Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are on the horizon and there are a lot of exciting additions in Gen 9 including three new starter Pokemon with interesting evolutions. Here’s everything we know so far about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, including their abilities and designs.
The ninth installment in the Pokemon franchise is set to launch on November 18, 2022. Scarlet & Violet will be the franchise’s first open-world adventure packed full of new content for trainers to enjoy including the region of Paldea to explore, and three new starters to choose from.
Gen 9 does seem to have many differences across the two versions, however, the starter Pokemon remain the same for both.
If you’re curious about your next potential Pokemon partner, Game Freak has released some key details about each ‘mon in the lead-up to Scarlet and Violet’s release.
Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet starter Pokemon, including their designs, abilities, and evolutions.
Alternatively, be sure to check out our list of all the new Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet, the Paldea Pokedex, and, all the new characters in the games, so you can know what to expect on your journey.
All Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starters
Sprigatito
- Type: Grass
- Category: Grass Cat Pokémon
- Height: 1’4″
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Ability: Overgrow
“The capricious, attention-seeking Grass Cat Pokémon.”
The first new Gen 9 starter for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet to be introduced is the adorable Grass-type Sprigatito. Its name is a combination of Sprig (small leaf) and the Spanish word Gatito (kitten).
While we have yet to see the ‘mon in action other than a few seconds in August’s Pokemon Presents, we have a pretty good idea of its personality based on its official description calling it “capricious and attention-seeking.” Interestingly, the Japanese version of the site describes it differently as “whimsical and spoiled.”
Its ability Overgrow made its debut in 2002’s Ruby & Sapphire and powers up all Grass-type moves by 50% once the player’s HP dips below or equals 1/3 in total.
Fuecoco
- Ttype: Fire
- Category: Fire Croc Pokémon
- Height: 1’4″
- Weight: 21.6 lbs.
- Ability: Blaze
“The laid-back Fire Croc Pokémon that does things at its own pace.”
Although not confirmed, it appears the crocodile’s name is a mix between Fuego (fire), and Coco (which could possibly be a reference to the Coco ghost myth in Spain).
Since its debut, Fuecoco has already caused a lot of debate among the fanbase. On the one hand, some players believe its white face is meant to represent the inside of an apple. Others believe it’s meant to be a skull, which would play into the ghost themes.
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Both the Japanese and English websites describe the Fire-type as laid-back. Just like the other two starters, its Blaze Ability was originally introduced in the Hoenn region and boosts Fire-type moves if its health drops low enough.
Quaxly
- Type: Water
- Category: Duckling Pokémon
- Height: 1’8″
- Weight: 13.4 lbs.
- Ability: Torrent
“The earnest and tidy Duckling Pokémon.”
Last up in the new trio of starters for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is the cap-wearing duck, Quaxly. Unlike the other Gen 9 starters, its name doesn’t appear to be based on anything in the Spanish language and instead seems to be a play on the sound that the bird makes.
Like Sprigatito, the description for the ‘mon differs based on region. In English, it’s said to be earnest and tidy, while in Japanese it’s detailed as being serious and beautiful.
Its Ability is Torrent, which boosts all Water-type moves when the character’s HP has dropped far enough.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet starter final evolutions
At the time of writing, Game Freak has yet to reveal the Pokemon Scarlet & Violet starter evolutions. As far as theories go though, some fans believe that Sprigatito could be based on the European fairytale “Puss in Boots.” If so, the Grass-type could evolve into a two-legged musketeer.
There has also been speculation that Fuecoco could be the series’ second Fire/Ghost-type – following in the footsteps of Hisuian Typhlosion in Pokemon Legends Arceus. In Spain, the Coco is a mythical ghost monster similar to the Bogeyman. However, all of these are just pure speculation at this point.
So, there you have it — that’s everything we know so far about the new starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
For more information on everything Scarlet & Violet, make sure to check out the following pages:
What is Terastallizing in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet? | Everything we know about Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet version differences | All gym leaders in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Will Pokemon Scarlet & Violet be like Legends Arceus | New moves and held items list
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