Since Scarlet & Violet just came out, I'm gonna dedicate this week to exploring our many Starter Pokemon over the years. Today, we're gonna go over the 1st stage water Starters as I'm ranking them from worst to best. I'm not taking their evolutions into consideration. Just our starters in their base/introductory form. I'm ranking them not on battle prowess either. Just ranking them on how much I like them design wise.

9. Froakie

In last place is Froakie. I don't necessarily dislike Froakie but it just doesn't stand up to the rest of the Water Starters let alone it was the least interesting of the Kalos Starters. I RARELY don't choose the Water Starter my first playthrough of any Pokemon Game, but when X & Y came out, I wasn't even looking in Froakie's direction. Let alone, I'm not a fan of Froakie's evolutions either. Froakie just seems bland compared not only to the other water Starters but also bland compared to literally all the rest of the Frog Pokemon too.

8. Popplio

Unlike Froakie I DID initially choose Popplio in my first playthrough of Moon. I regret it. I know I said I wouldn't take evolutions into consideration, but it was Popplio's evolutions that made me dislike Popplio in the first place. I genuinely like Popplio, but it's middle stage, Brionne, is a crime against nature. Brionne was such an ugly Pokemon It's one of my all time most disliked Pokemon in existence. Primarina is alright. In fact, I enjoy her design. Popplio is an adorable seal Pokemon and the fact that liked Popplio so much when it was initially introduced that I HEAVILY fought with myself as I couldn't decide between Popplio, Litten & Rowlet. In the end, I chose Popplio. Yeah I don't like Popplio anywhere near as much as I used to, but I still like Popplio more than Froakie.

7. Quaxly

When Scarlet & Violet was announced, I wasn't even looking in Quaxly's direction which says ALOT since i rarely dont choose the water starter. It's design doesn't stand out and we already have numerous duck Pokemon. However, I'm a little partial to Quaxly. All the memes that came with Quaxly always brought a smile to my face. I don't like Quaxly, but don't dislike it either.

6. Totodile

I don't care what game it is, if Totodile is available, I'm getting him! He's too cute and I love it's high energy within the anime as well.

5. Squirtle

Can't go wrong with Squirtle. Although for the most part I don't exactly care for Squirtle, you cannot deny that that the Squirtle Squad is rightfully fun & Iconic.

4. Mudkip

Mudkip is a force to be reconned with. For an axolotl Pokemon, Pokemon did a very surprisingly great job with its design. It'd just too cute and I have yet to find anyone who dislikes the Pokemon. Despite how much I adore Sceptile, I ALWAYS choose Mudkip no matter the circumstance. Heck, when I was little I had myself a Mudkip Plush and curse why I don't have it anymore! I loved that thing!!!

3. Piplup

Piplup is one of my 'Feel Good' Pokemon. I find Piplup to be one of the cutest Pokemon to ever exist and it always puts a smile on my face. When I was a teenager, I had a Piplup hoodie and loved that thing to death. Heck, I love Piplup too much!

2. Sobble

Sobble is one of my all time favorite Pokemon. Yeah, Nobodies a fan of Sobbles evolutions, myself included, but I love Sobble too much. He's so cute and I love the shy crybaby personality it has. In the anime, Sobble is treated like a lovable relatable companion that loves to be babied and I'm here for it. Sometimes you just want a friend to cry with! I've been asked before that if I could have a Partner Pokemon that CANT evolve, who would I choose and why. I've said Sobble due to how relatable and lovable they are. Plus, I think it'd be cool to have a chameleon Pokemon ride along my back or shoulders.

1. Oshawott

Another one of my all time favorite Pokemon. Just like Piplup, Oshawott is another one of my 'Feel Good' Pokemon. Oshawott is one of the most adorable things to graze this earth!!!! I absolutely love Oshawott's evolutions and it's brave energetic personality is just so much fun. No matter the game, if Oshawott is available, I won't hesitate to pick him!

Who is your favorite Water Starter?