One of the most beloved and renowned video game franchises on Nintendo systems is Pokémon. Since its debut on February 27, 1996, Pokémon has been known for its vast and unique selection of critters. The franchise's first games featured 151 Pokémon to choose from, but with each new installment, that number has grown dramatically. The latest entries, Pokémon Sword and Shield, have brought the current total to 898 Pokémon, nearly six times the number from Generation I.
Charizard, the ever-popular Flame Pokémon, is the final evolution of one of the three original starter Pokémon (some of the most popular ever) and a devastating addition to countless Trainers' teams. Before players can acquire this fiery powerhouse, though, they must train its first form, Charmander. Careful consideration is needed to avoid some very common mistakes.
10 Not Properly Utilizing Its Attacks
Charmander's Special Attack stat barely surpasses its Attack, leaving it equally adept with either. It can obtain new moves from TMs (some of which are very underrated), TRs, or by leveling up. Players typically focus on either Special Attack or Attack instead of taking advantage of both.
Charizard's ability to use powerful moves of each attack can make it a devastating mixed sweeper, though, or a wall breaker. A diverse and exceptional moveset makes Charizard a formidable opponent. For example, Mega Charizard X served as a phenomenal physical sweeper, while a Solar Power Charizard (or Mega Charizard Y) is a formidable Special Attacker.
9 Using A Nature That Does Not Fit Its Role
A Pokémon's Nature is a very important aspect for Trainers to be aware of when raising a Pokémon. Natures will change the stats of a Pokémon, either increasing one stat while decreasing another or having no effect at all. To effectively train Charmander, players must ensure that their fire-breathing companion has the appropriate Nature.
To maximize Charmander's attacking potential its Nature should increase its Special Attack (Modest), Attack (Adamant), or Speed (Timid/Jolly). Charmander can benefit from a variety of Natures, but it is important not to sacrifice Speed or Attack in favor of another stat. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Trainers have the ability to change a Pokémon's nature through special items (never underestimate items in the series, held items or otherwise) called Mints.
8 Not EV Training It
EVs (or Effort Values) can increase a Pokémon's stats. Pokémon can earn up to 510 EVs with 1 stat point being granted for every 4 EVs. Usually, players will focus EVs on two stats to maximize a Pokémon's strengths. While the basic method for earning EVs is through battles, there are numerous ways for Trainers to obtain EVs.
Despite the benefits of EV training, players typically do not go through the effort of EV training Charmander. It is a daunting task that some Trainers aren't familiar with, but the benefits will be more than worth it. The stats that players should focus their EVs on are Special Attack, Attack, and Speed.
7 Not Determining A Build
When training a Pokémon, it is important to have a build in mind. Builds are specific arrangements of a Pokémon's Ability, moves, item, and stats to suit their strengths or contribute to a certain competitive strategy. Knowing the specifics of a build can help players effectively train their Pokémon.
Charizard has a few builds that revolve around its Ability or moveset. While each build can prove to be effective, it is best to choose one that fits a Trainer's playstyle or team. Players may prefer a physical Charizard that is still capable of taking out physical walls such as Skarmory. Once it is clear what build a Trainer wants to use, the process of training a Charmander becomes much easier.
6 Not Knowing Charmander's Role
Every Pokémon on a Trainer's team has a specific role. A Pokémon's role depends on its stats, Ability, movepool, or its contribution to a certain strategy. It is important for each Pokémon to have a unique purpose that they are suited for. If a player chooses an unsuitable Pokémon to serve a specific role then there will be issues in battle, such as a defensively frail Gengar functioning as a tank.
A Trainer should know the role that Charmander will have in a team. Understanding that Charizard will not effectively serve as a tank or a wall is very important when training Charmander. By looking over Charmander's stat proficiencies and Abilities, players will see that it is suited to be a sweeper or wallbreaker. Trainers should train Charmander's Speed and Attack so that it can excel in its role.
5 Not Giving It The Ability To Gigantamax
A new feature implemented in Pokémon Sword and Shield is the ability for Pokémon to Gigantamax or Dynamax. Both mechanics change the Pokémon's form, boost its HP and give it powerful new moves. Only a limited number of Pokémon possess the awesome ability to Gigantamax.
Gigantamax Charizard is a ferocious and intimidating opponent that deserves a coveted spot as the Gigantamax user on players' teams. It would be limiting for a Trainer to not have one. Fortunately, players can receive a Gigantamax-capable Charmander from Champion Leon or from Max Raids. They can also give Charmander Max Soup as of the Isle of Armor expansion.
4 Not Preparing For Its Weaknesses
Every Pokémon has its weaknesses depending on its type. It is important for Trainers to be aware of these weaknesses so that they may defend against them. Many Pokémon only have to worry about a 2x weakness, but there are an unfortunate few that possess 4x weaknesses. Charizard is a Fire/Flying-type, so therefore has a 4x weakness to Rock-type attacks.
If players do not compensate for this weakness, Charizard will not be prepared for Rock-type users. Trainers can counter this weakness by teaching Charizard a move to counteract Rock-types, or by having another Pokémon that can. Knowing this will help players prepare Charmander and its team to counter its weaknesses.
3 Not Taking Advantage Of Its Movepool
Every Pokémon has access to a variety of moves (both attacking and status-based moves). Moves that a Pokémon is capable of learning through leveling up or other means are known as its movepool. Some have very diverse and expansive movepools, while others are basic and limited. Luckily, Charmander has a rather impressive movepool and its similar attacking stats create numerous possibilities.
With such an extensive set of moves, it would be a waste to not diversify Charmander's moveset. Charizard could use different types of moves to counter certain opponents, or use a mixed set of special and physical attacks, making it an unpredictable opponent. The choices are nearly limitless and players should utilize this when training Charmander.
2 Not Preparing For Common Metagame Opponents
Competitive Trainers are relentless and calculating, leaving little room for error in battle. Players' teams are perfected and only viable competitive Pokémon are used. It is important for Trainers to know about these problematic Pokémon, especially those that counter their team.
Charizard, despite being a powerful Pokémon, can struggle in the competitive scene. There are many popular critters that it has difficulty countering, and without proper preparation, its time in battle will be short. Trainers will need to arrange a team to defend Charizard from these troubling foes. Keeping in mind the difficulties Charizard may face and addressing them is a vital step in training Charmander.
1 Evolving It Too Soon
While it is customary to evolve a Pokémon as soon as possible, Trainers may find that it is more beneficial to wait. Pokémon may learn certain moves sooner this way, or even learn moves that they cannot after evolving. Even though it is tempting to evolve Pokémon immediately, players should wait and see the benefits of waiting.
Charmander can learn up to twelve moves earlier if its evolution is prevented until level 40. Powerful moves such as Flamethrower can be learned 6 levels sooner by Charmander than by Charmeleon. This can help Trainers to build movesets early and determine Charmander's build.