Top Pokemon — Generation 1

Squirtle follows close behind at 314 base stat total, its sturdy defense and Water Gun providing reliable coverage against Brock and Misty, though its speed lag holds it back from number one.

Charmander lands third with 309 base stat total — its high Attack and Speed are hindered by Fragile Defense, explaining why many players bench it until after Pewter City.

Sandshrew surprises at 300 base stat total, its Ground typing offering immunity to Electric moves, but its lack of Special Attack keeps it from competing with starters.

Ekans ties Sandshrew’s height differential with a 288 base stat total, its Poison sting and Wrap combo making it a grinding favorite, though its late evolution limits long-term use.

Spearow clocks in at 262 base stat total — despite its tiny 3-foot frame, its blistering Speed and early Peck attack give it surprising utility against Bug-types in Viridian Forest.

Rattata sits at 253 base stat total, its Hyper Fang being a rare early-game powerhouse, but its fragility and Normal-typing make it a expendable HM slave in late-game.

Pidgey’s 251 base stat total makes it a versatile teammate for Fly, but its stats are spread thin, ensuring it never excels in any single battle role.

Caterpie ties for last at 195 base stat total — its sole move, String Shot, offers no attacking power, but its evolution into Butterfree redeems it with Confusion and Sleep Powder.

Weedle matches Caterpie’s 195 base stat total, yet its Poison Sting provides a tiny edge against other Bug-types, though both remain the weakest Pokémon in Generation I.

Squirtle follows close behind at 314 base stat total, its sturdy defense and Water Gun providing reliable coverage against Brock and Misty, though its speed lag holds it back from number one.

Charmander lands third with 309 base stat total — its high Attack and Speed are hindered by Fragile Defense, explaining why many players bench it until after Pewter City.

Sandshrew surprises at 300 base stat total, its Ground typing offering immunity to Electric moves, but its lack of Special Attack keeps it from competing with starters.

Ekans ties Sandshrew’s height differential with a 288 base stat total, its Poison sting and Wrap combo making it a grinding favorite, though its late evolution limits long-term use.

Spearow clocks in at 262 base stat total — despite its tiny 3-foot frame, its blistering Speed and early Peck attack give it surprising utility against Bug-types in Viridian Forest.

Rattata sits at 253 base stat total, its Hyper Fang being a rare early-game powerhouse, but its fragility and Normal-typing make it a expendable HM slave in late-game.

Pidgey’s 251 base stat total makes it a versatile teammate for Fly, but its stats are spread thin, ensuring it never excels in any single battle role.

Caterpie ties for last at 195 base stat total — its sole move, String Shot, offers no attacking power, but its evolution into Butterfree redeems it with Confusion and Sleep Powder.

Weedle matches Caterpie’s 195 base stat total, yet its Poison Sting provides a tiny edge against other Bug-types, though both remain the weakest Pokémon in Generation I.