- Pokemon Renaissance starter forms are regional variants of the classic Kanto starters, exclusive to the Elderus region.
- Bulbasaur becomes an Ice/Grass type with strong special-move potential.
- Charmander becomes a pure Ground type, immune to Electric moves and a physical powerhouse.
- Squirtle becomes a Steel type whose metal shell makes it the best defensive pick.
- All three choices are permanent — pick based on your preferred playstyle, not raw power.
What Are Pokemon Renaissance Starter Forms?
In Pokemon Renaissance, the Elderus region features its own regional variants — known in-game as Odorus forms — that rework familiar Pokemon into new types and roles. The three starters offered by Professor Blackthornne at his seaside laboratory are all Odorus forms of the Kanto classics, making the opening choice far more interesting than a standard Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle decision.
Before choosing, the professor recommends reading the library books in his lab, which hold essential information about your future partner and the regional forms system.
Video Highlights:
- Full Chapter 1 walkthrough featuring all three starter form reveals
- Live comparison of the starter choices and Professor Blackthornne's explanation
- Early gameplay showing the Ice/Grass Bulbasaur in action on Route 1
Explore Professor Blackthornne's library first. The books inside explain the Odorus forms system and give you useful context before you lock in your starter.
Starter Forms Comparison
Here is how the three Odorus starter forms stack up, based on the professor's own descriptions:
| Starter | Odorus Form Type | Key Strength | Weakness to Watch | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | Ice/Grass | Very good potential for special moves | Fire hits both types hard | Special attacker, control |
| Charmander | Ground | Immune to Electric, very powerful with physical moves | Water and Grass weakness | Physical sweeper |
| Squirtle | Steel | Metal shell makes it a strong defensive choice | Fire and Fighting weakness | Defensive tank |
Bulbasaur (Ice/Grass)
- Powder Snow provides early Ice damage and freeze chance
- Leech Seed enables sustained, grind-friendly battles
- Exceptional for long Nuzlocke-style runs
Charmander (Ground)
- Electric immunity is rare and valuable
- Built for physical moves and aggressive play
- Great for players who like fast, decisive battles
Squirtle (Steel)
- Metal shell gives outstanding bulk
- Resistances make early routes comfortable
- Note: rival's Squirtle carries priority Bullet Punch
Your rival Thomas receives one of the other two starters. If you pick Bulbasaur, expect a tough Steel-type Squirtle matchup on Route 1 — Bullet Punch priority damage is punishing at low levels.
How to Choose Your Starter: Step-by-Step
Customize Your Character
After the record-filing intro, select your character (you or Thomas), set your name, skin tone, and eye color. Difficulty can be changed anytime in the options — only Nightmare mode is locked in.
Collect Your Gear
Talk to your sister for a map and journal, grab the free potion from a villager, and pick up items around town before leaving Blue Coast Town.
Visit Professor Blackthornne
Head to the seaside lab. The professor explains the Odorus forms and presents Bulbasaur (Ice/Grass), Charmander (Ground), and Squirtle (Steel) — you can only take one.
Read the Library Books
Before committing, check the lab library for details on regional forms and your future partner's traits.
Make Your Choice
Confirm your starter. You'll receive Poke Balls immediately; your Pokedex arrives later from Martin of Azor Corporation at Clifton Sea.
Doing Blue Coast Town's side quests — the Oran Berry thief, the Marip farm mystery, and Lisa's hide-and-seek — levels your starter well above Route 1 trainers before the rival battle.
Early Game Performance by Starter
Each starter form handles Chapter 1's content differently. Here's what to expect through Route 1 and the Clifton Sea stretch:
| Challenge | Bulbasaur (Ice/Grass) | Charmander (Ground) | Squirtle (Steel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 wilds (Burby, Genie, Fural) | Strong — Powder Snow sweeps | Strong — physical hits | Solid — tanky wins |
| Rival Thomas | Tough matchup vs Steel Squirtle | Depends on his pick | Mirror match, slower |
| Farm side quest (Amarok guard) | Leech Seed attrition works well | Fast damage output | Safe sustained wins |
| Hide-and-seek trainer Lisa | Easy with type coverage | Easy | Easy |
| High-level ruins trainer (Lv 14 duo) | Freeze luck can clutch it | Risky early, revisit later | Bulky enough to stall |
XP Share is enabled by default in Pokemon Renaissance, so rotate your team through side quests. A starter around level 12–14 can take on the ruins double battle that crushes a level 8 team.
Pre-Route 1 Checklist
Complete these tasks in and around Blue Coast Town to give your chosen starter form the best possible start:
Before Leaving Blue Coast Town:
- Choose your Odorus starter form at Professor Blackthornne's lab
- Solve the Oran Berry thief side quest at the Pokemon Center
- Complete Bruno's farm quest and find the missing Marip
- Win Lisa's hide-and-seek challenge for a Rare Candy
- Take the three photos for artist Paul Vincent (beach, lighthouse, bridge)
- Stock up on Poke Balls and Potions before Route 1
Paul Vincent's camera only holds three photos at a time. Capture the shell beach near the fisherman, the tall lighthouse, and the bridge toward the unknown — then return for your reward and freed memory.
FAQ
Q: What are the Pokemon Renaissance starter forms?
They are Odorus forms — regional variants endemic to the Elderus region — of the classic Kanto starters. Bulbasaur is Ice/Grass, Charmander is Ground, and Squirtle is Steel, each with a distinct role: special attacker, physical attacker, and defensive tank respectively.
Q: Which Pokemon Renaissance starter is the best?
There is no strictly dominant pick. Ice/Grass Bulbasaur offers early crowd control with Powder Snow and Leech Seed, Ground Charmander gives Electric immunity and physical power, and Steel Squirtle is the most durable. Choose based on your playstyle — the game is balanced around all three.
Q: Can I change my starter later?
No. You can only choose one of the three Odorus forms, and the choice is permanent for that save file. You can, however, catch other regional Pokemon like Marip, Oddwig, and Burby to round out your team.
Q: How does the rival's starter work?
Your rival Thomas takes one of the remaining two starters. If you pick Bulbasaur, his Steel-type Squirtle with priority Bullet Punch makes the first rival battle on Route 1 genuinely difficult — consider grinding side quests first.