Choosing a partner in the urban landscape of Lumiose City presents a different set of challenges compared to previous entries in the series. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the traditional turn-based strategy is replaced by a real-time action system where positioning and move timing are everything. The core choice remains the same at the start: Chikorita, Totodile, or Tepig. However, because of the new Mega Evolution mechanics and the way healing items work in this game, the "best" choice isn't as obvious as it used to be.

The Shift in Combat Meta

Unlike traditional titles, Legends: Z-A limits item usage with a strict cooldown timer. You cannot spam Max Potions while facing off against a Rogue Mega-Evolved boss. This single change has elevated certain Pokémon from "niche" to "essential."

Survival in the Wild Zones of Lumiose City depends on a Pokémon’s ability to sustain itself or end fights before the enemy can stun you. Mega Evolution energy is gathered by dealing damage, meaning your starter needs to be active on the field, dodging and striking continuously to reach its peak form.

Chikorita: From Underdog to High-Tier Tank

Historically, Chikorita has been viewed as a difficult starter to use. In the redeveloped Lumiose City, it is arguably the strongest functional choice.

Mega Meganium (Grass/Fairy)

Upon reaching its final form and utilizing a Mega Stone, Meganium gains the Fairy typing. This is a massive advantage given the high frequency of Dragon and Dark-type encounters in the late-game Z-A Royale.

  • Sustainability: Chikorita learns Giga Drain, Synthesis, and Leech Seed. In an action-RPG setting, having reliable self-healing that doesn't trigger your item cooldown is a game-changer.
  • Defensive Utility: Access to Light Screen and Reflect allows players to mitigate damage while navigating complex boss patterns.
  • Mega Advantage: Mega Meganium is particularly effective against nearly half of the Rogue Mega Evolution encounters found in the city’s central sectors.

While its damage output might feel lower initially compared to the other two, its ability to outlast aggressive opponents makes it the most forgiving pick for those still mastering the real-time dodge mechanics.

Totodile: The Offensive Powerhouse

For players who prefer a high-octane offensive style, Totodile remains a fan favorite. Its evolution line focuses on raw physical power and relentless pressure.

Mega Feraligatr (Water/Dragon)

The addition of the Dragon typing to Mega Feraligatr is a significant buff. It removes the traditional Electric and Grass weaknesses, replacing them with a more neutral defensive profile while granting a massive boost to its offensive coverage.

  • Aggression: Moves like Liquidation and Outrage allow Feraligatr to shred through enemy shields quickly.
  • Mobility: In the Lumiose battle zones, Feraligatr moves faster in water-adjacent terrain, making it ideal for specific Wild Zone encounters near the city’s canals.
  • The Catch: While powerful, Water-type Pokémon are extremely abundant in Lumiose City. Players can easily find high-level Buizel or Clauncher early on, which might make picking Totodile feel redundant if you are looking for team diversity.

Tepig: Rare Fire Coverage

Tepig offers a balanced middle ground. As the only Fire-type among the starters, it fills a gap that is often hard to fill in the early stages of the urban redevelopment project.

Mega Emboar (Fire/Fighting)

Unlike the other two, Emboar retains its secondary Fighting type through its Mega Evolution. While it doesn't gain a new typing, its base stats in Attack and HP are significantly bolstered.

  • Type Rarity: Fire types are relatively scarce in the initial Wild Zones (Sectors 1-5). Having a guaranteed Fire-type early helps immensely against the Steel and Bug types common in the industrial districts.
  • Shield Breaking: Its Fighting-type moves are excellent for breaking the poise of armored Rogue Pokémon.
  • Vulnerability: The Fire/Fighting combo is susceptible to many common types in Lumiose, including Flying, Psychic, and Ground. Players choosing Tepig should prioritize catching a strong Psychic or Electric type to cover these gaps.

Secondary Starter Opportunities

One of the unique aspects of Legends: Z-A is that your initial choice does not lock you out of other powerful starters. As you progress through the urban redevelopment ranks, additional partners become available.

The Kanto Connection

During Side Mission 22, "A Call from Mable," you are offered a choice between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. This mission triggers after defeating Rintaro in Main Mission 8.

  • Pro Tip: If you picked Tepig as your main starter, Squirtle is a great secondary choice to cover Ground and Rock weaknesses. If you went with Chikorita, Charmander provides the Fire coverage you'll lack early on.

The Kalos Originals

Since the game is set in Kalos, Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie are also available, though they are earned through specific sector-based challenges:

  1. Chespin: Complete Side Mission 7 in Academie Etoile.
  2. Fennekin: Accept the request in the Magenta District (Side Mission 8) involving the revitalized twigs.
  3. Froakie: Complete the platforming trials in Jaune Sector 8 (Side Mission 9).

Completing the Collection

If you find yourself regretting your initial choice or simply want to complete your Pokédex, all starters—including the ones you didn't pick—can be caught in the post-game.

Once the main story missions are concluded, Wild Zone 20 unlocks. This area serves as a sanctuary where Johto, Kanto, and Unova starters roam freely. You will also find the necessary Mega Stones for their final evolutions in this zone, provided you have reached Rank A in the Z-A Royale.

Making the Decision

There is no objectively wrong choice, as the game’s difficulty scales based on your Rank and the Pokémon you choose to support your starter. However, some general suggestions can be made:

  • For the smoothest progression: Chikorita is recommended. The combination of Grass/Fairy typing and self-healing moves reduces the reliance on expensive healing items during long expeditions into the Wild Zones.
  • For high-speed combat: Totodile is the way to go. Its Mega Feraligatr form offers some of the highest burst damage in the game, perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of dodging and counter-attacking.
  • For strategic team building: Tepig is a solid anchor. Its rarity as a Fire type in the early game makes team composition easier as you won't be constantly searching for a way to deal with Steel-type obstacles.

Ultimately, your success in Lumiose City will depend more on how you utilize the Mega Evolution gauge and how well you navigate the real-time threats of the Rogue Pokémon. Each starter has been tuned to provide a viable path to Rank A, so picking your personal favorite remains a perfectly valid strategy.