chimchar #390
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
chimchar
Generation IV · #0390 — Chimp Pokémon
Chimchar is a Fire-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV, serving as one of the three iconic starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region alongside Turtwig and Piplup. Known as the Chimp Pokémon, Chimchar occupies the National Pokédex slot #390 and represents the beginning of an impressive evolutionary line that culminates in the powerful Infernape. This small, agile creature stands merely 0.5 meters tall and weighs only 6.2 kilograms, making it one of the lightest starter Pokémon available to trainers beginning their journey through Sinnoh. Despite its diminutive size, Chimchar possesses remarkable potential for growth, with a base stat total of 309 that becomes substantially more formidable upon evolution. The Pokémon's defining characteristic is the flame that perpetually burns on its rear end, fueled by combustible gases produced within its belly, which according to Pokédex entries can withstand even rainfall and only extinguishes when the creature enters sleep.
Base Stats
Height
0.5m
Weight
6.2kg
Category
Chimp Pokémon
Gender
Male 87.5% / Female 12.5%
Color
brown
Shape
upright
Abilities
Strengthens fire moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Strengthens punch-based moves to 1.2× their power.
Chimchar Biology & Physical Characteristics
Chimchar's physiology is distinctly primate-like, featuring a bipedal body structure covered primarily in orange fur with contrasting light yellow coloration on its face, outer ears, underbelly, hands, and feet. The creature possesses notably large ears with red inner surfaces, red orbital markings around its eyes reminiscent of natural primates, and a distinctive swirly crest of hair adorning its head. Its most remarkable biological feature is the small round red patch on its posterior that normally remains obscured by the persistent flames generated through internal combustion of gastric gases. This biological heat-generation system represents a fascinating adaptation that sets Fire-type Pokémon apart, with Chimchar's variant being particularly efficient—the Pokédex notes that even rain cannot extinguish these flames, suggesting an exceptionally stable internal combustion process. Chimchar possesses five fingers on each hand and three toes on each foot, typical of humanoid Pokémon, and displays two pointed teeth in its upper jaw. A distinctive swirl-like symbol marks its chest, serving as a visual identifier of its Fire-type nature and adding to its overall appealing design.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Chimchar Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Chimchar displays a notably skewed gender distribution, with approximately 87.5 percent of wild and bred specimens manifesting as male while only 12.5 percent develop as female, a ratio typical across many Pokémon species but particularly pronounced in starter Pokémon lineages. This gender imbalance carries practical breeding implications, as trainers seeking female Chimchar specimens face substantially reduced encounter rates compared to their male counterparts, making female Chimchar somewhat more valuable from a breeding perspective in competitive and collection-focused communities. Both male and female Chimchar share identical base statistics and movepool capabilities, with gender differences primarily manifesting in breeding compatibility and specific Egg Moves inheritance patterns. Chimchar belongs to the Ground and Human-Like Egg Groups, permitting crossbreeding with a diverse range of Pokémon species to produce offspring with varied movesets and genetic advantages. The creature possesses a base friendship value of 70 in generations IV through VII, moderately favorable for initial trainer bonding, and exhibits a medium-slow growth rate requiring dedicated training investment to reach competitive levels. Chimchar hatches from an egg after approximately 20 cycles of travel, translating to roughly 4,884 to 5,140 steps depending on in-game conditions and trainer efficiency, making it a reasonably accessible starter option for players pursuing breeding projects early in their adventure.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
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
ultra sun ultra moon
tm01
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm01
sun moon
tm01
x y
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
yellow
tm03
red blue
+787 more TMs/HMs
chimchar's Evolution Chain
Chimchar Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Chimchar initiates a two-stage evolutionary progression, first evolving into Monferno at level 14, then achieving its final form as Infernape upon reaching level 36. This evolutionary line represents one of the most dramatic transformations in the Fire-type lineage, with Chimchar's modest base stat total of 309 developing into Monferno's respectable 405, and finally culminating in Infernape's exceptional 534. The evolution introduces increasing complexity and dual-typing, as Monferno gains Fighting-type characteristics at level 14, adding offensive and defensive dimensions absent from the pure Fire-type Chimchar. Upon reaching Infernape, the Pokémon's design transforms substantially, incorporating more martial arts-inspired aesthetics that reflect the Fighting-type addition. Notably, this evolution line lacks Mega Evolution capabilities, distinguishing it from several other notable starter lines introduced in later generations. However, the progression from nimble Chimchar through athletic Monferno to the powerful, balanced Infernape demonstrates exemplary design philosophy, with each stage building logically upon the previous form's characteristics while introducing meaningful statistical and tactical improvements that make the evolutionary journey feel rewarding and purposeful.
Where to Find
lake verity
sinnoh
sinnoh route 201
sinnoh
hoenn route 101
hoenn
Chimchar Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Chimchar exhibits remarkable agility and climbing prowess, with Pokédex entries consistently highlighting its ability to scale sheer cliff faces with ease, allowing it to establish habitats atop craggy mountain ranges. This aerial-adjacent lifestyle suggests Chimchar has evolved exceptional leg strength and balance despite its small frame, characteristics that contribute to its base Speed stat of 61, which is notably higher than its Attack and Special Attack stats of 58 each. The creature demonstrates considerable intelligence and self-preservation instincts, as documented in Platinum-era Pokédex entries indicating that before sleep, Chimchar deliberately extinguishes the flame on its tail to prevent accidental fires—a behavior that suggests both awareness of environmental hazards and the capacity for deliberate action beyond mere instinct. Interestingly, the intensity of Chimchar's flames appears linked to its health status; according to HeartGold and SoulSilver entries, the fire burns weakly when the creature feels sick, suggesting a direct physiological correlation between vitality and flame output. This connection implies that Chimchar's internal combustion system serves as an accurate health indicator to other Pokémon and trainers alike.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
It agilely scales sheer cliffs to live atop craggy mountains. Its fire is put out when it sleeps.
Its fiery rear end is fueled by gas made in its belly. Even rain can’t extinguish the fire.
It is very agile. Before going to sleep, it extinguishes the flame on its tail to prevent fires.
The gas made in its belly burns from its rear end. The fire burns weakly when it feels sick.
Generation V
It is very agile. Before going to sleep, it extinguishes the flame on its tail to prevent fires.
It is very agile. Before going to sleep, it extinguishes the flame on its tail to prevent fires.
Generation VI
Its fiery rear end is fueled by gas made in its belly. Even rain can’t extinguish the fire.
The gas made in its belly burns from its rear end. The fire burns weakly when it feels sick.
Its fiery rear end is fueled by gas made in its belly. Even rain can’t extinguish the fire.
The gas made in its belly burns from its rear end. The fire burns weakly when it feels sick.
Generation VIII
Full of vigor and always in high spirits. It was once known by the name ”Lantern-Tail” and feared as some kind of apparition.
Chimchar Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Chimchar derives from a straightforward portmanteau combining "chimpanzee" with "char," referencing both its primate-like appearance and its Fire-type nature. The Japanese designation, Hikozaru, employs a similarly logical construction—"hiko" relating to fire or flame, while "zaru" is Japanese for monkey, creating a perfectly parallel naming convention across linguistic markets. The creative team deliberately designed Chimchar to evoke a young chimpanzee rendered in characteristic Pokémon proportions, with the flame-tipped tail and fire-generating anatomy providing immediate visual communication of its elemental typing. The orange coloration with yellow accents appears inspired by certain primate species, particularly those found in warm, mountainous environments where volcanic activity might reasonably explain the presence of fire-using creatures. The distinctive swirl marking on its chest serves dual purposes—aesthetically appealing and thematically appropriate for a creature whose internal systems generate heat through combustion. This thoughtful design approach, combined with the etymologically consistent naming convention, established Chimchar as an immediately recognizable and conceptually coherent starter Pokémon that effectively communicates its dual nature as both primate and fire-element entity through visual and linguistic design choices.
Learnable Moves
Chimchar can learn 100 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| assist | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| blaze kick | fire | Physical | 85 | 90 | 10 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double kick | fighting | Physical | 30 | 100 | 30 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| 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 charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flame wheel | fire | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| fling | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| gunk shot | poison | Physical | 120 | 80 | 5 |
| 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 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| metronome | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| poison jab | poison | Physical | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| power up punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| quick guard | fighting | Status | — | — | 15 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| rock climb | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rollout | rock | Physical | 30 | 90 | 20 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow claw | ghost | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| slack off | normal | Status | — | — | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| switcheroo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| temper flare | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| vacuum wave | fighting | Special | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| work up | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Chimchar Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon formats, Chimchar itself occupies a niche role primarily as an early-game creature rather than an endgame threat, though its Infernape evolution becomes a formidable competitive presence. Chimchar's base stats, distributed fairly evenly across Attack and Special Attack at 58 each with reasonable Speed at 61, provide adequate foundation for early-game trainer battles but prove insufficient for serious competitive engagement at higher levels. However, Chimchar's ability to learn diverse move types through TM compatibility and level-up progression renders it surprisingly versatile within its competitive tier. The Blaze ability, which increases Fire-type move power to 1.5 times normal damage when Chimchar's HP falls below one-third maximum health, provides a potential sweeping mechanism in desperate situations, though this activation condition requires careful HP management. The hidden ability Iron Fist, available through breeding or special distributions, amplifies punch-based moves to 1.2 times their normal power, granting access to moves like Focus Punch, Mach Punch, and Fire Punch with enhanced effectiveness. Trainers utilizing Chimchar competitively tend to focus on its evolutionary potential rather than direct competitive usage, recognizing that Infernape's superior stat distribution, dual typing, and ability to learn Swords Dance and Close Combat make it substantially more threatening. Nevertheless, in Littlecup formats restricting competitors to unevolved Pokémon, Chimchar represents a legitimate and occasionally dangerous choice, particularly when leveraging its speed advantage and diverse movepool strategically.
Commonly Asked Questions About Chimchar
What type is Chimchar?
Chimchar is a fire type Pokemon.
What does Chimchar evolve into?
Chimchar evolves into monferno, then into infernape.
What are Chimchar's weaknesses?
Chimchar is weak to ground, rock and water type moves.
Where can I find Chimchar?
Chimchar can be found in lake verity (sinnoh), sinnoh route 201 (sinnoh) and hoenn route 101 (hoenn).
Chimchar Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Chimchar achieved significant cultural prominence through its prominent role in the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl anime series, particularly through Paul's Chimchar and subsequently Ash's evolved Infernape, which became iconic characters in that generation's narrative arc. The character development surrounding Ash's Infernape, originating from Paul's dismissal of Chimchar as inadequate, resonated deeply with viewers and established Chimchar as a symbol of potential waiting to be realized through proper care and training. Flint's Chimchar also appeared in the anime, contributing to broader cultural recognition of the species as a competent and respectable starter choice. In merchandise and competitive communities, Chimchar maintains consistent popularity as an approachable Fire-type starter with genuine appeal to players seeking balanced gameplay experiences. The Pokémon's design has proven adaptable across multiple media formats, appearing in trading card games, mobile titles, and spin-off franchises with consistent positive reception. Fan communities have embraced Chimchar as a beloved early-generation starter, with nostalgic appreciation for Generation IV's overall quality extending to this particular creature. The species represents an important bridge between classic Kanto starters and the diverse starter options available in contemporary Pokémon games, maintaining relevance across multiple game generations through re-releases and remakes that continually introduce new audiences to its charming design and satisfying evolutionary progression.
Where to Find Chimchar in Every Pokémon Game
Chimchar remains available as a starter Pokémon across every mainline game set within or featuring the Sinnoh region, including Diamond and Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus. In Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, trainers receive Chimchar as one of three possible starter options alongside Turtwig and Piplup, making it readily available early in their adventure. The Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes maintain this tradition, ensuring players beginning journeys in the modern generation can still access this iconic Fire-type from the outset. In Legends: Arceus, Chimchar appears as an available Pokémon within the game's Pokédex completion framework, though with modified mechanics reflecting the game's capture-focused gameplay alterations. Beyond Sinnoh-specific games, Chimchar appears sporadically in other titles through various distribution events, breeding chains using transferred individuals from previous generations, or specific in-game encounters in titles like Pokémon Home that facilitate cross-generational compatibility. The Pokémon's catch rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty when encountered in wild populations, roughly equivalent to a 5.9 percent capture success rate using standard Poké Balls against full-health specimens. Historical Pokémon Global Link promotions have occasionally featured Chimchar distributions, particularly around Generation IV anniversary celebrations or Sinnoh-focused event periods, ensuring consistent accessibility for dedicated collectors and competitive players seeking specific genetic compositions or move distributions.