The Grass-type is a popular one. Despite its many setbacks, Grass-types are among the most common Pokémon in any Generation. They are available early in the game, which means they can become a vital part of any Pokémon team and even have the possibility of becoming an ace Pokémon. And hardly any Grass-type is better than the Starter.
Grass Starters are arguably the most recognizable Grass-types in the games, even more than the few Legendaries and Mythicals that share the type. They are invaluable allies in any Pokémon journey that can make all the difference. And while their final stages suffer from uninspired type combinations, their designs always find a way to stand out.
Meganium, Chikorita's Final Form
Like his two Johto siblings, Meganium gets the short end of the stick when ranking Grass Starters. It has a vibrant and colorful design that instantly catches the eye, but it's not enough to make it memorable. It doesn't help that Ash's Bayleef never actually evolves into Meganium, which means fans never got to see it in action.
In the Stat department, Meganium is a defensive Pokémon with everything else in the slightly above-average range. As a pure Grass-type, it has five weaknesses, four resistances, and no immunities, and isn't Supper Effective against any Gym Leader or Elite Four member in Johto. In fact, it's weak against three Gym Leaders and one Elite Four member, making it a controversial choice for Gen II playthroughs.
Chesnaught, Chespin's Final Form
The Kalos Starters are the ultimate case of wasted potential. All three have exciting type combinations, engaging designs, and intriguing lore, but they do nothing with it. Chesnaught is one of only three Grass/Fighting Pokémon, and it somehow ends up being the worst.
Its super high Physical Attack and Defense come at the expense of every other stat. Its Speed, in particular, is quite jarring. It doesn't help that its type combo leaves it with a whopping six weaknesses, including quad vulnerability to the very common Flying-type. As for the Kalos League, Chesnaught is Supper Effective against Grant and Wilkstrom, but it is weak against Valerie, Olympia, Wulfric, and Malva, making it a not-so-great choice.
Rillaboom, Grookey's Final Form
Rillaboom, the latest member in the Grass Starters, is a good Pokémon that isn't the best choice for its games. It has spectacular Physical Attack and high HP, but terrible Special Attack and Defense. It shares the same five weaknesses that afflict all other pure Grass-types and enjoys the same four resistances.
In the Galar League, Rillaboom is Super Effective against Nessa and Gordie but weak against Kabu and Melony. It is also at a disadvantage to Champion Leon's ace Pokémon, Charizard, which does present a complication. Rillaboom has a Gigantamax form introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC, but it isn't the best.
Serperior, Snivy's Final Form
Serperior has one of the most regal designs of any Pokémon, making it instantly memorable. As a pure Grass-type, it has no surprises when it comes to type matchups. Its stats are nothing extraordinary either. It is super fast and has high Defenses, but everything else is underwhelming.
In the Unova League, Serperior fares rather badly in Black & White, being weak to Chili, Burgh, Skyla, and Brycen, and only strong against Cress and Clay. Things improve in Black 2 & White 2, though, thanks to a shift in Gym Leaders. Serperior is left vulnerable to Burgh, Skyla, and the newly introduced Roxie but retains its advantage over Clay and new Gym Leader Marlon.
Sceptile, Treecko's Final Form
Sceptile has a legion of fans around the world. It is many Millennial's favorite Pokémon due to their first game being either Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire. Objectively speaking, though, Sceptile is far from great. It is fast and has a high Special Attack, but its low HP and defenses make it quite frail.
Sceptile received a Mega Evolution in the Gen III remakes, but that only complicated things. It looks devastatingly cool as a Grass/Dragon, but the combo leaves it with a four-times weakness to Ice, plus five other vulnerabilities. In the Hoenn League, Sceptile is Super Effective against Roxanne and Wallace, but it's weak against Flannery, Winona, and Glacia. Mega Sceptile becomes Super Effective against Drake, so it ends in a tie.
Venusaur, Bulbasaur's Final Form
Venusaur is, perhaps, Kanto's least popular Starter. Genwunners will still claim it is the best Grass Starter, though, and it still has both a Mega Evolution and a Gingantamax form, it's all good. Venusaur has balanced stats that prioritize both Special attributes. Back in Generation I, it had four weaknesses and four resistances, but the introduction of Fairy in Gen VI gave it one extra resistance.
As for the Indigo League, Venusaur is Supper Effective against Brock, Misty, Erika, Giovanni, and Blue's Rhydon. It gets destroyed by Sabrina, Blaine, and Lorelei, and the rest of Blue's team, though. Venasaur ranks highly in any Grass Starter tier, but it's out of reputation and nostalgia.
Torterra, Turtwig's Final Form
Torterra has arguably the best design and inspiration out of all the Grass Starters. It was also the star of one of Detective Pikachu's best moments, which did a lot to increase its popularity. Torterra has mostly balanced stats, with both Physical traits as its highest. It has awful speed because the game developers took its turtle inspiration a bit too seriously.
Its dual Grass/Ground-type leaves it with four weaknesses, including a quad vulnerability to Ice. It, however, also becomes immune to Electric, making it ideal against one of the sturdiest leaders in the region, Volkner. Torterra is also Super Effective against Roark, Crasher Wake, Byron, and Bertha, and possibly Flint, while being weak to only Candice, Aaron, and Flint.
Decidueye, Rowlett's Final Form
The Generation VII Starters are all top-tier Pokémon. And thanks to its A+ design and riveting type-combination, Decidueye is one of Alola's best Pokémon. Its stats are extreme, with high Physical Attack, Special Attack, and Special Defense but low HP, Physical Defense, and Speed.
Due to its Grass/Ghost-type, Decidueye has five weaknesses. It makes up for them by having two immunities and a further four resistances. In the Alola Island Challenge, Decideuye is Super Effective against Hala, Olivia, and Hapu, while only being vulnerable against Nanu. As for the Elite Four, Decidueye is effective against Hala and Olivia and vulnerable to Acerola and Kahili.
