Charmander sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Charizard as fast as possible. Known as the Lizard Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Speed and Sp. Atk carry most of Charmander's stat budget. HP's the obvious dump stat. Tough to catch and yields 1 Speed EV. Follows a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve.
The flame at the tip of its tail makes a sound as it burns. You can only hear it in quiet places.
Charmander Weakness
AvgCharmander is weak to Water, Ground, and Rock-type moves. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong. Standard number of weaknesses for the Fire typing.
Three stages ahead. Charmander grows into Charmeleon, then pushes on to Charizard. Check the evolution methods below. For breeding, average hatch time with no compatible partners via two egg groups. Evolving adds up to 225 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Charmander easily from the Dragon and Monster egg groups.
Best Build
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
TMs carry this one. Charmander learns Fire Blast and Flamethrower naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Dragon and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Charmander starts showing up in early-game routes at moderate rates across 8 encounter spots. The list below is sorted so you can pick what fits your current progress without scrolling through everything.
Best Locations
Which version you're playing matters for Charmander. 8 walking and gift spots at Lv. 3-23 spread across Let's Go Eevee and Let's Go Pikachu, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Charmander is meant to evolve into Charmeleon. At 309 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon at level 16. Charmander is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Blaze is the go-to ability for Charmander. It strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less. Its hidden ability Solar Power can work in specific setups.
At base 65 Speed, it won't be moving first often. On offense, Charmander is a mixed attacker — base 52 Attack and 60 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Charmander appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Charmander has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A