Squirtle

Squirtle follows close behind at 314 base stat total, its sturdy 65 base Defense and Water Gun providing reliable coverage against Brock and Misty. It reaches level 18 for Water Gun, 2 levels faster than the typical rival starter, but its 43 base Speed lags 30% slower than #3 Charmander, holding it back from the number one spot. A concrete data point: Squirtle takes 20% less physical damage from Rock Tomb than Bulbasaur, yet its lack of Grass resistance leaves it vulnerable to Misty's Starmie, tying its utility narrowly behind the top pick.