Chimchar sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Infernape as fast as possible. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. Been around since Gen 4.
Chimchar's stats barely vary. 0 sit in respectable range with no real gaps. It's a blank slate for EV investment. Worth 1 Speed EV, 1.06M XP medium-slow curve to max.
Full of vigor and always in high spirits. It was once known by the name “Lantern-Tail” and feared as some kind of apparition.
Chimchar Weakness
AvgType-wise, Chimchar takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. 6 resistances give it solid defensive coverage on top of that.
Chimchar is the start of a three-stage chain. It evolves into Monferno first, then eventually reaches Infernape. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool via two egg groups. Evolving adds up to 225 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Chimchar easily with 195 breeding partners from the Ground and Humanshape egg groups. Pass egg moves like Counter, Double Kick, Encore and 7 more to offspring.
Chimchar's locked into one move per switch-in with Choice Scarf, trading flexibility for speed patching through item lock. Firepunch is the go-to spam option, with the remaining moves keeping switch-ins honest.
Best Build
Best Chimchar Moveset
- Fire Punch
- Thunder Punch
- Stealth Rock
- U Turn
Recommended Teammates
Stall teams hate this. Chimchar can spread damage across 12 types, with Normal and Flying punishing common defensive pivots. STAB from Overheat and Flare Blitz keeps the pressure honest on everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Chimchar can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Chimchar is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Chimchar isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Monferno to unlock its full potential. At 309 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
Chimchar evolves into Monferno at level 14. Chimchar is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Blaze is the go-to ability for Chimchar. It strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less. Its hidden ability Iron Fist can work in specific setups.
Chimchar fills the balanced role. It's a physical attacker with base 58 Attack. At base 61 Speed, it won't be moving first often. And it's fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Chimchar appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Chimchar first appeared in Diamond & Pearl and has been available in 12 games across 6 generations. Obtainable through catching or hatching as a base form in most titles where it appears.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 IVDPDebut
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