The Flame Pokemon. Charmeleon is the mid-stage grind to Charizard in Platinum, where the physical/special split and new tutor moves reshape Fire/Flying.
Ability 1BlazeAbility 1Strengthens Fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
405HP58Attack64Defense58Speed80Sp.Def65Sp.Atk80
Charmander
Charmeleon
Charizard
Weak to
Physical
Balanced
80Speed · Above Avg

Is Charmeleon Good in Platinum Playthrough?

Charmander's evolution at level 16. Fire remains scarce enough in Platinum that even mid-evolution contributes if you import early. Reaches Charizard at level 36.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadTGEGTGGEGTTEGGGERoarkGym 1GardeniaGym 2FantinaGym 3MayleneGym 4Crasher WakeGym 5ByronGym 6CandiceGym 7VolknerGym 8CharmeleonTradeAaronE4BerthaE4FlintE4LucianE4JupiterBossMarsBossSaturnBossCynthiaChamp*
Roark
Gym 1
Tough

Roark's team hits Charmeleon's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Geodude
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock Throw
Risky
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
Stealth RockRock ThrowScreech
Even
Cranidos
Lv 14
Rock
Mold Breaker
HeadbuttPursuitLeer
Gardenia
Gym 2
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Gardenia's team.

Easy KO
Turtwig
Lv 20
Grass
Overgrow
Grass KnotRazor LeafSunny DayReflect
You Win
Cherrim
Lv 20
Grass
Flower Gift
Grass KnotLeech SeedMagical LeafSafeguard
Even
Roserade
Lv 22
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Grass KnotMagical LeafPoison StingStun Spore
Fantina
Gym 3
Even

Charmeleon trades roughly evenly with Fantina's team.

Even
Duskull
Lv 24
Ghost
Levitate
Will O WispPursuitShadow SneakFuture Sight
Even
Haunter
Lv 24
GhostPoison
Levitate
Shadow ClawSucker PunchHypnosisConfuse Ray
Risky
Mismagius
Lv 26
Ghost
Levitate
Shadow BallPsybeamMagical LeafConfuse Ray
Maylene
Gym 4
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Maylene's team.

You Win
Meditite
Lv 28
FightingPsychic
Pure Power
Drain PunchConfusionRock TombFake Out
You Win
Machoke
Lv 29
Fighting
Guts
Karate ChopRock TombStrengthFocus Energy
You Win
Lucario
Lv 32
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Drain PunchForce PalmMetal ClawBone Rush
Crasher Wake
Gym 5
Tough

Crasher Wake's team hits Charmeleon's weaknesses hard.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 33
WaterFlying
Intimidate
WaterfallBrineBiteTwister
Risky
Quagsire
Lv 34
WaterGround
Damp
Mud ShotRock TombWater PulseYawn
Risky
Floatzel
Lv 37
Water
Swift Swim
BrineIce FangCrunchAqua Jet
Byron
Gym 6
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Byron's team.

You Win
Magneton
Lv 37
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
Flash CannonThunderboltTri AttackMetal Sound
You Win
Steelix
Lv 38
SteelGround
Rock Head
Flash CannonIce FangEarthquakeSandstorm
You Win
Bastiodon
Lv 41
RockSteel
Sturdy
Metal BurstStone EdgeIron DefenseTaunt
Candice
Gym 7
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Candice's team.

Easy KO
Sneasel
Lv 40
DarkIce
Inner Focus
SlashAerial AceFeint AttackIce Shard
You Win
Piloswine
Lv 40
IceGround
Oblivious
AvalancheStone EdgeEarthquakeHail
Easy KO
Abomasnow
Lv 42
GrassIce
Snow Warning
AvalancheWood HammerWater PulseFocus Blast
You Win
Froslass
Lv 44
IceGhost
Snow Cloak
BlizzardDouble TeamShadow BallPsychic
Volkner
Gym 8
Even

Charmeleon trades roughly evenly with Volkner's team.

You Win
Jolteon
Lv 46
Electric
Volt AbsorbImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder WaveCharge BeamIron TailQuick Attack
You Win
Raichu
Lv 46
Electric
Static
Charge BeamFocus BlastSignal BeamQuick Attack
Even
Luxray
Lv 48
Electric
Rivalry
Ice FangThunder FangCrunchFire Fang
Even
Electivire
Lv 50
Electric
Motor DriveImmune to Electric attacks
Thunder PunchFire PunchQuick AttackGiga Impact
Aaron
Elite Four
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Aaron's team.

You Win
Yanmega
Lv 49
BugFlying
Speed Boost
Air SlashBug BuzzU TurnDouble Team
Easy KO
Scizor
Lv 49
BugSteel
Swarm
Iron HeadX ScissorNight SlashQuick Attack
You Win
Vespiquen
Lv 50
BugFlying
Pressure
Attack OrderDefend OrderHeal OrderPower Gem
You Win
Heracross
Lv 51
BugFighting
Swarm
MegahornClose CombatNight SlashStone Edge
Even
Drapion
Lv 53
PoisonDark
Battle Armor
X ScissorCross PoisonIce FangAerial Ace
Bertha
Elite Four
Tough

Bertha's team hits Charmeleon's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Whiscash
Lv 50
WaterGround
Oblivious
Earth PowerAqua TailZen HeadbuttSandstorm
Even
Gliscor
Lv 53
GroundFlying
Hyper Cutter
EarthquakeIce FangFire FangThunder Fang
Even
Hippowdon
Lv 52
Ground
Sand Stream
EarthquakeStone EdgeCrunchYawn
Risky
Golem
Lv 52
RockGround
Rock Head
EarthquakeFire PunchThunder PunchSandstorm
Risky
Rhyperior
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
EarthquakeRock WreckerMegahornAvalanche
Flint
Elite Four
Tough

Flint's team hits Charmeleon's weaknesses hard.

Even
Houndoom
Lv 52
DarkFire
Early Bird
FlamethrowerSludge BombDark PulseSunny Day
Risky
Flareon
Lv 55
Fire
Flash FireImmune to Fire attacks
OverheatGiga ImpactQuick AttackWill O Wisp
Risky
Rapidash
Lv 53
Fire
Run Away
Flare BlitzSolar BeamBounceSunny Day
Risky
Infernape
Lv 55
FireFighting
Blaze
Flare BlitzThunder PunchMach PunchEarthquake
Risky
Magmortar
Lv 57
Fire
Flame Body
FlamethrowerThunderboltSolar BeamHyper Beam
Lucian
Elite Four
Even

Charmeleon trades roughly evenly with Lucian's team.

Even
Mr Mime
Lv 53
Psychic
Soundproof
PsychicThunderboltReflectLight Screen
Even
Espeon
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicShadow BallQuick AttackSignal Beam
You Win
Bronzong
Lv 54
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
PsychicGyro BallEarthquakeCalm Mind
Even
Alakazam
Lv 56
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicEnergy BallFocus BlastRecover
Even
Gallade
Lv 59
PsychicFighting
Steadfast
Drain PunchPsycho CutLeaf BladeStone Edge
Jupiter
Commander
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Jupiter's team.

You Win
Zubat
Lv 21
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Giga DrainWing AttackBite
Even
Skuntank
Lv 23
PoisonDark
Stench
Night SlashPoison GasScreechSmokescreen
Mars
Commander
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Mars's team.

Even
Golbat
Lv 38
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBiteToxicSupersonic
Easy KO
Bronzor
Lv 38
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryIron DefenseConfuse Ray
Even
Purugly
Lv 40
Normal
Thick Fat
SlashFeint AttackHypnosisFake Out
Saturn
Commander
Good

Charmeleon has the type edge here and should clean up Saturn's team.

Even
Golbat
Lv 42
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Air CutterBitePoison FangConfuse Ray
Easy KO
Bronzor
Lv 42
SteelPsychic
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Gyro BallExtrasensoryShadow BallConfuse Ray
Even
Toxicroak
Lv 44
PoisonFighting
Anticipation
Poison JabBrick BreakX ScissorFeint Attack
Cynthia
Champion
Even

Charmeleon trades roughly evenly with Cynthia's team.

Even
Spiritomb
Lv 58
GhostDark
Pressure
Dark PulsePsychicSilver WindShadow Ball
You Win
Roserade
Lv 58
GrassPoison
Natural Cure
Energy BallSludge BombToxicExtrasensory
Even
Togekiss
Lv 60
NormalFlying
Hustle
Air SlashAura SphereWater PulseShock Wave
You Win
Lucario
Lv 60
FightingSteel
Steadfast
Aura SphereExtreme SpeedShadow BallStone Edge
Risky
Milotic
Lv 58
Water
Marvel Scale
SurfIce BeamMirror CoatDragon Pulse
Avoid
Garchomp
Lv 62
DragonGround
Sand Veil
Dragon RushEarthquakeFlamethrowerGiga Impact

Trade

Transfer-only
Type
Fire
Tier
D

Charmeleon cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four. Alternatively, transfer the pre-evolution and level it up to Lv 16.

View Charmeleon locations

How to Get Charmeleon in Platinum

Charmeleon never appears on the map. A Charmander reaches it at level 16, but that Charmander has to be imported, so the Fire line cannot begin inside Platinum.

How to Obtain Charmeleon in Pt

  1. Charmander
    Step 1Obtain Charmander
    CARTRIDGE TRADE
    Available
    Catch in HeartGold & SoulSilver via Gift · Pallet Town · Gift from Professor Oak (post-Red), then trade to the current game via link cable.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Red & Blue via Gift · Pallet Town · Starter Pokémon. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    from Yellow
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Yellow via Gift · Route 24. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in FireRed & LeafGreen via Gift · Pallet Town · Starter Pokémon. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    from X & Y
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in X & Y via Gift · Lumiose City · Gift from Professor Sycamore. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon via Walking · Route 3 · Island Scan; Sunday. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
    LATER APPEARANCE
    Not Tradeable
    Appears in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee via Gift · Route 24 · 50 Pokémon caught. Forward-only transfer — no path back to this game from a later one.
  2. Charmeleon
    Step 2Charmeleon ✓
  3. Charizard
    Step 3Evolve into Charizard

How to Get Shiny Charmeleon in Platinum

Charmeleon never turns up in Platinum, so raise a shiny Charmander from Oak's gift in HeartGold or SoulSilver, then trade it over. See every game where Shiny Charmeleon can be hunted

Normal vs Shiny
Normal Charmeleon in PlatinumNormal
Shiny Charmeleon in Platinum Shiny
Color ShiftRed
Shiny TierB Tier Shiny

Shiny Charmeleon Evolution

3 Forms
Showing shiny artworkView Full Evolution Chart

Charmeleon Weakness

Water, Ground, and Rock moves hit Charmeleon for super-effective damage. The Fire typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Not too many gaps in the chart, 3 weaknesses to account for.

Charmeleon Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Water, Ground, Rock
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Grass, Ice, Bug, Steel
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Charmeleon Weak Against

Avg
3Weak
5Resist
0Immune
Score-1
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
None
0xImmune
None

What is Charmeleon Strong Against

4Strong
4Resisted
0Immune
Score0
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Charmeleon

Palkia
Palkia
WaterDragon
S
B
Garchomp
Garchomp
DragonGround
S
Marowak
Marowak
Ground
C
Rhydon
Rhydon
GroundRock
C

Charmeleon Evolutions

Charmeleon sits between Charmander and Charizard in this three-stage line. Not the final form yet. For breeding, average hatch time with a decent partner pool via two egg groups. So far, Sp.Atk got the biggest boost (+20 from Charmander). The final form adds another 129 stats on top. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Charmander
#004Charmander
16
Transfer Only
Charmeleon
#005Charmeleon
36
Transfer Only
Charizard
#006Charizard
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Charmeleon
Fire
Charizard
FireFlying
HP
39
58+19
78+20
ATK
52
64+12
84+20
DEF
43
58+15
78+20
SP.ATK
60
80+20
109+29
SP.DEF
50
65+15
85+20
SPE
65
80+15
100+20
BST
309E-Tier
405D-Tier+96
534C-Tier+129
ROLE
Balanced
Balanced
Sweeper
TYPE
Utility
Special
Special

Breeding

Easy

Breed with Charmeleon to get Charmander eggs easily using 30 partners from the Dragon and Monster egg groups. Notable egg moves include Ancient Power, Beat Up, Belly Drum and 9 more.

Egg Groups
DragonMonster
Gender
♂87.5%♀12.5%
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body
Egg Moves
12moves
Breed With (best first)
gyaradoscharizardkingdrasceptileflygonmiloticvenusaurblastoisenidokingmeganiumferaligatrampharos

Pt Charmeleon Best Moveset

Special Fire attacks hit decently at 80 Sp. Atk, and 80 Speed outruns some targets, but the moveset still can't compete with what Charizard brings to the table.

Best Build

Experimental
Physical Attacker
Ability
Blaze
Item
LeftoversSUSTAIN
Best Nature for Charmeleon

Charmeleon best EVs are Attack and Speed

EVs

Physical Attacker Moveset

  • Thunder Punch
  • CrunchCoverage
  • Fire PunchSTAB
  • Dragon Dance

Moves List

Need something that threatens multiple types? Charmeleon's movepool delivers. Coverage across 11 types plus STAB from Overheat and Flare Blitz gives it answers for most defensive cores you'll run into.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Ember
—6010025Fire
Lv 1
Growl
D—10040Normal
Lv 1
Scratch
—4010035Normal
Lv 7
Ember
—6010025Fire
Lv 10
Smokescreen
——10020Normal
Lv 17
Dragon Rage
——10010Dragon
Lv 21
Scary Face
D—9010Normal
Lv 28
Fire Fang
D979515Fire
Lv 32
Slash
—7010020Normal
Lv 39
Flamethrower
C14210015Fire
Lv 43
Fire Spin
—527015Fire

TM Moves

31 of 34 TMs are obtainable before the Elite Four

TM
TM40
Aerial AceRoute 213badge 3
D60—20Flying
TM45
AttractAmity Squarebadge 2
——10015Normal
TM31
Brick BreakOreburgh Gate (basement)badge 2
D7510015Fighting
TM78
CaptivateRoute 204badge 2
——10020Normal
TM28
DigManiac Tunnelbadge 3
D8010010Ground
TM32
Double TeamWayward Cavebadge 2
———15Normal
TM58
Endure+4Veilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C——10Normal
TM42
FacadeSurvival Area
D7010020Normal
TM38
Fire BlastLake Veritybadge 3
C180855Fire
TM35
FlamethrowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
C14210015Fire
TM56
FlingRoute 222not until badge 7
D—10010Dark
TM01
Focus Punch-3Oreburgh Gatebadge 6
C15010020Fighting
TM21
FrustrationVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D—10020Normal
TM10
Hidden PowerVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
D6010015Normal
TM23
Iron TailIron Islandbadge 5
D1007515Steel
TM83
Natural GiftVeilstone Department Storebadge 3
D—10015Normal
TM50B210905Fire
TM17C——10Normal
TM44C——10Psychic
TM27D—10020Normal
TM80
Rock SlideMt. Coronetnot until badge 7
D759010Rock
HM06D4010015Fighting
TM39
Rock TombRavaged Pathbadge 1
D609510Rock
TM43
Secret PowerAmity Squarebadge 2
—7010020Normal
TM65
Shadow ClawPrize for defeating Fantinabadge 3
D7010015Ghost
TM82
Sleep TalkEterna Forestbadge 2
C——10Normal
HM04
StrengthIron Islandbadge 5
D8010015Normal
TM90
SubstituteVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 2
C——10Normal
TM87
SwaggerPokémon Mansionbadge 4
——9015Normal
TM75
Swords DanceVeilstone Game Cornerbadge 3
A——30Normal
TM06
ToxicRoute 212badge 4
C—8510Poison
TM61
Will-O-WispExchange Service Corner counter at the Battle Frontier, which you enter from the Fight Area
C—7515Fire

Egg Moves

Egg
Egg
Ancient Power
D601005Rock
Egg
Beat Up
——10010Dark
Egg
Belly Drum
C——10Normal
Egg
Bite
D6010025Dark
Egg
Crunch
B8010015Dark
Egg
Dragon Dance
B——20Dragon
Egg
Dragon Rush
—1007510Dragon
Egg
Flare Blitz
C18010015Fire
Egg
Metal Claw
—509535Steel
Egg
Outrage
C12010010Dragon
Egg
Rock Slide
D759010Rock
Egg
Swords Dance
A——30Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Fire Punch
B11210015Fire
Tutor
Fury Cutter
—109520Bug
Tutor
Heat Wave
C1509010Fire
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Swift
—60—20Normal
Tutor
Thunder Punch
B7510015Electric

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP58
D
Attack64
C
Defense58
D
Sp. Atk80
C
Sp. Def65
C
Speed80
C
Total405
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height1.1 m
Weight19.0 kg
Base XP142
Abilities
Blaze
Strengthens Fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+1SpDSpe+1
Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

In the rocky mountains where CHARMELEON live, their fiery tails shine at night like stars.

Pokemon Platinum

Charmeleon Platinum Guide

  • Charmeleon isn't catchable in Platinum. Obtain one in HeartGold or SoulSilver, then trade it to Platinum.

  • In Platinum, Charmeleon has 405 BST and evolves into Charizard. Compare the two forms before you give either one a team slot.

  • In Platinum, use Charmeleon as a balanced. Physical side carries the damage. Speed is middling,

  • For Platinum, run Adamant on Charmeleon. +Attack is what matters, and the -Sp. Atk cut doesn't hurt this set. Fits the balanced role.

  • For Platinum, build your team around Croconaw, Phione, and Lunatone. These have the highest co-usage rates with Charmeleon in competitive formats. They cover each other's weaknesses.

Game Availability

Present since Red & Blue, Charmeleon appears in 21 games spanning 9 generations. Gen 1 originals like Charmeleon have the longest track record of availability in the series.

Explore

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