Is There Charmander in Pokémon XY? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Charmander is indeed available in Pokémon X and Y! While it’s not one of the initial starter Pokémon offered at the very beginning of the game, you have multiple opportunities to obtain this beloved Fire-type. This article will delve into the different ways you can add Charmander to your team, alongside other interesting facts about its availability and role in the game.

How to Obtain Charmander in Pokémon XY

Unlike the traditional start of a Pokémon journey where you immediately choose your first partner, Pokémon X and Y offer a unique approach. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the primary methods for acquiring Charmander:

Professor Sycamore’s Gift

The most common and earliest way to get Charmander is through Professor Sycamore at his Pokémon Lab in Lumiose City. After obtaining your first Gym Badge, you’ll be invited to the lab. Here, Professor Sycamore will present you with a choice of a Kanto starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. This is your first guaranteed encounter with Charmander and allows you to add it to your party relatively early in the game. This moment also ties into the narrative of the game, giving your character the chance to bond with Pokémon from another region.

Charmander from an NPC on Route 24

Another, often overlooked, method to get Charmander is through an NPC on Route 24. This requires catching a total of 50 Pokémon. The NPC will then gift you a Charmander. The key thing here is that it doesn’t matter if you caught fifty of the same Pokémon, as long as you’ve registered fifty different catches in your Pokedex. This provides an alternative for those that perhaps picked one of the other Kanto Starters from Professor Sycamore.

Wild Encounters

While significantly rarer, Charmander can be caught in the wild. Specifically, you can encounter Charmander in a patch of grass south of the Pokémon Center outside Mt. Moon. It is important to note that this is a rare encounter, and it might take some time and patience to find. However, this is a great chance to obtain a Charmander with specific natures or stats if you plan on playing competitively, or if you just want to experience the wild thrill of catching one in its natural habitat.

Charmander’s Role and Evolution

Charmander is a fan-favorite for good reason. As a Fire-type, it offers a strong offensive presence early in the game. It evolves into Charmeleon starting at level 16, and then into the powerful Charizard at level 36. Charizard is also capable of Mega Evolution, taking on the forms of Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y in battle, further solidifying its place as a top-tier Pokémon.

The Charmander Experience in XY

The availability of Charmander in Pokémon X and Y adds another layer of depth to the gameplay experience. The fact that it is obtainable through different methods provides flexibility for the player. This method is more open-ended than previous generation’s offerings, where you were locked into your choice at the start of the game. The opportunity to experience the storyline with a well-loved Kanto starter adds to the charm and nostalgia of the game.

The added flexibility regarding Shiny hunting makes it something many fans spend hours doing on Pokemon XY. While Shiny Charmander is rare, the different methods of obtaining it mean that there is no one method that would be best. Some may prefer to find the Shiny in the wild, whereas others might prefer to soft-reset for it at Professor Sycamore’s Lab.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify Charmander’s presence and other related topics in Pokémon X and Y:

Is Charmander a Starter in Pokémon XY?

No, Charmander is not one of the Kalos starter Pokémon (Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie). However, you can choose Charmander as a starter after getting the first gym badge.

Can you get all three Kanto Starters in XY?

Yes, it is possible to obtain all three Kanto starters – Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle – in Pokémon X and Y. You will select one from Professor Sycamore after the first gym, with the other two being available through the NPC on route 24 and trading from other players.

Is Charmander hard to catch in the wild?

Yes, wild Charmander are rare spawns, making them challenging to find. Patience and perseverance are required when hunting for one in the wild.

Is there a level limit to when Charmander evolves into Charmeleon?

Charmander evolves into Charmeleon starting at level 16 and this is not affected by the story or other game parameters.

What is the best method to get a Shiny Charmander in XY?

There isn’t a single “best” method, but players often soft-reset at the Sycamore Lab or encounter hunt in the wild areas to increase the probability of finding a Shiny Charmander.

Is Female Charmander rare in Pokémon XY?

Yes, like in other Pokémon games, female Charmander are rarer than male Charmander, with about an 87.5% male and 12.5% female ratio.

Is Charmander a good Pokémon to start with in XY?

Charmander is a solid choice for your party due to its offensive capabilities and access to Charizard, which can be invaluable during battles, especially once it reaches Mega Evolution.

Can Charmander learn any good moves?

Yes, Charmander can learn moves like Ember, Flamethrower, and Dragon Claw which provide it with great coverage.

Does Charmander’s evolve form Charizard change appearance when using mega evolutions?

Yes, Charizard has two different Mega Evolutions; Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. Each has different looks, typings, and stat distribution.

How does Mega Evolution affect Charizard?

Mega Evolution enhances Charizard’s stats significantly, which increases its damage output. Mega Charizard X also gains the Dragon-type, while Mega Charizard Y becomes a stronger special attacker.

Are there any exclusive Pokémon that affect my decision on which Kanto starter to pick?

The choice of Kanto starter does not affect the availability of other Pokemon. Exclusive Pokemon are version-specific, with Electrike, Skrelp, Heracross, Larvitar and Shellder being some examples.

Where can I find a Charizardite Y (Mega Stone)?

Charizardite Y is exclusive to Pokémon Y and is found in Laverre City.

Does the rival trading have any impact on the availability of Charmander?

No, the rival’s trade is independent of the Kanto starters and is instead related to your Kalos starter. However, you must trade the pokemon back to make the trade.

Can Charizard learn fly?

Yes, Charizard can learn Fly which is a HM move that is useful when exploring the Kalos region.

Is it better to evolve Charmander early or later?

It is often advised to hold off on evolving Charmander into Charmeleon until level 46 as it learns its last technique at this level.

This detailed guide should answer all of your questions about Charmander’s role in Pokemon XY. Have fun catching them all!