Mid-stage Pokemon like Monferno rarely see competitive play outside of special formats. It's a waypoint on the road to Infernape, which is where the real potential kicks in. Introduced in Gen 4. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped.
The stat budget goes to damage. Speed and Attack carry the offense, Defense doesn't even come close. A Playful Pokemon on a 1.06M XP medium-slow curve, worth 2 Sp. Atk and Speed EVs per KO.
To intimidate attackers, it expands the fire on its tail to make itself appear bigger.
It uses ceilings and walls to launch aerial attacks. Its fiery tail is but one of its weapons.
Monferno Weakness
AvgMonferno's Fire/Fighting typing leaves it vulnerable to Water, Ground, Flying, and Psychic moves. With 6 resistances, the defensive profile is strong.
Partway through Chimchar's chain. Monferno still has another evolution ahead before reaching Infernape. For breeding, average hatch time with no compatible partners via two egg groups. So far, HP got the biggest boost (+20 from Chimchar). The final form adds another 129 stats on top.
How to Evolve
Breed with Monferno to get Chimchar eggs easily from the Ground and Humanshape egg groups. Notable egg moves include Blaze Kick, Counter, Double Kick and 10 more.
Still unevolved, still relevant. Monferno's Eviolite bulk with max Attack and Speed EVs creates a defensive profile that punches above its stage. Blaze adds passive value. Mach Punch gives it offensive presence.
Best Build
Best Monferno Moveset
- Mach Punch
- Fire Punch
- Power Up Punch
- Thunder Punch
Recommended Teammates
Breadth over depth defines this movepool. Monferno won't stack one type's damage ceiling, but coverage across 11 types means it always has an effective option. Focus Punch and Overheat anchor the STAB core.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
No wild encounters for Monferno. The 2-stage line runs through Chimchar, which you can catch at moderate rates from the locations below. Evolve at level 14 once you've got the levels.
How to Obtain Monferno in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Chimchar is your first catch on the way to Monferno. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 58-63 across 6 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch ChimcharSandsear CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameSandsear CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostDesertPost-gameTyphlo CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameTyphlo CavernShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostCavePost-gameVolcanic CaveShining PearlGrassLv.58-63PostVolcanoPost-gameVolcanic CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.58-63PostVolcanoPost-game
Step 2Monferno ✓
Monferno is meant to evolve into Infernape. At 405 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Watch for Milotic (Water), Golem (Ground), and Aerodactyl (Flying) when using Monferno. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Psychic-type attackers are also a problem.
Blaze strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less — that's the one you want on Monferno. Iron Fist is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses.
Base 81 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. On offense, Monferno is a physical attacker with base 78 Attack. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits.
Monferno appears in 12 games, including Platinum, HeartGold & SoulSilver, and Diamond & Pearl.
Available in 12 titles since its debut in Diamond & Pearl, Monferno spans 6 generations of Pokemon games. It's accessible through catching or hatching as a base form in a solid number of games.
- 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