Pokémon Legends Arceus partner Pokémon: Best starter and final evolution
Who's the best out of Rowlet, Cyndaquil and Oshawott?
With Pokémon Legends: Arceus very nearly here, it's time to start thinking about partner Pokémon.
Which starter Pokémon should you choose this time out? Will their cute child-like faces make your decision, or are you more interested in their powerful final evolutionary forms?
- Pre-order Pokémon Legends: Arceus (£44.99 from Amazon)
Near the start of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you will be given a choice from three starter Pokémon - Rowlet, Cyndaquil and Oshawott - but only one of them can be your partner.
And if you're looking for some tips on picking your starter in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you've come to the right place! Keep on reading for the key details!
What are the starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Rowlet, Cyndaquil and Oshawott are the starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. You can pick whichever one you want to be your partner.
In a first-of-its-kind move for Nintendo and Game Freak's mainline Pokémon role-playing games, these three Pokémon all come from different generations and regions: Cyndaquil was first available in Gold & Silver's Johto region, Oshawott was first available in Black & White's Unova region, and Rowlet was first available in Sun & Moon's Alola region.
Nonetheless, these three creatures will be your trio to choose from in the Hisui region of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which is itself an early prototype of the Sinnoh region from Diamond and Pearl. It's important to remember that Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a prequel to all the previous games in this franchise, so it could rewrite any of the old lore if the developers see fit.
Read more on Pokémon:
- Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
- Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
- Pokémon type chart - strengths and weaknesses explained
- Legendary Pokémon - the full list
- Pokémon Emerald cheats - what you need to know
- Best Pokémon gifts - the greatest merch
- Pokémon Go Unova Stone guide - what is it?
- Pokémon games in order - where to start
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Which starter Pokémon is best in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Which starter Pokémon should you choose to be your partner in Pokémon Legends: Arceus? That's a matter of personal preference, and you could base your choice entirely on which one you think is cutest.
In terms of thinking strategically, though, we'd argue that Rowlet is the best choice among the Pokémon Legends: Arceus starters. That's because he has two types covered - this creature will learn Grass and Flying moves, and having a mixture of both types in one slot could free up some space in your party!
Cyndaquil is a Fire-type and Oshawott is a Water-type, but Rowlet has dual purpose as a Grass/Flying type, so that would be our top pick. That being said, we haven't been able to play the game yet, so it's hard to know exactly which types will be most useful. Near the start, that's when you normally feel the benefit of your starter pick the most.
Read more on Pokémon Legends Arceus:
- Pokémon Legends Arceus mystery gift codes
- Pokémon Legends Arceus review - our final verdict
- Pokémon Legends Arceus Bothersome Bidoof - all three quest locations
- How to evolve in Pokémon Legends Arceus
- How to change party, moves, nicknames and clothes in Pokémon Legends Arceus
- The Sea's Legend guide for Pokémon Legends Arceus - catch the legendary Manaphy
What are the evolutions and final forms of the starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
If you're wondering what this means in terms of evolutions and final forms of the starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, this is what you need to know! Normally, these are the evolutions you get from these creatures:
- Rowlet evolves into Dartrix at level 17, and then into Decidueye at level 34
- Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14, and then into Typhlosion at level 36
- Oshawott evolves into Dewott at level 17, and then into Samurott at level 36
However, there could be big changes to this established set of rules in Pokémon Legends: Arceus! You can learn more on that below.
Do the starter Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus have new final forms?
"You may have met Dartrix, Quilava, and Dewott in your other adventures," the developers of Pokémon Legends: Arceus teased in the description for a recent trailer on YouTube. "But you’ve never encountered their Hisui region Evolutions."
The image above has also been shared through official channels, seeming to showcase some brand-new silhouettes for Rowlet, Cyndaquil and Oshawott's final forms. It would seem that, in the Hisui region of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, these popular pocket monsters will have new final evolutions.
Regional variants like this have become increasingly common in the Pokémon franchise over the last few years, with Sun & Moon's Alola region and Sword & Shield's Galar region previously housing their own unique versions of pre-established Pokémon.
With all of this in mind, then, the launch of Pokémon Legends: Arceus just got a little bit more interesting! We'll be sure to update this page when we learn more about Rowlet, Cyndaquil and Oshawott's region-based changes. Until then, the trailer below has some extra teases for you.
Read more on Nintendo:
- Nintendo Switch OLED review - handheld gaming levels up
- The very best Nintendo Switch games
- Nintendo Switch Pro release date - the latest rumours
- Best Nintendo Switch games for kids
- Best Nintendo Switch micro SD cards to buy
- How to charge Nintendo Switch controllers
- The best Nintendo Switch Lite games - take these on the go
- How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV
- Best Pokémon gifts
Follow Radio Times Gaming on Twitter for all the latest insights. Or if you're looking for something to watch, see our TV Guide.
Visit our video game release schedule for all upcoming games on consoles. Swing by our hubs for more Gaming and Technology news.