Caterpie, Metapod and Butterfree

#010 Caterpie

Caterpie: It releases a stench from its red antenna to repel enemies. It grows by molting repeatedly.

Type: Bug

Stats:
HP          Attack     Defense
45              30           35

Speed   Spec Atk   Spec Def
45              20            20

Growth Rate: Medium Fast

Hatch Steps: 4,000

Evolution: Level 7

Weaknesses: Fire; Flying; Rock; Ice

Strengths: Grass; Psychic; Dark

Caterpie, the first bug pokémon in the 'dex. This little guy grows really quickly, but is really weak. He's cute enough, but that's about all he's got going for him. However, if you are just starting a game or need some filler pokémon, keep him around. His evolutions may be worth training him at least for awhile. This is a pokémon that I train and keep only for a little while/a few gyms, because having that extra pokémon is nice, especially one that is so easy to train and grows quickly, but I would not suggest this as a permanent team member. Great for a temporary one though.

#011 Metapod

Metapod: A steel-hard shell protects its tender body. It quietly endures hardships while awaiting evolution.

Type: Bug

Stats:
HP          Attack     Defense
50              20           55

Speed   Spec Atk   Spec Def
30              25            25

Growth Rate: Medium Fast

Hatch Steps: 4,000

Evolution: Level 10

Weaknesses: Fire; Flying; Rock; Ice

Strengths: Grass; Psychic; Dark

Like the description says, this is a pokémon waiting to evolve. It's not a fighting pokémon and not even a defensive pokémon, even though its defense sky rockets from when it was a Caterpie. Other than that, however, everything pretty well goes down in stats. A lot of people claim this pokémon as worthless, and it very well may be, but again, if you need a filler or are just starting out, I'd say hold on to him. Unless you raised him from a tackle-knowledgeable Caterpie though, he's pretty near impossible to train. The only way to train a "harden-only" Metapod would be to put him in front of your party and then switch him out right at the beginning of battle. Yes, this guy can take a hit. He can take well near 100 hits and is a bugger to kill, but that's about all he can do. For now.

#012 Butterfree

Butterfree: It loves the honey of flowers and can locate flower patches that have even tiny amounts of pollen.

Type: Bug/Flying

Stats:
HP          Attack     Defense
60             45            50

Speed   Spec Atk   Spec Def
70             80            80

Growth Rate: Medium Fast

Hatch Steps: 4,000

Evolution: Final Stage

Weaknesses: Fire; Flying; Electric; Rock; Ice

Strengths: Fighting; Grass; Bug; Psychic; Dark
(Ground-No Effect)

As you can see, Butterfree's stats are not all that impressive. However, as I've said previously, this is a great filler/temp pokémon. Its great for taking down some beginning of the game gym leaders and trainers along the way. Once pokémon start getting into the high 20's and low 30's though, Butterfree won't last long. Its stats and moves are good, but not good enough to carry it through the game. Unless and a bit unless it is your tactic to poison, paralyze, or put to sleep. Butterfree learns poison powder, stun spore, and sleep powder right away, and you can keep this pokémon in your team merely for that reason, as these conditions affecting foes can be a huge advantage. It would mean a lot of switching out and carefully planning though, as Butterfree can't take on tougher enemies too well.

In summary, Caterpie is worth it to keep for the end result, even if only temporarily. Metapod may grow quickly, but it still will take patience to train him becuase he can't attack unless you evolved him from a tackle Caterpie. Butterfree is definitely worth it in the early stages of a game, but won't be much good past the 3rd gym leader unless you use specific tactics.