Charmander
Obviously prefers hot places. When it rains, steam is said to spout from the tip of its tail.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Flamethrower is Charmander's primary STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move, dealing Fire-type damage with a 50% power boost. As a special move, it synergizes with Charmander's Special Attack stat of 60, making it the most reliable damage dealer in the set.
The Dragon-type Dragon Breath serves as coverage for matchups Charmander would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting Ice, Dragon types that resist Fire attacks.
Brick Break adds Fighting coverage to Charmander's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Fire damage, providing super-effective against Flying, Psychic, Fairy.
Will-O-Wisp rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Charmander's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Charmander's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Having Fire typing allows Charmander to run Flamethrower with a 1.5x damage multiplier, creating consistent offensive pressure
- ▸Charmander takes reduced damage from Bug, Fairy, Fire moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸Charmander's moveset provides good coverage, letting it handle various matchup scenarios
Weaknesses
- ▸Charmander's weakness to Ground, Rock, Water means it needs team support to handle these matchups safely
- ▸An below-average hp (39) means Charmander is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Slow speed (65) forces Charmander to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
- ▸With only 309 total stats, Charmander is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Build Charmander with Special Attack VP investment and a Modest nature for optimal damage. Equip Charmander with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Predict Ground moves and double-switch to preserve Charmander for later. Charmander works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
Charmander's competitive identity is that of a balanced utility Pokemon. The 309 BST distribution, highlighted by 65 speed, defines how Charmander should be built and deployed. Its Fire typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground, Rock, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Charmander can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Charmander brings a 309 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a speed-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flamethrower) with coverage moves (Dragon Breath, Brick Break), giving Charmander answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Rock, Water mean Charmander must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Charmander is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Charmander, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Charmander is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Charmander in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Flamethrower and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Charmander has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Charmander to tank hits and retaliate with Flamethrower. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Charmander's 65 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Water-type opponents: Charmander has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Charmander when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Charmander, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a supportive role player with 309 total base stats, Charmander should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Ground coverage, save Charmander for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Flamethrower and Dragon Breath while assessing the opponent's team composition.
During the mid-game, Charmander's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Charmander out when facing its weakness to Ground, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Charmander can handle.
Use Brick Break as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Charmander is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Charmander can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Charmander to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Bug, Fairy to tank a hit, then strike with Flamethrower before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Grass typing to your team to switch in when Charmander faces Ground-type threats
- ▸Pair Charmander with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Charmander with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Ground-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Charmander due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 75 will outspeed and KO Charmander before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Charmander's low Defense (43) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Charmander's weak Special Defense (50) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Charmander with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Charmander's primary weakness while Charmander handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Charmander alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Charmander's defensive typing. Switch Charmander in to absorb hits with its Bug, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Stall Core: Charmander 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 Charmander good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Charmander is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 309 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Charmander can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Charmander?
A:Charmander benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Charmander has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Charmander?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Charmander, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 60 vs Attack at 52, special builds are clearly superior for Charmander.
Q:How do I counter Charmander?
A:Charmander's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Charmander before it acts, especially given its 65 Speed. To beat Charmander, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.