How to Get a Kanto Starter Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y

A guide to starting Kanto (or other Pokémon)

Reviewed by Ishrak

Last Updated: April 22, 2025

In addition to the starter Pokémon that you get into the beginning of the game, Pokémon X and Y also allows you to get one of the Kanto starter Pokémon - Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Read this article to find out how you can do so.

Getting Pokémon X and Y Starters

Go to Lumiose City for the first time.
Travel west and go inside the Sycamore Pokémon Lab.
Take the elevator up to the 3rd floor of the lab.
Battle and defeat Professor Sycamore.
Choose Kanto as a starter for your reward.

Steps

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He uses Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
You only get one per file, so pick carefully.

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Question

Where can I get TM Surf in Pokémon X and Y?

Community Answer

You can obtain TM Surf from Tierno after progressing to a certain point in the story, which occurs relatively early in the game.

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How do I get all the Kanto starters in Pokemon X and Y?

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You can only obtain one Kanto starter through normal gameplay. To acquire all three, you must trade with other players for the ones you don't receive.

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