What to check
Start with a mechanic you want to use: healing, armor and shield, or Fire damage.
PokéBonk — Which starter should I choose?
The short answer
Compare the three documented kits. Bulbasaur has healing in its passive, Squirtle has armor and shield bonuses, and Charmander has a Fire damage bonus and extra damage below 40% HP. These traits describe different starting options; we do not yet have a controlled ranking of their performance.
