Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, remakes of the originalPokemonDiamondandPearl, take players back to the Sinnoh region. The Sinnoh region has been a fan favorite since its introduction, and for good reason.Pokemon’s4th Generation introduced many powerful and iconic Pokemon to the already enormous roster.
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The Sinnoh region’s starter Pokemon are some of the most beloved, and players have strong opinions onwhich starter is the best.Whether players choose Piplup, Turtwig, or Chimchar, they will need at least five more Pokemon to fill out the team that they will take with them on their journey to become Sinnoh’s champion. With so many choices, it can be hard to decide who best suits the chosen starter, but here are some of the best picks for Sinnoh’s Fire-type.
Updated Jun 02, 2025 by Renri Seong:Out of all three Sinnoh starters, Chimchar seems to have resonated with the fanbase a bit more than Turtwig and Piplup. The originalDiamond and Pearlseverely limited Fire-types by making only Chimchar and Ponyta available before the National Dex.Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearlthankfully took inspiration fromPokemon Platinumby making more Fire-types available to catch in the Grand Underground. However, some trainers still choose Chimchar as their starter because they like its evolution line. The following list has been updated to include four additional Pokemon that work well with Chimchar.
17Gengar
Those looking for a special attacker to pair with their eventual Infernape should consider Gengar. The Ghost/Poison-type is one of the hardest hitters in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl when it comes to Special Attacks. It also boasts an impressive Speed stat, meaning it will out-pace its opponents and allow trainers to set up powerful moves like Destiny Bond.
The only downside is actually obtaining a Gengar, as they’re a “trade evolution.” Players that have a friend with a copy of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl can simply level up a Gastly until it transforms into a Haunter at level 25 and then trade it to trigger its transformation into the quick-attacking Gengar.
Gengar’s Stats
16Crobat
Anyone that needs a Speedy Pokemon to round out their team composition should give Crobat a try. Although there are some typing disadvantages due to its Poison and Flying combination, as well as some coverage issues for its move set against certain Pokemon, it’s more than capable of doing serious damage in the right hands.
Crobat’s immense Speed stat gives it an edge over many other Pokemon and it’s capable of setting up status effects like Hypnosis before its opponent can attack. Once it learns Poison Fang it can greatly hinder an opponent by putting it to sleep and hitting it with a severe poison ailment.
Crobat’s Stats
15Snorlax
Chimchar is a solid option for those that are looking to dish out some early game damage but it’s not the best Pokemon when it comes to taking hits. Those that need to tank some attacks should grab a Snorlax. This beastly behemoth is more than capable of surviving some powerhouse hits while simultaneously dishing out decent damage.
Snorlax’s impressive HP, Attack, and Special Defense allow it to fight back against sweepers and heavy-hitters. The only downside is its poor Speed stat, which makes it vulnerable to faster Pokemon that can dish out intense damage.
Snorlax’s Stats
14Alakazam
A Psychic-type Pokemon that evolves from Abra, Alakazam has a gigantic Special Attack stat thatrivals even some legendaryPokemon in the Sinnoh region. With this Special Attack and access to powerful Psychic-type moves like Psychic, Psyshock, and Future Sight, Alakazam can serve well on almost any Pokemon team.
Abra can be caught early in a player’s journey onRoute 203orRoute 215. Both Abra and Kadabra also be found in the game’sGrand Underground. Abra will evolve into Kadabra at level 16, which will need to betradedto evolve into Alakazam.
Alakazam’s Stats
13Lumineon
Lumineonis often overlooked when players are deciding who should be on their team. It has admirable stats, though it does fall short of some of the other Water-type options that players have to choose from. Where Lumineon really shines is with its wide variety of move options. With available move types including Water, Bug, Flying, Ice, and even a Psychic option, it has incredible versatility for being a pure Water-type.
Finneon, Lumineon’s unevolved form, can be caught in many placesusing afishing rod—Route 205,Route 218,Route 219, andRoute 220to name a few. Finneon will evolve into Lumineon at level 31.
Lumineon’s Stats
12Weavile
Weavileis a Dark/Ice Pokemon with great Speed and Attack stats. Its unique typing gives it the ability to cover tough Pokemon with weaknesses to Dark or Ice-type, moves like Metagross or Tyranitar. Unfortunately, its typing also gives it a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves, which can hinder it in some battles. However, if players are able to avoid these dangers, Weavile is a great choice.
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Weavile evolves from Sneasel, who can be caught in tall grass onRoute 216,Route 217,Snowpoint Temple, andLake Acuity. Sneasel can also be foundin theGrand Underground. Sneasel will evolve into Weavile when holding aRazor Clawat night.
Weavile’s Stats
11Magnezone
Magnezonehas a powerful Dual-typing of Steel/Electric,giving only 3 weaknesses(Fighting, Fighting, and Ground) and a plethora of resistances, including an immunity to Poison-type moves. Magnezone’s Special Attack also gives it the ability todefeat most opponents within a few moves, making it a great asset for gym battles and the Elite Four.
Magnemite, Magnezone’s pre-evolution, can be found in tall grass atFuego Ironworksand in theGrand Underground. Magnemite will evolve into Magneton at level 30, and into Magnezone once players use aThunder Stoneon it.
Magnezone’s Stats
10Garchomp
Garchompis a fan-favorite and one of the best Pokemon in the series. It’s the Sinnoh region’s pseudo-legendary Pokemon, with a massive stat total of 600. Its Attack stat in particular makes it a real threat to any opponent. Its biggest downside is its 4x weakness to damage from Ice-type moves, but it compensates for this with a great move pool full of great Dragon, Ground, and Dark-type moves.
Gible, Garchomp’s unevolved form, can be caught inWayward Caveand theGrand Underground. Gible will evolve into Gabite at level 24, and Garchomp at level 48. Playersshouldn’t struggle to level it upthanks toBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’sExp. Share always being on.
Garchomp’s Stats
9Gyarados
Gyaradosis the notoriously powerful Pokemon that evolves from the notoriously weak Magikarp. Its 4x weakness to damage from Electric-type moves is offset by its immunity to Ground-type moves. Its Attack and Special Defense make it a useful addition to any trainer’s team, and its Water-typing allows it to pair well with Chimchar.
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Magikarp can be caught in most bodies of water in the Sinnoh region using afishing rod,and will evolve into Gyarados when it reaches level 20.
Gyarados' Stats
8Floatzel
Floatzelis a Water-type that excels in battle with its high Attack and Speed stats. With few weaknesses (Grass and Electric-type moves), Floatzel is usable in almost every battle and can come in handy for Chimchar players when facing Water-type trainers throughout the game.
Buizel, Floatzel’s previous evolution, is most easily caught in tall grass onRoute 205,Route 213, andRoute 224. Floatzel can also be found in tall grass atFuego Ironworks,Route 213, andRoute 218. Buizel will evolve into Floatzel at level 26.
