Get A Kanto Starter Pokémon In Pokémon X And Y
The thrill of embarking on a new Pokémon adventure is always heightened by the choice of your very first partner. In the vibrant world of Pokémon X and Y, players are presented with a delightful opportunity to revisit the iconic Kanto region by obtaining its beloved starter Pokémon. This feature, a nostalgic nod for long-time fans and an exciting introduction for newcomers, allows you to add Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle to your team in Kalos. But how exactly do you get a Kanto starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y? It’s a question that sparks excitement and a desire to complete one’s collection, and thankfully, the process is straightforward and rewarding.
The journey to acquiring these Kanto legends begins not at the very start of your Kalosian adventure, but a little later, after you’ve proven yourself as a capable trainer. Once you have defeated the Elite Four and become the Champion of the Kalos region, new opportunities open up. It’s in the post-game content that these special Pokémon become available, making your victory all the more meaningful as it unlocks access to these classic companions. This design choice ensures that players experience the core Kalosian journey first, before introducing the powerful and familiar faces from a previous generation.
How to Obtain Your Kanto Starter in Pokémon X and Y
The primary method for obtaining a Kanto starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y involves a special gift from Professor Sycamore. After you have achieved champion status, return to Lumiose City. Head to the Café Lysandre, a location that plays a significant role in the main story. Inside, you will find Professor Sycamore waiting for you. He’s not just there for a friendly chat; he has a special gift for you, recognizing your incredible achievement as the Kalos Champion.
This gift, presented by the good professor, is one of the three Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Professor Sycamore will offer you your choice of one of these three. This is a pivotal moment, as your decision will influence your gameplay strategy in the post-game content and potentially your overall playthrough. Each Pokémon comes with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, and eventual Mega Evolution, so choose wisely based on your preferred playstyle.
Understanding Your Kanto Starter Choices
Let’s delve into what each of these Kanto starters brings to your team in Pokémon X and Y:
Bulbasaur: This Grass/Poison-type Pokémon is the definition of a balanced starter. Its dual typing gives it an advantage against the many Water and Rock-type Pokémon prevalent in Kalos. Its final evolution, Venusaur, boasts excellent Special Attack and Special Defense, making it a formidable special attacker. Furthermore, its Mega Evolution, Mega Venusaur, gains the Thick Fat ability, which halves the damage taken from Fire and Ice-type moves, further enhancing its defensive capabilities and making it resistant to a common weakness. Bulbasaur is an excellent choice for players who appreciate a sturdy and versatile Pokémon.
Charmander: The fiery favorite, Charmander, evolves into Charizard, a beloved Fire/Flying-type Pokémon. Charizard is known for its high Speed and Special Attack, making it a potent offensive threat. Its typing provides super-effective coverage against numerous opponents throughout the game. In Pokémon X and Y, Charmander has not one, but two Mega Evolutions to choose from: Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. Mega Charizard X transforms into a Fire/Dragon-type, gaining immense power and a new typing. Mega Charizard Y retains its Fire/Flying typing but receives a massive boost to its Special Attack and becomes a true special-sweeping powerhouse. The choice between these Mega Evolutions offers strategic depth for players who opt for Charmander.
* Squirtle: The water-dwelling Squirtle evolves into Blastoise, a pure Water-type Pokémon. Blastoise is renowned for its high Defense and Special Attack, making it a solid mixed attacker with excellent bulk. Its Water typing is incredibly useful, allowing it to effectively counter Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon. Mega Blastoise undergoes a dramatic transformation, gaining a new ability called Mega Launcher, which significantly boosts the power of its “aura” and pulse-based moves, such as Dark Pulse and Aura Sphere. This makes Mega Blastoise an offensive force to be reckoned with, capable of dishing out incredible damage.
The Mega Evolution Advantage
The inclusion of Kanto starters in Pokémon X and Y is made even more exciting by their ability to Mega Evolve. Each of the three Kanto starters has a unique Mega Evolution available in these games, each offering a significant power boost and strategic advantage. As mentioned, Charmander has two distinct Mega Evolutions, which is unique among the Kanto starters in this generation. Having access to these powerful forms adds another layer of strategy and collecting endgame content for players who have worked hard to get a Kanto starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y.
To utilize Mega Evolution in battle, you will need the appropriate Mega Stone for each Pokémon. These Mega Stones are typically found in the post-game as well, often through specific trainers or hidden locations. Finding and collecting these Mega Stones, along with the Kanto starters themselves, provides excellent post-game objectives for dedicated players.
Beyond the Champion’s Gift
While Professor Sycamore’s gift is the most direct way to get a Kanto starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y, it’s worth noting that trading is another viable option. If you have friends who have also obtained their Kanto starters, you can trade with them to acquire the ones you didn’t initially choose. This encourages player interaction and community engagement, allowing everyone to eventually complete their Kanto starter collection. Through trading, you can fill your Pokédex and solidify your team with these classic Pokémon.
In conclusion, the opportunity to get a Kanto starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y is a fantastic addition to the game, offering a blend of nostalgia and new strategic possibilities. By conquering the Kalos League and becoming Champion, you unlock the chance to receive Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle from Professor Sycamore. Each offers a unique path forward, especially with their powerful Mega Evolutions, adding immense value to the post-game experience. So, train hard, become the Champion, and claim your legendary Kanto companion!