Charmander

Charmander lands third with 309 base stat total — its 52 base Attack and 65 Speed are top among starters, but its 43 base Defense is 25% lower than the average Kanto starter, making it fragile until after Pewter City. Compared to #1 Bulbasaur, Charmander takes 40% more damage from Brock's Rock-type moves, explaining why many players bench it until level 16 to learn Metal Claw. Despite a 10% faster win rate against Misty when evolved into Charmeleon, its early-game weakness means it ranks behind more durable peers.