Are Pikachu and Eevee starters?

Can Pikachu and Eevee Really be Considered Starter Pokémon?

If you're anything like me, Pokémon has probably been a huge part of your childhood (and let's be honest, adulthood too!). You've probably chosen your fair share of starters, from the fiery Charmander or chilled out Squirtle to the leafy headed Bulbasaur. Starter Pokémon are iconic, adorable, powerful, and let's face it, we tend to grow way too emotionally attached to them. But wait a minute, what about Pikachu and Eevee? These two fan favourites often spark debates amongst fans everywhere: can they actually be classified as Starter Pokémon too? Or are they forever destined to sit outside the exclusivity of that wonderful little club?

Grab a snack and settle down trainers, because today we're exploring a question no Pokémon fan can resist debating about Starter Pokémon: do Pikachu and Eevee genuinely deserve the title, "starter Pokémon"?

The Traditional Starter Pokémon Definition

Ask anyone what a starter Pokémon is, and their answer probably revolves around that classic trio offered by the local professor at the beginning of every great Pokémon journey. Typically, these three lovable critters openly represent three distinct types: Fire, Water, and Grass. Our journey starts by picking the one that resonates most with us, marking the beginning of an incredible, everlasting bond that often stretches across generations of gameplay.

Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur; Cyndaquil, Totodile, Chikorita; Torchic, Mudkip, Treecko—the pattern is recognisable and consistent. These little companions have been handed out for decades, setting the benchmark for what we traditionally distinguish as a "starter." They’re simple, beloved, straightforward. But hold onto your Poké Balls for a second—what about Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee?

But Wait: What About Pokémon Yellow?

Flashback to 1998's Pokémon Yellow, a legendary title that shook things up by putting the iconic Pikachu front and centre. This version boldly defied the standard starter archetype. Instead of Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur, we excitedly embarked on our Kanto adventure hand in paw with everyone's favourite electric mouse, a true Starter Pokémon who, interestingly enough, followed us around refusing the safety of its Poké Ball. And wasn’t that just the coolest thing ever?

Fans immediately fell in love with this new dynamic. Pikachu, with his cheeky attitude and formidable electric powers, became arguably one of the most beloved "starter" options, even though he did not follow the traditional starter type rules. Yellow version quite literally powered up the discussion of what could be included under the 'starter' umbrella, pushing the boundaries of what a beginning Pokémon companion could be.

Let’s Not Forget Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee

Then along came Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! in 2018. These games took nostalgia to dazzling new heights, recreating our beloved Kanto region adventures with a vibrant new twist. And, plot twist time, trainers began their journey accompanied by either Pikachu or Eevee. At last, Eevee got its much deserved spotlight moment as a clever little Starter Pokémon who could not only hold its own in battle but also melted hearts with sheer charm.

These games cemented something we had all suspected—that iconic Starter Pokémon status does not strictly belong only to those traditional Grass, Water, and Fire starters. Pikachu and Eevee became symbols again, representing not only the franchise itself but our earliest childhood Pokémon memories. So does playing such integral roles not automatically earn them the starter badge of honour?

What Really Counts as a Starter Pokémon Anyway?

Okay, so let’s clear something up right now—what officially makes a Starter Pokémon?

If you are part of the purist Pokémon fanbase, you will probably argue that starters must follow strict rules. You choose them at the start, from three distinct typed options: Fire, Grass, Water. By this rigid framework, Pikachu and Eevee probably do not quite squeeze into that starter mould. But the games have shown us again and again that there is room to redefine categories when it makes the experience richer.

But think about it—does it truly matter that Eevee is Normal type or Pikachu Electric? Maybe choosing starters should not be all about strict Pokémon-game bureaucracy. Pokémon, after all, thrives because of its charm, unpredictability, and individual experiences. Nothing feels quite as brilliant as discovering something absolutely new and exciting, right? And Pikachu and Eevee certainly tick that box without fail.

Another argument people bring up is that starters should have evolutionary lines. Charmander becomes Charizard, Squirtle transforms into Blastoise, and so on. Of course, Pikachu evolves into the equally loveable Raichu—well, unless you're Ash Ketchum who seems fundamentally opposed to that transformation! And Eevee does not just have one evolution; it has multiple possibilities (looking at you Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, and Sylveon). If anything, Eevee has got this whole evolving thing down better than any other starter out there.

Moreover, the concept of a starter is not just about mechanics. It is about that deep connection. It is the first Pokémon that represents you, the one you see when you close your eyes and remember your journey. Pikachu and Eevee embody that emotional weight for countless players who began their Starter Pokémon adventure with them, and that means far more than just type alignment or evolutionary consistency.

So... Are Pikachu and Eevee Actually Starters?

Alright, enough beating around the Oddish bush—are Pikachu and Eevee legit starters or not? In my humble (and overly enthusiastic) Pokémon-master opinion, yes absolutely! Let us face it, everyone who has played Pokémon games has their own unique journey. And a Starter Pokémon encompasses way more than just predefined rules based solely on types and evolutions.

When I see Pikachu and Eevee, I do not just see two cute Pokémon. I see childhood friends and emotional allies, representing memories, nostalgia, and the heart and soul of Pokémon itself. A true Starter Pokémon is that first friend you turn to in battle, one whose friendship carries you through countless escapades, tutorials, Gym Leaders, and Elite Fours. Pikachu was literally Ash’s starter, after all, and Eevee has carved its own legendary reputation with trainers worldwide, earning a permanent place in the fandom’s collective heart.

Plus, Pokémon Yellow and Pokémon Let’s Go proved beyond doubt that these two fan favourites can comfortably inhabit that prestigious starter pedestal. They are not sidekicks or mere novelty Pokémon; they are adored Starter Pokémon icons in their own rights, proudly making their marks in Pokémon history as unforgettable Starter Pokémon.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Okay To Break Tradition

The actual charm of Pokémon lies in exploration and diversity. While tradition has its place, shaking things up with iconic and universally beloved Starter Pokémon like Pikachu and Eevee enriches our Pokémon journeys. It keeps the series exciting, unpredictable, and full of emotional resonance. Breaking the mould every now and then can breathe new life into even the most established franchises.

So the next time someone argues about who counts as a "real starter," proudly tell them Pikachu and Eevee are just as legitimate as Charmander or Squirtle. Pokémon has always thrived on the bond between trainer and partner, not set rules in a manual. Your Starter Pokémon partner is not determined by elements alone, but by loyalty, storytelling, and experience.

After all, your best friend Pokémon is whatever makes your adventure feel special, exciting, and uniquely yours. So let us happily embrace Pikachu and Eevee into the legendary Starter Pokémon club, because frankly, our Starter Pokémon adventures would have felt so incomplete without them!