Best Pokemon To Pair With Chimchar

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, remakes of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, take players back to the Sinnoh region. The Sinnoh region has been a fan favorite since its introduction, and for good reason. Pokemon's 4th Generation introduced many powerful and iconic Pokemon to the already enormous roster.

The Sinnoh region's starter Pokemon are some of the most beloved, and players have strong opinions on which starter is the best. Whether players choose Piplup, Turtwig, or Chimchar, they will need at least five more Pokemon to fill out the team that they will take with them on their journey to become Sinnoh's champion. With so many choices, it can be hard to decide who best suits the chosen starter, but here are some of the best picks for Sinnoh's Fire-type.

Updated February 19, 2022 by Renri Seong: Out of all three Sinnoh starters, Chimchar seems to have resonated with the fanbase a bit more than Turtwig and Piplup. The original Diamond and Pearl severely limited Fire-types by making only Chimchar and Ponyta available before the National Dex. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl thankfully took inspiration from Pokemon Platinum by making more Fire-types available to catch in the Grand Underground. However, some trainers still choose Chimchar as their starter because they like its evolution line. The following list has been updated to include four additional Pokemon that work well with Chimchar.

17 Gengar

Those looking for a special attacker to pair with their eventual Infernape should consider Gengar. The Ghost/Poison-type is one of the hardest hitters in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl when it comes to Special Attacks. It also boasts an impressive Speed stat, meaning it will out-pace its opponents and allow trainers to set up powerful moves like Destiny Bond.

The only downside is actually obtaining a Gengar, as they're a "trade evolution." Players that have a friend with a copy of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl can simply level up a Gastly until it transforms into a Haunter at level 25 and then trade it to trigger its transformation into the quick-attacking Gengar.

Gengar's Stats

HP: 60
Attack: 65
Special Attack: 130
Defense: 60
Special Defense: 75
Speed: 110
Total: 500

16 Crobat

Anyone that needs a Speedy Pokemon to round out their team composition should give Crobat a try. Although there are some typing disadvantages due to its Poison and Flying combination, as well as some coverage issues for its move set against certain Pokemon, it's more than capable of doing serious damage in the right hands.

Crobat's immense Speed stat gives it an edge over many other Pokemon and it's capable of setting up status effects like Hypnosis before its opponent can attack. Once it learns Poison Fang it can greatly hinder an opponent by putting it to sleep and hitting it with a severe poison ailment.

Crobat's Stats

HP: 85
Attack: 90
Special Attack: 70
Defense: 80
Special Defense: 80
Speed: 130
Total: 535

15 Snorlax

Chimchar is a solid option for those that are looking to dish out some early game damage but it's not the best Pokemon when it comes to taking hits. Those that need to tank some attacks should grab a Snorlax. This beastly behemoth is more than capable of surviving some powerhouse hits while simultaneously dishing out decent damage.

Snorlax's impressive HP, Attack, and Special Defense allow it to fight back against sweepers and heavy-hitters. The only downside is its poor Speed stat, which makes it vulnerable to faster Pokemon that can dish out intense damage.

Snorlax's Stats

HP: 160
Attack: 110
Special Attack: 65
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 110
Speed: 30
Total: 540

14 Alakazam

A Psychic-type Pokemon that evolves from Abra, Alakazam has a gigantic Special Attack stat that rivals even some legendary Pokemon in the Sinnoh region. With this Special Attack and access to powerful Psychic-type moves like Psychic, Psyshock, and Future Sight, Alakazam can serve well on almost any Pokemon team.

Abra can be caught early in a player's journey on Route 203 or Route 215. Both Abra and Kadabra also be found in the game's Grand Underground. Abra will evolve into Kadabra at level 16, which will need to be traded to evolve into Alakazam.

Alakazam's Stats

HP: 55
Attack: 50
Special Attack: 135
Defense: 45
Special Defense: 95
Speed: 120
Total: 500

13 Lumineon

Lumineon is often overlooked when players are deciding who should be on their team. It has admirable stats, though it does fall short of some of the other Water-type options that players have to choose from. Where Lumineon really shines is with its wide variety of move options. With available move types including Water, Bug, Flying, Ice, and even a Psychic option, it has incredible versatility for being a pure Water-type.

Finneon, Lumineon's unevolved form, can be caught in many places using a fishing rod — Route 205, Route 218, Route 219, and Route 220 to name a few. Finneon will evolve into Lumineon at level 31.

Lumineon's Stats

HP: 69
Attack: 69
Special Attack: 69
Defense: 76
Special Defense: 86
Speed: 91
Total: 460

12 Weavile

Weavile is a Dark/Ice Pokemon with great Speed and Attack stats. Its unique typing gives it the ability to cover tough Pokemon with weaknesses to Dark or Ice-type, moves like Metagross or Tyranitar. Unfortunately, its typing also gives it a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves, which can hinder it in some battles. However, if players are able to avoid these dangers, Weavile is a great choice.

Weavile evolves from Sneasel, who can be caught in tall grass on Route 216, Route 217, Snowpoint Temple, and Lake Acuity. Sneasel can also be found in the Grand Underground. Sneasel will evolve into Weavile when holding a Razor Claw at night.

Weavile's Stats

HP: 70
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 45
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 125
Total: 510

11 Magnezone

Magnezone has a powerful Dual-typing of Steel/Electric, giving only 3 weaknesses (Fighting, Fighting, and Ground) and a plethora of resistances, including an immunity to Poison-type moves. Magnezone's Special Attack also gives it the ability to defeat most opponents within a few moves, making it a great asset for gym battles and the Elite Four.

Magnemite, Magnezone's pre-evolution, can be found in tall grass at Fuego Ironworks and in the Grand Underground. Magnemite will evolve into Magneton at level 30, and into Magnezone once players use a Thunder Stone on it.

Magnezone's Stats

HP: 70
Attack: 70
Special Attack: 130
Defense: 115
Special Defense: 90
Speed: 60
Total: 535

10 Garchomp

Garchomp is a fan-favorite and one of the best Pokemon in the series. It's the Sinnoh region's pseudo-legendary Pokemon, with a massive stat total of 600. Its Attack stat in particular makes it a real threat to any opponent. Its biggest downside is its 4x weakness to damage from Ice-type moves, but it compensates for this with a great move pool full of great Dragon, Ground, and Dark-type moves.

Gible, Garchomp's unevolved form, can be caught in Wayward Cave and the Grand Underground. Gible will evolve into Gabite at level 24, and Garchomp at level 48. Players shouldn't struggle to level it up thanks to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's Exp. Share always being on.

Garchomp's Stats

HP: 108
Attack: 130
Special Attack: 80
Defense: 95
Special Defense: 85
Speed: 102
Total: 600

9 Gyarados

Gyarados is the notoriously powerful Pokemon that evolves from the notoriously weak Magikarp. Its 4x weakness to damage from Electric-type moves is offset by its immunity to Ground-type moves. Its Attack and Special Defense make it a useful addition to any trainer's team, and its Water-typing allows it to pair well with Chimchar.

Magikarp can be caught in most bodies of water in the Sinnoh region using a fishing rod, and will evolve into Gyarados when it reaches level 20.

Gyarados' Stats

HP: 95
Attack: 125
Special Attack: 60
Defense: 79
Special Defense: 100
Speed: 81
Total: 540

8 Floatzel

Floatzel is a Water-type that excels in battle with its high Attack and Speed stats. With few weaknesses (Grass and Electric-type moves), Floatzel is usable in almost every battle and can come in handy for Chimchar players when facing Water-type trainers throughout the game.

Buizel, Floatzel's previous evolution, is most easily caught in tall grass on Route 205, Route 213, and Route 224. Floatzel can also be found in tall grass at Fuego Ironworks, Route 213, and Route 218. Buizel will evolve into Floatzel at level 26.

Floatzel's Stats

HP: 85
Attack: 105
Special Attack: 85
Defense: 55
Special Defense: 50
Speed: 115
Total: 495

7 Roserade

Roserade's Grass/Poison typing gives it useful resistances from common typings like Water, Electric, Fighting, Fairy, and Grass. Roserade is one of the best Grass-type Pokemon in the game, and has access to a pool of powerful Grass-type moves that are only strengthened by its hefty Special Attack stat.

Budew, Roserade's baby form, can be found in the Grand Underground (along with the once-evolved Roselia) and also in tall grass at the Great Marsh, Route 204, and Route 212. Budew will evolve into Roselia with high friendship during the daytime, and Roserade when given a Shiny Stone.

Roserade's Stats

HP: 60
Attack: 70
Special Attack: 125
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 105
Speed: 90
Total: 515

6 Luxray

Luxray makes a great addition to any Pokemon team. Catchable early in players' journey through Sinnoh, Luxray has great Attack and Special Attack stats, and with only one weakness (Ground-type moves) it is usable in most battles.

Shinx, Luxray's unevolved form, can be found very early on Route 202, Route 203, Route 204, and is also available in the Grand Underground. Shinx will evolve into Luxio at level 15 and Luxray at level 30.

Luxray's Stats

HP: 80
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 95
Defense: 79
Special Defense: 79
Speed: 70
Total: 523

5 Staraptor

Staraptor is a great Pokemon to complement any of the three starters. With immunity to Ghost and Ground-type moves, Staraptor's Dual Flying and Normal-typing comes in handy many times throughout the game, particularly against Fantina and Bertha.

Starly, Staraptor's pre-evolution, is available in tall grass on Route 201, Route 202, Route 203, and Route 204. Starly will evolve into Staravia when it reaches level 14, and Staraptor at level 34.

Staraptor's Stats

HP: 85
Attack: 120
Special Attack: 50
Defense: 70
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 100
Total: 485

4 * Mamoswine

Players won't be able to catch Mamoswine in the wild, but they can catch its first pre-evolved form, Swinub, in the Grand Underground. Mamoswine is an Ice/Ground-type Pokemon. It is slower than Chimchar's final evolution, Infernape, but its dual-typing gives it some coverage against two of Infernape's weaknesses: Flying and Rock-type.

Once players gain access to Snowpoint City, they should use the Explorer's Kit to enter the Grand Underground. Swinub appears in Icy Cave, Whiteout Cave, and Glacial Cavern hideaways. However, Swinub isn't part of the National Dex, so players will need to beat the Elite Four in order to unlock its Pokedex entry. To evolve Swinub into Pilowsine, level it to level 33. Then, once Piloswine knows the move Ancient Power, level it up one more time to evolve it into Mamoswine. In the case that Swinub is above level 33 when it's caught, players will need to evolve it into Piloswine, then go to the Move Tutor in Pastoria City to make it remember the move Ancient Power. Players can relearn moves by paying the Move Tutor with Heart Scales.

Mamoswine's Stats

HP: 110
Attack: 130
Special Attack: 70
Defense: 80
Special Defense: 60
Speed: 80
Total: 530

3 Gardevoir

Gardevoir is a well-known Psychic/Fairy-type Pokemon in the Pokemon world. While it may not be able to cover Infernape's weaknesses like Mamoswine, Gardevoir can learn a variety of TMs that can potentially give it type coverage. Unlike Gardevoir's countepart, Gallade, Gardevoir is a Special Attacker. In a way, it serves as an "opposite" to Chimchar/Infernape by having lower Speed, but incredible Special Attack and Special Defense.

To get Gardevoir, players will need to catch a Ralts in the Fountainspring Cave or Dazzling Cave hideaways in the Grand Underground. Evolve Ralts into Kirlia at level 20, then level Kirlia to 30 to get Gardevoir.

Gardevoir's Stats

HP: 68
Attack: 65
Special Attack: 125
Defense: 65
Special Defense: 115
Speed: 80
Total: 518

2 * Drapion

The Poison/Dark-type Drapion has a unique typing. Poison-type are normally weak to Psychic-type moves, but thanks to Drapion's dual typing, it gains immunity to Psychic-types. Drapion is a fast Pokemon with high Defense and Special Defense, essentially serving as a "wall" to Chimchar and Infernape being a "speedy attacker." Like the Chimchar-line, however, Drapion has a weakness to the Ground-type move. With its Defense/Special Defense, it should be able to withstand most Ground-type moves unlike Chimchar, but players should be cautious.

Players can catch Skorupi in the Great Marsh. First, they'll need to see if Skorupi is in the Great Marsh by looking through the binoculars on the second floor of the Great Marsh building. An easier way to catch Skorupi is to go into the Grand Underground and look for it in the Sandsear Cave, Rocky Cave, Big Bluff Cavern, Volcanic Cave, Typhlo Cavern, Swampy Cave, or Bogsunk Cavern hideaways. Luckily, Skorupi is a very common Pokemon in the Grand Underground. To evolve it into Drapion, get it level to 40.

Drapion's Stats

HP: 70

Attack: 90

Special Attack: 60

Defense: 110

Special Defense: 75

Speed: 95

Total: 500

1 Milotic

By the time players are able to catch Feebas, Milotic's pre-evolved form, they may already have a Water-type on their team. However, Milotic is worth getting if trainers need a Water-type with high Special Attack/Special Defense. Getting Milotic is time-consuming, but luckily, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl has made it easier for players to get Feebas in Mt. Coronet.

Once trainers have Feebas, they'll need to feed it Dry-flavor Poffins to max out its Beauty Condition. Once Feebas' Beauty is maxed out, level it up once and it will evolve into Milotic. As Milotic, this Pokemon serves as a good teammate to Chimchar/Infernape because of its stat spread and Typing. Milotic can also learn Ice-type moves via TM, which can take care of Flying-type Pokemon that target Infernape's weakness. Unlike Infernape, Milotic is capable of taking a few hits that target its Special Defense, making it a Defensive Pokemon to Chimchar/Infernape's Offense.

Milotic's Stats

HP: 96

Attack: 60

Special Attack: 79

Defense: 100

Special Defense: 125

Speed: 81

Total: 540

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are available for the Nintendo Switch.

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Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl: 17 Best Pokemon To Pair With Chimchar