Charizard
Spits fire that is hot enough to melt boulders. Known to cause forest fires unintentionally.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Flamethrower serves as Charizard's main Fire-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Charizard's Special Attack of 109, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Fire.
Air Slash is the STAB anchor of this set. The Flying-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Charizard's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Flying weaknesses.
Dragon Pulse adds Dragon coverage to Charizard's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Fire damage, providing super-effective against Ice, Dragon, Fairy.
The Grass-type Solar Beam serves as coverage for matchups Charizard would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting Fire, Ice types that resist Fire attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Charizard's Fire/Flying typing gives its STAB moves like Flamethrower and Air Slash a 50% damage bonus, hitting notably hard against matching weaknesses
- ▸Resisting Bug, Fairy, Fighting gives Charizard natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸Charizard takes zero damage from Ground type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
- ▸An impressive 109 spAtk stat lets Charizard deal significant damage
Weaknesses
- ▸A devastating 4x weakness to Rock means Charizard can be knocked out instantly by well-timed Rock attacks
- ▸Charizard can struggle against common meta picks that exploit its typing or stat distribution
- ▸Limited coverage options restrict Charizard's ability to handle diverse threats
Pro Tips
Channel VP into Special Attack and Speed to make Charizard a potent special sweeper. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Charizard's damage or speed further. Use Charizard's resistances to Bug, Fairy to find safe entry points. Build teams that cover Charizard's weaknesses while it handles the matchups it's strong against.
Competitive Role
As a Tier A Pokemon, Charizard serves as a fast offensive sweeper in team compositions. Stat-wise, Charizard brings 534 total points with spAtk as its standout stat at 109. Its Fire/Flying typing creates vulnerabilities to Electric, Rock, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fighting provide switch-in opportunities. Overall, Charizard is a strong pick that rewards players who understand its strengths and limitations.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Statistically, Charizard features 534 total base stats with spAtk (109) as its defining attribute and hp (78) as its weakest point. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flamethrower, Air Slash) with coverage moves (Dragon Pulse, Solar Beam), giving Charizard answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Electric, Rock, Water mean Charizard must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fighting provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Ground gives Charizard a unique defensive advantage. Its Tier A rating places Charizard in the upper competitive bracket, where it can consistently contribute to team success. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Charizard, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Electric-type opponents: Charizard is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Charizard in against Electric types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Electric. If forced to fight, use Flamethrower and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Charizard has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Charizard to tank hits and retaliate with Flamethrower. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Ground-type moves: Charizard is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Ground attacks and bring Charizard in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: With 100 Speed, Charizard outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 100, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Water-type opponents: Charizard has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Charizard when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Charizard, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a offensive sweeper with 534 total base stats, Charizard should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Electric coverage, save Charizard for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Flamethrower and Air Slash while assessing the opponent's team composition.
As the battle progresses, Charizard should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Fire/Flying typing means Charizard has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Electric types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Fire, stay in and attack.
Flamethrower should be your primary attack, with Air Slash for coverage when needed.
Late game, Charizard becomes a powerful cleanup sweeper.
Once the opponent's Electric users are removed, Charizard can run through the remaining team.
The combination of 109 spAtk and STAB Fire moves makes it a genuine threat in the endgame.
Position Charizard to land the finishing blows.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Electric-type teammate covers Charizard's Electric weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Combine Charizard with entry hazard setters (Stealth Rock, Spikes) to maximize the damage from its attacks
- ▸Charizard pairs well with frail sweepers that need a safe switch-in partner—use Charizard to absorb hits they can't
- ▸A Fire-type-only partner can cover Charizard's secondary Flying weaknesses while sharing STAB coverage
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Electric coverage moves should target Charizard immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Use priority moves (Extreme Speed, Bullet Punch) to bypass Charizard's 100 Speed
- ▸Toxic poison wears Charizard down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Charizard with a Electric-type Pokemon that can switch into Electric attacks. This defensive core covers Charizard's primary weakness while Charizard handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Charizard with a setup sweeper that benefits from Charizard's ability to weaken walls. Use Flamethrower to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Stall Core: Charizard can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Bug, Fairy to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Charizard good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Charizard is a solid pick in Pokemon Champions, rated Tier A. With 534 total stats and a Fire/Flying typing, it performs well in most team compositions. While not the strongest option available, Charizard is reliable and can win games when used correctly.
Q:What's the best item for Charizard?
A:The best items for Charizard are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Charizard's high Speed of 100, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Charizard?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Charizard, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 109 vs Attack at 84, special builds are clearly superior for Charizard.
Q:How do I counter Charizard?
A:Charizard's biggest counters are Electric-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Charizard before it acts, especially given its 100 Speed. To beat Charizard, use Electric STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.
Charizard Competitive Depth Guide
Competitive Overview
Charizard is one of the most recognizable Pokemon in competitive play, and in Pokemon Champions it carves out a niche as a versatile Special Attacker with Mega Evolution potential. Its Fire/Flying typing grants immunity to Ground-type moves and resistance to Grass, Bug, Steel, Fairy, and Fighting, making it a solid switch-in against many common attackers. However, Charizard's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock is devastating in formats where entry hazards are present, and its Solar Power ability (if chosen over Blaze) drains HP each turn in sunlight. Mega Charizard Y transforms it into a weather setter with Drought, immediately enabling Chlorophyll sweepers and Fire-type STAB damage. Mega Charizard X shifts to Fire/Dragon, removing the Stealth Rock weakness and turning Charizard into a physical powerhouse with Tough Claws. The choice between these Mega forms fundamentally changes how Charizard functions on a team, making team preview mind games a critical skill.
Recommended Build
252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Timid (+Speed, -Attack)
Charizardite Y or Charizardite X
Blaze (pre-Mega) / Drought or Tough Claws (post-Mega)
Fire or Dragon
Moveset Analysis
The preferred Fire STAB in doubles, hitting both opponents with 90 base power. Under Mega Y's Drought, this reaches devastating 135 power before STAB.
Flying STAB with a 30% flinch chance. In doubles, targeting one opponent and fishing for flinches can swing momentum, especially against slower targets.
With Drought active, Solar Beam fires in one turn and covers Water, Rock, and Ground types that resist Fire. This is the primary reason Mega Charizard Y is so threatening.
Essential in doubles format. Protect lets Charizard safely Mega Evolve on turn one while a partner deals with threats like Rock Slide users.
Key Matchup Analysis
Dangerous matchup. Sand Stream from Tyranitar overrides Mega Y's Drought, removing Solar Beam's one-turn benefit. Mega X has a better chance with Dragon-type coverage, but still fears Rock Slide. Always Protect turn one and assess.
Mega X Charizard can trade favorably with Thunder Punch or Dragon Claw, but Intimidate lowers physical damage. Mega Y's Solar Beam hits Gyarados super-effectively if weather holds.
Charizard cannot break through Blissey with special attacks alone. If the opponent leads Blissey, switch to a physical attacker or set up with a teammate. This is Charizard's hardest wall.
Favorable matchup. Fire STAB OHKOs Scizor regardless of Mega form. However, Scizor's Bullet Punch can pick off a weakened Charizard, so don't let it drop below 25% HP.
Team Archetypes
Sun Team (Mega Y)
Pair Charizard with Chlorophyll sweepers like Venusaur, which outspeeds the entire metagame under Sun. Add a Fire-resistant pivot like Gyarados or Kingdra for type synergy.
Dragon Dance (Mega X)
Use Charizard X as a late-game cleaner after Dragon Dance. Pair with hazard removal like Skarmory (Defog) and a special attacker to handle physical walls.
Fire-Core Balance
Charizard alongside a Fire-resistant teammate like Gyarados creates an offensive core. Gyarados handles Water and Rock threats while Charizard burns down Grass and Steel types.
Advanced Strategy Tips
The biggest skill with Charizard is timing your Mega Evolution. In doubles, Mega Evolving on turn one is standard because the speed stat change takes effect immediately, but this also reveals your strategy to the opponent. If you're running Mega Y, they'll immediately switch to a weather counter. Consider holding off Mega Evolution if you predict a Tyranitar switch-in, keeping Blaze active until you can guarantee Drought sticks. For Mega X, Dragon Dance should only be used when you've identified all of the opponent's priority users and Fairy types. Tera Fire on Mega Y boosts Heat Wave to absurd levels (2.25x total with STAB + Drought), while Tera Dragon on Mega X makes Dragon Claw your primary nuke. Always carry Protect on Charizard in doubles, as it's the safest way to navigate turn-one mind games and scout for Choice Scarf users.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Mega Evolving into an opposing weather setter without planning for the weather war
- ✗Using Solar Beam without confirming Drought is active, resulting in a two-turn charge that gets punished
- ✗Forgetting that Mega X changes typing to Fire/Dragon, losing the Ground immunity but gaining Fairy resistance
- ✗Leading Charizard against teams with Rock Slide users without a Protect plan