I. Introduction
In every Pokemon game, the decision of which starter to choose is crucial. Pokemon Diamond offers three different options: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. It can be a tough decision since each starter has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and picking the wrong one can significantly affect how the game is played. In this article, we will explore which of the three starters is the best and provide some tips on how to choose the right one.
II. Comparative Analysis of the Three Starters in Pokemon Diamond
Before diving into which starter is the best, let’s take a brief look at each of them.
Turtwig
Turtwig is a grass-type Pokemon. It’s very tanky and can take a lot of hits. Turtwig has the lowest speed among the three starters, but it compensates for it with solid defense and special defense stats. Turtwig’s final form, Torterra, has a grass/ground type combination, which makes it vulnerable to ice, bug, poison, and flying-type moves.
Chimchar
Chimchar is a fire-type Pokemon. It’s very fast, but it’s not the most durable. Chimchar’s final form, Infernape, is a fire/fighting type, which makes it vulnerable to water, ground, and psychic-type moves. However, it’s also immune to three types: bug, rock, and ground.
Piplup
Piplup is a water-type Pokemon. It’s not as fast as Chimchar, but it has more durability than both Chimchar and Turtwig. Piplup’s final form, Empoleon, has a water/steel type combination, which makes it vulnerable to electric and fighting-type moves. However, it’s also immune to poison-type moves.
When it comes to the type of legendaries in the game, Palkia is a water/dragon type while Dialga is a steel/dragon type. This situation makes infernape a better choice for Dialga and Turtwig a better choice for Palkia. However, this does not affect the game significantly; you can catch or trade for an appropriate type later in the game.
III. Step-By-Step Guide on Choosing the Right Starter
Choosing the right starter depends on the player’s preferred playstyle. Here are a few tips that can help:
Preferred Playstyle
If you’re the type of player who loves to go on the offensive, then Chimchar is the right option for you. Its high speed and attack stats make it an excellent option for players who love to take their opponents down quickly.
However, if you want a more defensive playstyle, Turtwig may be a better choice. Its high defense and special defense stats allow it to take more hits than the other two starters. It’s an excellent option for players who prefer to be more patient and soak up damage while waiting for their opponents’ attacks to wear out.
If you’re looking for a balance between offense and defense, then Piplup is the perfect choice. While it’s not as fast as Chimchar, it has better defenses than Turtwig. Piplup’s water/steel typing makes it an excellent option for players who want to have a balanced team.
Matching the Starter with the Player’s Style
If you’re still unsure about which starter to choose, you can try matching them with your preferred playstyle. If you’re the type of player who loves attacking, Chimchar is the right choice for you. If you want to play defensively, Turtwig is the best choice. Piplup is the middle ground between both, making it the go-to option for players who want a balanced playstyle.
Tips to Consider when Choosing a Starter
Finally, there are a few things to consider when choosing your starter. For example, you might want to think about the types of Pokemon you’ll be facing early in the game. If there are many grass-type Pokemon around, Turtwig or Piplup may be better options. On the other hand, if there are many bug and grass-type Pokemon, Chimchar’s fire typing may give you an advantage.
IV. Listicle Ranking the Diamond Starters from Best to Worst
Ranking the starters is always controversial and subjective. Here is our listicle ranking the starters from best to worst:
1. Chimchar
Chimchar is the most flexible starter, making it the best option for most players. It has impressive speed, and its fire typing provides valuable advantages over grass, bug, and steel Pokemon.
2. Piplup
Piplup is the best option for players who prefer a balanced playstyle. It has excellent defenses and is an excellent counter to fire and rock-type Pokemon. Its water/steel typing also gives it some advantages in early and mid-game.
3. Turtwig
Turtwig is the slowest of the three and requires a bit more patience to play. Its grass typing provides some essential resistances, but it is also susceptible to several types, including ice, bug, and poison. Turtwig is the worst starter according to us because what it offers is not significantly useful in comparison to the other starters.
V. Personal Reflection Piece
Players often have personal preferences when it comes to starters. Here is our personal reflection piece based on our experiences playing Pokemon Diamond:
Our Experience with the Diamond Starters
In terms of our personal experiences, we found Chimchar to be the best starter. Its incredible speed and excellent moveset make it an excellent all-around option throughout the game. Piplup was a close second, but its low speed made it a bit frustrating to use at times. Turtwig was last on our list since we felt that its grass typing wasn’t as useful as other types in various situations.
VI. Detailed Breakdown of Each Starter’s Evolution Chain
Each starter has its own unique evolution chain, and it’s worth exploring each in more detail. Let’s take a closer look at each starter’s evolution chain:
Turtwig’s Evolution Chain
Turtwig evolves into Grotle at level 18, and later into Torterra at level 32. Torterra has a grass and ground type combination, which gives it unique resistances and immunities. It’s an excellent choice for players who want to go on the defensive.
Chimchar’s Evolution Chain
Chimchar evolves into Monferno at level 14, and later into Infernape at level 36. Infernape has a fire/fighting type combination, giving it resistance to dark, bug, and grass-type moves. Its moveset makes it an excellent option for players who love to attack.
Piplup’s Evolution Chain
Piplup evolves into Prinplup at level 16, and later into Empoleon at level 36. Empoleon has a water/steel type combination, giving it numerous resistances and an immunity to poison-type moves. It’s an excellent option for players who want to balance their team.
VII. Interview with a Seasoned Pokemon Diamond Player
To get a better understanding of the best starter for different players, we interviewed a seasoned Pokemon Diamond player. Here are his thoughts:
Thoughts on the Best Starter for Beginners
The best starter for beginners is Piplup. Its excellent defenses and versatility make it an excellent choice for players who are still learning the game. Piplup’s water/steel typing also provides several unique advantages.
Thoughts on the Best Starter for More Advanced Players
For more advanced players, Chimchar is an excellent choice. Its speed and attack stats make it a potent attacker, and its fire typing gives it several useful advantages throughout the game.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Starter for Different Stages of the Game
Each starter has its own unique advantages and disadvantages depending on the stage of the game. For example, Turtwig may be a bit slow at the beginning of the game, but it becomes incredibly durable later on. On the other hand, Chimchar excels in the early game, but its low defenses can make it a liability in later stages.
Tips for Players Who Are Unsure Which Starter to Choose
Players who are unsure which starter to choose should consider their preferred playstyle and what type of Pokemon they’re likely to encounter. They should also think about the advantages and disadvantages of each starter and try to match them with their playstyle and overall team strategy.
VIII. Conclusion
Choosing the right starter in Pokemon Diamond is critical. While there is no definitive answer, considering each starter’s unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as the player’s preferred playstyle and overall team strategy, can make a considerable difference. In the end, it all comes down to what works best for each player, and we hope this guide has helped you find the best starter for your needs.