charmeleon #5
Type Matchups
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charmeleon
Generation I · #0005 — Flame Pokémon
Charmeleon is a Fire-type Pokémon that represents the intermediate stage of one of the most iconic evolutionary lines in the entire franchise. As the second evolution of Charmander, Charmeleon emerges at level 16 and serves as a bridge between its timid predecessor and its majestic final form, Charizard. With a National Pokédex number of #0005, Charmeleon has been a staple of the Pokémon series since Generation I, embodying the classic Fire-type archetype with a temperament far more aggressive than its predecessor. Standing 1.1 meters tall and weighing 19.0 kilograms, Charmeleon represents a significant evolutionary leap in both size and capability, showcasing a total base stat of 405 with notable increases in Special Attack (80) and Speed (80), making it a formidable combatant in mid-game scenarios.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
19.0kg
Category
Flame Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
red
Shape
upright
Habitat
mountain
Abilities
Strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Increases Special Attack to 1.5× but costs 1/8 max HP after each turn during strong sunlight.
Charmeleon Biology & Physical Characteristics
Charmeleon is a bipedal, reptilian Pokémon with a distinctly draconic appearance that foreshadows its eventual Dragon-type addition upon final evolution. Its body is covered in dark red scales with a cream-colored underside stretching from its chest downward, creating a striking color contrast. The most distinctive physical feature is the horn-like protrusion extending from the back of its head, coupled with a long snout bearing a slightly hooked tip and piercing blue eyes that convey its aggressive nature. Charmeleon possesses relatively long arms equipped with three sharp claws on each hand, designed for tearing through opponents with ruthless efficiency, and its short, plantigrade feet feature three claws each with cream-colored soles. The defining characteristic of Charmeleon is its long, powerful tail with a flame burning at its tip; when swung with force, this tail can elevate the surrounding temperature to unbearably high levels, and in moments of extreme excitement, the flame flares with a bluish-white coloration far more intense than its normal red hue.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Charmeleon Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Charmeleon exhibits a strong sexual dimorphism in its population distribution, with 87.5% of individuals being male and only 12.5% being female, making female Charmeleon considerably rare and valuable in breeding programs. This gender ratio reflects the aggressive, masculine energy that defines Charmeleon's behavioral profile, though females are equally capable combatants despite their rarity. Charmeleon belongs to the Monster and Dragon egg groups, making it compatible with a diverse range of Pokémon for breeding purposes and allowing it to pass down Fire-type movepool advantages to offspring. The breeding cycle requires 20 egg cycles to produce a Charmeleon egg, which translates to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps, making it a moderate investment for trainers seeking to breed fire-types. Charmander produced through breeding will have a base friendship of 70, slightly higher than wild-caught specimens in certain games, encouraging trainers to consider breeding as a method to obtain more affectionate Charmander. The species follows a medium-slow growth rate, meaning Charmeleon requires slightly more experience than medium-growth Pokémon to reach higher levels, necessitating additional training time before reaching Charizard's enhanced power.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm00
sword shield
tm01
yellow
tm01
gold silver
tm01
crystal
tm01
red blue
tm01
platinum
tm01
emerald
tm01
diamond pearl
tm01
firered leafgreen
tm01
ruby sapphire
tm01
black white
tm01
black 2 white 2
tm01
xd
tm01
colosseum
tm01
heartgold soulsilver
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
x y
tm01
blue japan
tm01
red green japan
+724 more TMs/HMs
charmeleon's Evolution Chain
Charmeleon Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Charmeleon occupies a critical position within the Charmander evolutionary line, evolving from Charmander at level 16 and advancing to Charizard upon reaching level 36. This middle evolution represents a significant power spike compared to Charmander's base stats, with 16-point increases in both Special Attack and Speed, allowing Charmeleon to function effectively as a special sweeper in mid-stage gameplay. The evolution from Charmander to Charmeleon marks the transition from a cautious, timid creature to an aggressive hunter, with the behavioral transformation being just as dramatic as the physical one. Upon evolution to Charizard at level 36, Charmeleon gains a secondary Flying-type, a substantial boost in all core stats, and the ability to take flight, representing the culmination of the line's evolutionary journey. The gap between Charmeleon and Charizard is substantial enough that many trainers view Charmeleon primarily as a stepping stone rather than a destination, though its balanced offensive stats and respectable speed make it perfectly viable for extended use before reaching the final evolution.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Charmeleon Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Charmeleon exhibits a vicious and hotheaded nature that fundamentally sets it apart from its predecessor Charmander. According to multiple Pokédex entries, this Pokémon constantly seeks out opponents and becomes genuinely excited when encountering strong foes, transforming into an aggressive fighter that spouts intense bluish-white flames capable of incinerating its surroundings. The species displays a peculiar behavioral trait where it calms down only after winning a battle, suggesting that combat fulfillment is essential to its psychological well-being. Charmeleon enjoys tormenting its opponents before finishing them, showcasing a sadistic streak absent in other Fire-types of its generation. These Pokémon are rare in the wild but inhabit mountainous and rocky terrain, where their fiery tails reportedly shine at night like beacons across the landscape. Charmeleon is primarily nocturnal in mountainous regions and, as documented in Pokémon Sleep, displays a laid-back sleeping posture despite its aggressive waking demeanor.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
When it swings its burning tail, it elevates the temperature to unbearably high levels.
Tough fights could excite this POKéMON. When excited, it may blow out bluish- white flames.
Generation II
It is very hot headed by nature, so it constantly seeks opponents. It calms down only when it wins.
It has a barbaric nature. In battle, it whips its fiery tail around and slashes away with sharp claws.
If it becomes agitated during battle, it spouts intense flames, incinerating its surroundings.
Generation III
CHARMELEON mercilessly destroys its foes using its sharp claws. If it encounters a strong foe, it turns aggressive. In this excited state, the flame at the tip of its tail flares with a bluish white color.
Without pity, its sharp claws destroy foes. If it encounters a strong enemy, it becomes agitated, and the flame on its tail flares with a bluish white color.
It lashes about with its tail to knock down its foe. It then tears up the fallen opponent with sharp claws.
When it swings its burning tail, it elevates the air temperature to unbearably high levels.
Generation IV
In the rocky mountains where CHARMELEON live, their fiery tails shine at night like stars.
It is very hotheaded by nature, so it constantly seeks opponents. It calms down only when it wins.
It has a barbaric nature. In battle, it whips its fiery tail around and slashes away with sharp claws.
Generation V
In the rocky mountains where Charmeleon live, their fiery tails shine at night like stars.
In the rocky mountains where Charmeleon live, their fiery tails shine at night like stars.
Generation VI
It lashes about with its tail to knock down its foe. It then tears up the fallen opponent with sharp claws.
When it swings its burning tail, it elevates the air temperature to unbearably high levels.
Charmeleon mercilessly destroys its foes using its sharp claws. If it encounters a strong foe, it turns aggressive. In this excited state, the flame at the tip of its tail flares with a bluish white color.
Charmeleon mercilessly destroys its foes using its sharp claws. If it encounters a strong foe, it turns aggressive. In this excited state, the flame at the tip of its tail flares with a bluish white color.
Generation VII
Tough fights could excite this Pokémon. When excited, it may breathe out bluish-white flames.
Generation VIII
It has a barbaric nature. In battle, it whips its fiery tail around and slashes away with sharp claws.
If it becomes agitated during battle, it spouts intense flames, incinerating its surroundings.
Charmeleon Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Charmeleon is derived from the combination of 'Char' (from Charmander, referencing its fiery nature and the burning process) and 'Chameleon,' reflecting the Pokémon's reptilian appearance and color-changing flame that shifts from red to bluish-white when agitated. The Japanese name, Lizardo (リザード), more directly references 'Lizard,' emphasizing the creature's reptilian biology. The design evolution from Charmander to Charmeleon follows a clear biological progression: where Charmander appears juvenile and small, Charmeleon displays evident maturation through its horn, increased musculature, longer limbs, and overall more predatory appearance. The horn protruding from Charmeleon's head serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, hinting at the draconic nature that becomes explicit in Charizard's design. The emphasis on sharp claws and the prominent tail flame reflects the species' combat-focused identity, while the dark red coloration with cream underside provides visual continuity with Charmander while establishing a more imposing aesthetic befitting its aggressive temperament. This design philosophy demonstrates Game Freak's careful approach to evolutionary aesthetics, where each stage tells a coherent story of growth and development.
Learnable Moves
Charmeleon can learn 90 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| beat up | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| belly drum | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| crunch | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon breath | dragon | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| dragon claw | dragon | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dragon dance | dragon | Status | — | — | 20 |
| dragon rage | dragon | Special | — | 100 | 10 |
| dynamic punch | fighting | Physical | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| echoed voice | normal | Special | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire pledge | fire | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| fire punch | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flame burst | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| flame charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hone claws | dark | Status | — | — | 15 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| inferno | fire | Special | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mega kick | normal | Physical | 120 | 75 | 5 |
| mega punch | normal | Physical | 80 | 85 | 20 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| outrage | dragon | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seismic toss | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smokescreen | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| submission | fighting | Physical | 80 | 80 | 20 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
Charmeleon Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive play, Charmeleon occupies a niche role as a mid-stage Pokémon with respectable special offensive capabilities and notable speed, making it viable in lower-tier formats and in-game playthroughs where level caps apply. Its Special Attack base stat of 80 is paired with a Speed stat of 80, creating a balanced sweeping potential that allows Charmeleon to outspeed many opponents of similar level while dealing significant damage through special Fire-type moves. The ability Blaze provides crucial endgame pressure by increasing Fire-type move damage to 1.5 times when Charmeleon's health drops below one-third of its maximum, transforming it into a desperate sweeper that can secure crucial knockouts in clutch situations. The hidden ability Solar Power offers an interesting alternative for sun-based team structures, boosting Special Attack to 1.5 times in harsh sunlight at the cost of one-eighth maximum HP per turn, creating a high-risk, high-reward playstyle suited to aggressive strategies. Charmeleon's offensive typing grants it super-effective coverage against Steel, Bug, Grass, Ice, and Fairy-types, though its defensive profile suffers from vulnerabilities to Ground, Rock, and Water-type attacks, limiting its durability in sustained battles. Most competitive players view Charmeleon as a stepping stone to Charizard rather than a permanent team member, though its movepool and stats occasionally see use in Little Cup and other level-restricted formats.
Commonly Asked Questions About Charmeleon
What type is Charmeleon?
Charmeleon is a fire type Pokemon.
What does Charmeleon evolve into?
Charmeleon evolves into charizard.
What are Charmeleon's weaknesses?
Charmeleon is weak to ground, rock and water type moves.
Charmeleon Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Charmeleon holds significant cultural importance as a member of the Charmander line, one of the three original starter Pokémon that defined the franchise's early identity. While Charmander and Charizard achieved iconic status in popular culture, Charmeleon occupies a unique position as the often-overlooked middle evolution, frequently appearing in the Pokémon anime as Ash's Charmander evolved into Charmeleon before its dramatic final evolution to Charizard during the Indigo League. This character arc gave Charmeleon narrative significance despite its intermediate evolutionary status, with the Charmeleon evolution marking a critical turning point in Ash's journey and his relationship with his starter Pokémon. In the competitive trading card game, Charmeleon has appeared in numerous sets dating back to Base Set, maintaining presence in collectible culture alongside its more famous evolutionary relatives. The species appears prominently in Pokémon Adventures manga, where Blue's Charmeleon plays a significant role in various story arcs, and numerous trainer characters throughout the anime series have utilized Charmeleon as part of their teams, cementing its place in the franchise's extended narrative universe. Charmeleon's design has influenced subsequent Fire-type Pokémon designs, establishing a template for aggressive, reptilian Fire-types that evolved from more docile predecessors.
Where to Find Charmeleon in Every Pokémon Game
Charmeleon's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon games, though it remains consistently obtainable through standard evolutionary methods starting with Charmander. In Generation I games (Red, Blue, Yellow), Charmeleon can be encountered as a wild Pokémon in Fire-type dominated areas and readily obtained by evolving Charmander to level 16. In Generation II (Gold, Silver, Crystal), Charmeleon maintains presence in similar habitats and can be obtained through the same evolutionary chain. Subsequent generations continue to include Charmander as a starter option or available through various means, making Charmeleon accessible in virtually every main series game. FireRed and LeafGreen provide Charmeleon encounters in their Fire-type locales, while HeartGold and SoulSilver maintain the tradition of offering Charmander as a starter choice early in the game. More recent generations including Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus continue to feature the Charmander line, though specific availability methods vary between titles. In Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, Charmeleon appears as an in-game encounter, maintaining accessibility for modern players. The Pokédex entry number changes across generations—remaining #0005 in Kanto-based games while shifting to different numbers in regional Pokédexes—but Charmeleon's fundamental availability remains consistent, making it one of the most accessible Fire-types across the entire franchise.