Which Sinnoh starter is the most useful in Diamond?

Question

Just got Diamond for B-day, and I haven't decided which starter to choose. Any ideas?

Comments

I think similar questions in the past were closed or hidden, so this one might be, too. As for really helping you, I think Chimchar is usually the best because it can learn fire blast and focus blast before the third gym.

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Thanks

Answer 1

I think Chimchar is usually the best. It can learn fire blast and focus blast before the third gym and learn swords dance a bit later, and Infernape has better offensive typing compared to the other starters. It's also more likely to outspeed and one-shot opponents and less likely to give them a chance to use an annoying status move. The current world record holder in DP speedrunning used a Chimchar.
source

Answer 2

I suggest you to choose Chimchar as your starter Pokemon because After it evolve it into 3rd Evolution state that is Infernape its Attack and Speed increases greatly. Also it give trainer a good type coverage against opponent Pokemon.
I suggest you should teach your Infernape these Moveset :
1.Fire Blast
2.Focas Blast (special move)
3.Close Combat (Physical move)
4.Acrobatics

Comments

Acrobatics doesn't exist in Diamond. Also why would you use 2 fighting attacks when you can cover more opponents with earthquake or shadow claw?

Answer 3

Chimchar is definitely the way to go. Infernape's offensive capabilities are monstrous in the mid and late game, but has a slightly slow start in the beginning, as it has a weakness to the first gym. Luckily though, catching a Budew just before the entrance to the city, the gym becomes very easy. Infernape is also the only solid choice for a fire-type Pokemon on your team, as Flareon and Rapidash are not great by themselves, nor do they hold a candle to Infernape.

Comments

I'm pretty sure that getting a Monferno with mach punch before the first gym is easier than raising a Budew.

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Yeah I just didn't remember if Monferno got it immediately after evolving or not, but Budew is still worth it, as Monferno is still put in danger if it can't knock out the opponent with 1 Mach Punch

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Budew has no priority attacks and weaker stats, so Budew is in even more danger immediately after it enters battle. Monferno is also drastically better than Budew between the first and second gyms, so experience put into a Budew is more likely to be wasted.