Pokémon Champions Starter Tier List: Navigating Your First Squad Choice
The opening choice in Pokémon Champions skips the traditional low-level routine and hands you a locked roster of six fully evolved options that determines your initial ladder trajectory.
The initial roster choice becomes available after completing the introductory battle mission. Instead of selecting an individual monster, you choose a single lead that unlocks five specific team members. This choice dictates your initial tactics, especially since the early competitive ladder features matches against bots to help settle into the rhythm of combat.
The Full Starter Roster Data
Before getting into the rankings, here is exactly what each of the 10 starters brings with them. Note that you unlock this draw immediately after the introductory battle mission.
S Tier: Top Competitive Picks
These leads provide the most efficient path through the early ranks and transition smoothly into high-level play.
Pikachu
Don't laugh. I'm dead serious about this one. You aren't picking the electric mascot for its own stats, you're picking it for the exceptional supporting cast it attaches to your profile. The package features Garchomp, Kingambit, Gengar, and an Azumarill carrying the Huge Power ability. It also includes Gyarados to provide defensive pressure via Intimidate. Having access to Kingambit early acts as a direct solution against the Mega Floette builds that populate higher tiers. For anyone focusing on 1v1 formats, this is the strongest starting option.
Tyranitar
Tyranitar functions as the premier selection for double battles. Its Sand Stream ability deploys a sandstorm upon entering the field, which chips away at the opposing side and disrupts alternative weather strategies. The monster works effectively without even needing its Mega form, keeping your team-building options open. The unlocked roster pairs it with an Intimidate Arcanine to create multiple layers of passive defensive pressure from the first turn. Its Rock and Dark typing also grants a complete immunity to Psychic moves, neutralizing common Gardevoir leads.
A Tier: Reliable Performers
These options deliver high individual strength and well-balanced teams, though they come with distinct conditions.
Charizard
Charizard represents a balanced option for getting comfortable with the game mechanics. It offers high individual Speed and Attack attributes, while its Blaze ability increases Fire-type damage when health drops. The main value in this track is obtaining Whimsicott, which serves as a versatile support unit for late-game compositions. The lead offers excellent flexibility because both of its Mega forms are strong, meaning you can adjust the build for physical or special damage depending on the rest of the roster.
Gardevoir
Gardevoir features an excellent Psychic and Fairy typing, and its Mega Evolution applies high pressure in double battles through the Pixilate ability. The accompanying roster uses Heracross and Corviknight to offset its lower physical defense stats. It handles Dragon-type opponents easily and offers broad move coverage. However, it currently sits outside the top tier because it's available as a free reward in an active weekend event. Choosing a different starter avoids duplicating a monster that can be obtained through standard event participation. If you're reading this after the event concludes, its value rises significantly.
B Tier: Situational Strategies
These selections require specific tactical approaches but yield strong results when played to their strengths.
Snorlax
Snorlax acts as a reliable defensive buffer during early matches. While its slow speed means it almost always moves last, its large health pool and Thick Fat ability allow it to endure attacks that would defeat more fragile squads. It creates a wide margin for error while learning the pacing of competitive matches.
Palafin
Palafin uses a distinct mechanical gimmick centered on positioning. Using Flip Turn to switch it out and back in triggers its Hero Form, which increases its offensive power. The supporting roster features Gengar and Hydreigon to provide heavy special damage, allowing the team to bypass physical walls. It's a tactical pick that rewards careful switching.
Armarouge
Armarouge serves as the primary engine for early Trick Room strategies. Trick Room reverses the turn order so the slowest monsters act first, a state where Armarouge excels. Although the initial package lacks Indeedee to set up psychic terrain, you can eventually pair Armarouge with options like Sinistcha or Farigiraf to build a composition capable of climbing into Master Ball rank.
C Tier: Low Impact Options
These choices demand significant optimization or lack the immediate capability found in higher brackets.
Lucario
Lucario delivers high offensive damage and supports both physical and special build paths. The restriction is its heavy reliance on its Mega Evolution to reach peak effectiveness, which locks your team out of using alternative Mega choices. Selecting Charizard provides similar versatility while including Gengar in the package.
Absol
Attempting to force critical hits using Scope Lens and Super Luck is an erratic strategy that's difficult to pilot through the lower ranks. Its Mega Z form provides unique utility, but the team struggles against well-optimized, bulky compositions until you collect better supporting items.
Altaria
Altaria features a visually striking Mega Evolution, but the auto-built roster underperforms against early ladder opponents. Without precise positioning and deep knowledge of its setup requirements, the team is easily overwhelmed before its strategy can be fully executed.
