Generation I: Kanto, from Red to FireRed

Updated on 2026-09-02

Generation I covers Red, Blue, Yellow and the remakes FireRed/LeafGreen (Gen III). That's 151 Pokémon and the Kanto region.

What to play today

FireRed/LeafGreen is the recommended version: it keeps the classic structure but runs on Abilities, Natures, the Physical/Special split of stats, and the modern type chart. The Game Boy originals have historical value, but several mechanics were very different (Psychic had almost no counter, and the Dark type did not exist yet).

Starter choice

• Bulbasaur: the easiest early game — an advantage against the first two gyms.
• Squirtle: the most balanced; Blastoise takes a lot of punishment.
• Charmander: a hard start (Brock and Misty), high payoff later; Charizard is Fire/Flying.

Team pieces that stood the test of time

• Alakazam: huge Sp. Atk and Speed.
• Gengar: Ghost/Poison, fast, great move pool.
• Snorlax: a giant physical wall with solid attack.
• Gyarados (from a patient Magikarp): Water/Flying with high Attack.
• Zapdos / Articuno / Moltres: Kanto's three legendary birds, all usable.

Watch out

Mewtwo, available after the Elite Four in Cerulean Cave, is the strongest Pokémon in the whole generation — it essentially breaks the post-game.

See the Generation I page for the full list and Pokédex numbers.