Before starting your adventure in Digimon Story: Time Stranger, you’ll face a familiar dilemma: Which starter Digimon should I pick? Each starter has unique strengths and weaknesses, and the decision can shape your early progress.

Luckily, no choice is permanent. All starters can be recruited later through Digivolution or encounters in the wild. However, your first partner still affects how smooth your early game experience will be. This guide explains each starter’s role, highlights their advantages, and points out which choices to avoid.

DemiDevimon – Best to Avoid

DemiDevimon looks appealing at first. Its design is stylish, and its Special Skill Demi Darts can hit multiple enemies. Compared to other starters, early AoE damage feels like an advantage. But DemiDevimon struggles in practice. Most early-game bosses are Virus type, which makes this starter underwhelming when you need it most.

You can also recruit DemiDevimon very quickly later. It evolves from Pagumon or through Kuramon → Pagumon → DemiDevimon. Both Kuramon and Pagumon are common wild Digimon, so obtaining DemiDevimon is easy. The problem is its steep Digivolution requirements, needing 250 ATK and 350 INT. In short, DemiDevimon feels flashy but weak, making it the least effective starter for beginners.

Patamon – Standard Pick

Patamon sits in the middle ground. It has the highest INT among the starters, and its Enlightened Personality makes it a natural caster. Patamon deals strong magical damage, but its Data typing is a problem. Early-game bosses are mostly Virus type, which puts Patamon at a clear disadvantage. In tough boss battles, Patamon can feel more fragile than even DemiDevimon.

Outside of those fights, however, Patamon remains dependable. It can still contribute strong damage against standard encounters. You can also recruit one through Digivolution from Tokomon, though this path takes longer. It requires 600 Max SP and 360 INT. Patamon may not be the best pick, but it stays reliable in most situations.

Gomamon – Best Pick

Gomamon stands out as the best starter. With the highest HP and DEF, it naturally fills the role of a tank. Its Vaccine typing gives it a major advantage, letting it counter Virus bosses with ease.

This makes Gomamon the most dependable choice for smooth progression. Its damage output is weaker, but that shortcoming is easy to cover. You can recruit Agumon early, and together they balance offense and defense well.

Like the others, Gomamon is also available through Digivolution. It comes from Bukamon, which is not difficult to obtain early in the game. Overall, Gomamon offers the safest and most rewarding start for new players.

Final Recommendation – Which Starter to Choose?

Your decision comes down to what you value most in a starter. DemiDevimon brings early AoE attacks and a striking design, but it falters in important battles and is too easy to recruit later. Patamon offers reliable magic damage but struggles in Virus-heavy encounters, leaving it inconsistent in critical moments.

The strongest choice is Gomamon, whose bulk and Vaccine typing make it perfect for tough early-game bosses. Although it lacks raw power, pairing it with Agumon provides a well-rounded team for early progression.

Even so, no choice locks you out permanently. Every starter becomes available later, and Digivolution opens up new typing options. If you want the safest path, pick Gomamon. But if you prefer roleplay, challenge runs, or a design you love, then any starter can still be enjoyable. For more updates on the game, avaliable platforms and editions, please visit their official website.

We’ve also compiled a guide for Digimon Story: Time stranger; interested players can click on the link below: