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 stretches 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 weapon.
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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Partway through Chimchar's chain. Monferno still has another evolution ahead before reaching Infernape. For breeding, average hatch time with a massive partner pool 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 using 131 partners from the Ground and Humanshape egg groups. Notable egg moves include Blaze Kick, Counter, Double Kick and 7 more.
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 4.
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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
Reminder Moves
Monferno doesn't appear wild. Catch Chimchar instead, it shows up but it's a rare spawn. Evolve it at level 14 to get Monferno. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Monferno in Diamond & Pearl
Step 1Catch ChimcharMODERATELake VerityPearlGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyWaterStarter choiceMODERATELake VerityDiamondGift from NPCLv.5LimitedEarlyWaterStarter choice
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 mixed attacker — base 78 Attack and 78 Sp. Atk. 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