How to Get Machamp: A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers

So, you want a Machamp, the super-buff, four-armed Fighting-type Pokémon? You’ve come to the right place! Machamp has been a powerhouse since the original Red and Blue versions, and while the methods for obtaining one have evolved (pun intended!), the core concept remains the same. Let’s dive into the specifics.

The traditional way to get a Machamp involves evolving a Machoke through trading with another player. This evolution is triggered by the act of trading itself, rather than leveling up. However, modern Pokémon games offer alternative methods, making it easier than ever to add Machamp to your team.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

• Trading (Traditional Method): Catch a Machop, level it up to 28 to evolve it into Machoke, then trade the Machoke with a friend. Upon receiving the Machoke, it will evolve into Machamp. Have your friend trade it back to you. This is how it has been done for generations, from the original Game Boy games to more recent entries.

• Linking Cord (Pokémon Legends: Arceus): In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the classic trade evolution is bypassed by using a Linking Cord item on your Machoke. This item acts as a substitute for trading, allowing you to evolve your Machoke into Machamp without needing another player. You can find Linking Cords through various means in the game, such as completing requests or purchasing them from the Trading Post.

• Finding Machamp in the Wild (Certain Games): In some Pokémon games, like Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can find Machamp in the wild, particularly in the Wild Area. These encounters are typically rarer than finding its pre-evolutions, but it’s a direct way to obtain a Machamp without needing to evolve one. Look for Max Raid Battles specifically, as these are a reliable source of Machamp encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Machamp

1. Can I get a Machamp by trading a Machop?

No, you cannot. The evolutionary line for Machamp is Machop -> Machoke -> Machamp. You must evolve Machop into Machoke (at level 28), and then trade the Machoke to trigger its evolution into Machamp. Three-stage evolutions don’t jump stages like that.

2. How do I evolve Machoke without trading in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you use a Linking Cord on your Machoke. This item replaces the traditional trade requirement and allows you to evolve your Machoke into Machamp by simply using the item from your inventory.

3. What is the easiest way to evolve Machoke in games other than Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

The traditional way: In most other games where the Linking Cord is absent, the easiest way is to trade your Machoke with a trusted friend who can trade it back to you after it evolves. Ensure you communicate clearly and trust the other player!

4. Will trading also evolve Kadabra?

Yes! Similar to Machoke, Kadabra evolves into Alakazam when traded. The same principle applies, and in games like Legends: Arceus, a Linking Cord can be used as an alternative.

5. How do I evolve Machoke in single player if I don’t have anyone to trade with in older games?

Prior to games like Legends: Arceus, evolving Machoke in single-player was nearly impossible legitimately. The only option was to find someone willing to trade. However, with modern titles, the introduction of the Linking Cord solves this problem.

6. How rare is Machamp in the TCG (Trading Card Game)?

The original Machamp Base Set card is quite common due to its mass printing. It’s one of the most readily available rares from that era. Later Machamp cards may vary in rarity.

7. What level does Machop evolve into Machoke?

Machop evolves into Machoke at level 28. This is a consistent evolution level across most Pokémon games.

8. Can Machamp be found in the wild?

Yes, in some games like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Machamp can be found in the wild, typically in areas like the Wild Area. Look for them in Max Raid Battles as well. This is generally a rarer encounter than finding Machop or Machoke.

9. Can you catch a Shiny Machamp?

While you can potentially encounter a Shiny Machop in the wild, Shiny Machoke and Shiny Machamp are typically obtained by evolving a Shiny Machop. In Pokémon GO, evolving a Shiny Machop requires 25 Candy to become Shiny Machoke and another 100 Candy to become Shiny Machamp.

10. Why can’t I trade my Machoke in Pokémon GO?

In Pokémon GO, trading is restricted for trainers below Level 10. Mythical Pokémon and Pokémon that have been traded once before also cannot be traded again. There may also be distance restrictions to consider for trading within the app.

11. Is Machoke an uncommon or rare Pokémon?

In the Pokémon TCG, a Machoke card is usually designated as “Uncommon.” In the games themselves, Machoke is generally more common than Machamp but less common than Machop.

12. Should I evolve Machop immediately when it reaches level 28?

Whether or not you should immediately evolve Machop when it hits level 28 depends on your strategy. Evolving it immediately gives you a stronger Pokémon (Machoke), but Machop might learn certain moves earlier than Machoke. Consider which moves you want Machop to learn before evolving it. Use online resources to compare the move sets.

13. Is Machamp stronger than Gengar?

The relative strength of Machamp and Gengar depends on various factors such as level, individual values (IVs), effort values (EVs), movesets, and the specific battle scenario. In general, Machamp has higher Attack and HP, while Gengar has higher Special Attack and Speed. In Pokémon GO, machamp wins in a battle simulation against Gengar.

14. Is Machamp a Legendary Pokémon?

No, Machamp is not a Legendary Pokémon. It is a fully evolved form of a regular Pokémon line (Machop -> Machoke -> Machamp).

15. Can I evolve Haunter or Graveler without trading in all Pokémon games?

Just like Machoke, Haunter (into Gengar) and Graveler (into Golem) traditionally require trading to evolve. Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced the Linking Cord to bypass this, and sometimes you might find them evolved in the wild as well in certain games. Check your specific game mechanics.

Conclusion

Getting a Machamp may have been a tricky process involving trades in the past, but modern Pokémon games have streamlined the process significantly. Whether you’re a traditionalist who enjoys trading or prefer the convenience of a Linking Cord, adding this powerful Fighting-type to your team is now easier than ever. Remember to strategize and have fun on your journey to becoming a Pokémon Master!

The world of Pokémon is constantly evolving, and with it, so too does our understanding of how games can educate and engage. For more insights into the intersection of games and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website, where researchers and educators explore the potential of games in educational settings. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Machamp remains a valuable addition to any team, and these methods will ensure you have the best chance of obtaining this powerful Pokémon!