infernape #392
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
infernape
Generation IV · #0392 — Flame Pokémon
Infernape, known as the Flame Pokémon and bearing the National Pokédex number 392, is a Fire and Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV. As the final evolution of Chimchar, Infernape represents the pinnacle of the Sinnoh starter line, evolving from Monferno at level 36. This powerful bipedal Pokémon stands 1.2 meters tall and weighs 55.0 kilograms, making it a formidable presence in any trainer's roster. With a respectable base stat total of 534, Infernape boasts particularly impressive Attack and Special Attack stats of 104 each, coupled with an exceptional Speed stat of 108, positioning it as one of the swifter starter evolutions. Its signature characteristic is the eternal flame that crowns its head—a manifestation of its fiery nature that never extinguishes. Infernape's dual typing grants it access to diverse move pools and strategic advantages, though it also introduces notable weaknesses to Water, Ground, and Flying-type attacks that trainers must carefully consider.
Base Stats
Height
1.2m
Weight
55.0kg
Category
Flame 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.
Infernape Biology & Physical Characteristics
Infernape is a striking bipedal, primate-like Pokémon with a primarily reddish-brown coloration accented by white fur on its chest, head, and lower legs. Its most distinctive feature is the large, perpetually burning flame that crowns the top of its head, symbolizing its indomitable spirit and fiery nature. The Pokémon displays elaborate gold markings throughout its body: swirled circular patterns adorn its knees and shoulders, flame-shaped markings embellish the backs of its hands, and a distinctive stripe runs along its back, forming two elegant swirls across its chest. Infernape possesses an orange, rounded muzzle with long, round ears lined with blue interior coloring, and a prominent red ridge sits above its eyes, which themselves are a striking blue with yellow sclerae. Its appendages are notably dexterous, featuring five blue digits on both hands and feet, complemented by a long tail that aids in balance during its acrobatic combat style. The physiology of Infernape is perfectly adapted for its unique martial arts fighting style. Its lightweight frame of 55 kilograms and muscular build enable extraordinary agility and quickness, making it unmatched in terms of speed according to the Pearl Pokédex entry. The flames enveloping its hands and feet serve a dual purpose—both as tools for devastating attacks and as an integral component of its distinctive fighting methodology. Its structure allows it to manipulate all four limbs simultaneously in combat, creating a fluid, dance-like battle pattern that is as beautiful as it is effective. The base stats reflect this design philosophy, with HP sitting at 76 and Defense at 71, suggesting that Infernape compensates for moderate defensive capabilities with superior speed and offensive prowess.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Infernape Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Infernape exhibits a strong sexual dimorphism in its gender distribution, with 87.5% of the species being male and only 12.5% being female, a ratio that reflects the competitive, masculine nature emphasized in its design and behavior patterns. This significant gender skew is consistent across most Pokémon generations and likely reflects the species' aggressive, combative temperament and its association with martial prowess. The Egg Groups to which Infernape belongs—Field and Human-Like—determine which Pokémon can successfully breed with it in the wild. Field egg group membership indicates compatibility with a broad range of Pokémon, while Human-Like classification suggests compatibility with other humanoid Pokémon, providing trainers with diverse breeding options to create offspring with desired natures and individual values. Infernape's breeding cycle is relatively standard, with a hatch counter value of 20 that translates to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps required for a Chimchar egg to hatch from an Infernape parent. This moderate incubation period is balanced enough that dedicated trainers can produce competitive Chimchar without excessive grinding. Base happiness at 70 indicates that Infernape parents treated reasonably well by their trainers will produce offspring with decent happiness values, though not maximum affection. The capture rate of 45 reflects moderate difficulty in catching wild Infernape, suggesting that while not exceptionally rare, they are not trivially obtained either. For breeders seeking to create perfect Infernape with maximum individual values and optimal natures, understanding the species' breeding mechanics and gender distribution becomes crucial for long-term team building strategies.
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
+980 more TMs/HMs
infernape's Evolution Chain
Infernape Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Infernape is the final evolutionary stage of the Chimchar line, a three-stage evolution that begins with the small, timid Chimchar at its base form. Chimchar first evolves into Monferno at level 14, gaining its Fire-Fighting typing and developing the basic framework of its martial arts capabilities. The transformation into Infernape occurs at level 36, representing a dramatic transformation that enhances all aspects of the Pokémon's capabilities. At this critical evolution point, Infernape gains a substantial increase in base stats: its Attack rises from Monferno's 64 to 104, and its Special Attack climbs from 66 to 104, while its Speed increases from 81 to an impressive 108. The evolution also solidifies Infernape's signature characteristics—the eternal flame becomes more prominent and defined, and its martial arts techniques reach their peak sophistication. While Infernape does not possess a Mega Evolution form, its base statistics and competitive viability remain potent throughout various Pokémon generations. The species maintains consistent base stats across generations IV through IX, with only minor adjustments to base experience yields and happiness values in certain generations. From Generation IV onward, Infernape benefits from base friendship remaining at 70 (increased from Generation VIII's value of 50 in some versions), promoting stronger bonds with trainers who nurture it from its Chimchar form. Its two ability options—Blaze and the Hidden Ability Iron Fist—provide distinct strategic advantages that trainers can leverage depending on their team composition. The medium-slow growth rate means Infernape reaches level 100 at a slightly slower pace than typical starter Pokémon, but the wait is rewarded by its exceptional competitive utility.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Infernape Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Infernape is characterized by an aggressive, combative temperament and an unwavering willingness to face any opponent regardless of the odds. According to its Pokédex entries, it practices a unique form of martial arts that involves all of its limbs while shrouded in flame, a technique that resembles dancing in its fluidity and grace. The Pokémon demonstrates remarkable agility in battle, capable of tossing enemies around with ease while employing distinctive fighting moves featuring fire on both its hands and feet. Its fiery nature is as much a part of its personality as it is its biology; the eternal flame atop its head serves as both a physical manifestation and a metaphor for its burning competitive spirit. Infernape is known to take on any challenger and will engage in combat with determination and skill, making it a formidable opponent in both wild encounters and trained battles. In terms of habitat preferences, Infernape thrives in warmer environments where it can fully express its fire-type nature. As a Pokémon that evolves from Monferno in the Sinnoh region, it naturally inhabits areas with volcanic activity or geothermal heat sources. The species demonstrates a preference for locations where it can train its martial arts abilities without restriction, often seeking out mountainous terrain or cave systems that provide suitable battlegrounds. Its base happiness value of 70 suggests it forms reasonable bonds with trainers who respect its combative nature and provide appropriate training opportunities. The Pokémon's egg groups—Field and Human-Like—indicate its affinity for both natural environments and human-centered civilizations, suggesting Infernape can adapt to various habitats while maintaining its core identity as a warrior Pokémon.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
It uses a special kind of martial arts involving all its limbs. Its fire never goes out.
Its crown of fire is indicative of its fiery nature. It is beaten by none in terms of quickness.
It uses unique fighting moves with fire on its hands and feet. It will take on any opponent.
It tosses its enemies around with agility. It uses all its limbs to fight in its own unique style.
Generation V
It uses unique fighting moves with fire on its hands and feet. It will take on any opponent.
It uses unique fighting moves with fire on its hands and feet. It will take on any opponent.
Generation VI
Its crown of fire is indicative of its fiery nature. It is beaten by none in terms of quickness.
It tosses its enemies around with agility. It uses all its limbs to fight in its own unique style.
Its crown of fire is indicative of its fiery nature. It is beaten by none in terms of quickness.
It tosses its enemies around with agility. It uses all its limbs to fight in its own unique style.
Generation VIII
A tall, hardy Pokémon with a dazzling appearance. It shrouds itself in flame and battles as if engaged in dance—truly a sight to behold.
Infernape Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Infernape is a creative portmanteau combining "Inferno" (a large, uncontrolled fire) with "Ape," directly referencing the Pokémon's simian appearance and fiery nature. In its native Japanese naming convention, Infernape is called Goukazaru, which derives from "gōka" (豪火), meaning "mighty/grand fire," and "zaru" (猿), the word for ape. This naming convention perfectly encapsulates the Pokémon's dual identity as both a powerful fire-type and a primate-like martial artist. The design draws inspiration from various mythological and cultural sources, including classical depictions of fierce monkey warriors found in Asian folklore and the legendary Monkey King from Chinese literature. The eternal flame atop its head evokes imagery of crowns and halos, suggesting nobility and mastery, while simultaneously representing an inner fire that burns with unrelenting intensity. Infernape's visual design incorporates deliberate martial arts symbolism throughout its anatomy. The gold markings on its body resemble medals of achievement or ceremonial battle attire, while the flame-shaped markings on its hands and feet emphasize its combat prowess. The bipedal stance is intentionally human-like, creating a bridge between human martial artists and the animal kingdom—a design choice that reinforces its placement in the Human-Like egg group. The color palette of reddish-brown with white and gold accents creates a visually striking appearance that conveys both warmth and power. The design team's decision to make the crown flame an inextinguishable feature serves as a constant reminder of Infernape's unquenchable spirit and determination, making it one of the most thematically coherent starter Pokémon designs across all generations.
Learnable Moves
Infernape can learn 125 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| aura sphere | fighting | Special | 80 | — | 20 |
| blast burn | fire | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| coaching | fighting | Status | — | — | 10 |
| 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 |
| drain punch | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| dual chop | dragon | Physical | 40 | 90 | 15 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| feint | normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 blast | fighting | Special | 120 | 70 | 5 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| focus punch | fighting | Physical | 150 | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| 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 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| low kick | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| low sweep | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| mach punch | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| 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 |
| punishment | dark | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| raging fury | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 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 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| 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 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stone edge | rock | Physical | 100 | 80 | 5 |
| strength | normal | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| 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 |
| throat chop | dark | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| thunder punch | electric | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| upper hand | fighting | Physical | 65 | 100 | 15 |
| 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 |
Infernape Competitive Battle Guide
Infernape's competitive viability is anchored by its exceptional Speed stat of 108, which allows it to outpace many common threats and secure crucial first-move advantage in crucial matchups. With Attack and Special Attack both sitting at a solid 104, Infernape can function as either a physical or special sweeper depending on team requirements and move set construction. Its dual typing provides access to extensive move coverage; the combination of STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves from Fire and Fighting types, supplemented by moves like Stone Edge, Earthquake, or Grass Knot, allows Infernape to threaten diverse defensive cores. The Blaze ability activates when Infernape's health drops below one-third, increasing the power of Fire-type moves to 1.5 times their standard damage output, making it a potent late-game sweeper capable of clutch knockouts. Its Hidden Ability, Iron Fist, enhances punch-based moves by 20%, amplifying the damage output of moves like Close Combat, Focus Punch, and Mach Punch. However, Infernape's competitive utility is tempered by notable weaknesses inherent to its typing. Water-type moves, Ground-type moves, Flying-type moves, and Psychic-type moves all deal super-effective damage, creating a vulnerability profile that demands careful team building and strategic play. Its defensive stats of 71 in both Defense and Special Defense are relatively modest, making it susceptible to being outsped and eliminated before it can act. The physical and special Attack-Special Attack split means Infernape's moderate Defense leaves it vulnerable to priority moves and strong physical attacks, while its lack of resistances beyond the Fire-type's resistance to Grass, Bug, Steel, Fairy, and Ice-type moves limits its defensive utility. Competitive players must leverage Infernape's Speed and offensive capabilities to eliminate threats before they can respond, often employing it as a lead or mid-game sweeper rather than a late-game closer. Its movepool breadth—including Close Combat, Flare Blitz, Earthquake, Stone Edge, U-turn, and priority move options—makes it flexible across different metagames and team archetypes.
Commonly Asked Questions About Infernape
What type is Infernape?
Infernape is a fire and fighting type Pokemon.
What does Infernape evolve from?
Infernape evolved from monferno that evolved from chimchar.
What are Infernape's weaknesses?
Infernape is weak to flying, ground, water and psychic type moves.
Infernape Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Infernape holds a significant place in Pokémon popular culture, particularly through its prominent association with Ash Ketchum in the anime series. Ash's Infernape, evolved from his Chimchar during the Diamond and Pearl saga, became one of his most iconic and powerful team members, cementing the species' popularity among fans of the television series. The dynamic between Ash and Infernape during crucial battles demonstrated the Pokémon's competitive prowess and emotional depth, creating memorable moments that resonated with audiences worldwide. Additionally, Flint's Infernape, used by the Elite Four member in the Diamond and Pearl games and subsequent anime appearances, showcased Infernape's status as a Pokémon worthy of being wielded by high-level trainers. These iconic portrayals elevated Infernape's cultural status beyond a simple starter Pokémon to a symbol of martial prowess, determination, and the bond between trainer and Pokémon. Beyond the anime, Infernape has become a staple in competitive Pokémon communities across multiple generations and formats. Its appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Ultimate as a Poké Ball summon further cemented its place in gaming culture. The Pokémon's distinctive design and fighting-focused identity have made it a favorite subject for fan art, creative fiction, and merchandise. Its unique blend of fire-type aesthetics with martial arts theming appeals to audiences interested in both Asian culture and combat-focused Pokémon designs. The consistent availability of Infernape across various Pokémon games from Generation IV through the present day reflects its enduring appeal to new and veteran players alike. Infernape represents a pivotal moment in Pokémon design philosophy where type combinations became more sophisticated and starter Pokémon were designed with competitive and narrative depth in mind, influencing how subsequent generations approached starter Pokémon design.
Where to Find Infernape in Every Pokémon Game
Infernape is obtainable in numerous Pokémon games as the final evolution of Chimchar, the Fire-type starter Pokémon available in Generation IV titles Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. In Diamond and Brilliant Diamond versions, Chimchar is offered as a starter choice at the beginning of the game, allowing trainers to evolve it to Infernape by reaching level 36 before the endgame. Similarly, in Pearl and Shining Pearl, the same starter selection mechanism applies. Pokémon Platinum provides Chimchar as a starter option, and various NPCs including the rival Barry utilize Infernape in their teams, making it a significant presence in the regional Pokédex. Beyond Sinnoh games, Infernape has appeared in subsequent generations through various methods: in HeartGold and SoulSilver, it can be obtained through breeding or trading; in Black 2 and White 2, it is available post-game; and in X and Y, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, it can be acquired through breeding Chimchar obtained via Wonder Trade or other distribution methods. Modern titles including Pokémon Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus feature Infernape in their regional Pokédexes, with Legends: Arceus particularly emphasizing its martial arts prowess in its Pokédex entry description. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet include Infernape in their expanded Pokédex accessible through the Indigo Disk DLC content. The species benefits from regular event distributions and in-game trade opportunities across various titles, making it relatively accessible to players who wish to obtain a competitive Infernape without extensive breeding. Its catch rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty in capturing wild Infernape when encountered, making trainer-obtained specimens through evolution from Chimchar the most common method of acquisition. The base experience yield of 240 (in Generation V and beyond) makes training an Infernape to competitive levels moderately time-intensive but not prohibitively so, ensuring that dedicated trainers can field a battle-ready Infernape without extreme grinding requirements.