signature moves offer significant competitive potential.
- Cannot Be Found Wild: Unlike many other Pokémon, Unova starters are exclusively received as gifts from professors or rivals.
- Beyond Unova: These starters can be acquired in later games, like Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire and Sun/Moon, extending their legacy.
Why Your Unova Starter Matters: Beyond the Basics
In the Unova region, your initial choice of partner isn't just a fleeting decision; it’s a foundational one. The dynamic between Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott perfectly embodies the classic rock-paper-scissors mechanic that defines many Pokémon battles: Grass beats Water, Fire beats Grass, and Water beats Fire. This fundamental principle immediately influences your early-game battles against rivals and gym leaders, forcing you to think strategically from the very first encounter.
Professor Juniper or Bianca will present you with this pivotal choice, and your rival (Cheren or Hugh) will predictably pick the Pokémon with a type advantage over yours, while another friend (Bianca in Black/White) often takes the type that's weak to yours. This setup ensures that you'll experience a balanced challenge, learning the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen partner right away. These aren't just any Pokémon; they are the Fifth Gen Pokemon starters, kicking off an entirely new era of adventure.
Meet the Unova Starters: A Deep Dive into Your First Partner Options
Let’s unpack the individual strengths and unique characteristics of Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, helping you decide which one best suits your playstyle.
Snivy: The Regal Grass Snake
If grace, speed, and strategic depth are what you seek, Snivy is your ideal companion. This slender, green Grass-type Pokémon embodies elegance and calculated power.
Design & Essence
Snivy is a captivating Grass Snake Pokémon, characterized by its sleek, serpentine body and a distinctive leafy mane that frames its head. Its vibrant green coloration isn't just for show; Snivy actively absorbs sunlight, using photosynthesis not only for sustenance but also to fuel its Grass-type attacks. There’s an inherent regality in its design, hinting at the majestic evolution it undergoes.
Evolution Line & Typing
Snivy's evolutionary journey sees it grow into increasingly sophisticated forms while retaining its pure Grass typing.
- Snivy: The Grass Snake Pokémon, a pure Grass-type.
- Servine: Its first evolution, maintaining the Grass type and gaining a more defined, agile appearance.
- Serperior: The majestic final form. Serperior truly lives up to its name, resembling a regal, dragon-like serpent. It retains its Grass-typing, developing impressive defensive capabilities and surprising offensive punch.
Battle Prowess: Stats & Abilities
From the outset, Snivy's stats lean towards Speed and Special Attack, making it a swift combatant capable of hitting hard with special moves. Its standard Ability, Overgrow, is a common but reliable tool, boosting the power of its Grass-type moves by 50% when its HP drops to 1/3 or less. This can turn the tide in critical moments, allowing it to deliver a powerful finishing blow.
However, Serperior’s true competitive potential often lies with its Hidden Ability, Contrary. This game-changing ability reverses the effects of stat changes. Normally, a move like Leaf Storm, while incredibly powerful, lowers the user's Special Attack by two stages. With Contrary, Leaf Storm instead raises Serperior's Special Attack by two stages, transforming a drawback into a massive advantage.
Signature Moves & Competitive Edge
While Leaf Tornado is a unique move sometimes associated with Snivy, its most impactful ability in the competitive scene is undeniably Leaf Storm when paired with Contrary. This combination makes Serperior a formidable special attacker, allowing it to sweep through teams after just a few boosts. Other moves like Giga Drain provide sustain, while Coil boosts its Attack, Defense, and Accuracy, offering a physical or mixed set option, though less common than the special Contrary build. Serperior excels as a fast, defensively sturdy special sweeper.
Cultural Footprint
Snivy has left its mark across various Pokémon media. In the anime, Ash caught a Snivy that demonstrated clever tactics. Trip, another trainer, started with a Snivy that eventually evolved into a powerful Serperior. Even in the manga, Hugh found a Snivy aboard the Plasma Frigate, highlighting its presence in pivotal story moments. Its design philosophy, emphasizing natural grace and a regal presence, resonates strongly with fans.
Tepig: The Fiery Brawler
For trainers who prefer brute strength, resilience, and a straightforward approach to battle, Tepig is the quintessential choice. This Fire-type pig Pokémon is all about raw power and making an impact.
Design & Essence
Tepig is a Fire Pig Pokémon with a round, sturdy body, a prominent snout, and fiery accents that hint at its internal power. It constantly generates heat, using it both for warmth and as a source for its Fire-type attacks. Its design philosophy clearly revolves around raw power and resilience, preparing it for its future as a formidable brawler.
Evolution Line & Typing
Tepig’s evolution path is particularly noteworthy as it gains a dual typing, significantly altering its strategic profile.
- Tepig: The Fire Pig Pokémon, a pure Fire-type.
- Pignite: The first evolution, which gains the Fighting-type alongside its Fire-type, becoming a Fire/Fighting Pokémon. This dual typing provides both offensive versatility and new resistances/weaknesses.
- Emboar: The imposing final form, retaining the Fire/Fighting dual typing. Emboar is more humanoid and reflects an aggressive, powerful fighting style, a true warrior among Pokémon.
Battle Prowess: Stats & Abilities
Tepig's initial stats favor Attack and HP, laying the groundwork for a physically imposing Pokémon. Its standard Ability, Blaze, mirrors Overgrow for Grass types, boosting its Fire-type moves when its HP is low. This can provide a crucial power surge when facing down tough opponents.
Emboar's Fire/Fighting typing opens up a world of physical offense. With powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves like Flare Blitz (Fire) and Hammer Arm (Fighting), it becomes a potent wallbreaker. Its high Attack stat, coupled with decent HP, allows it to absorb some hits while dishing out massive damage. However, this dual typing also brings a set of vulnerabilities, notably to Flying, Ground, Psychic, and Water-type attacks.
Signature Moves & Competitive Edge
While moves like Arm Thrust (a multi-hit Fighting-type move) and Heat Crash are associated with the line, Emboar shines in competitive play as a powerful physical attacker capable of punching holes through defensive walls. Its access to High Jump Kick, Superpower, and even Wild Charge gives it incredible type coverage. It thrives in an offensive role, relying on its raw power to overwhelm opponents.
Cultural Footprint
Tepig is another fan favorite, prominently featured in the anime where Ash caught one that later evolved into a Pignite. Bianca, another key character, also started with a Tepig that fully evolved into Emboar. In the manga, Black, a protagonist, chose Tepig as his starter, showcasing its strong presence across different storylines. Its journey from a cute piglet to a powerful warrior resonates deeply with players who value strength and determination.
Oshawott: The Resourceful Samurai
For those who appreciate adaptability, balanced stats, and a touch of martial arts flair, Oshawott offers a compelling blend of offense and defense. This charming Water-type otter is more than meets the eye.
Design & Essence
Oshawott, the Sea Otter Pokémon, is instantly recognizable by its light blue coloration, fluffy white bib, and, most notably, the distinctive shell, or Scalchop, on its belly. This isn't just an aesthetic detail; the Scalchop is a detachable weapon, integral to its battle style. Oshawott's design philosophy is rooted in the adaptability and resourcefulness of sea otters, evolving into a samurai-like warrior who masters aquatic abilities and weaponry. Interestingly, Oshawott is the only Unova Starter that is also a Hisui first partner Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, connecting it to a much older, foundational region.
Evolution Line & Typing
Oshawott's evolutionary path sees it transform into increasingly regal and battle-ready forms, remaining a pure Water-type throughout.
- Oshawott: The Sea Otter Pokémon, a pure Water-type.
- Dewott: Its first evolution, gaining a more refined, dual-wielding appearance with two Scalchops, hinting at its future as a samurai.
- Samurott: The powerful final form. Samurott is a regal, battle-ready samurai Pokémon, equipped with sharp swords (Seamitars) derived from its shells. It exudes a sense of calm power and martial prowess.
Battle Prowess: Stats & Abilities
Oshawott's initial stats strike a balance between offense and defense, with a slight edge in Special Attack. This versatility allows Samurott to function effectively in various roles. Its standard Ability, Torrent, boosts its Water-type moves when its HP is low, similar to Overgrow and Blaze, providing a reliable comeback mechanic. Samurott also benefits from the ability Shell Armor (often as a Hidden Ability or in some game variations), which prevents critical hits, adding to its defensive reliability and longevity in battle.
Samurott offers a fascinating blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, though it often leans towards physical offense in competitive settings. It has access to powerful physical Water-type moves like Aqua Jet (a priority move, always strikes first) and Hydro Pump (a powerful special Water move). Moves like Swords Dance allow it to significantly boost its Attack, turning it into a fearsome physical attacker. It can also learn other useful moves like Megahorn for type coverage.
Signature Moves & Competitive Edge
While Razor Shell is a unique physical Water-type move for the line, Samurott's "Seamitar" concept is key. In terms of competitive play, Samurott is a versatile attacker. It can run physical, special, or even mixed attacking sets, leveraging its decent offensive stats. Its access to priority in Aqua Jet is a significant advantage, allowing it to finish off weakened foes or deal crucial damage before being attacked. Swords Dance further enhances its physical sweeping potential, making it a credible threat in various team compositions.
Cultural Footprint
Oshawott holds a special place in the anime, where Ash's Oshawott famously ran away from Professor Juniper to join him. Other trainers like Burgundy, Cameron, and Ann also started with Oshawott, with many evolving them into Dewott or Samurott. In the manga, Oshawott made appearances with characters like Cedric and Bianca. Its design, rooted in a blend of cute and capable, has made it a popular choice for many trainers.
Choosing Your Unova Companion: Strategy and Synergy
Deciding on your starter is more than just picking your favorite design; it's about anticipating your journey and understanding the strategic implications.
The Rock-Paper-Scissors Dynamic in Unova
As established, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott operate on the classic Grass-Fire-Water triangle. This is incredibly important for your early game.
- If you choose Snivy (Grass): You'll have an advantage against Oshawott's line (Water) but struggle against Tepig's line (Fire). Grass is also good against several early gym leaders like Burgh (Bug) and Clay (Ground).
- If you choose Tepig (Fire): You'll excel against Snivy's line (Grass) but be at a disadvantage against Oshawott's line (Water). Fire is strong against Burgh (Bug) and Skyla (Flying). Its Fighting sub-typing upon evolution expands its utility.
- If you choose Oshawott (Water): You'll dominate Tepig's line (Fire) but find Snivy's line (Grass) challenging. Water is strong against Clay (Ground) and Elesa (Electric) if you consider its neutral damage against Emolga.
Consider not just your rival battles but also the gym leaders you'll face. Your starter will carry a lot of the weight in those initial challenges, so picking one that aligns with your desired difficulty curve can be beneficial.
Early Game Considerations
Beyond type matchups, consider your starter's initial stats and typical moveset.
- Snivy offers speed, letting you often move first, which can be crucial for chip damage or setting up.
- Tepig provides raw power and bulk, allowing you to endure hits and retaliate with strong physical attacks. Its Fire/Fighting typing gives it a broad offensive presence very early.
- Oshawott offers a balanced approach, capable of both offense and defense, with the invaluable Scalchop providing early physical utility.
The Unova region is designed to provide you with alternative Pokémon to fill gaps in your team, but your starter often becomes your go-to for many situations.
Long-Term Team Building
Think about how your starter’s final evolution will fit into your overall team. Do you need a fast special attacker (Serperior)? A powerful physical wallbreaker (Emboar)? Or a versatile mixed attacker with priority (Samurott)? Each provides a distinct role. While you can build a team around any of them, knowing their strengths and weaknesses helps in planning your other captures.
Finding Your Unova Starter: Beyond the First Choice
What if you want to experience all three, or you missed out on Unova the first time around? Thankfully, these iconic Pokémon aren’t confined solely to your initial playthrough.
Original Game Distribution
In Pokémon Black and White, Professor Juniper is your guide to choosing your starter. Your rivals, Cheren and Bianca, will then pick their Pokémon, setting up friendly rivalries. In Pokémon Black Version 2 and White Version 2, it's Bianca, now a researcher, who gifts you your first Pokémon. Your new rival, Hugh, will take the Pokémon with a type advantage, ensuring the competitive spirit continues. These starters are truly special, as they cannot be found in the wild within the Unova region games.
Later Game Appearances
The legacy of the Unova starters extends far beyond their initial region:
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: After completing the Delta Episode, Professor Birch offers you one of the Unova starters on Route 101, a nostalgic callback for veteran players.
- Pokémon Sun and Moon: The fully evolved forms—Serperior, Emboar, and Samurott—can be caught in the wild using the Island Scan feature on Poni Island. This offers a unique opportunity to obtain these powerful Pokémon without breeding.
These later appearances ensure that the Unova starters remain accessible and relevant, allowing new generations of trainers to experience their unique charm and battle prowess.
Common Questions About Unova Starters
Let's address some frequently asked questions about Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott to clarify any lingering doubts.
Are Unova starters good?
Absolutely. All three Unova starters are competitively viable in their own right and are excellent choices for a playthrough. Serperior, especially with its Hidden Ability Contrary, is a significant threat in higher-level competitive play due to its speed and stat-boosting potential. Emboar is a powerful physical attacker that can punch through many defensive Pokémon. Samurott is a versatile option, capable of running multiple offensive sets and benefiting from priority. Your preference for playstyle will largely determine which one feels "best" for you.
What are the Unova starters weak against?
- Snivy/Serperior (Grass-type): Weak to Fire, Flying, Ice, Bug, and Poison-type attacks.
- Tepig/Pignite/Emboar (Fire/Fighting-type): Weak to Water, Ground, Flying, Psychic, and Rock-type attacks. This dual typing adds several weaknesses compared to a pure Fire-type.
- Oshawott/Dewott/Samurott (Water-type): Weak to Grass and Electric-type attacks.
Understanding these weaknesses is key to navigating battles effectively, especially when facing rivals and gym leaders who often capitalize on type advantages.
Can you find Unova starters in the wild?
No, you cannot find Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott in the wild in Pokémon Black, White, Black Version 2, or White Version 2. They are exclusively given to you as gifts by Professor Juniper or Bianca. The only exceptions are their final evolutions being catchable via Island Scan in Pokémon Sun and Moon, which is a different mechanic.
Which Unova starter is the fastest?
Among the final evolutions, Serperior (Snivy's final form) is the fastest by a significant margin. Its base Speed stat allows it to outpace many other Pokémon, making it an excellent choice for a fast sweeper or a setup Pokémon. Emboar and Samurott are more balanced in terms of speed, with Emboar leaning towards bulk and attack, and Samurott being more versatile.
Embracing Your Unova Journey
The Overview of Unova Starters: Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott hopefully demystifies these iconic Pokémon and empowers your choice. Whether you're drawn to Snivy's speed and elegance, Tepig's fiery power, or Oshawott's resourceful samurai spirit, each starter promises a unique and rewarding adventure. Your first partner is more than just a battle companion; they’re a symbol of your journey, a constant presence from the verdant routes of Unova to the fiercest battles. So, pick the one that speaks to you, train them well, and prepare to embark on one of the most exciting Pokémon journeys yet. The Unova region, with its deep story and diverse challenges, awaits your leadership.