monferno #391
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
monferno
Generation IV · #0391 — Playful Pokémon
Monferno, known as the Playful Pokémon, is a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IV that represents the intermediate stage of evolution in the Chimchar evolutionary line. As National Pokédex entry #391, Monferno evolves from Chimchar at level 14 and subsequently evolves into the powerful Infernape at level 36. This dual-typing grants Monferno a compelling mix of offensive capabilities, combining the raw power of Fire-type attacks with the martial prowess of Fighting-type moves. With a base stat total of 405, Monferno strikes a balance between speed and special attack, making it a viable choice for trainers seeking a mid-stage Pokémon with both physical and special attacking potential. Its playful nature, as suggested by its species classification, belies the competitive edge that this Pokémon brings to battles, having been featured prominently in both the anime and competitive play since its introduction.
Base Stats
Height
0.9m
Weight
22.0kg
Category
Playful 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.
Monferno Biology & Physical Characteristics
Monferno is a bipedal, primate-like Pokémon standing at 0.9 meters tall and weighing 22.0 kilograms, presenting a visually striking appearance that emphasizes its evolutionary advancement from its pre-evolved form. Its body is primarily covered in orange fur, with tan coloration on its ears, muzzle, fingers, circular palm areas, feet, and chest, creating a natural contrast that highlights its feline and simian characteristics. Distinctive features include a small tuft of fur crowning its head, large oval brown eyes framed by thick blue markings with small red marks between them, and a short, blunt muzzle containing two small pointed teeth in its upper jaw. A prominent white ruff of fur encircles its neck, while gold bands adorn its arms near the shoulders, adding to its increasingly warrior-like appearance. The most defining characteristic of Monferno is its long tail, featuring a red ring at its base and a flame burning at the tip that serves multiple biological and social functions.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Monferno Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Monferno exhibits a pronounced gender bias, with approximately 88% of individuals being male and only 13% being female, reflecting a pattern common among Fire-type starters. This genetic ratio means that female Monferno are relatively rare in the wild, making them somewhat sought-after for breeding purposes by competitive trainers seeking specific traits or natures. Monferno belongs to the Field and Humanoid egg groups, allowing it to breed with a diverse range of Pokémon species and providing trainers with flexibility in creating offspring with desired move pools and abilities. With a base happiness value of 70 and a hatching counter of 20 cycles, Monferno eggs require moderate dedication to raise but reward trainers with well-developed starting relationships. The species exhibits a medium-slow growth rate, meaning that Monferno requires somewhat more experience than average Pokémon to reach higher levels, but this modest developmental pace is offset by its useful dual-typing and competitive viability at its stage. Female Monferno, when bred, can pass down the potential for their offspring to inherit Hidden Abilities or valuable move sets, making them particularly valuable for specialized breeding projects in competitive Pokémon communities.
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
+820 more TMs/HMs
monferno's Evolution Chain
Monferno Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Monferno occupies a crucial position within the Chimchar evolutionary line as the bridge between its cute, pre-evolved form and its fully realized final evolution. Chimchar, the unevolved form, evolves into Monferno at level 14, representing a significant power spike that introduces the Fighting-type alongside its original Fire-typing. This evolution marks the point at which the species gains increased physical prowess and combat capability, with Monferno's base stats showing notable improvements in Attack (78) and Special Attack (78) compared to Chimchar's more modest values. The transition to Monferno also introduces the possibility of learning powerful moves that leverage its dual-typing, such as Close Combat and other Fighting-type techniques that become available through leveling and TM instruction. Monferno then continues its development toward Infernape when it reaches level 36, at which point it gains access to even more powerful moves and stat increases that transform it into a formidable late-game Pokémon. The evolutionary progression reflects Monferno's increasing maturity and combat experience, with each stage bringing enhanced abilities and more refined control over its flame-based attacks.
Where to Find
alola route 11
alola
Monferno Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Monferno demonstrates remarkable behavioral sophistication, particularly in its mastery of fire control and aerial combat techniques. According to its Pokédex entries, Monferno skillfully controls the intensity of the flame on its tail to maintain an ideal distance from opponents, a tactical ability that showcases its growing intelligence compared to its pre-evolved form. The Pokémon utilizes ceilings and walls to launch aerial attacks with devastating precision, indicating that Monferno inhabits environments with vertical terrain features that allow for such acrobatic maneuvers. The size of Monferno's tail flame and the brightness of its facial blue markings serve as indicators of its social rank within its pack structure, creating a clear hierarchy among individuals. When threatened, Monferno stretches the fire on its tail to make itself appear larger and more intimidating to potential attackers, a defensive strategy that combines psychological intimidation with physical capability. This species thrives in environments where climbing and leaping are advantageous, suggesting habitats with rocky outcrops, forests with tall trees, or volcanic regions where fire-type Pokémon naturally congregate.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IV
To intimidate attackers, it stretches the fire on its tail to make itself appear bigger.
It uses ceilings and walls to launch aerial attacks. Its fiery tail is but one weapon.
It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance.
A bigger fire on its tail and a brighter blue pattern on its face means its rank in its pack is higher.
Generation V
It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance.
It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance.
Generation VI
It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance.
It uses ceilings and walls to launch aerial attacks. Its fiery tail is but one weapon.
It skillfully controls the intensity of the fire on its tail to keep its foes at an ideal distance.
It uses ceilings and walls to launch aerial attacks. Its fiery tail is but one weapon.
Generation VIII
The deeper the blue on its face, the more powerful it will grow to become. It leaps about every which way and lands powerful blows against its opponents with the flame on its tail.
Monferno Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Monferno is believed to derive from a combination of "monkey" or "mon" and "inferno," reflecting its simian appearance combined with its fire-based nature. The Japanese name, Moukazaru, similarly combines elements suggesting fire and monkeys, maintaining thematic consistency across linguistic boundaries. The design evolution from Chimchar to Monferno shows a clear progression toward a more humanoid, combat-ready form, with Monferno's increased stature and warrior-like adornments reflecting its status as a mid-stage evolution gaining in power and sophistication. The color palette shift emphasizes more orange tones with tan accents, moving away from pure yellow coloration and incorporating blue facial markings that suggest emotional or power-based indicators. The gold arm bands and white neck ruff give Monferno a more decorated, almost armor-like appearance compared to Chimchar, while the enlarged tail flame becomes a more prominent weapon and status symbol. This design philosophy creates a visual narrative of growth and maturation, with each feature becoming more refined and purposeful as the Pokémon develops toward its final form.
Learnable Moves
Monferno can learn 107 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 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bulk up | fighting | Status | — | — | 20 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| retaliate | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| 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 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Monferno Competitive Battle Guide
Monferno occupies a niche position in competitive Pokémon battling as a transitional Pokémon that bridges the gap between casual play and end-game competitive strategies. With a base Special Attack and Attack both at 78, Monferno has balanced offensive coverage that allows it to function as either a physical or special attacker depending on the moveset and training regimen chosen by its trainer. The hidden ability Iron Fist provides a significant advantage by amplifying punch-based moves to 1.2× their normal power, making moves like Close Combat, Focus Blast, and Mach Punch significantly more threatening than they appear on paper. Speed is one of Monferno's strongest attributes with a base stat of 81, allowing it to outpace many opponents of similar level and ensure that it strikes first in critical exchanges. The Blaze ability, though not as immediately powerful as Iron Fist, still provides tactical value by increasing Fire-type move power to 1.5× damage when Monferno's health drops to one-third or below, potentially turning losing situations into dramatic comebacks. However, Monferno's lower defensive stats of 52 Defense and Special Defense mean that it must rely on offensive pressure and speed to avoid being overwhelmed, making careful play and strategic switching essential for success in competitive formats where Monferno might be used rather than immediately evolving to Infernape.
Commonly Asked Questions About Monferno
What type is Monferno?
Monferno is a fire and fighting type Pokemon.
What does Monferno evolve into?
Monferno evolves into infernape.
What are Monferno's weaknesses?
Monferno is weak to flying, ground, water and psychic type moves.
Where can I find Monferno?
Monferno can be found in alola route 11 (alola).
Monferno Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Monferno achieved significant cultural prominence through its prominent role in the Pokémon anime series, most notably as part of Ash Ketchum's traveling team, where it demonstrated the playful and combative nature that defines the species. Ash's Monferno was particularly memorable for its spirited personality and determination to overcome obstacles through aerial combat techniques, making it a fan favorite that appeared in numerous episodes and battles throughout the anime's extensive run. The character of Flint, a member of the Sinnoh Elite Four, also prominently featured a Monferno as part of his team, reinforcing the species' association with strong trainers and competitive prowess in official Pokémon media. Monferno's design proved popular enough to receive substantial representation in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, with multiple card iterations across different sets capturing its fierce demeanor and combat capabilities. The species has maintained relevance in Pokémon games throughout subsequent generations, appearing in most mainline titles and spin-off games, ensuring continued exposure to both longtime fans and new players discovering the franchise. Its status as the middle evolution of a starter Pokémon line guarantees Monferno enduring recognition within the broader Pokémon community, serving as a touchstone for trainers who remember their first experiences with the Sinnoh region.
Where to Find Monferno in Every Pokémon Game
Monferno is primarily available to trainers through the natural progression of raising Chimchar, the Fire-type starter Pokémon of the Sinnoh region, making it accessible to virtually all players who choose this starting partner. In the mainline games, Monferno appears in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum as an encounter resulting from Chimchar's evolution at level 14, and it continues to be obtainable in remakes such as Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl through the same method. Beyond the original Sinnoh games, Monferno has been distributed across numerous generations and titles, including HeartGold and SoulSilver, where players can obtain it through breeding or evolution within those games' mechanics. In more recent releases such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the Indigo Disk DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Monferno remains available to trainers seeking to complete their Pokédexes or build competitive teams. The species' inclusion in Pokémon GO has made it accessible to mobile players through catching Chimchar encounters and gathering the required candy for evolution, bringing Monferno to a broader audience. With a catch rate of 45 and base happiness of 70, wild Monferno that may occasionally appear in specific locations or through special events tend to establish moderate bonds with their trainers from the outset, facilitating smoother team integration for players fortunate enough to encounter them in the wild rather than evolving them from their starter form.