Pokemon Black White 2 Starters

Choosing Your Champion: A Deep Dive into Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Starters

Choosing your starter Pokémon is arguably the most important decision in any Pokémon game, setting the tone for your entire adventure. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, sequels to the critically acclaimed Black and White, offer a compelling trio of starter Pokémon: Snivy the Grass-type, Tepig the Fire-type, and Oshawott the Water-type. This in-depth guide will explore each starter's evolutionary line, strengths, weaknesses, competitive viability, and overall gameplay experience, helping you make the informed choice that's right for you. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or a newcomer to the Unova region, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to conquer the Elite Four and become the champion.

Introduction: The Unova Starter Trio

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 maintain the traditional starter Pokémon formula, offering a Grass, Fire, and Water type to begin your journey. Unlike some generations, the Unova starters boast unique and distinct evolutionary lines, each possessing a compelling personality and compelling gameplay style. This isn't just a pick-and-choose situation; understanding the nuances of each starter’s strengths and weaknesses is key to a successful playthrough.

1. Snivy: The Graceful Grass-type

Snivy, the Grass-type starter, presents a sophisticated and elegant approach to battling. Its initial frail appearance belies a powerful and strategically versatile evolution line.

• Evolutionary Line: Snivy evolves into Servine at level 14, then into Serperior at level 36. Serperior is a graceful, majestic Pokémon, visually striking and a powerful force in battle.

• Strengths: Serperior excels as a special attacker, boasting high Special Attack and Speed stats. Its access to a wide variety of Grass-type moves, including Leaf Storm, Giga Drain, and Dragon Pulse, makes it incredibly adaptable to various opponents. The Grass typing provides excellent coverage against Water, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon, common foes in the Unova region. Its high Speed stat allows it to outspeed many opponents, securing crucial first hits.

• Weaknesses: Serperior's main weakness lies in its vulnerability to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, and Ice-type moves. This diverse range of weaknesses necessitates strategic team building and careful consideration of your opponent's team composition. Its physical defenses aren't particularly strong, making it susceptible to powerful physical attacks.

• Gameplay Experience: Snivy's evolution line provides a consistently strong and reliable experience throughout the game. Its high Special Attack and Speed make it a valuable asset in battles, consistently dealing significant damage and outpacing many opponents. However, players need to be mindful of its vulnerabilities and strategize accordingly.

2. Tepig: The Fiery Fire-type

Tepig, the Fire-type starter, embodies a passionate and energetic fighting style. Its evolution line focuses on powerful physical attacks and relentless offensive pressure.

• Evolutionary Line: Tepig evolves into Pignite at level 17 and Emboar at level 36. Emboar is a powerful and imposing Pokémon, known for its brute strength and fiery demeanor.

• Strengths: Emboar is a potent physical attacker, boasting impressive Attack and HP stats. Its Fire-type moves, including Flamethrower, Flare Blitz, and Head Smash, deal substantial damage to many opponents. Emboar’s access to Fighting-type moves adds further versatility, allowing it to handle opponents who resist Fire-type attacks.

• Weaknesses: Emboar's typing makes it vulnerable to Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks. Its lower Speed stat compared to Serperior means it's more susceptible to being outsped and attacked first. While physically strong, Emboar's special defenses are relatively weak.

• Gameplay Experience: Playing with Tepig provides a more straightforward, aggressive playstyle. Emboar's high attack and HP allow for a powerful, offensive presence in battle. However, players need to be mindful of its lower speed and vulnerability to specific types. Careful team composition and strategic maneuvering are crucial to maximizing its potential.

3. Oshawott: The Agile Water-type

Oshawott, the Water-type starter, brings a balanced approach to combat, combining speed, special attack, and physical attack capabilities.

• Evolutionary Line: Oshawott evolves into Dewott at level 17, then into Samurott at level 36. Samurott, with its elegant samurai-inspired design, stands out as a visually striking and powerful Pokémon.

• Strengths: Samurott is a surprisingly versatile Pokémon, excelling in both physical and special attack roles. It boasts high Attack and Special Attack stats, allowing for flexibility in its moveset. Its Water-type moves, including Waterfall, Aqua Jet, and Hydro Pump, offer significant damage potential. Its access to Night Slash adds a strong dark-type option.

• Weaknesses: Samurott is weak to Grass and Electric-type attacks. Its defenses are somewhat balanced, but it's not exceptionally tanky. While versatile, Samurott may lack the outright power of Emboar or the speed of Serperior in certain scenarios.

• Gameplay Experience: Oshawott offers a well-rounded and adaptable experience. Its versatility in attack types allows for strategic adjustments based on the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. However, it might require more strategic planning compared to the more straightforward styles of the other starters.

A Comparative Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a table summarizing the key strengths and weaknesses of each starter's final evolution:

Competitive Viability: Beyond the Main Story

While all three starters are viable for a standard playthrough, their competitive viability differs. In competitive battling, Serperior often stands out due to its exceptional Speed and access to strong special attacks. Emboar's raw power can be effective, but its lower Speed and predictable moveset can be exploited. Samurott occupies a niche as a physically potent Water-type with access to strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves. However, its less-than-stellar defenses make it somewhat vulnerable in competitive settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Which starter is best for beginners? All three starters offer a relatively smooth gameplay experience for beginners. Tepig/Emboar might be the easiest due to its straightforward high-attack playstyle.

• Which starter is best for a Nuzlocke run? A Nuzlocke run demands resilience. Serperior’s speed and special attack makes it a strong contender, but all three can succeed with careful strategy and team building.

• Can I catch all three starters? No. You choose only one at the beginning of the game.

• Are there any hidden strengths or weaknesses I should know about? While not explicitly stated, the synergy between a Pokémon's typing and its movepool is crucial. Each starter's access to certain TMs and move tutors can significantly impact its performance.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

The choice of starter Pokémon in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is a matter of personal preference and play style. Each starter offers a unique and engaging experience, with its own strengths and weaknesses. Serperior provides a fast and powerful special attacking experience, Emboar offers raw physical power, and Samurott offers a balanced approach. Careful consideration of your preferred playstyle, desired challenges, and understanding of the game mechanics will ultimately guide you to the perfect partner for your Unova adventure. No matter your choice, the journey promises exciting battles, challenging trainers, and the rewarding experience of becoming a Pokémon champion. Remember, the best starter is the one you enjoy playing with the most!