Pokemon X Starters Guide: Chespin, Fennekin & Froakie Tips

Blogs rtdfsg 02 Jul , 2026 0

Choosing your first companion is one of the most memorable moments in any Pokémon adventure. If you’re replaying Kalos or deciding which partner to pick for the first time, this complete look at pokemon x starters will help you make a confident, strategic choice.

Introduction: Why the pokemon x starters matter

The pokemon x starters—Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie—each bring a different flavor to the Kalos journey. Your starter affects early gyms, team composition, and even competitive prospects. In this guide you’ll get clear comparisons, actionable tips, recommended movesets, evolution timelines, and team-building suggestions so you can pick the best starter for your playstyle.

Overview of the three Kalos starters

Before diving into specifics, here’s a quick snapshot of the Kalos starter trio:

Chespin (Grass → Quilladin → Chesnaught): Bulky physical attacker with strong defensive options and a signature role as a tank.
Fennekin (Fire → Braixen → Delphox): Special attacker that learns Psychic-type moves, useful for mixed offense and unique coverage.
Froakie (Water → Frogadier → Greninja): Fast, versatile attacker with high Speed and special attack options; Greninja is a top pick for competitive play.

These starters influence early-game strategy, type matchups, and even how you approach Gyms like Viola (Bug), Grant (Normal), Korrina (Fighting), Ramos (Grass), Clemont (Electric), Valerie (Fairy), Olympia (Psychic), and Wulfric (Ice) in Pokemon X and Y.

Section 1: Detailed breakdown — Chespin line (Quilladin & Chesnaught)

Chespin evolves at level 16 into Quilladin, then into Chesnaught at level 36. As a Grass-type starter with notable bulk, Chesnaught offers a defensive presence many teams lack.

Strengths

High Defense and solid Attack — excels as a physical wall or tank.
Access to powerful moves like Seed Bomb, Wood Hammer, and Spiky Shield for tactical play.
Useful in-habit moves for field and story: can learn Rock Tomb, Leech Seed, and status moves that stall.

Weaknesses and counters

4× weakness to Fire when Grass is the only typing in earlier forms, though Chesnaught gains a secondary typing nuance via signature moves.
Struggles vs. strong special attackers and Poison-type moves—carry a healing item or pairing with Steel/Flying covers.

Recommended moveset and tips

Offensive set: Seed Bomb / Wood Hammer, Drain Punch, Rock Tomb, Spiky Shield — good for in-game tanking and damage.
Defensive set: Leech Seed, Protect/Spiky Shield, Gyro Ball or Hammer Arm, Roar to phaze setup sweepers.
Tips: Chesnaught’s hidden ability offers useful niche options; prioritize physical EV investment and a nature that boosts Attack or Defense depending on role.

Section 2: Detailed breakdown — Fennekin line (Braixen & Delphox)

Fennekin evolves into Braixen at level 16 and into Delphox at level 36. As a Fire-type starter that often learns Psychic moves, Delphox becomes an interesting special attacker with mixed niche coverage.

Strengths

Strong special attack and access to powerful Fire-type moves such as Flamethrower and Fire Blast.
Psychic coverage: Delphox learns Psychic and Extrasensory, useful against Fighting and Poison types.
Magician (hidden ability) can steal items for creative plays.

Weaknesses and counters

Lower defense and HP than Chesnaught, which makes Delphox fragile against strong physical attackers.
Common weaknesses: Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type moves can quickly overwhelm Fire types.

Recommended moveset and tips

In-game striker: Flamethrower, Psychic, Will-O-Wisp, Energy Ball (coverage).
Competitive concept: Maximize Special Attack with a Timid or Modest nature; consider Nasty Plot sets for sweep potential if you invest in evasion or priority coverage.
Tips: Use Delphox to counter Grass- and Bug-type Gyms; pair with a Water resistance teammate (e.g., a Ground or Rock immune Pokémon) to handle Rock-type threats.

Section 3: Detailed breakdown — Froakie line (Frogadier & Greninja)

Froakie evolves at level 16 into Frogadier and again at level 36 into Greninja. Greninja, especially with its Protean hidden ability, is widely celebrated for its speed and adaptability both in-game and in the competitive scene.

Strengths

Exceptional Speed and balanced Special Attack — ideal for hit-and-run tactics.
Protean (hidden ability) converts moves into the user’s type, giving consistent STAB and unpredictable coverage.
Signature moves: Water Shuriken (priority), Hydro Pump, Dark Pulse and Ice Beam for wide coverage.

Weaknesses and counters

Froakie line’s fragility in defense means it can be knocked out if caught by a super effective hit.
Electric- and Grass-type moves threaten Water-types; a teammate with Levitate or Ground immunity helps.

Recommended moveset and tips

In-game safe set: Surf, Ice Beam, Dark Pulse, U-turn — great coverage for most Kalos routes.
Competitive set (Protean): Hydro Pump/Surf, Dark Pulse, U-turn, Ice Beam or Gunk Shot. Speed investment and a Timid nature are common.
Tips: Greninja’s Water Shuriken is invaluable early for priority; use it to finish off weakened foes or to beat faster threats.

Section 4: How to choose — playstyle, Gym matchups, and long-term value

Picking between Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie depends on three main factors: how you like to play, which Gym battles you want an easier time with, and whether you value in-game usefulness or competitive potential.

Playstyle considerations

If you enjoy tanky, methodical play and using status/defensive options, choose Chespin.
If you like glassy special attackers with stylish coverage and niche tricks, choose Fennekin.
If you prefer fast, high-skill, momentum-based battles and competitive viability, choose Froakie.

Gym matchup summary (early game)

Viola’s Bug Gym: Fennekin handles Bug types well.
Grant’s Normal Gym: All starters perform; Chespin’s bulk helps.
Ramos’ Grass Gym: Fennekin or Froakie are preferable to avoid disadvantage.
Other Gyms: Greninja makes Electric and Fire Gyms comfortable with coverage moves.

Long-term and competitive value

Greninja (Froakie line) is the strongest long-term pick for competitive play due to Speed and Protean. Chesnaught can be a great defensive core member in certain team archetypes. Delphox has niche uses but is less common in high-level competitive formats.

Section 5: Team building tips — pairing your starter

A balanced team minimizes your starter’s weaknesses and amplifies strengths. Here are sample pairings to consider with each starter to cover common type disadvantages and build synergy.

Pairing for Chespin / Chesnaught

Partner with Flying or Fire-immune types (e.g., a Steel or Flying Pokémon) to absorb Fire attacks.
Add a strong Water or Flying attacker for Rock-type coverage.
Example team core: Chesnaught + Talonflame + Aegislash for physical walling and offensive pressure.

Pairing for Fennekin / Delphox

Include a Water-resistant Pokémon or a bulky Ground type to counter Water and Rock weaknesses.
Add an Electric or Ghost coverage to handle bulky Water and Psychic threats.
Example team core: Delphox + Swampert + Gengar for raw special power and speed control.

Pairing for Froakie / Greninja

Complement Greninja’s fragility with a defensive pivot like Skarmory or Ferrothorn.
Use a status or support Pokémon (e.g., Amoonguss) to handle Hazard control and sustain.
Example team core: Greninja + Ferrothorn + Toxapex for offensive threat plus stall resistance.

Section 6: Training, breeding, and competitive setup

Optimizing a starter for the competitive scene requires focus on IVs, EVs, nature, and ability selection. Here are practical, beginner-friendly steps to get a tournament-ready starter.

EVs, natures, and IV advice

Greninja: Timid nature with max Speed and Special Attack EVs (or mixed sets with Attack for physical options).
Chesnaught: Adamant nature with Attack and HP/Defense EVs for longevity.
Delphox: Modest or Timid with max Special Attack and Speed EVs.

Breeding and abilities

Hidden abilities like Greninja’s Protean or Delphox’s Magician are invaluable; use the Friend Safari (Gen VI) or breeding with parents carrying the hidden ability to pass them down.
Egg moves: Some moves like Water Shuriken need attention during breeding for Greninja-focused sets.

Held items and EV training tips

Consider Life Orb or Choice Specs for Delphox/Greninja offensive sets; Assault Vest or Leftovers for Chesnaught’s defensive role.
Use easy EV training methods in Kalos such as the Super Training mini-game or battling lower-level wild Pokémon with ideal EV yields.

Section 7: In-game strategies and examples

Here are step-by-step examples for early, mid, and late-game strategies using each starter.

Chespin (early-game example)

Use Quilladin’s bulk to tank common route enemies and status moves like Leech Seed to sustain through long fights.
Stack physical attacks and stall with Spiky Shield before evolving into Chesnaught to hit harder and keep opponents from setting up.

Fennekin (mid-game example)

Exploit Delphox’s Psychic coverage against Fighting and Poison trainers. Use Will-O-Wisp in tough battles to cripple physical attackers.
Learn Energy Ball or Grass Knot for Water and Ground coverage in double battles or late-game fights.

Froakie (late-game and competitive example)

Evolve to Greninja and teach Water Shuriken and Dark Pulse. Use Greninja as a revenge killer or pivot with U-turn.
With Protean, switch into a neutral hit and immediately threaten with an unexpected STAB move. Protect, scouting, and priority matter when playing Greninja well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Which of the pokemon x starters is the best overall?

A1: For long-term value and competitive play, Froakie (Greninja) is generally considered the best due to its Speed, movepool, and Protean hidden ability. For in-game durability, Chespin (Chesnaught) is a top choice, while Fennekin (Delphox) is a special attacker with useful Psychic coverage.
Q2: At what levels do pokemon x starters evolve?

A2: All three starters evolve at level 16 (first evolution) and again at level 36 (final evolution): Chespin → Quilladin → Chesnaught, Fennekin → Braixen → Delphox, Froakie → Frogadier → Greninja.
Q3: Are any pokemon x starters good for competitive battling?

A3: Yes—Greninja is widely used in competitive formats, especially with Protean. Chesnaught can serve as a niche physical wall in specific team builds, while Delphox is more situational but can surprise in the right metagame.
Q4: Which starter makes early Gyms easier in Kalos?

A4: Fennekin helps against the Bug Gym and many Grass threats; Froakie is versatile and handles a range of Gyms once you teach it coverage moves; Chespin’s bulk makes repeated trainer battles easier but struggles against Fire and Poison Gyms.
Q5: Should I prioritize hidden abilities like Protean or Magician?

A5: Hidden abilities can be game-changing. Protean on Greninja dramatically improves competitive viability. Magician on Delphox and Bulletproof on Chesnaught are useful in niche situations. If you plan to play competitively or want a more unique in-game experience, aim for hidden abilities via breeding or Friend Safari methods.

Conclusion

Choosing between the pokemon x starters comes down to your preferred playstyle. Froakie (Greninja) is a versatile, high-skill option great for both in-game runs and competitive battles. Chespin (Chesnaught) provides steady defense and reliable physical presence, while Fennekin (Delphox) offers special attacking flair and unique Psychic coverage. Consider the Gyms you most want to dominate, the team synergy you need, and whether you plan to invest in breeding or EV training. Whatever you choose, each starter leaves a memorable mark on your Kalos journey—train them well, learn their movesets, and have fun building a team around your chosen partner.

Quick recap: Froakie = speed and versatility (Protean Greninja), Chespin = bulk and defense (Chesnaught), Fennekin = special coverage and psychic utility (Delphox). Good luck, Trainer—may your starter evolve into a legendary ally.