Generation I
Best Team for Pokémon Yellow
Pokémon Yellow is the only Gen I game where NPCs give you all three Kanto starters. Combine them with Pikachu for a nostalgic four-starter squad rounded out with powerful mid-game picks.
Recommended Team
Pikachu
Electric — Partner
Your mandatory partner; keep it happy and it gains bonuses. Teach it Thunderbolt (TM24) at the Game Corner for reliable Electric coverage.
Charizard
Fire / Flying — Attacker
Receive Charmander from a trainer on Route 24; Charizard is the strongest Kanto Fire type and handles Grass, Bug, and some Ice threats.
Blastoise
Water — Surf User
Officer Jenny gives you a Squirtle in Vermilion City; Blastoise is the team's Water staple and primary HM user for Surf and Strength.
Venusaur
Grass / Poison — Coverage
A girl in Cerulean City gives you Bulbasaur; Venusaur covers Water and Ground weaknesses and is the easiest Kanto starter to level early.
Nidoking
Poison / Ground — Earthquake User
Catch Nidoran♂ on Route 22 and use a Moon Stone; Earthquake coverage is invaluable and it frees the team from needing a dedicated Ground attacker.
Lapras
Water / Ice — Ice Coverage
Gift from Silph Co.; handles Dragon-type Lance's entire team and provides a secondary Water/Ice attacker for the Elite Four.
Tips & Notes
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Yellow lets you get all three starters — you don't need to choose! Pick up Bulbasaur in Cerulean, Charmander on Route 24, and Squirtle in Vermilion.
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Pikachu cannot evolve in Yellow (it refuses the Thunder Stone), but its base stats are the same as the normal Pikachu.
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The Game Corner in Celadon City sells TMs — Thunderbolt for Pikachu and Ice Beam for Lapras are the two best purchases.
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