5 Pokemon starter combination suggestions for Pokemon Legends Z-A

Pokemon Legends Z-A promises an exciting adventure set against a backdrop reminiscent of historical Paris during a time of extensive urban renewal, as announced on Pokemon Day Pokemon Presents. While the exact time period remains a mystery, the game is expected to embrace French culture, mirroring how Pokemon Legends Arceus celebrated Japanese elements with its Hisuian forms.

The choice of Hisuian starters in Pokemon Legends Arceus pleasantly surprised fans by selecting three starter Pokemon from distinct regions and bestowing them unique final evolutions and typings.

Similarly, the Legends game set in Kalos is expected to follow this innovative approach, introducing a fresh twist on familiar faces from across the Pokemon world. Here are five imaginative starter Pokemon trio combinations, each bringing a distinct flavor of French culture to the world of Pokemon.

NOTE: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions.

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Five possible starter trio combinations for Pokemon Legends Z-A

1) Grookey, Torchic, Squirtle

Grookey, Torchic and Squirtle (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Grookey (Grass/Psychic): Inspired by the Enlightenment and France’s profound contributions to the arts and sciences, Grookey could evolve into Kalosian Rillaboom, embodying the spirit of intellectual exploration and discovery.

Picture Kalosian Rillaboom using its leafy limbs to delicately manipulate instruments and quills instead of drumsticks, a nod to historical inventors and thinkers. Its design could incorporate elements reminiscent of old libraries and botanical gardens, blending nature with the pursuit of knowledge.

Torchic (Fire/Fairy): Drawing from the famous tale of "The Blue Bird" by Maurice Maeterlinck, Torchic could evolve into Kalosian Blaziken, symbolizing the quest for happiness and the magic of discovery.

Kalosian Blaziken’s feathers shimmer with ethereal light, embodying hope and joy. In addition to having a rich lore and resemblance to a bird from legends, this Kalosian variant could boast radiant blue flames.

Squirtle (Water/Dragon): Squirtle’s evolution could draw inspiration from the legendary Tarasque, transforming into Kalosian Blastoise, a Water/Dragon-type. With armor plating reminiscent of the mythical beast’s shell and a fearsome aquatic dragon's visage, this evolution could emphasize the blend of historical myth with natural elements.

Kalosian Blastoise’s lore could incorporate motifs from medieval tapestries, and its Hydro-Dragon potential could be a testament to the enduring power of folklore.

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2) Quaxly, Snivy, Litten

Quaxly, Snivy and Litten (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Quaxly (Water/Steel): Channeling the spirit of the French Musketeers, Quaxly evolves into Kalosian Quaquaval, a Water/Steel-type. Instead of evolving into a dancer-inspired form, Quaxly could retain its disciplined nature and maintain that throughout its Kalosian evolution.

Wearing a plumed hat and wielding a rapier, Kalosian Quaquaval’s graceful and precise movements in battle reflect the discipline and artistry of the musketeers. Its feathers could be steel-tipped, allowing for both elegant water-based attacks and sharp, swift steel strikes.

Snivy (Grass/Poison): In a twist that enhances its royal demeanor, Snivy could evolve into a Kalosian Serperior, taking on a Grass/Poison typing.

This evolution draws inspiration from France's historic rose gardens, with Kalosian Serperior’s design incorporating the luxurious and sometimes deadly beauty of these landscapes. Its attacks could blend the elegance of a dance with the hidden dangers of its thorns, embodying the duality of beauty and peril.

Litten (Fire/Fighting): Reflecting France’s history with fireworks and explosives, Litten could evolve into Kalosian Incineroar, a Fire/Fighting-type. Its design is inspired by historical pyrotechnicians, with patterns resembling old fireworks on its fur. Kalosian Incineroar could be agile and explosive in battle, using a combination of martial arts that mimic the unpredictable and spectacular nature of fireworks.

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3) Treecko, Piplup, Scorbunny

Treecko, Piplup and Scorbunny (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Treecko (Grass/Fire): Drawing from the emblem of the French Renaissance, Treecko evolves into Kalosian Sceptile, a Grass/Fire-type. This evolution pays homage to the salamander emblem of King Francis I, incorporating fiery and regal elements into its design.

Kalosian Sceptile can control both flames and flora, using this unique combination to create fiery botanical attacks that dazzle and overwhelm foes.

Piplup (Water/Dark): Piplup could evolve into Kalosian Empoleon, taking inspiration from Emperor Napoleon. This Water/Dark-type stands tall, with a potential design incorporating elements of Napoleonic military reputation for strategy. Kalosian Empoleon’s strategy in battle reflects Napoleon’s own, focusing on swift, decisive victories and a commanding presence that can rally allies.

Scorbunny (Fire/Electric): Capturing the essence of speed and France’s contribution to the development of electricity and France's involvement in the soccer world, Scorbunny could evolve into Kalosian Cinderace, a Fire/Electric-type.

Its design could fuse lightning motifs with athletic gear, embodying the electrifying excitement of sports and the rapid advancement of technology. Kalosian Cinderace’s gameplay style is fast and unpredictable, using electrically charged kicks and bursts of speed to outmaneuver opponents.

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4) Popplio, Chikorita, Chimchar

Popplio, Chikorita and Chimchar (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Popplio (Water/Normal): Tapping into France’s opulent operatic and theatrical traditions, Poplio could evolve into Kalosian Primarina, a Water/Normal-type. Its design blends aquatic elegance with the grandeur of historical French opera costumes.

Kalosian Primarina could use its melodious voice and graceful movements to captivate foes, combining water-based attacks with sound waves to create stunning and effective performances in battle.

Chikorita (Grass/Steel): Drawing from the valor of French knights, Chikorita evolves into Kalosian Meganium, a Grass/Steel-type. This creature’s design could incorporate armor and heraldry, symbolizing the chivalric code.

It could have a leafy mane and tail that are now interwoven with steel, and it charges into battle with the honor and strength of a medieval knight, protecting its allies with a shield of foliage and steel.

Chimchar (Fire/Ghost): Inspired by a dark chapter in Parisian history, Chimchar evolves into Kalosian Infernape, a Fire/Ghost-type. This evolution reflects the tragic tale of a misunderstood chimpanzee turned vengeful spirit.

Kalosian Infernape’s design could be haunting, with ethereal flames and shadows cloaking its form. In battle, it uses its ghostly powers to phase through attacks and retaliate with spectral fire.

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5) Tepig, Sobble, Turtwig

Tepig, Sobble and Turtwig (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Tepig (Fire/Fairy): Kalosian Emboar embodies the fusion of French cuisine’s warmth with the enchanting, sometimes darker elements of its fairy tales. This evolution marries the culinary artistry of French chefs with the mystical aspects of folklore.

Kalosian Emboar’s design could reflect a deep cultural appreciation for both gastronomy and story, integrating elements of legendary feasts and enchanted beasts into their appearance.

Sobble (Water/Ghost): Reflecting the intrigue and espionage of the French courts, Sobble evolves into Kalosian Inteleon, a Water/Ghost-type. With a design that nods to both the mysterious allure of spies and the aquatic nature of Sobble, Kalosian Inteleon uses its abilities to vanish into the water and reappear unexpectedly, employing stealth and misdirection in a fresh direction to outwit foes.

Turtwig (Grass/Rock): Inspired by the French tradition of ornate and meticulously designed gardens with turtle statues, Turtwig could potentially evolve into Kalosian Torterra, a Grass/Rock-type.

This evolution combines the steadfast nature of rock with the nurturing aspects of plants, creating a Pokemon that embodies the harmony between natural and sculpted beauty. Kalosian Torterra’s design could feature stone carvings and lush vegetation, symbolizing the balance of nature and human ingenuity.

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Each of these detailed starter trios for Pokemon Legends Z-A celebrates the rich tapestry of French culture, history, and folklore, providing players with a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant Pokemon experience.

Through these carefully crafted evolutions, the game not only pays homage to the diverse facets of French heritage but also offers a unique blend of narrative depth, cultural tribute, and innovative gameplay, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure in the Kalos region.

For other Pokemon topics, check out these articles:

5 things Legends Z-A should learn from Legends Arceus || Best team composition for X and Y || 10 most powerful Legendaries || Unknown facts about Ash’s Pikachu || Iconic Ash-Greninja moments