When you start your adventure in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you’re asked to choose a partner Pokémon. This is a big moment for every player because your starter stays with you through most of the game. Generation 9 (also known as the Paldea region) gives you three wonderful options, each with its own style, strengths, and final evolution.
In this guide, we’ll go through all Gen 9 starter evolutions in a simple way so even complete beginners can understand what makes each Pokémon special.
Sprigatito Evolution Line (Grass → Grass → Grass/Dark)
1. Sprigatito
Sprigatito is a small, cute grass cat. It’s fast on its feet and works well for players who like quick attacks.
Easy summary:
- Type: Grass
- Strength: Speed
- Good for: Players who like fast Pokémon
Sprigatito uses many plant-based moves and usually attacks first thanks to its natural speed.
2. Floragato
Sprigatito evolves into Floragato at level 16. This stage becomes a little taller and more confident. It carries a vine-like weapon, showing that it’s ready to fight smarter, not harder.
What gets better:
- Faster than before
- Stronger physical attacks
- Learns trick-style moves
Floragato’s design hints at the sneaky and stylish final evolution.
3. Meowscarada
The final evolution at level 36 is Meowscarada, a Grass/Dark-type Pokémon. It looks like a magician and fights like one too.
Why players pick Meowscarada:
- Very fast
- High Attack
- Dual type: Grass + Dark
- Signature move: Flower Trick (always lands a critical hit)
It’s great for players who enjoy hit-and-run tactics or want a starter that can move first and hit hard. Meowscarada feels playful, sneaky, and sharp almost like a stage performer.
Fuecoco Evolution Line (Fire → Fire → Fire/Ghost)
1. Fuecoco
Fuecoco is a round, friendly fire crocodile. It might look slow, but it makes up for it with strong Fire-type moves.
Easy summary:
- Type: Fire
- Strength: High Special Attack
- Good for: Beginners and casual players
Fuecoco is simple to use—just hit hard and keep going.
2. Crocalor
At level 16, Fuecoco evolves into Crocalor. This stage becomes chunkier and more protective. It also becomes a reliable tank, meaning it can take a lot of hits.
What improves:
- Higher defense
- Stronger fire attacks
- Very beginner-friendly
Crocalor may not be fast, but it survives battles better than many other Pokémon in the game.
3. Skeledirge
The final evolution at level 36, Skeledirge, becomes a Fire/Ghost-type Pokémon. It sings to control fire, and its voice makes its flames even stronger.
Why Skeledirge is a top pick:
- Dual type: Fire + Ghost
- Extremely tanky
- Signature move: Torch Song (raises Special Attack every time)
- Great for story mode and long battles
Skeledirge is perfect if you want a Pokémon that stays alive longer and grows stronger each turn.
Quaxly Evolution Line (Water → Water → Water/Fighting)
1. Quaxly
Quaxly is a tidy, polite duck with a stylish hairstyle. It doesn’t specialize in one thing—it’s balanced overall.
Easy summary:
- Type: Water
- Strength: Balanced stats
- Good for: Players who want flexibility
Quaxly can handle different situations without any big weaknesses early on.
2. Quaxwell
Quaxly evolves into Quaxwell at level 16. This stage becomes more athletic and starts developing a dancer-like personality.
What improves:
- More Speed
- Higher Attack
- Better Water-type moves
Quaxwell starts moving more gracefully, and you can feel that the final evolution will be action-packed.
3. Quaquaval
At level 36, Quaxwell evolves into Quaquaval, a Water/Fighting-type Pokémon. It’s energetic, colorful, and dances through battles with confidence.
Why players enjoy Quaquaval:
- Dual type: Water + Fighting
- Very high Attack
- Great Speed
- Signature move: Aqua Step (boosts Speed every use)
Quaquaval is great for players who enjoy fast-paced, offensive play and like Pokémon with unique personalities.
Which Gen 9 Starter Should You Choose?
Each starter fits a different type of player:
✔ Choose Meowscarada if…
You want a fast, tricky Pokémon that attacks before opponents.
✔ Choose Skeledirge if…
You prefer a tanky Pokémon that is easy to use and hits very hard.
✔ Choose Quaquaval if…
You enjoy balanced gameplay and want a strong physical attacker with great Speed.
There is no wrong choice. All three evolution lines are fun and powerful in their own way.
Final Thoughts:
Generation 9 gives players a nice mix—speed, power, defense, style, and personality. Whether you love magical cats, fiery crocodiles, or dancing ducks, one of these starter evolutions will match your playstyle perfectly. read more
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