Charmander is one of the most iconic Fire-type starters in the Pokémon franchise, and in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, many trainers are excited to add this little lizard to their team and evolve it into the mighty Charizard. While the evolution line is still familiar, Z-A introduces some new mechanics that make the journey even more fun to explore.
Below is a simple guide to help you get your Charmander ready for battle and transform it into Charizard as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How to Get Charmander
Charmander can typically be obtained early in the game through starter choices or specific quests related to the revamped Lumiose City storyline. If you missed it at the start, there are chances later in the game where trainers may encounter Charmander or receive it as a reward.
Some players like collecting unique variants. If you are someone who enjoys flashy collectibles, you might come across communities where people buy shiny pokemon or look for shiny pokemon for sale. Just remember to always trade safely inside the community guidelines, even if you hear the name U4GM mentioned by other players.
Evolution Requirements
Charmander evolves the same way it always has, keeping things familiar:
Charmander → Charmeleon (Level 16)
Charmeleon → Charizard (Level 36)
Leveling through battles is the most straightforward path, but there are a few efficient strategies you can use:
Focus on Fire-type advantages
Use Charmander in battles where it has a type advantage to gain quicker experience.Use Experience Items
Z-A offers new mission rewards and exploration bonuses that provide XP boosts. Use them wisely for faster evolution.Grow Friendship
While friendship is not required for evolution, higher friendship can unlock helpful bonuses that make leveling smoother.
Charizard in Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Once evolved, Charizard becomes a powerhouse. Expect it to shine in mid to late-game battles thanks to its strong Fire- and Flying-type moves. With Z-A’s updated combat system, Charizard may also gain access to new combat styles or special abilities depending on the choices you make while training it.
Its versatility makes it a strong partner for clearing challenging raids and exploration encounters throughout Lumiose City and beyond.
Tips for Competitive Trainers
If you’re interested in more than just the main story:
Experiment with natures and training paths to boost either Charizard’s offensive power or its speed.
Keep an eye out for hidden abilities granted by special in-game mechanics.
Shiny hunting is a fun challenge in Z-A thanks to the updated overworld encounter design. And while some trainers talk about shiny pokemon for sale or places like U4GM, catching or breeding your own shiny always feels more rewarding.
Evolving Charmander into Charizard in Pokémon Legends: Z-A doesn’t take long, but the adventure along the way is what makes raising this classic Fire-type so enjoyable. Whether you’re here for the battles, the collection, or the story, Charizard remains one of the most exciting Pokémon to train in the new Lumiose City experience.
