Spoilers follow. Ultimately, the final evolutions of all three Pokemon revolve around different types of stage performers. As a result, each of them seems bipedal to some extent. Adorable little Fuecoco, for example, becomes Skeledirge, the “Singer Pokemon,” and its Pokedex entry reflects the pose of an opera singer. The three also have some unusual subtypes this time around. Typically Fire has been paired with Fighting, to the point where Pokemon fans make fun of the replay, but this time it’s Quaxly’s water evolution that takes on the Fighting subtype. Fuecoco evolves into a Fire and Ghost type, while Sprigatito gains a combination of Grass and Dark. Each also learns a handful of other move types — for example, Sprigatito eventually learns the Fairy Play Rough type move. Whichever you choose, your Nemona opponent will choose the one that is weak to it. So if you pick Sprigatito, for example, you’ll be regularly fighting against Nemona and her Quaxly because water is weak to grass. Ultimately which one you choose will come down to personal preference, and as always there will be plenty of fire, water and grass Pokemon roaming the wild to fill any gaps in your roster.

Sprigatito – Floragato – Meowscarada (Magician Pokemon) – Grass, Dark

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Fuecoco – Crocalor – Skeledirge (Singer Pokemon) – Fire, Ghost

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Quaxly – Quaxwell – Quaquaval – Water, Fighting

Gallery Fuecoco is probably the choice if you want to have the smoothest route in the early game. While gyms can technically be taken on in any order, their leaders will have progressively more powerful Pokemon, and these don’t scale with your level. Since the two easiest gyms are Bug and Grass — both weak to fire — Fuecoco will speed you through the early game until you can build a larger monster roster. As a bonus, his eventual Ghost type will help with later matches against other powerful Psychic and Ghost opponents. For more information about the order you can play through the open world game, see our badge order guide. And for much more on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, check out how long it takes to beat Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, along with our Pokemon Scarlet and Violet review. The products discussed here were independently selected by our editors. GameSpot may receive a share of the revenue if you purchase anything featured on our site.