Game reference: Beta v0.8.18Checked: 22 Oct 2026

Choose your first PokeBonk partner

Verified starter-selection footage shows Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle as the first partner choices. Their displayed roles point toward healing, Fire damage and defense respectively. Choose the mechanic you want to learn; no reliable win-rate data supports a universal ‘best starter’ claim.

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Bulbasaur

Grass / Poison

Healer

Starts with Vine Whip. Photosynthesis adds regeneration, healing effectiveness and healing from Grass hits in v0.8.18.

Charmander

Fire

Flame striker

Starts with Ember. Blaze increases Fire damage and adds damage while below 40% HP in v0.8.18.

Squirtle

Water

Defender

Starts with Water Gun. Torrent Shell adds armor and shield, plus damage while below 40% HP in v0.8.18.

Step 1

What this comparison verifies

The three names and broad roles are supported by dated gameplay footage and the original game interface shown in that footage. Exact balance values can change. We do not import stats from main-series Pokémon games or treat familiar Pokémon lore as proof of PokeBonk mechanics.

Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle starter selection in PokeBonk — **The official selection screen shows each starter's role, passive and starting move.**Captured from the official PokeBonk client · 22 Oct 2026
Editorial guide use · Game imagery belongs to its respective rights holders.

Step 2

Choose a learning goal, not a tier

Bulbasaur is the healing-oriented option observed in the client, Charmander is the Fire-damage option, and Squirtle is the defensive option. That is enough to make a beginner choice without publishing unverified damage tables. Read the passive and starting move on your current selection screen before confirming.

Want to watch recovery and sustain? Start by reading Bulbasaur’s current card.
Want to learn pressure and Fire effects? Read Charmander’s current card.
Want a defensive starting point? Read Squirtle’s current card.

Step 3

What we do not claim

There is no V1 tier list, fastest-clear ranking, or complete unlock tracker. Those would require stable, versioned records or repeatable playtests. The starter page is a decision aid for the first screen, not a competitive ranking.