Chikorita facts for kids

Chikorita is a cute Grass-type Pokémon that looks a bit like a small dinosaur or a plant. In Japan, its name is Chicorita (チコリータ Chikorīta). It's a popular character from Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon games and shows.

Chikorita is well-known for appearing in the Pokémon TV show. The main character, Ash Ketchum, even has one as his partner!

Where Can You Find Chikorita?

In the Pokémon Video Games

Chikorita first appeared in the video games in 1999. This was in the Japanese versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver. It's one of three special starter Pokémon you can choose at the very beginning of the game. You can also pick Chikorita in Pokémon Crystal and their updated versions, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. The other two starter Pokémon are Cyndaquil and Totodile.

Chikorita has appeared in many other Pokémon games too!

• In Pokémon Emerald, you can choose Chikorita after you finish the Hoenn Pokédex.
• In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Professor Birch might give you a Chikorita.
• In Pokémon Sun and Moon, you can find Chikorita by scanning special QR codes on Melemele Island.
• Chikorita also shows up in the Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl fighting games. It can use its "Razor Leaf" attack to hit opponents.
• In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Chikorita appears as a "Spirit" character.
• In 2017, Chikorita joined the Pokémon Go app. It was even featured in a "Community Day" event in September 2018, where many players could catch it!

Chikorita in the TV Show

One of the most famous Chikorita is the one caught by Ash Ketchum in the anime. Ash found Chikorita in the wild and saved it from Team Rocket. After that, Chikorita decided to join Ash without even needing a battle!

Ash's Chikorita was very fond of him. It often wanted Ash's attention and sometimes got a little jealous of his Pikachu. Once, it even ran away because of this, but it came back when Ash showed how much he cared.

In gym battles, Chikorita showed its strengths and weaknesses. It was defeated by a Flying-type Pokémon (Faulkner's Hoothoot) and a Bug-type Pokémon (Bugsy's Metapod). But it did manage to defeat Bugsy's Spinarak! Later, Ash's Chikorita evolved into a stronger Pokémon called Bayleef while protecting Ash from Team Rocket.

Other Chikorita have also appeared in the anime:

• The first Chikorita seen in the anime belonged to a trainer named Casey. It later evolved into Bayleef and then Meganium.
• Another Chikorita was owned by Silver, who met Ritchie.
• Lyra had a Chikorita that battled in a tag battle during the Sinnoh adventures.
• A Chikorita also appeared in the twelfth Pokémon movie.
• Horace owns a Chikorita in the Pokémon Journeys series.

Chikorita in Comics and Books

Chikorita has also appeared in different Pokémon comic books, called manga.

• In the Pokémon Adventures manga, a Chikorita ran away from Professor Elm to join a trainer named Crystal. This Chikorita helped Crystal complete her Pokédex and later evolved into Bayleef.
• In the Magical Pokémon Journey manga, there's a Chikorita named Chiko who is friends with Bulbasaur.
• In Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga, a Chikorita was stolen by a new trainer named Black and later evolved into Bayleef.
• Other Chikorita have appeared in manga like Pocket Monsters HeartGold & SoulSilver Go! Go! Pokéathlon and Pocket Monsters HGSS Jō's Big Adventure.

Chikorita Merchandise

Chikorita has been featured on many cool items! A special Game Boy Color console was released that had Chikorita, Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Pikachu on it. Chikorita has also appeared many times in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, so you might find its card in your collection!

What Do People Think of Chikorita?

Some authors, like Tracey West and Katherine Noll, have said that Ash's Chikorita in the anime was "one of his most loyal Pokémon ever." They liked how it evolved to protect Ash, showing its strong bond.

While Chikorita is loved by many, some people think it's the weakest of the starter Pokémon in Gold and Silver. In one ranking of all starter Pokémon, Chikorita was placed 16th, behind Cyndaquil and Totodile. Even though Chikorita itself is cute, some people have said its evolved forms aren't as strong defensively. But no matter what, Chikorita is a unique and memorable Pokémon!

See also

In Spanish: Chikorita para niños